Newmarket biologist Aileen Barclay said she rushed out when she got a notification that the yellow-throated warbler had been spotted in Newmarket.
The bird typically remains in the Midwest and Florida, but Barclay said occasionally one wanders north into Ontario. The bird appeared May 1 in a small clearing on the Tom Taylor Trail near Bayview Parkway, and Barclay was soon joined by more than a dozen birders over the course of the day, all searching for the rare spectacle making its first documented appearance in Newmarket.
“I’ve never seen the bird before. It’s what’s called 'a lifer' for me,” Barclay said. “It’s just beautiful …. It’s pretty exciting, especially in Newmarket, where I grew up.”
Birders came out in force to see the rare-in-Canada event. The sighting made the rounds across birder groups on social media, Barclay said, leading many to come out, cameras in hand, to try to spot the creature.
Barclay said the birding hobby is a way to get out and appreciate nature.
“Some people have a list of birds, so they have a life list. Some are competitive in a fun way. It’s just neat to see different birds,” she said. “The (bird species) coming through now are known as the jewels of the forest … It’s a neat way to discover nature and explore and meet people.”
Alice Chow came from Markham to see the creature. She said she got a notification from a friend's group and wanted to make the trip.
“For me, it’s to enjoy nature. To enjoy the beauty of nature, to appreciate rare birds,” she said. “It is a way for me to de-stress, as well … It makes my day.”
The enthusiasts said they partake in several groups across social media to keep track of birdwatching opportunities, whether on Facebook, Discord, or in chats with local friends.
“Social media is helping more people get interested in this hobby,” Chow said, adding that the activity helps her to be more observant and sensitive to nature. “In the past, I didn’t really care. For most people, (they’re) just birds, (not) much different. I never realized they can have such distinguishing features.”
Visitors were still coming out to see the birds May 2, with multiple sightings reported to a tracking app, eBird. Barclay said a steady stream of people is still coming to witness the bird, which has only appeared in York Region once before.
“These are birds that show up once in a while, and it’s a real treat for everybody,” she said. “Birding is a great way to get out.”
