Hello folks: Ian Shanahan,Maureen Riggs and Bill Gilmour had the following birds.
Two "red" birds that aren't red this time of year were the highlights of a 14-shorebird species day between Presqu'ile Provincial Park, the Brighton Constructed Wetland and the Brighton Sewage Lagoon. Strong winds in the past few days have suddenly delivered a wide swath of excellent algae flats on the north side of Owen Point. Furthermore, Park maintenance staff have done a fabulous job of preparing the various lookouts on the Owen Point Trail so that visibility is excellent at all points. Below is a run-down of today's shorebirds: *Semipalmated Plover- 12-15 north from Owen Point on the Natural Beach *Black-bellied Plover- at least 4 on the east (near) tip of Gull Island off Owen Point *Killdeer- 2-3 at the Brighton Constructed Wetland (BCW) *Spotted Sandpiper- 1 on the east tip of Gull Island; 2 at the BCW *Solitary Sandpiper- c. 10 at the BCW *Least Sandpiper- 6-7 (juv) at Owen Point; 3-4 at the BCW *Semipalmated Sandpiper- 110-120 at Owen Point; 1-2 at the BCW *Baird's Sandpiper- 2 bright juveniles at Owen Point *Sanderling- 2 adults (1 still quite colourful) at Owen Point *Ruddy Turnstone- 4 juvs and 1 adult on the east tip of Gull Island *Red Knot- 1 juv on the east tip of Gull Island *Lesser Yellowlegs- c. 35 visible at the BCW *Wilson's Snipe- 1 visible at the BCW *Red-necked Phalarope- 1 fresh juv at the Brighton Sewage Lagoon. By viewing from the small pseudo parking area at the SE corner of the lagoon, look towards the SW corner. The bird was often behind a boom, so some patience may be needed before the bird shows itself. Other Notes: *A scope is required for viewing the birds on Gull Island. There also is some heat haze to contend with. *The shorebirds at Owen Point are skittish, but can usually be seen at extremely close range. *An adult White-rumped Sandpiper was at Owen Point yesterday. *Good warbler movement was reported at the Presqu'ile Lighthouse this morning. Directions: *Presqu'ile P.P. is well signed south of Highway 401 exit 509 (Brighton/Campbellford). *The Brighton Constructed Wetland is accessed off the same 401 exit. Drive south on Highway 30. In town, this will become Young Street and then Prince Edward Street south of the railway tracks. Just outside of town, the road bends east and becomes County Road 64. At the bend is the lookout station and small parking area for the BCW. A pass ($5.00) is needed to access this site. *The Brighton Sewage Lagoon is the first left on County Road 64 just past the BCW. Visitors cannot go beyond the gate. The south bound party is underway. Good birding! Bill Gilmour, Maureen Riggs and Ian Shanahan _______________________________________________ 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
