I birded the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park this morning and found a
small colony of Clay-colored Sparrows. In late summer of 2002 I had several
of them at this location but being late summer was never really sure if
these birds were in a breeding colony or just birds on the move. Today I
both saw and heard no fewer than 4 singing males and I'll describe the exact
location within this park below.
This park is a grassland area of at least 200 acres and is a mecca for
Sparrows. Though not seen nor heard this morning, I do know that a sizable
population of Grasshopper Sparrows breed here. Particularly on the hills
and flat areas immediately to the west of the small lake.
Also seen there this morning were many, many Bobolinks and Eastern
Meadowlarks, several Least Flycatchers, at least 4 singing Alder
Flycatchers, a Green Heron, and the usual Sparrow species. (Field, Song,
Chipping, Swamp, Savannah, Vesper {heard only}, White-throated.
This is a wonderful grassland habitat for birding and being under-birded,
anything is possible. I've often thought that one of these years I'll come
across Henslow's Sparrows here as there assuredly is suitable habitat in
certain areas of the grasslands.
To get to the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, go north on Hwy 10 to the
Village of Caledon where you turn left. Proceed westerly for a few km until
McLaren Road. Go south 1.9 km to the park entrance (No park fees required).
There are well marked paths through the fields and the path I usually follow
takes you in a circle (perhaps a walk of 1 km) around the small lake low in
a hollow. (Not seen from the gravel parking lot.) Follow the path and keep
to the left or clockwise and some distance later you will see the small lake
below. As the grass path makes a turn to your right at the most southerly
end of the lake, and about a hundred yards from it, you will see several 10
to 12 foot high conifers and blossoming shrubs. It was withing this area
that I found the Clay-coloreds this morning.
Good luck
Terry Osborne
"Terry Osborne" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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