Cliff Swallow Colony at Water Purification Plant in Toronto

 

A colony of Cliff Swallows with 144 mud nests is at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant (water purification) on the Toronto waterfront at Victoria Park and Queen Street East. Ron Pittaway and I visited on 22 June 2015. It's a spectacular sight.

 

Built in 1941 to supply fresh water, R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant has lovely historic buildings such as the one above with perfect overhangs for Cliff Swallows.

 

Two young are in the right nest.

 

Most nests were occupied.

 

Feeding young. 22 June 2015

 

Ledges around the building are perfect for Cliff Swallows to rest and preen.

 

Gourd-shaped nests were over every window of the south-facing facade of the south building. 22 June 2015.

 

81 nests were over the windows of the south-facing facade of south building looking over Lake Ontario. 22 June 2015.

The grounds are open to the public and a parking lot is at the end of the road that winds down towards the lake.

 
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