At 7:20 this evening, I counted 65 egrets in the roost at Richmond DR. just west of Cornwall. This is the highest count of the year and I expect the numbers to start declining soon. The egrets begin to move to the roosting area about an hour before sunset; it is a wonderful sight to see them fluttering in to take up position at the roost and then undergo extensive preening as the light of day fades. The directions follow. 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. 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 egret roost is on the south side. 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/
