It was fairly obvious today and that spring migrants continue to trickle in. At least a dozen Red-winged Blackbirds were singing on territory. There were two Killdeers at the north end of a narrow band of mud and weeds in the middle of the marsh (best seen the 'knoll' boardwalk. There were 4 American Woodcocks feeding exposed areas of mud and moss in the floodplain of Sheridan Creek about 100 yds from the second bridge upstream on Sheridan Creek and the north trail street exit to Silverbirch Trail (the brick pump house in the corner). Unfortunately the woodcocks were flushed by two big dogs off their leashes ... and there were lot of people today that clearly did not read the signs or chose to ignore the rule about dogs on leashed. The Tufted Titmouse was singing in the spruce trees near where I last saw it ... it the large house with huge block retaining wall that fronts onto Nautalix; they have huge bird feeder in the back yard. This informal trail runs close to north end of 'Knoll' trail and close to the last bridge downstream over Sheridan Creek. Good numbers of Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows and American Tree Sparrows and one each of Carolina Wren and White-throated Sparrow. A male Pileated Woodpecker spent close to hour working in Paper Birch about 40 feet from the boardwalk nearest the newly enlarge marsh tower. About 50 people had the opportunity to see the bird chipping away the tree and pulling out grubs from the rotten wood ... and understand why it's important to preserve native habit like Rattray Marsh.
Directions: Go south down to the end Bexhill which runs south of Lakeshore about 5 long blocks east Erin Mills Parkway; park at the metal gate The marsh and knoll trail start at the bottom of hill from the parking area. This gets you into, more or less, the middle of main area of the marsh. Find a street map to orient yourself and/or follow the the trail map inside the park. Wayne Renaud _______________________________________________ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
