Hi Birders,
There were three (3) HUDSONIAN GODWITS near the beginning of the Marsh Trail
in Rondeau Provincial Park. They are the first I have seen in the area this
year!
There are many mudflats/veggie mats off the north end of the Marsh Trail
that are good for shorebirds. There were hundreds of Sanderlings, many
Pectoral Sandpipers, Dunlin and a couple of White-rumped Sandpipers among
the shorebirds.
Large numbers of Juncos and Chipping Sparrows were at the north end of the
park. Among the Yellow-rumped Warblers were a Nashville and getting-late
Cape May.
At Blenheim Lagoons, the American Avocets were still present, but in the
first pond today. This pond has been drawn down providing excellent feeding
habitat for shorebirds and gulls. There were numerous Dunlin and Pectoral
Sandpipers, as well as two Snipe. A Vesper Sparrow was along the edge with
Savannahs. Sandhill Cranes were nearby as I could hear them, but not see
them. A Red Fox was running around the lagoons also.
Lagoon Directions: Exit 401 at #90 (Communications Rd.) and head into
Blenheim. At the main stoplight turn right (west) onto Rd. 3. Travel about
1.5 km and turn right (north) onto Lagoon Rd. at the carwash, and continue
north about 1 km to gate. You must have an annual permit to enter.
Available at the Municipal Service Centre, 35 Talbot St. in Blenheim,
during business hours, fax (519) 676-0244.
Rondeau Provincial Park is found by exiting 401 at #101 (Kent Bridge Rd.)
and travelling south to Rose Beach Line. Turn right and head towards the
park. Watch for prominent highway signs.
Blake A. Mann
Wallaceburg
Chatham-Kent, Ontario
boatmannATkentDOTnet
