Hello Ontbirders : Local birders, myself included, have been checking on
the water conditions and bird sightings at the lagoon. As usual it is cold and
windy there---have your mittens in your pocket ! There are many ducks there
at present on all 5 ponds---Yes, there are 5 ! However the water is extremely
high, and only suitable for ducks and geese. Those looking for duck species
should be pleased with the # of species, and easy viewing of same.
For newcomers to Ontbirds, I want to inform you that you must have a 2008
permit to enter the lagoons. These are free and easy to obtain. Only 1 person
in the group needs the permit, but that person is responsible for his / her
guests.
In the last 2 years there has been an ongoing problem with visitors NOT
locking the gate when they leave. I can see that this is often because the
person has not changed the combination lock #'s---therefore the lock
remains "unlocked " ! Let's try to be more careful this season. Thanks.
Note: Today the Municipality has closed Lagoon Rd. North of the lagoons,
between Allison Line and Middle Line---bridge out. This will probably only
affect the local birders--not those using directions from below.
Thanks for entering your sightings in the book--this is a great help to
those coming in after you. See you there ! ----- Irene
Irene Woods
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Blenheim, ON
Chatham-Kent Municipality
Directions + Pass Info :
Directions; Blenheim is on #3 H [Talbot Rd. ] in Chatham-Kent.
Take # 3 H West out of Blenheim, about 1 km.
You will see a car wash at the corner of Lagoon Rd.,
turn right [ North]. Go about !/2 km. and you will see a small
locked gate [ see below]. Enter at this gate only.
NEW : For those coming by #401. Take interchange
#91-which is #40 H North & Communication Rd. South.
Travel South, twds Blenheim, a few km. Just as you reach
The outskirts of Blenheim, you will see a new "Sobey's "
Grocery store. It is at the corner of Allison Rd. Turn right
On Allison and travel 2.9 km. This will take you to Lagoon Rd.,
Where you will see the lagoon property and the small gate
[ not the Large gate].
For those who have other "people needs "----the Sobey's store
Is open 24 hours each day----has "Hot" and "Cold" deli foods,
And a clean public WASHROOM----what more could you ask for ?
Gas, you say ?---a few hundred metres from Sobey's, is a No Frills
store---they have a gas bar---daytime hours only.
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To obtain permit : Permits are free & are good for 1 year.
The permit must be carried by at least 1 person in each group.
There are now 5 ways to get your permit !!!!
BY E_MAIL :
Send your name; address; phone #; and request to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
She will email your permit----You PRINT---and go!
{She asks that you mention if this is a renewal permit]
How easy is that !!!!!!
By Mail:
: Blenheim Municipal Service Centre
P.O.Box 2128, Blenheim,On., N0P 1A0
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By Fax : 519-676-0244
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By phone : 519-676-5405
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In person : at the Municipal Service Centre
8am---5pm Mon.--Fri.
35 Talbot St. West
[in the Post Office building ]
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Should you need further directions contact me at
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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