This evening I found a Red Phalarope flying around over Lake Pond in the Point Pelee marsh while I was out in my kayak. It was an adult part way through moulting into winter plumage, with an orange body, white undertail, and white face with black smudge over the eyes. I first heard it calling as it flew around overhead and managed a good look and some photos of it. Pretty exciting and unexpected!
Hopefully it landed somewhere and will be around this weekend, but who knows. Point Pelee is at the end of Point Pelee Dr., southeast of Leamington, Essex County. To get to the marsh (kayak/canoe required, can be rented at Boardwalk store or Pelee Wings a couple km away) turn left into the Marsh Boardwalk parking lot. There are usually other shorebirds, gulls, etc. out in the marsh. Tonight there was a Stilt Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, and Lesser Black-backed Gull among the other more common species. If you’re into paddling this is a very worthwhile visit! Good birding, Jeremy Bensette Point Pelee and Essex County area guiding - Please contact me if interested in booking _______________________________________________ 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
