Ontbirders, There was a good variety / number of shorebirds on the mudflats at the east end Wildwood Lake today, although nothing particularly outstanding.
Of the 300 +/- birds present, noteworthy were 1 Red-necked Phalarope, 2 Baird's, 2 Stilt Sands, 2 Sanderling [always scarce inland] and 3 SB Dowitcher. There are good numbers of Pectoral, Least and Lesser Yellowlegs with a few Semipalmated Plover and other odds and ends. 4 dog-fighting Merlin, a Bald Eagle and several fly-over Sharp-shinned Hawks made observations a challenge. I watched one Merlin attack using an imitation flight, flying in slow and undulating, in the manner of a Flicker. Although unsuccessful, I have seen Merlin in the past pull this off, with barely any sign of concern from the prey [Tree Swallow in that case] until the talons hit home. After that, probably lots of concern followed by unconsciousness and death..... There were times when all the shorebirds would abandon the east end and fly west to the second bridge, to get a breather from the harassment. Despite lots of mud below the dyke, most birds were to be found south of here, in the Ducks Unlimited impoundment. There was also 5 Great Egret [no bands to be seen] and 2 Black-crowned Night Heron below the dyke. Hopefully something good turns up as the extent of the mudflats increase through the fall. To reach the lake, take CR 6 north from the 401 to CR 28. Go west through Harrington and take the 1st right [31st Line] to the bridge. Cheers, James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services 14 Marian St, RR#1 Woodstock, On, N4S-7V6 [519]537-2027 226-228-0093 [NEW][cell] [email protected] _______________________________________________ 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/
