Hey folks, Just a quick update on birds and conditions at West Perth Wetlands here in Mitchell.
Lots of shorebirds this evening when I managed to get out there…. including 20 SB Dowitchers in the cell in the NE part of the wetland behind the processing plant. Also a good number of other species including Lesser Yellowlegs (50+), Killdeer (15), Semipalmated Sandpiper (7), Least Sandpiper (35), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Solitary Sandpiper (3) and Spotted Sandpiper (3). The SB Dowitchers were feeding in 2 distinct flocks in that cell with 4 off by themselves (likely the same birds that’ve been here for a couple of days now) and then the other 16 that were more out in the middle with a large group of Lesser Yellowlegs and a number of Mallards. A few shorebirds can be found in the cell right behind the parking lot but the water levels need to come down a couple more inches to make it ideal for shorebirds. I’m working on it... but the rain didn’t help… lol. Also the rain took away quite a bit of the mud edge in the fenced in cell though there were still a few birds in there. Maybe see you out there,,,, so good birding! Dave Directions to West Perth Wetlands (Mitchell): >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. Wetland cells are straight back behind the ball diamond and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. >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. >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). Walk down the side of the soccer fields to the cells behind. _______________________________________________ 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
