The renown of this location is obviously spreading. Several other birders were present this morning. Nothing unusual was observed, other than a single Red-necked Phalarope. However, the variety of shorebirds was pleasing. The following species were observed, in the order in which they were first seen. Killdeer - abundant Song Sparrow - 2 American Goldfinch - Common Lesser Yellowlegs - Common Mallard - Common Ring-billed Gull +/- 12 Cedar Waxwing - 1 feeding on elderberries and flycatching Short-billed Dowitcher - 2 Savannah Sparrow - 5 Pectoral Sandpiper - 8 Red-winged Blackbird - 12+ Semipalmated Sandpiper - 25 (probably outnumbered Least) Barn Swallow - 25+ Tree Swallow - 10 Solitary Sandpiper - 2 Spotted Sandpiper - 2 Semipalmated Plover - 4 Least Sandpiper - +/- 15 White-rumped Sandpiper - 1 Cliff Swallow - 10 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2 Blue-winged Teal - several Canada Goose - 50 Red-necked Phalarope - 1 Northern Shoveler - 1 Greater Yellowlegs - 1 Turkey Vulture - 1 House Sparrow - 2
Others reported seeing a Baird's Sandpiper. We searched dilgently since this species would have been a lifer for Miriam, but we were unable to locate it. David Gascoigne and Miriam Bauman Waterloo, ON Directions: Take Highway 8 from Stratford directly to Mitchell. You will pass a sign that proclaims that Howie Morenz was born in Mitchell and then to another sign announcing the town of Mitchell. You will shortly thereafter pass a Tim Horton's; continue on to the first set of traffic lights. This is Wellington Street. Turn left (south) and go as far as you can. You will then be in the parking lot for the wetlands. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
