Greetings from my corner of the world:
The Brighton Constructed Wetland is indeed a very busy "nursery". I went to
the wetland late
this afternoon and was immediately greeted by a beautiful family with "4"
Moorhen chicks. The interesting thing about this sight
was something I have not heard before. The adult male let out a succession of
"bongs". It sound like a hammer hitting
a metal bell. The babies scampered after the adults and quickly disappeared
into the cattail. I saw 4 families in all.
Wood Ducks - Well the plot thickens - When the female gives her single squawk
the babies make haste to her
from where ever they are. If she give several calls in a row, the kids "dive"
under water and out of sight.
A third different call and the little ones very slowly make their way to her
side. Would I have seen this if not for
the wetland and easy viewing? I think not.
I also saw Barn, Tree and Rough winged swallows. Canada Geese with 2 - 5
goslings each that ranged in age from -
oh my, you are so young to my goodness you are starting to look a lot like Mom
and Dad. At least 5/6 families were together,
Day Care style. They may be seeking protecting, in numbers, from the Mute
Swans who had 5 little ones.
The Osprey continue to sit on the nest. I think something has hatched from the
movement of the female as she resettled on
the nest after a short fly around. Dad was not visible but I am sure he was
close. The smallest resident was being very vocal.
I watched in amazement as a Marsh Wren, literally ran across the top of some
duckweed.
The wetland is located exactly 7.2 kilometres south of the eastbound 401 at
exit 509. State on highway 30 right through town.
The wetland will appear on your right as your approach a curve in the road.
Maureen
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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/
