I've been using the Merlin Bird ID App a lot lately and have been surprised at the number of people who haven't heard of it. So I'm recommending you download it for yourself.
I mostly use it to identify birds I can hear but not see during my morning dog walks. Just yesterday in High Park I ID'd a Easter Screech Owl and a Red-shouldered Hawk, both uncommon in the area.
You can download the free app on the Merlin site.
I've often joked that there's a Heron that watches over me. In LA, Spain, Vanuatu, The Dominican, and here in Toronto. I'd swear it's the same bird.
And then there's Yaren, a Stork that lives half the year in Africa and half the year in this livestreamed nest in Turkey.
Yaren not only returns to Turkey every March, she returns to the same friend, a Turkish fisherman named Adem Yılmaz. They've spent each Spring and Summer together since 2010.
More on Yaren's Wikipedia page.
I somehow missed this sweet video a couple months ago. One swan was injured and removed from Bluffer's Park. When Toronto Wildlife Center returned the swan to the park, this happened:
The tenth annual (May, 1973) Leonard J Waxdeck Bird Calling Contest at Piedmont High School. Great fun.
Stunning two minute video of a Starling Murmuration. Such a glorious phenomena.
From filmmaker Jan van Ijken.
Exactly what it says on the tin.
