On the afternoon of May 16, an Eared Grebe was on the 3rd pond at Aylmer
lagoons. Cells 3 and 4 have good shorebird habitat. Shorebirds present
included 16 Short-billed Dowitchers, 20 Dunlin, 30 Least Sandpipers and
a pair of Wilson's Phalaropes. There were 13 species of waterfowl
including lingering Ring-necked Duck and Redhead and 1 Tundra Swan.
Unusual for here were 5 Mute Swans. Nearby Aylmer Wildlife Management
area has excellent shorebird habitat but, for reasons unknown, has no
shorebirds or waterfowl other than a few Mallards and the resident geese
and 2 lingering Tundra Swans.
A second Eared Grebe was found today, May 17, in the 3rd pond at Port
Stanley lagoons. There is no shorebird habitat at these lagoons and very
few waterfowl - only a pair of Lesser Scaup and a Wood Duck.
Both grebes were in nearly complete breeding plumage.
Directions:
Aylmer lagoons are NW of Aylmer. From Hwy 401 drive south on Elgin /
Imperial / Hwy 73 to Glencolin Line just north of Aylmer. Drive west to
Rodgers Road and turn left. The lagoons are on the west side of the
road. Note that these lagoons are posted No Trespassing. We visit the
lagoons on evenings and on weekends.
Port Stanley lagoons are NW of Port Stanley. From St. Thomas drive south
on Cty Rd 4/ Hwy 4 and turn west on Warren Street / Cty Rd 21. Continue
through Carlow Rd and drive up a steep and winding hill. Turn right on
Scotch Line and follow this road to the lagoons on your left. There are
two viewing stands that provide views over Cells 1& 2 and 3 & 4. The
Eared Grebe was in cell 3 this afternoon.
Dave Martin and Linda Wladarski
Harrietsville
[email protected]
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