Despite a discouraging weather forecast, a half dozen birders showed up for yesterday's OFO trip to Skunk's Misery. Although the amount of song was diminished by the weather, we managed to locate nearly all of our target species. This included great looks at Acadian Flycatcher, good looks at Hooded, Cerulean and Blue-winged Warblers and heard-only Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Pileated Woodpecker.
We next visited Ridgetown and Blenhiem sewage lagoons where we saw several White-rumped Sandpipers among the numerous Semipalmated Sandpipers, along with a few other shorebird and duck species. All in all, a great day! Thanks to all the participants for a successful trip. Gavin Platt & Rob Read Directions: *Skunk's Misery* Skunk's Misery is located near the town of Newbury in very southwestern Middlesex County. From the 401, exit at Furnival Road (exit 129) and go north to Wardsville. Continue north out of Wardsville on Hagerty Rd. The first east-west road north of Wardsville is Trillium, the second is Centreville. Turning left (west) on either will take you into Skunk's Misery. The main roads for birding are Centreville, Dogwood, Sassafrass and Trillium. Please email me privately for directions to specific species. * * *Ridgetown Sewage Lagoons* Ridgetown is about 30 minutes east of Chatham. Exit 401at Rd. 21 (#109) and head south. From the main corner in Ridgetown at ErieSt. and Main St., follow Erie St. north about 1.5 km to Mitton Line/Palmer St. Turn left onto Mitton Line and go past fertilizer plant. Lagoons are on the south (left) side and you will see a viewing stand. Do not enter beyond fence. You can also view the north ponds by driving up the laneway on the north side of Mitton and around the buildings. * * *Blenhiem Sewage Lagoons* Blenheim Lagoons are on Lagoon Road north of Highway 3 several km west of Blenheim. Permit required. _______________________________________________ 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/
