High Park

Last month, while on a visit to Toronto, I spent a few hours exploring High Park. With an area of 400 acres, it is the largest park within the city. It was established in 1876. Used as both a nature and a recreational park, High Park is a convenient spot to see birds and wildlife while enjoying a summer's day.

From the street it looked like any urban park: a field in the foreground blending into a mix of tall trees in the back. But at the right edge was a trail that disappeared into a grove of trees. It took me through a ravine meandering through pines, oaks, ash and other northern trees. A stream ran along the ravine's bottom and ducklings gently swam in it. I came to the source of the stream: a lake perhaps 200-300 feet across with reedbeds scattered in it. Several types of ducks including mallards and black ducks dabbled on the lake. Then to my delight I spotted two black-crowned night herons in the reeds. They were standing absolutely still waiting for fish.

The trail soon veered towards my left. A grey catbird flew back and forth between branches on either side of the trail. A chipmunk ran away at my approach and watched me from safety. The trail ended at a meadow with a circular garden of flower. Sitting on a bench, I saw red-winged blackbirds playing in among well-trimmed hedges. Starlings hopped about, foraging for insects on the ground. Blackbirds and starlings got into occasional fights when one stepped into the other's territory.

Off to the distance was a mature oak tree under which played two large black squirrels. They were a couple, showing affection by jumping over one another, then rolling on the grass entwined in a tight hug. Their fat, furry tails streamed through the air when they jumped.

Seeing my camera, a couple stopped by and asked what birds I had seen. I mentioned the night herons. “Is there a way to get to the other side so I can get closer to them?” I asked. “Oh no, the other side of the lake is private property. That's where all Toronto's millionaires live – with a view of the lake and High Park and herons playing in their backyard.” Not a bad life, I thought.

The trail meandered through the park and led me to another lake. On an overhanging branch sat a family of belted kingfishers. The mother flew away and the chick immediately opened its mouth in anticipation.  She returned after a few minutes – the chick was still agape - and quickly deposited some morsels into the mouth before flying off in search for more.

Farther on, I found a pair of great egrets in a smaller pond. Two photographers with large cameras had trained their lenses on the birds, less than fifty feet away. The birds concentrated on their fish, paying scant attention to the cameramen.

My time ran out and it was time to leave. Being so close to these birds was a magical experience. I felt jealous of the people of Toronto. But then I thought of the winters they must endure and realised they had earned their beautiful summer.

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