The Port Perry lagoons were quite productive again today, Monday August 20th, especially the two westerly ponds where water levels are low. Shorebirds tallied were: Semipalmated Plover 11 Killdeer 31 Spotted Sandpiper 5 Solitary Sandpiper 3 Greater Yellowlegs 9 Lesser Yellowlegs 167 Semipalmated Sppr 19 Least Sandpiper 186 White-rumped Sppr 2 moulting ads. Baird's Sandpiper 2 juvs. - most westerly lagoon Pectoral Sandpiper 14 Short-billed Dowitcher 3 juvs. Red-necked Phalarope 2 juvs. - south end of second lagoon
There were also over 500 Boneys and 4 Black Terns. 2 imm./f Bufflehead, a few Wood Ducks and N.Shovelers among many Mallards and both teal. 1 juv. Pied-billed Grebe. 4 Ospreys, including at least 3 juvs., all now flying. It was a cool morning with north winds and in places the gravel paths were black with hundreds of swallows trying to get warm. (All 5 species but no Purple Martins) Just after noon, the Willet was showing well from the north viewing platform on Halls Road west of Cranberry Marsh. It was flying short distances to dramatic effect and flashing its wings while feeding, accompanied by 2 Black-bellied Plovers and 2 Great Egrets. Directions to the Port Perry lagoons: Permits MUST be purchased in advance of entering the lagoons. They cost $5.00 at the Durham Region Transfer Site at 1623 Reach Rd, Port Perry open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Thursday from 8:00 am to 6 pm. Travel north on Hwy 12 past Port Perry to the next traffic lights at Regional Road 8 = Reach Rd. and go east to #1623 on the north side of the road. The lagoons are one road north of the transfer site, east off Hwy 12 on Conc. Rd. 8 (don't get confused as, despite the fact that these roads are both numbered "8", they are two different roads.) For Cranberry Marsh, leave Hwy. 401 at Brock Street, Whitby, Exit 410. Go south to Victoria St., then west to Halls Road and south to park at the first viewing platform. Margaret Bain Cobourg [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
