Picton Area This morning we drove down to see the Black-bellied Whistling Duck. It was sitting directly across the closest pond on the opposite bank – it’s distinct orange beak plainly visible to the naked eye. Over a period of 90 minutes (10:00 am – 11:30 am), numerous individuals stopped to watch this amazing creature sit amongst six female mallards, feed in the shallow waters with them and spread its wings while walking about in plain view to the delight of all present (one gentleman even drove up from Buffalo). It’s well worth the drive to Picton. Brighton Area Today, the Brighton Sewage lagoons “Constructed Wetland” were open to the public and there we had great views of 3 Common Moorehens, while walking on the trails, 1 Ospreyand 5 female Wood Ducks. We also observed 5 large painted turtles sunning themselves and numerous Widow Skimmer Dragonflies, with their distinctive white tails and dark bands through their wings. A big thanks to Keith Tiny Lee for the open house. Tony and Joandice Marshall, Richmond Hill Directions as previously posted: From the west end of Picton at the traffic lights take Lake Street from the LCBO and follow south (Lake Street becomes County Road 10) about 9 km to Cherry Valley. At the stop sign in Cherry Valley, turn left and follow C.R. 10 to Milford. The ponds are 10 km from the turn in Cherry Valley. Upon reaching Milford, turn left at the stop sign (a T or 3-way intersection), then right again at the post office in Milford, and continue on C.R.10 for about 2-3 km. The ponds are on a farm to your left on the bend of the highway just beyond and across from the intersection of Royal Road. The Wetland is located at #11 - County Road 64* exactly 7.2 kilometers south on highway 30 at exit 509 - Brighton.
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