Hello Ontbirders:
Following Jacques Bouvier's report yesterday of two Ross's Geese at the
Alfred sewage Lagoons among 2,000 Snow Geese, I visited the lagoons this
morning. The 2,000 Snow Geese were down to about 200, but luckily, the two
adult white form Ross's Geese were still there and quite easy to pick out in
the reduced numbers of Snow Geese. There were about 20 dark morph Snow Geese
among the flock.
Also in the lagoons were about 20 waterbird species including dozens of Ruddy
Ducks with displaying males and about a dozen Redheads. Also of note were four
Wilson's Phalaropes (two females in breeding plumage) and calling Virginia Rail
and Sora as well as one Black Tern.
All the birds were seen or heard from the birding tower at the south end of
the lagoons.
Directions:
From the town of Alfred go east on Highway 17, then turn
south on Peat Moss Road and drive for 2 km. The lagoons are on your
left (east side of road). The birds are best observed from the viewing
tower.
Access to the viewing tower is free and no permit is needed.
Entrance to the lagoons is prohibited unless in the possession of a
valid ANNUAL PERMIT. The permit can be purchased on week days from the Alfred
town office just beside the fire station. Arrangements can also be made to
receive the permit by fax by contacting Richard Villeneuve at (613)
679-2292.
