The east side of Cranberry Marsh was a great spot to be on the AM of July 25--from the marshside platform two of us viewed a number of birds on the body of water in front of us, while listening to the calling made by a family of 5 aerial-cavorting Northern Harriers. In the water were 5 RED-NECKED GREBES, swimming and diving with 3 Pied-billed Grebes, while families of Mallards and Gadwalls were content to watch. At the barrier beach a 2-year-old BALD EAGLE, harassed by Red-wingeds, settled in to a tall dead willow tree, in which another 2-year-old was perched; they remained for 30 minutes; I did not see them leave. A kidicking VIRGINIA RAIL, right below the platform, had enough of us, thereby literally hopped-flew 3m. to settle into deeper vegetation. In the trees behind the east platform were the following--E.Phoebe,Cedar Waxwing,Yellow Warbler,Am.Goldfinch,E.Kingbird and a loudly-singing House Wren, among others. Undoubtedly a number of Bobolinks are still hanging around--I saw only one this time. Over on Hall's Rd. one could be easily entertained by 5 American Kestrels flying about.
Cranberry marshlands are alive with song--- notably Marsh Wrens, Am.Coots, Virginia Rail and, at the south end- Moorhens. Park in the Lynde Shores C.A. lot along Victoria St. in southwest Whitby--- walk down the private road, alongside the woodlot and then a meadowland to get to the low platform (the high platform is useless!!!). Hall's Rd. is the first street west of the parking lot. Doug Lockrey, Whitby,ON "Doug Lockrey" <[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.
