Maybe, just maybe, the arrival of spring's tide of birds, is not far off. Apr.3's wild winds and rains was not condusive to birding, let alone birds-- along the north path off Hall's Rd. I did spot "our" Barred Owl, very much rain-dishevelled --might it stay for a while longer!!?!! At least 10 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS flitted about in the trees along the pathway. On both Apr. 3 and 4--3 Wood Ducks lifted from the waters near the north platform as I approached the latter. Apr.4-- EASTERN PHOEBE, just to the north of this pathway; many Grackles, Red-wingeds, Robins, several Song Sparrows, 2 Swamp Sparrows. The Am.Tree Sparrow population is dwindling. Over the fields to the west of and east of Hall's --2 N.Harriers (1 male), and roosting in one tree near Lakeridge Rd.--2 Red-tailed Hawks, constantly harassed by Crows. On the ice of the east side of Cranberry Marsh--several Common Mergansers and a Trumpeter Swan. Exit the 401 at Salem Rd. (in Ajax), south to Bayly, east through Lakeridge Rd. to the first street (Hall's Rd.), hence south. Doug Lockrey, Whitby www.pickeringnaturalists.org