At noon today (Aug 29) there were 6 adult Hudsonian Godwits at Aylmer WMA. Two were noticeably larger than the other four, a difference almost as great as the size difference between Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Females are larger than males. The godwits were feeding vigorously when we first arrived but soon after settled into a much earned rest with bill tucked underwing and the typical one-legged stance of shorebirds. Other highlights were 1 Stilt Sandpiper, 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher and a 2nd year Bald Eagle. The eagle was completely ignored by the shorebirds and Canada Geese as it lumbered over them in the nearly still air. A mob of crows gave a half-hearted chase but quickly gave up when it appeared that the eagle wasn't going to play along. Most of the ducks, though, took to the air but circled only once and landed just as quickly as if someone had falsely called "wolf". There are still several dozen shorebirds of 7 species present. Directions: Located northeast of Aylmer beside the Ontario Police College (OPC). From Hwy 401 drive south on Elgin / Imperial Rd / Hwy 73 to College Line. Turn left /east on College Line. Turn right / south on Hacienda Line. Turn left / east into the WMA at the south end of the OPC and drive to the viewing stands. Dave Martin and Linda Wladarski Harrietsville, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.13/1641 - Release Date: 8/29/2008 7:07 AM
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