Hello everyone: This report comes on behalf of Keith Lee (Tiny).
A number of us managed to get into the Constructed Wetland before the thunderstorms arrived.
As usual the Marsh Wrens were very vocal, two Great Blue Heron, many Moorhen (both seen and many more heard), many young Mallard, our Trumpeter Swan (Oscar still alone), Song Sparrows, Common Yellow Throated Warbler, 10+ Lesser Yellowlegs, 4 American Widgeon (immature just starting to get their adult plumage - trés jolis - very beautiful indeed), Green Heron, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Wood Duck, Northern Oriole, Cedar Waxwings, Red Winged Blackbirds, Tree and Barn Swallows, Purple Martin, Mourning Doves, Least Sandpiper, Gold Finch, 10+ Scaup (fly over) and a Cormorant (fly over).
Our first ever Osprey youngster (Catfish) is totally amazing. It has more than doubled in size in just 1 week. Now the good stuff - - I mentioned before that a third adult Osprey had been around the nest. It appeared today when our adult male was off fishing. The adult female went into the air above the visitor and when the visitor went near the nest, our female folded her wings and performed a totally amazing dive at the intruder. This is the first time that Tiny and I (perhaps others also) have seen an Osprey in attack mode. The visitor/intruder was driven away, we all cheered. Shortly after the attack our male Osprey appeared with its meal for Catfish. The adult male was calling and looked like it would land on the nest but then went back into the air and left with the meal. What exactly this means, we do not know. Was the adult male trying to get our Catfish into the air?
Another totally pleasant visit to Brighton Constructed Wetland. Thank you Tiny for your time! A reminder that the Constructed Wetland is open Saturdays 8:30am until 10:00. If anyone would like to enter at another time, please contact Rod and I as we have been authorized (by Tiny) to set up a time with any number of local birds who have permission to enter the Wetland. Maureen and Rod Directions: The Constructed Wetland is located at the SE corner of Brighton. From Hwy 401, take the Brighton exit 509 (Hwy. 30) and follow it south into town. Go south through the two traffic lights, over the railway tracks and follow the main road, now called Prince Edward Street, south. About 1 km south of the tracks, the main road begins to swing to the left and becomes Cty. Rd. 64. As this long turn ends the Constructed Wetlands appear on the right side. _______________________________________________ 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
