Sue and I just got back from what we thought would be a quick trip to check on the grebes before going to Sobeys. The east nest has four chicks, one of which hatched this afternoon. The eggshell was still in the nest. Unfortunately the newly hatched chick went into the water before his/her feathers were waterproof and was unable to climb onto an adult or the nest. For whatever reason the chick swam to shore where I picked him/her up and tossed him/her back to the parents after warming the chilled little bird in my hands. Again the chick swan to shore. There was quite a crowd of photographers and passers by watching. The collective wisdom was to try from the other side so we gained access to the dock and this time got the chick close to parents who did investigate a couple of times but the chick was too waterlogged and weak to climb onto a parent's back. At times we could not see the chick in the water and assumed that it was only a matter of time. Whenever we thought the chick was dead some movement was observed. Eventually I was able to retrieve the chick using my tripod as a grappling hook. The cold little guy was pretty limp in my hand but eventually perked up with warming. We needed a boat. This is a marina there must be a boat available! Sue found willing boater and junior was returned to the nest. The parents soon returned and one sat on their youngest and the one remaining egg.
We observed three chicks at the west nest and then did our grocery shopping. Directions: Exit the QEW at Bronte Rd. (Oakville) and go south to the lake, turn left at the lake and park near the Lighthouse Restaurant. The nests are near the playground equipment. Gavin Edmondstone Oakville, Ontario _______________________________________________ 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/
