Hello birders, I found an adult Common Ringed Plover today at Radiant Lake in Algonquin Park. It was subsequently viewed by Sarah Lamond, Dawn Sherman, Basil Conlin, Lily, Anna and Hayden.
We were able to watch the bird at length for over an hour and obtained several photographs, including many showing the diagnostic lack of webbing on the outer toe from several angles. It was a very sharp individual and was otherwise easy to pick out at a fair distance due to its thick breastband and bright legs. See here for photos: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S58975937 An incredible record which, if accepted, will be the second for Ontario (I believe) and the first for Algonquin Park. Directions: Reaching Radiant Lake is an adventure. It is not for the faint of heart and often takes over a day for a round trip. DO NOT USE GPS or Google Maps to attempt to reach Radiant Lake. It will take you on restricted access roads and you will encounter a gate (and immense disappointment). The ONLY way to reach Radiant Lake is by canoe or kayak from Cedar Lake, accessible from the Brent Campground. There are campsites at Brent (large campground with amenities) and at Radiant (interior campsites). Take Highway 400 north, then Highway 11 to North Bay. Then take Highway 17 eastward to the Brent Road (signed). Launch your canoe or kayak at Cedar Lake, going south, then east along the Petawawa River until the following lake (Radiant). There is amazing shorebird habitat on the southeast end of Radiant Lake, where the plover was. Many rarities have been claimed on this legendary lake, visited by few birders. If you have time, be sure to bird Odenback, a large opening at the southwest end of Radiant Lake that has also held several rarities. Cheers and good birding, Lev Frid _______________________________________________ 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
