Hi folks, Was out at the wetlands later yesterday afternoon and just finally getting the chance to post...
Right in the cell behind the parking area I had (finally) a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE actively feeding in amongst the other shorebirds. Great little bird constantly on the move and the first I’ve had out there this season. There were also 1 juvenile BAIRD’S SANDPIPER in the cell behind the plant with great patterning in the back and very buff. I may have had a second Baird’s way back in the NE corner of this cell as well. I also had a wonderful view of an AMERICAN BITTERN from about 50 feet away in the NW corner of the biggest cell at the back....right as you approach that cell. Make sure to approach quietly as it was right close along the edge down to the right. It stood stock still in the classic pose with its bill pointed upward looking right at me. Interestingly, While I was watching it in my scope a SORA darted out from within 3 feet of it and did a quick tour of the mud and then darted back into cover! That’s the first I’ve seen of the Sora in a couple of months. Lots of other shorebirds including Lesser Yellowlegs (lots), Greater Yellowlegs (6), Semipalmated Sandpipers (5), Least Sandpipers (lots), Solitary Sandpipers (3), Pectoral Sandpipers (30+) spread around all 3 cells. Water levels are still pretty good though the biggest cell is too deep for the peeps. 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 (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
