BIRDS OF TORONTOA GUIDE TO THE REMARKABLE WORLD OF URBAN BIRDS

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“Indeed, in its need for variety and acceptance of randomness, aflourishing natural ecosystem is more like a city than like aplantation. Perhaps it will be the city that reawakens ourunderstanding and appreciation of nature, in all its teeming,unpredictable complexity” – Jane Jacobs, NY Times Magazine, 2004

“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet toput it on?” – Henry David Thoreau

Cover Photo: Jean IronA flock of Whimbrel viewed from Colonel Samuel Smith Park on 23 May2007 frames the Toronto skyline. Since the early 20th century, Torontoornithologists have noted the unique and impressive spring migration ofWhimbrel past the city’s waterfront within a narrow 22-27 May time frame.In this short stretch of May, literally thousands of Whimbrel migrate pastToronto each spring, between their South American wintering grounds andtheir breeding grounds on the tundra coast of the Hudson Bay Lowlands.In some years, as much as one-quarter of the entire eastern NorthAmerican population is witnessed passing along the Lake Ontarioshoreline. Afforded protection by the Migratory Birds Convention Act of1917, its population is probably still rebounding from the persecution ofintense market hunting pressure in the 19th century.

American Woodcock

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WELCOME AND CONTEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Historical Habitats of Toronto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Today’s Habitats of Toronto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5North-South American Flyways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Threats posed by Urbanization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

TORONTO’S MIGRATORY BIRD POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Lights Out Toronto! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Bird-Friendly Building Rating /Acknowledgement System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Toronto’s Bird Flyways Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Toronto Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

BIRDS OF TORONTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18The Story of ‘Flicker’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Bird Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Peregrine Falcons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Breeding Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Wintering Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Migratory Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25‘When to See’ Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Tommy Thompson Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Bird Viewing Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

RESOURCES – Parents, Educators, Students, Policy-makers . . . .32What to do if you find an injured bird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Bird-Friendly Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Bird-Friendly Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Bird-Friendly Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Partners and Further Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Sharp Shinned Hawk

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Welcome and Context

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

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Prairie Warbler

Willow Flycatcher

NEED FOR POLICY AND ACTIONMany of North America’s migratory bird species are facing significantpopulation decline. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change andcollisions with buildings and structures all contribute to this decline. Asrecorded by FLAP, of the 160 different species known to have been killedin Toronto by collision with buildings, at least 64 are classified as ‘indecline’. Millions of migratory birds are killed in North America each yearas a result of collisions with buildings. Making the city safer for migratorybirds will enhance the natural biodiversity with our urban environmentand help reduce the decline in North American bird populations. Birds areessential to a healthy ecology: they consume billions of insects daily,pollinate plants and disperse seeds. The beauty and diversity of birdsalso greatly enhance our experience of nature. They also contributesignificantly to our economy as birdwatching has become the secondmost popular leisure activity in North America, after gardening. One ofthe key ways to reduce migratory bird deaths is to reduce light pollution,which will also result in energy savings, lower building operating costsand reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing bird-friendlydevelopment guidelines, Toronto’s environment will be a safer andhealthier place for both human and bird populations.

4Historical Habitats of Toronto

Originally a landscape dominated by upland hardwood and mixedforest of either Carolinian or Great Lakes–St. Lawrence character,with extensive wetlands at the mouths of the three main rivers thatrun into Lake Ontario, the area that is now the City of Torontoundoubtedly accommodated a large and diverse population of forestand wetland birds. As the city grew, spreading northwards from thelakeshore, almost all of this forest cover was converted first toagricultural land and then to the expanses of brick and concrete thatwe now know.

Of course, the majority of forest fauna species were unable to sustainthemselves in this new environment although remnants of thesepopulations still persist in any areas that were set aside either for therecreational needs of the burgeoning human population or becausethe lands were difficult to develop. It is primarily the latter reasonthat has allowed the city to maintain what is now the mostimportant natural characteristic of modern Toronto – the cityravines.

Lupins in High Park’ – Group of Seven painting

CITY RAVINESThe importance of the network of ravines that thread through much ofthe city is felt primarily by the migrant birds that need to move throughthe otherwise hostile urban landscape in huge numbers in the spring andfall on their long migration journeys. But it is not just for those fleetingvisitors that the foraging and shelter opportunities afforded by theravines are so important. Locally bred birds - recently fledged andindependent youngsters raised in the fragments of habitat that dot theurban landscape - depend on the connectivity of these natural corridorsto allow them easy passage to migration staging points on the lakeshore.In addition to being so important for both foreign and local migrants,these corridors are the routes that allow dispersal of resident birdsacross the landscape, ensuring genetic health and opportunities for newrecruitment. Like the natural history of an island in a sea of concrete,-the denizens of an isolated fragment of forest are in danger of not beingable to recover from a local collapse - the isolation obstructs any naturalrecruitment of dispersing populations from other fragments in thelandscape. In this way even the most urban of backyards becomeimportant steps along life saving corridors through the city landscape.

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Despite the loss of continuous natural cover, there is still anenormous variety of birds throughout the city. Some of these speciesare represented only by the occasional pair that has overcome theodds of nesting in the urban environment (Scarlet Tanager inSunnybrook Park), but many species seem to thrive in the remainingnatural habitat. Then there are those species that have discoveredentirely new nesting opportunities created urbanization itself. Theselocal birds, plus the incredible number of migrant birds that passthrough, afford plenty of excellent birding opportunities for thepatient enthusiast.

Today’s Habitats of Toronto

Toronto’s ravines and parks represent some of the best remainingforest habitat in the city. Where these areas have been allowed space,like Rouge Park, the forest is still extensive enough to support birdspecies typically associated with rural areas. These remnants,surrounded by urbanization, cannot sustain the same diversity ofbirds associated with more intact forest habitats. Nesting birds in thecity’s natural spaces tend to be those that nest in the mid and uppercanopies of the urban forest (Blue Jays, nuthatches, woodpeckers).Ground-nesting birds (Ovenbirds, Ruffed Grouse) are quite under-represented, but where adequate forest understory exists, some birdshave managed to persist with certain species (Indigo Bunting, GrayCatbird and Song Sparrow) relatively abundant in the wilder cornersof the city’s parks and ravines.

Although Toronto has lost much of its woodland cover, new habitatopportunities have arisen. The original forest was dotted withopenings caused by wind or fire where meadow, savannah andthicket habitat would thrive for a few years before being swallowedagain by the forest. These natural gaps accommodated various birdspecies (Bobolink, Field Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark), all of whichnow find similar open habitat occurring more permanently,although artificially, throughout the city. Hydro corridors and roadallowances provide excellent opportunities for some of these species,although as primarily ground-nesting species they remain sensitiveto human disturbance.

Cherry Street oil refineries, aerial, 1930

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TRCA TERRESTRIAL NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM STRATEGYToronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has developed a planto enhance and improve the quality of natural habitat across the regionthrough the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (2007). Basedon a series of models, TRCA has identified natural areas that would bebest served by habitat restoration projects. For example, by augmentingexisting forest habitat, the correct landscape configurations for forestinterior habitat can be accomplished (an important habitat condition forseveral forest species, like wood thrush); or through creation andenhancement, wetland habitat is established for a variety of wildlife.Regardless of the quantity and size of the various patches of naturalhabitat in the city, it is essential that residents act as good stewards andpromote respectful attitudes to their local natural areas.

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ASHBRIDGES BAY …

7North-South American MigrationRoutes

Migratory birds travel through North America along four majorpaths – The Pacific, Central, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways.These flyways delineate main “highways” used by migratory birdsthat correspond to major geographic features, which have anappropriate north-south alignment (e.g. Oceans, Rocky Mountains,Great Plains). There is extensive variation between species in routesof migration and there is even considerable variation betweenindividuals of the same species.

Breeding location, flight speed, distance of travel and preferredhabitats are all factors that contribute to routes taken by the variousmigratory bird species. Toronto is located where the Atlantic andMississippi Flyways converge. We know that most birds travelingthrough Toronto are heading north to the Arctic and Boreal Forestregions, however individuals of the same species may be destined forareas far apart (e.g. Saskatchewan or Quebec). With further researchthrough studies at Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station wewill be able to learn more about the destinations of Toronto’smigrating birds. What we do understand is that birds follow ancientroutes and that the ecological integrity of these routes are critical tothe survival of migratory bird populations.

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NORTH-SOUTH AMERICAN MIGRATION ROUTES

MIGRATORY BIRDS CONVENTIONACTxxx

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Threats Posed by Urbanization

“The wonderfully fine-tuned system that migratory songbirds use to findtheir way in the darkness is a handicap in this modern world ofsprawling cities… Celestial signposts become masked in cities wherebright lights shine from skyscrapers and rooftops, literally blinding birdsand confusing their navigation system. Especially on foggy nights andnights with low cloud cover, when they cannot see the real stars, birdsstream toward the city lights and circle among the buildings and streets,disoriented and exhausted. Before long, the birds fall like rain…Toronto lies on a bird super-highway, and tens of thousands of birds passoverhead in a single hour during the peak of migration.” BridgetStuchbury, Silence of the Songbirds

Bird species at riskOntario is home to over twenty bird species nationally recognized asbeing “at risk” of disappearing in Canada and although a few ofthese rare birds can be found within a short drive from the city, onespecies can be found in the city. Comfortable nesting on buildingrooftops and ledges, Toronto has been home to several pairs ofPeregrine Falcons since the 1990s. Known for their incredible aerialacrobatics and hunting skills, Peregrine falcons are protected underthe federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Proclaimed in June 2003, thepurpose of SARA is to prevent wildlife species from becomingextinct and to provide for their recovery. For more information onSARA and species at risk in Canada, visit www.sararegistry.ca.

HIERARCHY OF THREATSIt is estimated that as many as 1.5 billion birds are killed annually acrossthe United States as a direct result of human impact. This does notinclude the impact caused by habitat destruction from urban sprawl orthe effects of global warming or invasive species. It is a credit to theresilience of the avian fauna of the world that we still have the fortune ofseeing them. Through modifications in our actions we can reduce theselosses.

Collisions with: (in millions)- Motor vehicles 60-80- Power lines 0.1- 174- Comunication towers 4 -50- Buildings 100 - 1,000- Wind generators 0.01 - 0.04Recreation hunting 120Nuicance bird control 2Scientific research 0.02Indirect pesticide poisoning 72Electrocution 0.01 - 0.1House cats 118Total 476.14 - 1616.16Modified from: The Bird Almanac: A Guide to Essential Facts and Figuresof the World's Birds, David M. Bird, Ph.D, Key Porter Books, page 55,2004.

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Passenger Pigeon

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“The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though itsfirst material expression destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet againinspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of livingthings breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must passbefore such a one can be again.” William Beebe

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RESCUE, REHABILITATION AND RELEASE EFFORTSThe City of Toronto established a working group to address the ongoingissues involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injuredmigratory birds and how to best coordinate the efforts of thestakeholders involved.A Target Area in the downtown core (from Bloor Street to the waterfrontand from University Avenue to Jarvis Street), was identified to be thefocus of monitoring dead and injured migratory birds. The Target Areais divided into patrol zones and FLAP volunteers are assigned to aspecific zone in which dead and injured birds are collected. (seewww.flap.org) The address, species and time of discovery are recordedfor each bird. This information provides data that can be used to map thelocations of addresses that will need to be the focus of rescue efforts infuture migratory seasons. City Planning provides mapping and analysisof the data collected in the Target Area.Injured birds in need of rehabilitation found by volunteers are gatheredat ‘holding stations’ set up throughout the Target Area and then takento Toronto Wildlife Centre (www.torontowildlifecentre.com) where theyare given medical attention. Birds that are only stunned and determinednot to be in need of rehabilitation are taken outside the city for release.Dead birds are collected and given to the Royal Ontario Museum forresearch purposes at the end of each migratory season.

City’s Migratory Bird Policies

The City of Toronto adopted Migratory Bird Protection Policies inJanuary 2006. They are the result of an initiative taken by CityCouncil on April 12, 13 and 14, 2005 when it adopted MotionJ(17) regarding the “Prevention of Needless Deaths of Thousands ofMigratory Birds in the City of Toronto”. The City subsequentlylaunched “Lights Out Toronto!”, a public awareness campaignaimed at drawing attention to this issue and to ways thatindividuals, businesses, property owners and managers can helpreduce migratory bird deaths. The City is also participating in therescue, rehabilitation and release of injured migratory birds. In City-owned buildings, a ‘lights-out’ policy for after work hours and onweekends has been in place since 2005. In addition to these steps,“Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines” were also created andreleased in the spring of 2007.

11Lights Out Toronto!

In January 2006, Council launched anannual campaign to be known as “LightsOut Toronto!” in order to promote publicawareness of migratory birds in the city and the dangers buildingsand lighting pose to them”. Subsequently, a working group ofconcerned community stakeholders was struck to develop such acampaign.

The Lights Out Toronto! (LOT!) public awareness campaign isintended to introduce and raise the profile of the dangers posed bythe urban environment to migrating birds and to get peopleinvolved in this issue by offering them options for helping to reducemigratory bid deaths. The campaign, which coincides with thespring and fall migratory seasons, includes ads in transit vehicles, invarious community publications and on televisions in downtownoffice tower elevators. A comprehensive website(www.toronto.ca/lightsout( was also developed where people can gofor detailed information on how to get involved. See

Funding continues to be a crucial aspect of LOT! as an ongoingeffort. Toronto Hydro, Canadian Wildlife Service, Building Ownersand Managers Association of Toronto (BOMA-Toronto), CadillacFairview Corporation, Animal Alliance of Canada, CormorantDefenders International, and World Society for the Protection ofAnimals have all contributed to the campaign.

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CITY OF TORONTO LIGHT POLLUTION POLICYIn April of 2007, the City of Toronto began developing a Light PollutionPolicy (LPP). “Light Pollution” is unnecessary artificial light. Poorlydesigned exterior lighting fixtures and inefficient interior lightingoperations are significant sources of light pollution. The adverse effectsof light pollution include: obscuring of the night sky to urban residents;interference with astronomical observatories; disruption of naturalecosystems; and energy waste and subsequent increase in greenhousegas production.A working group including the City, Toronto Hydro, Ontario ScienceCentre, lighting experts and wildlife advocacy organizations will worktogether to develop strategies to reduce light pollution in the specificcontext of Toronto.The objectives are to:• Eliminate direct upward light – Direct upward light is projected

directly upward by inefficient lighting fixtures.• Reduce spill light – Spill light spills beyond areas that need to

be lit for safety and security reasons but is not projected directly upward.

• Optimize useful light – Useful light is used to illuminate urban areas that need to be lit for safety.

Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines

In January 2006 City Council directed City Planning staff to develop a means of incorporating the “needs of migratory birdsinto the Site Plan Review process with respect for facilities forlighting, including floodlighting, glass and other bird-friendlydesign features and that guidelines be established for that purpose.”A working group was struck that included local architects,developers, building management corporations, academics, birdadvocacy groups and City staff to achieve this task.

The “Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines provide strategies toaddress the issue of bird collisions in two general categories – glassand light pollution.

The Guidelines, which are completely voluntary, provide strategiesfor developers, building managers and owners, architects, landscapearchitects, urban designers and professional planners wishing tomake new and existing buildings less dangerous to migratory birds.The specific context of each development will influence thestrategies selected. These strategies may be applied to any type ofdevelopment including high and low rise residential, commercial,industrial and institutional projects.

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The Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines are a component of the TorontoGreen Development Standard. Copies of the Bird-Friendly DevelopmentGuidelines can be found at www.toronto.ca/lightsout

Song Sparrow

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Bird-Friendly Rating andAcknowledgement System

While developing the Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines, thestakeholder working group felt that to encourage innovative andcreative implementation of bird-friendly design into new andexisting developments, a means of the City to acknowledge thiswould be very helpful. First, a method of determining if a buildingis indeed bird-friendly would have to be developed along with arating system that categorizes the level of bird-friendliness. Once abuilding is rated and then acknowledged by the City as such, itwould enable building owners and managers to market theirbuilding as bird-friendly, which will give them incentive toincorporate such ‘green’ features into their developments whilecompeting in an increasingly environmentally concerned and awaremarketplace.

In April of 2007, the City of Toronto began developing a system ofrating buildings that have implemented the “Bird-FriendlyDevelopment Guidelines. Along with this rating system, a means ofacknowledging these efforts is also being developed.

This is a good example of a design that projects sufficient visual markersfor birds to perceive as a solid object. Very few dead and injured birds arefound at this facade. photo credit: FLAP

Appropriate window applications for the first 12 metres above grade areessential for a building to be considered bird-friendly

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Toronto’s Bird Flyways Project

Toronto’s ravine system attracts many bird species. Duringmigration birds use them as travel corridors, and year round they areused as habitat for breeding and raising young. The City of Torontohas initiated the Toronto Bird Flyways Project which enhances birdhabitat in 3 parks in our ravine system; Humberwood Park in theHumber Valley, Milne Hollow Park in the Don Valley andWoodlands Park in the Rouge Valley.

The Toronto Bird Flyways Project includes planting native trees,shrubs and wildflowers and installing habitat structures to provideadditional food and shelter for birds. The project compliments otherhabitat restoration work by the City of Toronto and its partners atsites throughout Toronto and will enhance bird flyway corridors thatconnect to larger continental ecosystems.

The Toronto Bird Flyways Project also provides great opportunitiesfor bird watchers to watch and learn about local and migratory birdsthrough art and interpretive signage.

Humberwood Bird FlywayMilne Hollow Bird Flyway offers a 1km trail circuit including awetland lookout, informative interpretive signs and a new forestsuccession demonstration area. Based in the Don Valley watershed,this old ski hill has been restored to provide diverse habitat for manybird species.

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Woodlands Bird FlywayHumberwood Bird Flyway provides habitat for a variety of residentand migratory bird species with its diverse riparian landscape, whosetrail connects with the larger Humber trail system. Delightful piecesof larger-than-life creative art representing bird nests, birds and theirhabitats are scattered across the landscape.

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Milne Hollow Bird FlywayWoodlands Bird Flyway is a unique part of the distinguished RougePark, Toronto’s largest park, alive with natural and cultural heritage.Woodlands Park connects to an extensive trail system throughpristine wooded areas and colourful wildflower meadows teemingwith birds.

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Doing It For the BirdsThe Toronto Zoo is the home of 350 birds representing over 100species. Nestled into the Rouge Park, the Zoo is proud of its missionto conserve natural habitat. Its 710 acres supplies nesting space forover 70 species of native birds including warblers, Wood Thrush,Indigo Buntings, Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.Conservation has become a focus in modern zoos. Besides workingon Species Survival Plans and captive breeding programs for exoticbirds, the Toronto Zoo has been a part of captive breeding andrecovery of native species. The Zoo joined the Trumpeter swans re-introduction program in 1993. At least one pair has bred on theproperty since 1995. Since 1997, Toronto Zoo has worked with theEastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery team in an attempt to bolsterthe flagging numbers in Canada. At this time up to 100 shrikes arereleased annually to aide the recovery efforts in Ontario. Collisionsof birds with glass are a problemeverywhere. Toronto Zoo hasworked on covering their mostoffensive windows with one wayviewing film.

At the Zoo, the displays arefound on the upper plateaubetween the two branches of theRouge River. The valley areashave been preserved for thenative wildlife.

One of the aims of the Toronto Zoo is to show not just the animals,but the animals in their native environments. The organic form ofthe pavilions creates an exterior profile which flows naturally intothe surrounding landscape. Other structures, such as restaurants andservice buildings have all been designed in a similar manner. All theanimals and plants are displayed zoogeographically, so they areplaced with animals and plants from the same geographical region.

THE TORONTO ZOO IS OPEN YEAR ROUND! Take Hwy 401 to Meadowvale Road in Scarborough (Exit #389eastbound or westbound) - Go north on Meadowvale Road and follow signs to Zoo MainParking Lot

- For TTC (public transit) call 416-393-4636 or www.ttc.ca

- For GO Train info call 416-869-3200 or www.gotransit.com

- For more info call 416-392-5929 or www.torontozoo.com

The Toronto Zoo is owned by the City of Toronto, and operated by aBoard of Management. The Board consists of five members of theZoological Society of Toronto and six members appointed by TorontoCity Council. Events and admission prices are subject to changewithout notice.Directions to Toronto Zoo: Hwy 401 to Meadowvale Road inScarborough (Exit #389). Go north on Meadowvale Road and follow signs to Zoo Main Parking Lot. For public transit call 416-393-4636 or www.ttc.ca. For GO Train call 416-869-3200 orwww.gotransit.com. For more information call 416-392-5929 orwww.torontozoo.com

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Song Sparrow

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Birds of Toronto

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)Migrating at night back to Toronto and the rest of southern Ontarioin late March and early April, the Northern Flicker is a sure sign ofspring. Their brown and black barred and spotted bodies, black bib,conspicuous white rump and yellow/golden under wings are keyidentification features. Males can be easily distinguished fromfemales by the distinctive black mustache on their cheek. Their loudrapid call, often describes as wik-a-wik-wik-a-wik-a is common inearly spring as flickers begin establishing territories and attempt toattract mates.

Flickers are members of the woodpecker family but, unlike mostwoodpeckers that feed on trunks and branches of trees, flickers arecommonly observed foraging on the ground in search of theirfavourite food, ants! However, they also feed on other invertebratesand even switch over to fruit in late fall and winter. They are welladapted to a variety of habitats and are commonly found in woods,forest edges, rural, suburban and urban areas. They nest in cavities,usually excavating a new cavity each year in trees, snags, hydro poles,fence posts and even nest boxes often providing future homes formany other cavity nesting species. Look for them in the manyravines and parks throughout Toronto and don’t be surprised if yousee one working away at an anthill in your own backyard!

Northern Flicker

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CHECKLIST OF THE BIRDSOF THE GREATERTORONTO AREA (2007)

The Greater Toronto Areaencompasses the City ofToronto, the RegionalMunicipalities of Halton, Peel,York and Durham and thecorresponding Canadian watersof Lake Ontario. Since recordshave been kept, a total of 398bird species has been recordedwithin this area and confirmedbreeding evidence has beenobtained for 195 of thesespecies.* - confirmed breeding species(*) - confirmed historicalbreeding species (pre-1960)[*] - confirmed introducedbreeding species not yetcompletely establishedSource: Toronto OrnithologicalClub - Records Committee

DUCKS, GEESE & SWANSc Fulvous Whistling-Duckc Greater White-fronted c Goose c Snow Goose c Ross's Goose c Brant c Cackling Goosec *Canada Goose c *Mute Swan c [*]Trumpeter Swan c Tundra Swan c *Wood Duck c *Gadwallc Eurasian Wigeon c *American Wigeon c *American Black Duck c *Mallard c *Blue-winged Teal c Cinnamon Teal c *Northern Shoveler c *Northern Pintail c Garganey c *Green-winged Teal c *Canvasbackc *Redhead c Ring-necked Duck c Tufted Duck

c Greater Scaup c *Lesser Scaup c King Eider c Common Eider c Harlequin Duck c Surf Scoter c White-winged Scoterc Black Scoter c Long-tailed Duck c Bufflehead c Common Goldeneye c Barrow's Goldeneye c *Hooded Merganser c *Common Merganser c *Red-breasted Merganser c *Ruddy Duck PARTRIDGES, GROUSE &TURKEYS c (*)Gray Partridge c *Ring-necked Pheasant c *Ruffed Grouse c Spruce Grouse c Willow Ptarmigan c Greater Prairie-Chicken c *Wild Turkey NEW WORLD QUAIL c (*)Northern Bobwhite LOONSc Red-throated Loon c Pacific Loon c *Common Loon GREBES c *Pied-billed Grebe c Horned Grebe c *Red-necked Grebe c Eared Grebe c Western Grebe SHEARWATERS & PETRELS c Northern Fulmarc Black-capped Petrelc Greater Shearwater GANNETS c Northern GannetPELICANSc American White Pelican c Brown Pelican CORMORANTSc *Double-crested Cormorant

c Great Cormorant HERONS & BITTERNS c *American Bittern c *Least Bittern c *Great Blue Heron c *Great Egret c Snowy Egret c Little Blue Heron c Tricolored Heron c Cattle Egret c *Green Heron c *Black-crowned Night-

Heron c Yellow-crowned Night-

Heron IBISES c Glossy Ibis c White-faced Ibis HAWKS, KITES & EAGLES c *Osprey c Swallow-tailed Kite c Bald Eagle c *Northern Harrier c *Sharp-shinned Hawk c *Cooper's Hawk c *Northern Goshawk c *Red-shouldered Hawk c *Broad-winged Hawk c Swainson's Hawk c *Red-tailed Hawk c Ferruginous Hawk c Rough-legged Hawk c Golden Eagle VULTURESc Black Vulture c *Turkey Vulture CARACARAS & FALCONS c *American Kestrel c *Merlin c Gyrfalcon c *Peregrine Falcon RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS c Yellow Rail c *King Rail c *Virginia Rail c *Sora c Purple Gallinule c *Common Moorhen c *American Coot

CRANESc Sandhill Crane c Whooping Crane PLOVERSc Black-bellied Plover c American Golden-Plover c Semipalmated Plover c (*)Piping Plover c *Killdeer OYSTERCATCHERSc American Oystercatcher STILTS & AVOCETS c Black-necked Stilt c American Avocet SANDPIPERS & PHALAROPES c *Spotted Sandpiper c Solitary Sandpiper c Greater Yellowlegs c Willet c Lesser Yellowlegs c *Upland Sandpiper c Eskimo Curlew c Whimbrel c Long-billed Curlew c Black-tailed Godwit c Hudsonian Godwit c Marbled Godwit c Ruddy Turnstone c Red Knot c Sanderling c Semipalmated Sandpiper c Western Sandpiper c Least Sandpiper c White-rumped Sandpiper c Baird's Sandpiper c Pectoral Sandpiper c Purple Sandpiper c Dunlin c Curlew Sandpiper c Stilt Sandpiper c Buff-breasted Sandpiper c Ruff c Short-billed Dowitcher c Long-billed Dowitcher c *Wilson's Snipe c *American Woodcock c *Wilson's Phalarope c Red-necked Phalarope c Red Phalarope GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS c Laughing Gull

c Franklin's Gull c *Little Gull c Black-headed Gull c Bonaparte's Gull c Heermann's Gull c Mew Gull c *Ring-billed Gull c *California Gull c *Herring Gull c Thayer's Gull c Iceland Gull c Lesser Black-backed Gull c Slaty-backed Gull c Glaucous Gull c *Great Black-backed Gull c Sabine's Gull c Black-legged Kittiwake c Ivory Gull c *Caspian Tern c *Black Tern c *Common Tern c Arctic Tern c Forster's Tern c Black Skimmer SKUASc Pomarine Jaeger c Parasitic Jaeger c Long-tailed Jaeger AUKS, MURRES & PUFFINS c Dovekie c Thick-billed Murre c Razorbill c Black Guillemot c Ancient Murrelet PIGEONS & DOVES c *Rock Pigeon c Band-tailed Pigeon c Eurasian Collared-Dove c White-winged Dove c *Mourning Dove c (*)Passenger Pigeon

(Extinct) CUCKOOS & ANIS c *Yellow-billed Cuckoo c *Black-billed CuckooBARN OWLS c Barn OwlTYPICAL OWLS c *Eastern Screech-Owl c *Great Horned Owl

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c Snowy Owl c Northern Hawk Owl c Burrowing Owl c *Barred Owl c Great Gray Owl c *Long-eared Owl c *Short-eared Owl c Boreal Owl c *Northern Saw-whet Owl GOATSUCKERSc *Common Nighthawk c Chuck-will's-widow c *Whip-poor-will SWIFTSc *Chimney Swift N/S HUMMINGBIRDSc *Ruby-throated

Hummingbird c Rufous Hummingbird KINGFISHERS*Belted Kingfisher WOODPECKERSc *Red-headed Woodpecker c *Red-bellied Woodpecker c *Yellow-bellied Sapsucker c *Downy Woodpecker c *Hairy Woodpecker c American Three-toed

Woodpecker c Black-backed Woodpecker c *Northern Flicker c *Pileated Woodpecker TYRANT FLYCATCHERS c Olive-sided Flycatcher c *Eastern Wood-Pewee c Yellow-bellied Flycatcher c *Acadian Flycatcher c *Alder Flycatcher c *Willow Flycatcher c *Least Flycatcher c Gray Flycatcher c *Eastern Phoebe c Vermilion Flycatcher c Ash-throated Flycatcher c *Great Crested Flycatcher c Variegated Flycatcher c Western Kingbird c *Eastern Kingbird c Scissor-tailed Flycatcher c Fork-tailed Flycatcher

SHRIKESc *Loggerhead Shrike c Northern Shrike VIREOSc White-eyed Vireo c Bell's Vireo c *Yellow-throated Vireo c *Blue-headed Vireo c *Warbling Vireo c Philadelphia Vireo c *Red-eyed Vireo CROWS & JAYS c Gray Jay c *Blue Jay c Black-billed Magpie c Eurasian Jackdaw c *American Crow c *Common Raven LARKSc *Horned Lark SWALLOWSc *Purple Martin c *Tree Swallow c *Northern Rough-winged

Swallow c *Bank Swallow c *Cliff Swallow c Cave Swallow c *Barn Swallow CHICKADEES & TITMICE c *Black-capped Chickadee c Boreal Chickadee c Tufted Titmouse NUTHATCHESc *Red-breasted Nuthatch c *White-breasted Nuthatch CREEPERSc *Brown Creeper N/S WRENSc Rock Wren c *Carolina Wren c Bewick's Wren c *House Wren c *Winter Wren c *Sedge Wren c *Marsh Wren

KINGLETSc *Golden-crowned Kinglet c *Ruby-crowned Kinglet GNATCATCHERSc *Blue-gray Gnatcatcher THRUSHESc Siberian Rubythroat c Northern Wheatear c *Eastern Bluebird c Townsend's Solitaire c *Veery c Gray-cheeked Thrush c Swainson's Thrush c *Hermit Thrush c *Wood Thrush c Fieldfare c *American Robin c Varied Thrush MOCKINGBIRDS & THRASHERS c *Gray Catbird c *Northern Mockingbird c *Brown Thrasher STARLINGSc *European Starling PIPITSc American Pipit WAXWINGSc Bohemian Waxwing c *Cedar Waxwing WOOD-WARBLERSc *Blue-winged Warbler c *Golden-winged Warbler c Tennessee Warbler c Orange-crowned Warbler c *Nashville Warbler c Northern Parula c *Yellow Warbler c *Chestnut-sided Warbler c *Magnolia Warbler c Cape May Warbler c *Black-throated Blue

Warbler c *Yellow-rumped Warbler c Black-throated Gray

Warbler c *Black-throated Green

Warbler c Townsend's Warbler c Hermit Warbler

c *Blackburnian Warbler c Yellow-throated Warbler c *Pine Warbler c Kirtland's Warbler c *Prairie Warbler c Palm Warbler c Bay-breasted Warbler c Blackpoll Warbler c *Cerulean Warbler c *Black-and-white Warbler c *American Redstart c *Prothonotary Warbler c Worm-eating Warbler c Swainson's Warbler c *Ovenbird c *Northern Waterthrush c *Louisiana Waterthrush c Kentucky Warbler c Connecticut Warbler c *Mourning Warbler c *Common Yellowthroat c *Hooded Warbler c Wilson's Warbler c *Canada Warbler c Painted Redstart c *Yellow-breasted Chat TANAGERSc Summer Tanager c *Scarlet Tanager c Western Tanager EMBERIZIDSc Green-tailed Towhee c Spotted Towhee c *Eastern Towhee c American Tree Sparrow c *Chipping Sparrow c *Clay-colored Sparrow c *Field Sparrow c *Vesper Sparrow c (*)Lark Sparrow c Lark Bunting c *Savannah Sparrow c *Grasshopper Sparrow c *Henslow's Sparrow c (*)Le Conte's Sparrow c Nelson's Sharp-tailedc Sparrow c Fox Sparrow c *Song Sparrow c *Lincoln's Sparrow c *Swamp Sparrow c *White-throated Sparrow c Harris's Sparrow c White-crowned Sparrow

c Golden-crowned Sparrow c *Dark-eyed Junco c Lapland Longspur c Chestnut-collared Longspur c Snow Bunting CARDINALS & ALLIES c *Northern Cardinal c *Rose-breasted Grosbeak c Blue Grosbeak c Lazuli Bunting c *Indigo Bunting c Painted Bunting c *Dickcissel BLACKBIRDSc *Bobolink c *Red-winged Blackbird c *Eastern Meadowlark c *Western Meadowlark c Yellow-headed Blackbird c Rusty Blackbird c *Brewer's Blackbird c *Common Grackle c *Brown-headed Cowbird c *Orchard Oriole c Bullock's Oriole c *Baltimore Oriole FINCHESc Brambling c Pine Grosbeak c *Purple Finch c *House Finch c *Red Crossbill c *White-winged Crossbill c Common Redpoll c Hoary Redpoll c *Pine Siskin c Lesser Goldfinch c *American Goldfinch c *Evening Grosbeak OLD WORLD SPARROWS c *House Sparrow

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Peregrine falconsIn 1995 Toronto became home to the first sighting of the peregrinefalcon in Southern Ontario in over 40 years. Found on everycontinent except Antarctica, the peregrine falcon is the fastestcreature on earth, with hunting speeds of up to 350 kmh.

In the 1960s it was discovered that the falcon and other raptorsfaced extinction as a result of extensive use of DDT after WWII. Aban of the chemical in the 1970s along with breeding programs toreintroduce the peregrine back into the wild has had a remarkableimpact on the species. Today the number of peregrines has increasedand is no longer considered endangered in most areas, but stillremains on the list of threatened species.

The natural habitat of the peregrine is historically cliffs sides, butwith today’s urban landscape, towers act as artificial cliffs and havebecome suitable nesting sites for the peregrine. The abundance ofurban pigeons has also encouraged the peregrine to remain in thisideal habitat.

Peregrine falcons can be seen in various locations in the downtowncore, as well as a few suburban locations.

Peregrine Falcon nest

Best viewing: April to July (nesting season)Nesting sites:- King St. and Victoria St., since 1995 (King St./Leader Lane)- South side of Sheraton Hotel, since 2004 (York St./ Adelaide)- Bloor St. and Islington Ave. (Bloor St./Eagle Road, Etobicoke)Peregrine activity:- Bay St./Bloor St.- Yonge St./Eglinton Ave.Chance sightings: August–MarchFor detailed information visit www.peregrine-foundation.ca

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Map of Viewing Sites

Where the map points out Tommy Thompson Park have a note saying see page 31.

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Breeding Birds

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)The Northern Cardinal is today, one of the most common birdspecies found throughout Toronto’s urban and suburbanenvironments. One hundred years ago it was a different story ascardinals were a rare sight in southern Ontario, the northern limit oftheir range restricted to south of the Great Lakes. Urbanization andbird feeders have provided the missing requirements and theirsuccessful range expansion farther northward into Ontario continuestoday.

Cardinals are now year round residents in the city and are at homein backyard trees, shrubs and vines as well as the tangles, thicketsand bushes found in our parks and ravines. The male is instantlyrecognizable with his brilliant red plumage, black face and bib. Thefemale is of similar size and shape but is more cryptically coloured inbuffy yellows with duller reds on the wings and tail. Their loudwhistling song – ‘cheer cheer cheer’ begins on the first warm day inlate February and continues on through much of the summer.Nesting begins in early April continuing as late as September.Successful pairs may raise more than one brood during the summer.Pairs may stay together for several years but divorces have beenrecorded! Cardinals are mainly seedeaters but fruit and invertebratesmake up an important part of their diet at different times of theyear. During their fall feather molt, cardinals must find fruit andinsects high in carotenoid pigments to maintain their rich, redplumage.

Northern Cardinal

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bird xxx

25Migratory Birds

The birdlife of Toronto reaches peak abundance and diversity duringthe annual spring and fall migration periods. From March to June inthe spring and from August to November in the fall, hundreds ofthousands of birds of over 200 different species reach the City ofToronto. Toronto is a prime location to witness the migrationspectacle, as birds naturally concentrate on the edge of large waterbodies such as Lake Ontario. Many species are nocturnal migrantsand are drawn into the city by light pollution. The presence ofgreenspaces such as Tommy Thompson Park and the Don RiverValley offer safe resting grounds. Migratory birds play a vital role inecosystems, consuming vast quantities of insects and rodents,spreading seeds and pollinating flowers during their short stays.

On any morning in Toronto during the peak of migration in Mayand September, it is possible to see a tremendous variety ofmigratory birds including many species of brightly colouredwarblers, as well as Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, to name a few. While songbirds are plentiful inthe forests and meadows of the city, waterbirds, including loons,ducks and shorebirds, find refuge in our rivers and streams and onthe lakeshore. Migrating hawks, falcons and eagles are commonsights in the city, particularly in the autumn. In late fall, nocturnalNorthern Saw-whet Owls silently pass through Toronto on theirsouthward migration. At Tommy Thompson Park Bird ResearchStation on the Toronto lakeshore, these owls are monitored throughcapture and banding. On November 1, 2003 a remarkable 61Northern Saw-Whet Owls were banded in just a few hours!

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You may not realize that during a morning of observing, one canview over 100 species of birds at any of Toronto’s birding hotspots!Many of these vibrant bird species are visitors to Toronto, passingthrough the city on their way to northern nesting grounds. Thereare two types of migrants, neotropical and temperate. Neotropicalmigrants, such as the Cape May Warbler, are species that breed inNorth America and migrate to tropical areas in Central and SouthAmerica to spend the winter. Conversely, temperate migrants, suchas the White-throated Sparrow, migrate a shorter distance fromnorthern breeding grounds to winter in the United States.

The forests, grasslands and wetlands found in Toronto are critical tothe survival of migratory birds. Imagine the city as an immense bed& breakfast, providing the rest, shelter and food necessary to keepbirds going. Preserving habitats along migration routes, especiallywhere birds concentrate, is vital to healthy bird populations.Migrating from Latin America to the boreal forest of northernCanada is a perilous journey for birds, fraught with hazards such ashabitat loss, storms, cats, and collisions with man-made structures.The obstacles facing migrating birds have been increasing in recentdecades, which have resulted in a steady decline for many species.The Rusty Blackbird is a common visitor to Toronto in spring andfall, though far less common than a half-century ago, as the specieshas declined by an estimated 90 per cent since the mid-20thcentury.

When considering the welfare of wildlife it is common to think onlyof nature reserves, parks and wilderness areas. However, in the caseof migratory birds, the actions of city governments and residentsacross North America will be critical to their survival.

bird xxx

27The Blackpoll Warbler is perhaps the most compelling example ofsongbird migration in the western hemisphere, illustrating thesensitive interconnection of environments and human activitiesacross great distances. Every fall, Blackpoll Warblers migrate fromthe boreal forest through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast in thenortheast. Once there, they gorge on insects to double their weight.After fattening up, they wait for suitable winds and then launch intoa 3-day, non-stop journey over the Atlantic Ocean to SouthAmerica! The perils of migration are no more apparent than in thisstory of a tiny bird traveling over 8,000 kilometres from Alaska toSouth America in just a few short weeks. Here in Toronto, theBlackpoll Warbler is a common visitor in spring and fall whenthousands feed on insects and rest in our greenspaces in preparationfor the next leg of their incredible migration.

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Blackpoll Warbler migration route

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When to see Calendar

29Tommy Thompson Park / Leslie StreetSpit

Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) is a man-made peninsula and thelargest area of existing natural habitat on the central Torontowaterfront. Tommy Thompson Park has been designated as aglobally significant Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdlifeInternational and is also considered an Environmentally SignificantArea (ESA). The geographical situation of the park and its naturalfeatures make it very suitable for incredible numbers of migratingbirds, nesting colonial waterbirds and overwintering waterfowl. Avariety of waterfowl also nest at the park, including the first recordof a Canvasback duck nesting in Ontario. Migrant shorebirds alsouse TTP as a stopover and the recently completed shorebird wetlandon the Toplands will provide more staging and foragingopportunities to help stabilize shorebird populations. TTP is opento the public on weekends and holidays. For more information visitwww.trca.on.ca/ttp or call 416-661-6600.

Colonial Waterbirds at TTP If you visit TTP during breeding season you will likely encounter atleast one of the eight species of colonial waterbirds that nest at thepark. Over six per cent of the world’s breeding population of Ring-billed Gulls nest at TTP. Herring Gulls and Greater Black-backedGulls also nest at the park, but in lesser numbers. Caspian Terns areanother ground-nester at the park, however their populationfluctuates annually. Common Terns have nested successfully onartificial floating “reef-rafts” for over three decades and have recentlystarted nesting on the tern island designed for them in the Cell OneWetland. The Common Tern population at TTP represents abouttwo per cent of global population of breeding adults. The largestbreeding colony of Double-crested Cormorants on the Great Lakesnest in the cottonwood trees on three peninsulas at the park. Alsonesting in the cottonwood trees are Great Egrets and, at its peak,over 30 per cent of the national breeding population of Black-crowned Night Herons. From mid-April until September, thenesting areas used by these species are off limits to the public due tothe sensitivity of the birds to human disturbance; however mostlocations can easily viewed with binoculars or a scope. All of thesebirds can be seen foraging throughout TTP and the Torontowaterfront.

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Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research StationThe Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station (TTPBRS) wasestablished in 2003 to address a need for avian monitoring/researchand public education in the GTA. The core program of the station isthe Migration Monitoring Program (MMP), which monitorspopulations of poorly understood boreal bird species. The MMPoperates daily in spring and fall through a combination ofstandardized bird surveys and bird banding and to date over 300,000 birds of more than 300 species have been recorded and over 25,000 banded. Other monitoring programs include Nocturnal OwlMonitoring, Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship(MAPS) and the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program. Datafrom these programs help conservation agencies protect birds andtheir environments at local, national and international levels. Formore information visit www.ttpbrs.blogspot.com or call 416-661-6600.

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Eastern Bluebird

31Conclusion

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SURPRISES IN THE CITY – MAKING MUCH OF THE FOLLOWINGNESTING SPECIESPileated Woodpecker (at least 15 pairs)Cooper’s Hawk (at least 8 pairs within the city)Eastern Screech-owl (over 20 pairs throughout the city)Wood Thrush (approximately 30 territories throughout the city, notincluding the relatively healthy population that exists at Rouge Park).

Resources for Parents and Educators, Students,

Policy-Makers

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Pine Warblers

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What to do if you find an injured birdIf you find a bird that has hit a window:

- Gently place the bird inside an unwaxed paper bag with tissueinside to give the bird something to perch on. The tissue alsohelps keep the bird dry. For birds larger than your fist, placeinside a cardboard box.

- Fold the top of the paper bag and use a paperclip to prevent thebird from escaping. Do not puncture holes in the bag. Paper bagsallow sufficient airflow.

- Do not handle the bird more than necessary- Do not give the bird food or water- Place the bird in a dark and quiet space- Contact the Toronto Wildlife Centre at 416-631-0662 or

visit www.torontowildlifecentre.com- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bird

What to do if you find a baby or fledgling birdxxx

Become a bird rescue volunteerThe Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), the City of Toronto,and other Lights Out Toronto! partners ask for your help to rescueinjured migratory birds or to drive birds to a rehabilitation centreduring the day. Most of the live birds our volunteers pick up are ableto recover and are returned to the wild. A few hours of your timeduring the day or night could really help. Contact: www.flap.org

HEALTH PRECAUTIONSIt is important to remind the public that one can acquire several diseasesfrom wildlife and should always take care to practice proper hygienewhen handling animals and birds. If disposing of a dead bird found inyour yard, use gloves or put your hand inside of a plastic bag to pick upthe bird. Double-bag the carcass and dispose of it in the garbage.Carefully remove gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap.

Common Starling

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Bird-Friendly Offices

There are many things that can be done to make any structure bird-friendly, as can be seen in this diagram taken from the“Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines” (page 37). In particular,tenants of buildings can do two things to help reduce migratory birddeaths: one, encourage your building managers and owners toimplement the bird-friendly guidelines; and two, when working lateuse task lighting (B) or draw blinds (C) in offices, and ensure thatlights are turned off after leaving (D).

These simple steps will help to reduce light pollution and therebyreduce the numbers of migrating birds being confused by urbanlight during the migratory seasons. These steps will also help reduceunnecessary energy use.

COMPREHENSIVE BIRD-FRIENDLY SITE STRATEGYA - Apply treatment to glass to make it visible to birdsB - Use task lighting after darkC - Draw blinds after darkD - Turn lights off after workE - Use an awning to mute reflections on lobby windowsF - Angle glass to project reflections downwardG - Use bird-friendly ventilation gratesH - Use fixtures that project light downward

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Bird-Friendly Homes

Before you consider making your garden bird-friendly you shouldfirst start by making your home safe for birds. Windows pose one ofthe greatest dangers to birds as they reflect trees and other vegetationand birds often confuse reflections for the real thing andsubsequently fly into windows.

Window TreatmentsHomeowners often affix a single, black hawk-shaped silhouette totheir picture window in an attempt to protect birds. Unfortunately,this rarely does the trick. Birds do not perceive the hawk silhouetteas a predator. The silhouette only covers a small portion of thewindow and unless the bird is headed for that particular spot, thesilhouette will not deter the bird from hitting the window. Hawksilhouettes or other stickers can form a visual barrier for birdsprovided they cover at least 80 per cent of the glass surface. Exterior screens, sunshades and grilles, perforated window film,multiple rows of ribbons, beads, even old CDs hung outside thewindow can also help create visual markers for birds.

When windows at the front and back of your home face each otheror when two windows meet at a corner they give the impression of aclear passage. Interior plants placed near windows also attract birds.To help reduce this dangerous illusion draw drapes and close blindswhenever possible.

Externally-appliedwindow decals

Window treatments

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LightingWhenever possible, minimize light both in andoutside the home. If you must incorporate exteriordecorative or security night lighting around youryard, be sure to use shielded light which directs thelight downward to help avoid light escaping into the night sky.

Bird FeedersThe placement of bird feeders inrelation to windows is crucial.As the distance between birdfeeders and windows increase, sodo bird collisions. Placing yourfeeders within one metre or lessof any glass surface will helpminimize these strikes. Not onlyare bird feeders usually placed inthe worst possible locations, thelayout of our interior livingspace can also contribute to thelikelihood of birds collidingwith windows.

Bird feeders are a great way to supply food for wintering birds andearly returning migrants. Project FeederWatch is a winter survey ofbirds visiting backyard feeders in North America and the datacollected helps scientists track changes in bird populations. To findout more and participate as a Citizen Scientist visit Bird StudiesCanada at bsc-eoc.org

CLEANING TIPS FOR BIRD FEEDERS AND BATHS1. To prevent the spread of disease between birds, clean and disinfect

your bird feeders and baths every two weeks. Immerse each feeder orbirdbath in a nine-to-one water/bleach solution. Rinse it thoroughlymaking sure to get rid of all bleach and old seed.

2. Rake or sweep up any husks and uneaten hulls on the groundsurrounding your feeders.

3. To prevent mold, resist filling your feeders to the top. Unless you havean extraordinarily busy yard, there is no need to fill your feeders morethan 1/4 full.

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White-throated Sparrow

Bird-Friendly Gardens

Gardening for birds is an easy way to enjoy nature in your ownbackyard. The number and diversity of birds attracted will dependon the landscape type, maintenance practices and proximity tonatural features. More birds will frequent yards with more naturallandscapes, especially if located near other natural features likewoodlots, meadows or water bodies.

Birds spend much of their time foraging for seeds, nuts, fruit andinsects. Diet depends on the species and changes with the seasonsand the availability of natural food. By growing a diversity of nativeplants that fruit at different times and hold their seeds or berriesinto winter, gardeners can help feed birds naturally. Birds areexposed to pesticides through drift and food contamination, so it iscritical for all birds, especially those that eat insects, to keep yourbackyard chemical free. Chemical fertilizers reduce soil-dwellinginsect and worm populations, so should also be avoided. Replaceyour chemical arsenal with ecological knowledge and help theenvironment and birds!

Shelter from weather and predators is also important. Layers ofvegetation, groupings of evergreens and dense shrubs, as well asbrush piles, provide summer cover and excellent winter shelter. Witha little research and planning, your backyard will become a smallbird sanctuary in no time!

www.wildaboutgardening.orgwww.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse

AcknowledgementsThe City of Toronto would like to thank the “Birds of Toronto” WorkingGroup; City staff of Parks, Forestry & Recreation; Economic Development,Culture & Tourism; Business Support; and City Planning.Publication of this booklet would not have been possible without thegenerous support of Environment Canada.Artwork by Barry Kent Mackay and used with permission. Barry Kent MacKay, based in Markham,Ontario, is an artist, activist, naturalist,writer and a pioneer in wildliferehabilitation. He is well known andrespected for his Nature Trail column,which was published weekly in theToronto Star for 25 years. Barry is the Canadian Representative ofthe Animal Protection Institute, based inSacramento, California; a foundingdirector of Animal Alliance of Canadaand of Zoocheck-Canada; a life member of the Wilson OrnithologicalSociety, and an honorary life member of the Second Marsh DefenseAssociation; a member of the Toronto Ornithological Club and of theOntario Field Naturalists. Barry has devoted his life and career to the study of natural history, andthe protection of birds and other wildlife. As a naturalist, Barry hasparticipated in numerous activities related to bird and nature study:helping a University of Toronto professor to conduct fish censuses insmall streams; being the park naturalist for Presqu’ile Provincial Park;leading bird hikes or teaching courses; as a fast sketch artist promotinginterest in wildlife during 16 years of appearances on a nationallysyndicated children’s television show; collecting for the Royal OntarioMuseum and for the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology in CostaRica; illustrating the reptiles and amphibians of the Toronto Zoo;illustrating a few scientific papers in various technical journals andparticipating in a fruitless search for the critically endangered, possibly

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Partners and Further Information

Canadian Peregrine Foundation: www.peregrine-foundation.caCity of Toronto: www.toronto.caEnvironment Canada: www.ec.gc.caToronto and Region Conservation Authority: www.trca.on.caToronto Zoo: www.torontozoo.comRoyal Ontario Museum: www.rom.on.caLights Out Toronto! Stakeholders Working Group:www.toronto.ca/lightsoutFatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP): www.flap.orgToronto Ornithological Club: www.torontobirding.ca

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extinct, Eskimo Curlew in historic migration sites in northernNewfoundland and Labrador. As a writer, he is well known and respectedfor his Nature Trail column, published weekly in the Toronto Star for thepast 24 years. As well, his writings and articles have appeared innumerous magazines such as Birds of the Wild; Defenders; BirdWatchers’Digest; Seasons; Mainstream; and Animal Issues; and as feature articlesin The Toronto Star and various other publications, large and small.He has also illustrated several books such as Wrens, Mockingbirds andDippers of the World, A Field Guide to the Birds of the Galapagos andSongbirds: Celebrating Nature’s Voices. He is currently illustratinganother book in which he is portraying all the birds endemic toHispaniola. He wrote and illustrated a book entitled Bird Sounds, and hewrote and illustrated the Birdwatcher’s Companion. In 1968 the BookSociety published ‘Eighty More Land Birds to Know’, written andillustrated by a youthful Barry Kent MacKay. “I try to forget that one,”laughs Barry, but he is pleased to admit that one of his proudestmoments came when his mentor, Roger Tory Peterson, chose one of hisoil paintings of RuddyTurnstones as anillustration for TheAudubon Society BabyElephant Folio,Audubon’s Birds ofAmerica. Wash drawingsby Barry appeared inBirds of the Oshawa –Lake Scugog Region. “Itwas,” says Barry, “anearly demonstration ofwhat both artists andphotographers, but toofew bird book editors,have always known: thatart and photography cannicely compliment eachother in a singlevolume.”