OntBirds subscribers: Today (30 September 2017) I visited Westmeath PP in search of Ammodramus sparrows. I wanted to put this note together for those planning on visiting this birding site over the next few weeks. The water level along the Ottawa River at Westmeath is approximately 0.5 m (possibly more) higher than last year. What this means is the walk through the sedge meadow is quite a wet one. At minimum the water depth through the sedge meadow is a few inches deep; at maximum, the depth rises up to 0.5 m (approx). Rubber boots and rain pants are strongly recommended! One option (to stay drier for longer) is to walk ENE along the ATV trail right near the tree line, from the Sand Point Road access to the park. In theory, one could walk approximately 1.5 km (or so) along this drier bit then head into the sedge meadow from there. The Nelson's I've encountered in the past were typically concentrated 2-2.5 km ENE from the Sand Point Road dead end. They were often hanging out in the taller sedges rimming the points-of-land that jut out from the shoreline contour of the park. These can be seen from Google Maps. The first and somewhat subtle point-of-land seen on the map (approx 2-2.2 km from Sand Point, walking ENE) is a good area to spend time in, at least in my experience. I found only a single Nelson's Sparrow during today's walk, but there certainly could have been more.
Directions: From Highway 17, take Indian Rd NE to Beachburg Road. Turn left (NW) on Beachburg, then right (E) on Westmeath. Continue along Westmeath to Sand Point Rd., then turn left (N). Sand Point Rd. dead ends; park there. Walk N to the beach then begin to head ENE along the beach to access the sedge meadow Happy October birding, Jon _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
