Rosetta McClain Gardens is a great birding location for a quiet walk with lots of opportunities to spot and/or photograph many species of song birds. Resident chickadees, orioles, finches and an assortment of other birds including tree creepers and owls. In the fall watch for migrating birds of prey as great numbers of raptors follow the shores of Lake Ontario. Hawks, falcons and eagles can be spotted riding the north east winds. For a complete raptor watch report, chech out Frank’s blog at; Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch
Scroll down to view some birding reports posted in this category.
October 28th, 2007 by Rob McKay
We had perfect north west winds but it was slow going for the first hour or so, by 10:30 a.m. the birds started rolling in. Turkey Vultures, a few Goshawks, Sharp Shinned hawks, and plenty of Red Tailed Hawks on their migration rout along the shores of Lake Ontario.
We also watched black capped chickadees, golden crowned kinglets, finches and Leslie quickly Identified a small group of Redpoll’s (thanks Leslie!).
October 21st, 2007 by Rob McKay
Arrived at Rosetta McClain Gardens at 9:00 a.m. today and it didn’t take long to see some Migrating raptors. By 11:00 a.m. we saw two peregrine falcons, countless sharp shinned hawks, a few kestrels, coopers hawks and a northern harrier. Did anyone lose a peregrine falcon?
October 14th, 2007 by Rob McKay
Arrived around 10:00 am to view the migrating birds of prey with Frank and friends, but it was a slow day for the raptors (or so I thought!!), but with a good turn out of watchers its always a fun outing! It was dull overcast day but plenty of small birds were about, including chickadees, and a variety warblers.
September 15th, 2007 by Rob McKay
A strong north east wind pushed hundreds of birds of prey into the area. Hundreds of sharp shinned hawks could be seen and most very low. The vantage point on top of the Scarborough bluffs kept all the birds in great viewing distance. Harrier hawks (marsh hawks) could be seen as well as a few immature bald eagles, kestrels, broad winged hawks, red tails, ospreys, and even a few good looks at peregrine falcons.
May 19th, 2007 by Rob McKay
Magnolia warbler, like all warblers never seems to stop moving, only giving me a glimpse in amongst the pines. Popping in and out of the shadows this gorgeous little bird with its yellow chest and black stripes was a joy to watch, but not so easy to photograph though!
April 22nd, 2007 by Rob McKay
Golden crowned Kinglets flashed the yellow crown and gave it away instantly. I found 3 or 4 of these Golden crowned Kinglets busy at work and got off a few shots. These birds are very small, VERY active and never seem to stop moving as they flutter about in the trees. Not a very shy bird, so approaching them is not too difficult, but getting them to sit still for a second for a photograph is another story!
April 6th, 2007 by Rob McKay
Not an easy bird to photograph, not for me anyway! I did get a few photos of this little guy foraging in Rosetta McClain Gardens in Toronto/Scarborough today. These birds are small and do not stop moving for one second! Typically they start foraging at the bottom of a tree and work there way up.
