Late this afternoon, 13 May, we had an excellent turnout of many birders for shorebird viewing at the managed Hillman Marsh Shorebird Cell. Volunteers from the Ontario Field Ornithologists showed shorebirds and discussed identification and plumages to visiting birders. Hundreds of shorebirds put on a great show and were close to the new shorebird blind. Most shorebirds were in high breeding plumage. Highlights were:
One early Whimbrel - this was a life bird for many Hundreds of Black-bellied Plovers 1 Long-billed Dowitcher - a life bird for many About 8 Short-billed Dowitchers (subspecies hendersoni) 1 Greater and several Lesser Yellowlegs 4 Ruddy Turnstones Hundreds of Dunlin Several Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers Several Semipalmated Plovers For the new shorebird blind we thank Essex Region Conservation Authority, Mike Malone of Pelee Wings Nature Store, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Point Pelee National Park and Canada Trust Friends of the Environment. Shorebirding will get better as we approach the peak migration time. Jean Iron, Ron Pittaway, John Black, Rob Maciver, Sarah Rupert, Kevin McLaughlin, Justin Peter and others shared their scopes to show keen birders the shorebirds. _______________________________________________ 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/
