Today, after a wonderful day of birding at Rondeau, I tried for the Ruff at
the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. Unfortunately, it appears the Ruff has left,
but a new European has taken its place. When I arrived around 1 pm, along
with Len Jones, another Birder (I apologize, her name escapes me at the
moment) suggested we take a look at a gull she had seen with the
Bonapartes. Searching in vain, we found Dunlin, both Yellowlegs, Least
Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and a beautiful female Wilson's Phalarope.
Finally, the subject gull made an appearance. It appears to be a first
summer Black-Headed Gull. It has a partial hood, much more brown then its
Bonaparte counterparts. The bright red bill with black tip and red legs,
along with its size, make it very easy to pick out. In flight, the black
primaries are evident as well. The gull moves around, but spent most of its
time in Irrigation Cell B, among the many shorebirds. It appears quite
content on its location. Highlight birds at Rondeau included
Yellow-Breasted Chat on the Marsh Trail, Golden-Winged Warbler and Rusty
Blackbirds on Spicebush Trail.
Andrew Ross
London, Ontario
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Directions: Blenheim is located between Chatham and Rondeau Park. Exit the
401 at what they used to call Hwy. 40. Go south to Blenheim. At the main
street in Blenheim (the stop light) turn right or west. Go out of Blenheim
on this road (what they used to call Hwy.3) for approx. 1.5 km. Turn right
(north) on Lagoon Rd. and continue north 1 km. to the lagoons. I remind you
that you must have a permit from the town office located in Blenheim.
