We visited the new shorebird impoundment at Hillman Marsh CA today near Leamington. Excellent! Ducks: American Black Ducks, Gadwalls, Mallards, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveller, Blue-Winged Teal, Green-Winged Teal, 1 Longtailed (female), 1 Redhead, Lesser Scaup, 4 female Bufflehead, Ruddy Ducks (many). Non-ducks included: American Golden Plover (2), Willet (2), Greater yellowlegs (2), Lesser Yellowlegs (7), Dunlin(81), Horned Larks (2), and a mature Bald Eagle. There were common sparrows and warblers around the bushy perimeter.
Conversely, the old long dyke walk yielded only a pair of Blue-Winged Teal and a Mallard. The water in the old marsh was too high for waders except the Great Blue Herons. We did get a pair of Black Terns, however. Entry fee is $4.00- a real bargain. Directions : Hillman Marsh CA is east of Leamington between the first and second concessions. You access the new habitat thru the old gate on the second concession. Ample parking and washrooms are provided. Very wet, some birders had plastic bags over their boots. Scope required to get all the ducks; it's a big area. Wayne Bullock Ancaster, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Bullock Family" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
