The Holland Landing Sewage Lagoons were excellent again this morning.
Temperature was about 22C and the overcast sky made viewing easy
before the wind picked up. There are 4 ponds and the grass is mowed
around the perimeter. Shorebirds are mainly in ponds 2 and 4. See
directions below.
Short-billed Dowitcher: 3 bright adult hendersoni in worn alternate
(breeding) plumage. No evidence of molt as expected. Short-billeds
generally don't start molting until at least they reach saltwater or
mostly on the wintering grounds.
Least Sandpiper: 67 adults. No evidence of molt as expected. The
first bright rufous juveniles expected in a week.
Lesser Yellowlegs: 43 adults. As expected, most had a variable number
of new basic (winter) scapulars contrasting with the older and darker
alternate feathers imparting a messy or blotchy appearance above.
Greater Yellowlegs: 1 adult in early stages of prebasic
(postbreeding) molt. A normal ratio of Greaters to Lessers.
Solitary Sandpiper: 6 adults in worn alternate plumage. My first fall
migrants of this species. No molt as expected. The pale spots on the
upperparts had mostly worn off compared to the distinctly spotted
birds going north. Pale portions of feathers wear away faster because
they lack dark pigments.
Spotted Sandpiper: +20 adults and 1 fully grown independent juvenile.
My first juvenile of the season. These juveniles are unspotted below
and are often incorrectly said to be in winter (basic) plumage.
Adults do not molt their spots until they reach the wintering grounds
so unspotted Spotted Sandpipers in Ontario are juveniles. There may
be rare exceptions but I haven't seen one in Ontario.
Killdeer: +20 being mostly gray juveniles, some with tail streamers.
Challenge Continues: July is an excellent month to watch for vagrant
adult shorebirds from Eurasia such as Little Stint, Spotted Redshank
and Curlew Sandpiper.
Hint: This is a good time to learn adult shorebird plumages and watch
for signs of molting. When the "brand new" fresh juveniles arrive
you'll recognize them compared to the worn or molting adults. Aging
birds a lot of fun too.
Other Sightings: Had a close view of a Mink - not often seen at
sewage lagoons. Two Rough-winged Swallows loudly buzzing over the
lagoons and I see Chimney Swifts every visit. Wood Ducks,
Green-winged Teal, etc.
I'm hoping that our good friend Kevin McLaughlin (recently retired)
of Hamilton will join me soon for a visit to Holland Landing. Get ready.
Directions: Please read carefully. About 50 km north of Toronto. From
Highway 401 go north on 404 to Green Lane (last exit). Go west on
Green Lane to 6th traffic light. Turn right on Yonge St. and go about
1 km and exit to Holland Landing Road. Follow winding road (no turns)
through Holland Landing for 5.6 km. Turn right on Cedar St. to
lagoons. If you get to Queensville Side Road you've gone about 1 km
past Cedar St. Do not block locked entrance to lagoons. Also do not
climb the new gate. Last year the old gate was broken off its hinges
because people climbed it. Go to small opening at left of gate to old
road. Walk 15 steps to first orange stake. Walk short distance past
large white pine to lagoon road. Wear long pants because of poison
ivy. Last summer I met York Region staff at the lagoons several
times. They were always friendly and even looked through the scope.
Good behaviour will ensure access continues.
Ron Pittaway
Minden and Toronto ON
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
P.S. Jean's in the European Arctic leading a Quest Nature Tour.
