Greetings: Rod and I made a trip into the Constructed Wetland this morning.
We saw- Hairy Woodpecker, many Redwing Blackbirds, Common Grackles, Chickadees, Mallard, Ring Necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Canada Geese and two Mute Swans and heard the Northern Flicker. We also saw the first Song Sparrow of the season. There was also a magnificent Red-tail Hawk soaring over the wetland. As we were leaving the Wetland we heard the Marsh Wren. The Marsh Wren were present December 14, 2008 for the Christmas Bird count (Maureen Riggs). I do not know if they left after that or stayed around all winter. It was just lovely to hear them.
We spoke to Tiny and he described the hawk he saw yesterday hanging around the Osprey nest as - bigger than a Red-tail with a very light coloured breast with mild stripping. Please forward any suggestions to Tiny.
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. Look for the Wetland viewing sign at the east end of the Wetland. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/

