I spent some time today at Cooper Marsh (South Lancaster). There were 2 Great Blue Herons and 1 American Wigeon among Canada Geese and Mallards. The Marsh has been undergoing a "draw-down" by Ducks Unlimited to try to restore the marsh from all the cattails and loostrife. We should see changes in species there this year and next. I mention this in light of migrants who use the marsh as a stopover, and for those who go there for breeding birds.
Along Rte 2 west of Summerstown I had a look at Dickerson Island which has a large heronry for Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons, and lately Double-crested Cormorants. The Great Blues are back on many nests, but not the others so far. However in the middle of all those nests was a roosting young Bald Eagle (maybe 2nd year?). In the St Lawrence from Cooper Marsh to Morrisburg are gatherings of Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, and a few Buffleheads. Cheers, Eve -Eve Ticknor Coordinator, OFNC Peregrine Falcon Watch Ottawa, Ontario, Canada [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cooper Marsh is just west of South Lancaster on Rte 2. Take Rte 34 south from the 401 or 417 just before reaching the border of Quebec. For Dickerson Island, follow Rte 2 west from Cooper Marsh, or east from Cornwall until just west of Summerstown. The best fiewing area is in front of the Marlin Orchard Garden Centre. "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." eve ticknor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
