Hi folks, Just got back from checking out the wetlands this afternoon....and found there’s now 3 WILSON’S PHALAROPES actively feeding in the fenced in cell. All 3 are in different plumages and were roughly together in the right (south) end of this cell....best seen from the last observation cut-out along the fence before you get to the pumping station enclosure.
There were also 2 nice STILT SANDPIPERS in this same cell....one which was still exhibiting some of the heavily barred alternate plumage and providing great looks and the other appeared to be a worn adult in pre-basic molt. I also had what looked to be a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (possible juv.) snoozing on one leg with it’s head tucked around....but based on the wing projection and chestnut patterning on the scaps I’d say it was a white-rumped. Lots of other shorebirds including Lesser Yellowlegs (lots), Greater Yellowlegs (2), SP Sandpipers (5), Least Sandpipers (small flock of 5 arriving while I was there and others scattered along the fringes of the water), Solitary Sandpipers (2), Pectoral (lots with at least a couple of early juvies), Killdeer (lots). Water levels are pretty good right now...and if we could get a few days with no rain it will improve the levels nicely. Good birding! Dave Directions to West Perth Wetlands: >From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the ball diamond. Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. >From the London area....take Hwy 23 into Mitchell from the south and just after you pass the "Welcome to Mitchell" sign...watch for Frank St...go right on Frank St and head down over the bridge till you get to the ball diamond (will be on your right). Again...the cells are behind the ball diamond and soccer fields. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. >From Southampton area....take Hwy 21, to Goderich and then Hwy 8 to Clinton and down to Mitchell, turn south on Hwy 23 to Frank St. and turn left on Frank St. and head over the bridge to the ball diamonds (which will be on your right). You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
