This morning, from 0657 - 0733, I observed 4 Great Egrets roosting in Lynde Creek at the south end of the main island in the creek, south of Victoria Street in Whitby. They were standing in close proximity to one another in shallow water amidst more than 1600 waterfowl (Canada Geese, Mallards, Northern Shovelers, etc.). During 0725-0728, three of the egrets flew off to the south and then west. Over the next 30 minutes, I observed 2 egrets at nearby Cranberry Marsh, 300-400m to the west.
The cycle of egrets roosting overnight in Lynde Creek, then foraging during the day in Cranberry Marsh, only a few hundred metres away, and then returning to roost again in Lynde Creek is one that I have observed for several years. It can be observed easily if you watch from either the East Observation Platform t Cranberry Marsh, or the most northerly platform on the west side of the marsh, at dusk. The foraging egrets will depart from the marsh to the NE (towards Lynde Creek). To locate the actual roosting area, you can follow the path eastward from the East Observation Platform. When you come to the memorial bench (on your right), leave the path and continue walking due east, through the bush, until you come to the creek. You should see a relatively large island in the creek; the egrets roost in the shallow water at the south end of this island. Earlier in the summer, they often roost in the shoreline trees. Directions: From Hwy 401 in the Whitby area, exit southward on Salem Road, turn left on Victoria St, continue east past Halls Road, turn off to the right at the Lynde Shores Conservation Area. Park in the parking lot and walk the main path southward to the East Observation Platform. Follow the above instructions from there to get to the actual roost. But the egrets won't be hanging around much longer. Please let me know what you see. J Cheers, Chip _______________________________________________ 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
