January 2022 has been a weird weather month for the Toronto Ontario area. We’ve had days above freezing and days with wind chill frostbite warnings. I took advantage of a grey but warm winter afternoon to walk the paths and floating bridge at Humber Bay East. Good thing I did because days later everything was buried under 65 cm of snow!
Do Double-crested Cormorants Over Winter in Ontario?
Signalling for a turn? Or hailing a water taxi?
Most of the common Double-crested Cormorants in Ontario leave for the winter. A few, though, stick around. At Humber Bay East, two juvenile cormorants have been seen often this January.
One Trumpeter Swan Flaunts Its Yellow Wing Tag
I would have trouble identifying Trumpeter Swans if someone had not conveniently put those big yellow tags on their wings! There was only one Trumpeter when I visited but there were several orange-billed Mute Swans.
Six Little Ducks Floating on the Water
There was quite a group of Bufflehead resting quietly on the water. The grey sky made some interesting colours swirl around them.
More American Tree Sparrows Not In Trees
People have thrown corn and seeds along the shore for the ducks and swans. Three American Tree Sparrows were happy to eat some of the offerings. I never seem to see these sparrows in trees!
Note the two-coloured bill which is normal for American Tree Sparrows.
Some Splashes of Colour
Several pairs of Northern Cardinals were feeding from the same scattered seeds. Soon, they may start to defend territories but not quite yet.
This American Goldfinch may not be as bright in the winter as in the summer but the yellow bib still looked cheerful on a grey day. It had been poking at a cone either for seeds or for insects.
A Mixed Up Mallard
There were dozens of Mallards. Most were swimming rapidly towards any one they thought might have handouts.
This one caught my eye. Judging by the colouring, this Mallard cross may have American Black Duck in its genes. (A regular male Mallard is behind the cross.)
I enjoyed the ramble although it was a bit shorter than I expected. Most of the park is fenced off as they re-work the shore line facing Lake Ontario. It will be interesting to see what the park looks like when they finish.
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Have you prowled around to see the usual winter birds in your area? Please share your favourite bird sighting with a comment.