The breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe reported to us by Mike Cowlard of
St. Thomas at 4:00 p.m. today was still present at 5:15 p.m. at Aylmer
Wildlife Management Area (WMA). We saw the bird across the main pond from
the tall viewing stand, trying to keep its distance from the 1000+ Tundra
Swans still present.
According to Birds of Elgin County, this is only about the 12th record for
the county in 125 years or so. Red-necked Grebes are very rare in Elgin
County and can only be expected during the peak of the migration when
strong north winds associated with storm systems (such as passed through
yesterday and today) cause the birds to deflect from their normal migration
routes and fall-out in southwestern Ontario where they are seen only
occasionally and in small numbers.
Aylmer Wildlife Management Area is about 5 km northeast of Aylmer in Elgin
County. From Aylmer drive north on Imperial Road (Hwy 73), turn right
(east) on Glencolin Line, turn left on Hacienda Road, and turn right into
the WMA just as you reach the south boundary of the Ontario Police College.
From Hwy 401 drive south on Elgin Road which becomes Imperial Road once
you cross into Elgin County and continue to Glencolin Line. Turn left on
Glencolin, left on Hacienda and right into the WMA.
Dave Martin & Linda Wladarski
Harrietsville, ON
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
