There is an American White Pelican at Cootes Paradise in Hamilton. It was found yesterday by Rob Stavinga, who had it near Rat Island in the northwestern part of the marsh. I was able to see the bird today (Aug. 29) around 12:30 pm from Princess Point at the SE corner of Cootes Paradise, looking west with my scope as it swam nearby the island. This is a relatively easy to get to vantage point if you don't have much time. Otherwise, if you want to get close looks, the best bet would be from the North Shore Trails at Cootes, specifically the Marsh Boardwalk. As an aside, I also saw three Great Egrets perched in dead trees on Rat Island.
Directions: To Princess Point - Take Hwy 403 through Hamilton. Heading westbound, take the York Blvd. exit; follow York Blvd. to Dundurn St.; turn right onto Dundurn; go to King St., turn right. At the first light past the overpass, turn right onto Macklin Ave. Follow this to the end to the parking area for Princess Point. From the parking lot, walk north onto the point and view from one of the clearings through the trees to the west onto the marsh at Cootes Paradise. From eastbound on Hwy 403, take the Aberdeen St. exit; turn left on Longwood Ave.; follow this to the very end which meets up with Macklin at the entrance to Princess Point. To North Shore Trails - Take Hwy 6 between Hwy 403 and Clappisons Corners; turn west on York Rd. towards Dundas; turn left at the four-way stop onto Old Guelph Rd.; follow this to the the entrance to the Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum and Nature Centre (entrance fee may be required); from the parking area, take the Captain Cootes Trail out to the Marsh Boardwalk (about a 30 min. walk). Rob Dobos Dundas, Ont. > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > "Dobos,Rob [Burlington]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
