Yesterday (August 19, 2014) Colin Griffiths and I visited the wetland located on the south side of county Road 64 in Brighton. We were surprised to see that almost half of the north cell (especially the east end) has little or no vegetation. I contacted Keith Lee who told me that during the Winter months, the resident Muskrats had eaten the cattails. Combined with a wet summer, the re-growth is not happening as fast as was expected. The water levels are down in each cell, the result "should" be an exceptional opportunity for shorebird migration viewing. The south cell also has some very good viewing areas. Leads me to think, that the resident Muskrats had quite an appetite last Winter.
Colin and I heard Virginia Rails, Common Moorhen and saw Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer, Least Sandpipers and heard several other species. As we were leaving the wetland 2 of this years Osprey offspring returned to the nest. That is right, our resident Osprey successfully raised "3" chicks. Amazing! Remember you must have a 2014 permit in order to access the wetland. The permit is still $5.00. Most sincerely Joan The wetland is located 7.2 kilometres south of the 401 at exit 509, Highway 30. _______________________________________________ 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
