Greetings Birders, Recent adventures in Essex have produced some great fall birding.
Firstly I have discovered a new habit in the Lasalle area which is currently attracting shorebirds. The back of the Holy Cross School on Sandwich parkway has been bulldozed out to produce a large man made pond. This probably occurred in the last few months as it is still quite denuded though some plants have found purchase. A creek flows into this pond and it discharges towards Lasalle Woods. I am unsure of the future of this pond .. it is likely going to have houses around it but for now birds and birders can benefit. Part of me hopes the city is helping to create new habitats for wildlife but that is probably naive of me. Anyway this week at this yet to be named pond, I have sighted Solitary , Spotted S.P. , Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. A friend visited there today while I was exploring Harrow and Pelee areas and found larger numbers of Yellowlegs and 3 American Golden Plover. The water level has been steadily dropping in the last few days. It is about half exposed now and shrinking fast. I went to the Harrow Sewage Lagoons today ( Sept. 7), a fellow birder pointed me to the proper location of the best ponds. Shortly upon entering an Osprey did an overhead pass. The third lagoon is the most active with upwards of 100 Lesser Yellowlegs. I believe Greater were also present though far out from shore and being scopeless I can't be certain. Also present were Pectoral, Spotted, Solitary SP. There are 'peeps' present too, again ID being difficult ( I really need a scope !!! ) Incidentally on a trip here last Sunday I found a Pectoral Sandpiper floundering on the ground. It was brought to the rehab. center in Amhestburg. The bird did not appear to have an injury so I hope the rehab. people can nurse it back to health. Next is the Onion Fields north of Pelee. Driving along the Mersea Road D. I noticed 2 Northern Harriers. I finally found a good spot on the first road north of the Pelee Marsh Mersea Road E I believe. Roaming the dark earth were many different birds. Lots of killdeer first alerted me to stop and look around. Sweeping the area I found American Golden Plover and Horned Larks. Then the highlight of the day. Far off, one of the larger sandpipers I had been hoping to see. Hard to make out at a distance, ( have I mentioned my need for a scope yet ??? ) A Harrier came through and spooked the birds and pushed this larger bird closer. I could see the curved bill now. Another pass by the Harrier got the bird airborne and I saw it cross the sky calling. The call and bill gave me the ID of my first Whimbrel !!! Other news: Sept. 6 at the Spring Garden of Ojibway I found a Red Breasted Nuthatch. I have not seen one for years and I had thought them rare in this area. Also seen were Empidonax Flycatchers (probably Least), Tufted Titmouse and American Redstart. Directions: Lasalle Pond: Behind the Holy Cross public school close to intersection of Sandwich Parkway and Huron Church Line. Harrow Sewage Lagoo:. Turn at the road beside the Beerstore on County Road 20 in Harrow. Turn left and proceed approx. 1.5 km along Concession Road #3. There is a small drive on the left. One catch there is a No Trespassing Sign here. I know a few other birders have been here as well so hopefully we are tolerated. There is no one around on the weekend but there is lots of evidence of bulldozers being active during the week. Pelee Onion Fields: The first road north of the Pelee gate will lead you in. There are large expanses of this dark earth towards the end of the road and around the bend north. There are birds present in many of the areas here. Happy Birding, Mark Conlon Lasalle ON "Mark Conlon" <[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.
