The glossy ibis was present in the Richmond DR. bog today. As a bonus, we also observed 3 great-crested flycatchers, a yellow-rump warbler, a northern waterthrush, a palm warbler, several yellow warbles and common yellowthroats. An American bittern was sighted yesterday as well as least bitterns. Many oither birds are regulars this time of year. For those of you who may come for a visit next week, the eastern access to the spur line will be blocked from 8-5 Mon.-Fri. because CN are making repairs to the main line. You can, however, walk in from the west end of the marsh where the abandoned spur line crosses old highway 2. CN is not working on the abandoned spur line. Enter on the north side of the road across the road from Trillium Dr. This morning my wife Dawn and I cleared the bush which was growing on the tracks. It is an 8 minute walk down to the marsh and there are lots of birds along that tract also. Come and enjoy the birding from an elevated position on the tracks. It is great for scopes and photography and the birds seem to be more accustomed to people every day. You can even relax on the lawn chairs which are set out on the tracks. The new entry is one half mile west of Richmond DR. I am including the original directions to this site. To get to this area from the west, take highway 401 and exit at Power Dam Dr. ( You can't exit Power Dam Dr. coming from the east.) Go south to the old Highway #2 which is now called Vincent Massey Dr. At the stoplight turn right (west) and drive approximately 1 mile to Richmond Dr. Go north on Richmond Dr. and take a sharp left. At the bottom of the hill, is a walking path up to the abandoned spur line. If you cross the railroad you have gone too far. Walk along the small path (over the huge rail track) to the tracks. Once you reach the spur line turn left and walk the tracks to the marsh area. Please stay on the tracks for your observations. The ibis has been in various locations on the west side of the tracks.
Coming from the east, exit the 401 at Brookdale Ave. Go south over the 401 until you come to the first stoplight. Turn right on Tollgate Rd. Follow Tollgate Rd. until you come to Vincent Massey Dr. Turn right (west) and proceed to Richmond Dr. approximately 2 kilometers. Follow directions above. Bob Scranton _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
