Toronto Islands
Some of the few birds we found were Cooper’s Hawk (nest on the islands) , Peregrine Falcon, Kingfishers, Carolina and House Wrens, Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Phoebes, Willow and Least Flycatchers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a few lingering Yellow Warblers, 1 American Redstart, 1 Cape May Warbler, many Swallows and Chimney Swifts overhead, and a flock of moulting Cowbirds.
Our best (unexpected) bird was a juvenile Least Bittern on the extreme east end of Snake Island, seen from Ward’s Island across the lagoon. Great looks and Jenny got some nice photos.
Only my 3rd sighting on The Islands in 40 plus years birding down there.
On the 12th Bob and Jenny did a lot better for warblers with Yellow, Blackburnian, Chestnut -sided, Bay-breasted, Nashville, and Black-and-White Warblers along with Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireos and Great Egret and previously 2 Canada Warblers, the migrants are coming, really.
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Late Summer and early Fall Ferry and Islands Information.
Mask wearing is not mandatory on the ferries but I highly recommend that you wear a mask on the ferry, especially during peak periods between 9 am and 9 pm during the week but especially on the weekends.
Note:- There is a washroom on the city side of the ferry and there are washrooms on all of the ferries except the smaller Car ferry Ongiara.
There are no washrooms or fountains on Algonquin Island and no washrooms on Snake Island.
There are 3 washrooms on Ward's Island, 2 on Centre Island south of the bridge (plus 2 more north of the bridge), 1 on Gibraltar Point and 3 on Hanlan's Point.
There are also several water fountains throughout The Islands including Snake Island.
Not all fountains may be working but you can always get water in the Washrooms.
Be aware that there is a Frisbee Disc Course on Ward's Island, west of the Island Fire Station so be alert for flying discs when in the course area.
There is also a Toronto Island YMCA Day Camp during the week from the end of the school year to Labour Day with many children on Snake Island and in the Ward's Island area beside the bridge to Snake Island and across the road in and around the YMCA children's swimming pool. Please try not to walk through or into those areas when the children are present.
Toronto Island YMCA Day Camp | Kids Out and About Toronto
Also, be aware that the Island School ( closed in July and August ) has a Daycare Centre operating during the week, so please do not approach too close when the children are out and about around the school. The same rule applies when the School opens for the new school year in September.
There is also a Daycare Centre on Algonquin Island so do not approach too close to that centre as well.
Another Note:- The Island ferry schedules - All ferries are operating - You can obtain ferry schedules, prices, restrictions, etc. at - https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/
FYI - for the early Birders - The first boat to Hanlan's Point is at 6:45 am next one is at 7:15 am and 7:45 am.
The first boat to Ward's Island is at 6:30 am next one is at 7:00 am and 7:30 am.
All times are Monday to Sunday and on Holidays.
There are Paramedics stationed at the Island Fire Station on Ward's Island if an emergency arises.
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There are 3 Cafes on The Islands
- Island Café on Ward's Island - straight out from the Ward's Island ferry dock.
Opens at 11 am with dine-in and take-out service. THE ISLAND CAFE (islandcafeto.com)
- Riviera Café on Ward's Island - East across the road at the Algonquin Island bridge.
Opens at 11 am with dine-in and take-out service. The Riviera Ward's Island Kitchen | Facebook
- Mermaid Café on Hanlan's Point just south of the tennis courts.
Opens at 10:30 am. Mermaid Cafe, Toronto Island | Facebook
There is also a snack bar beside the Mermaid Café on Hanlan's Point and a food court on the south side of
Centre Island at the Pier - Both open at 11 am
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If anyone is interested I have revised my Toronto Island Site and Bird Guide and it can be found on the OFO Website (http://www.ofo.ca/ofo-docs/Toronto_Islands_Birding_and_Site_Guide.pdf)
This is a Summer Guide but may be useful in Spring, Fall and Winter as I bird most of those same areas during those times. It is good for the first week or so of September.
There is also an unofficial Checklist of Birds of The Islands at that site.
This is a Spring, early Summer and early Fall Guide but may be useful in early Spring, Fall and Winter as I bird most of those same areas during those times. It is good for the first week or so of September as well.
Another publication that may be of interest is by Joanna Kidd - Explorer's Guide 3 (torontoisland.org)
Norm Murr
Richmond Hill, ON