The revitalization of Cranberry Marsh in south Whitby has led to a marked increase in the numbers of species of breeding waterfowl. The birders' best times of day to witness these birds is early AM and around dusk. One can go to any of 4 or more locales around the marshlands, the easiest one to access being the north pathway leading off Hall's Rd.
Saturday & Sunday, June 5,6 highlights have been large numbers of Ruddy Ducks, several Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Mallards, Blue-winged Teal and N.Shovelers, along with Mute Swans, Trumpeter Swan and, if you are there there at the "right" time-- Green Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Am. Coots with young, Moorhen, Sora, Virginia Rail. Some of the songbirds have been Yellow Warbler, C.Yellowthroat, Willow Flycatcher. Raptors include Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, N.Harrier, Am. Kestrel, Turkey Vulture, and sometimes, Peregrine Falcon. Over at the Whitby harbour bridge on Brock St.--southeast side, roosting in the trees, very visible from the road, are as many as 6 Black-crowned Night Herons. >From the west along the 401, exit at Salem Rd., south down to Bayly/Victoria, east through Lake Ridge, 1 block to Hall's Rd., south toward the lake. Doug Lockrey, Whitby
