At about 5:30 pm today (Friday October 24th), I observed a pair of rusty blackbirds on the University of Waterloo campus in the Village 1 marsh. 1 had distinct fall plumage and the other was darker, possibly still in breeding plumage or else molting. Both birds were vocalizing (singing) quite regularly. There were many red-winged blackbirds and starlings around as well as robins, blue-jays, etc.
The rusties were perching in some trees on the edge of the forest just on the north side of the creek, and also flying across the marsh and back. For reference, there was a clump of 3 thick dead trunks with the bark peeled off next to where they were perching. This spot is about halfway between the health services building and the bridge at Ron Eydt Village, and right along the creek. There is no official trail to this part of the marsh. Directions: The University of Waterloo is in Waterloo, ON, about 1.5 hours west of Toronto. Coming from the 401, take highway 8 going north and follow signs to Waterloo, exit at University Ave. Go west to Seagram and turn into the university. Left on ring rd. and left at the entrance to REV and MKV. There is parking around here but I'm not sure if it's free or not. The campus can also be accessed from from the North from Columbia st. From Ring rd., walk down the path along the V1 green and cut into the woods just before they merge with the path. Good birding, Karl Heide _______________________________________________ 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
