Hi birders,
I've been doing quite a bit of atlassing lately, and coming across some
decent things in Lambton County. Today I did the Port Franks area (square
MH28) with Diane Haselmayer and with the little time we spent in some areas,
excellent birds were located. (I'm sure lots more is waiting to be found).
The most significant were a couple of Black-throated Blue Warblers in the
Lambton County Heritage Forest at Port Franks. Two males were observed on
the "Ridge trail", accessed off Outer Drive. These are rare for the area as
breeders, and have not yet been reported to the atlas for square MH28.
Chestnut-sided Warblers were also observed here.
Also, in other parts of the forest were five Hooded Warblers. These were
observed or heard in different locations FROM the trail. I also heard
Acadian Flycatcher, but did not pursue it off trail. This species had not
yet been reported in the square. Tufted Titmouse is also here. A couple of
families of Ovenbirds were also observed.
Along Outer Drive towards the village, a Black-and White Warbler was also
encountered. Another uncommon bird for this far south.
Farther afield, a Purple Finch (not yet reported, but not unusual for area)
was located at Ipperwash Beach at the end of Army Camp Road. An Upland
Sandpiper (not yet reported for atlas) was at the corner of Ravenswood Line,
Northville Rd. and Rd. 79. A grassy areas was there, but the bird sat on
the wire for the whole time. Fledged Orchard Orioles were observed along
Sitter Road (off #79).
As a side note, last Saturday I did some atlassing in Pinery Park and
upgraded many species. Of note were several Blue-headed Vireos, not yet
reported to the atlas for the area. They were all over the park, and I at
one point young birds were heard. Obviously an influx this year!
Port Franks is off Highway 21 south of Pinery Park. The County forest has
some trails open to the public, but not all areas are. It is a large forest
and can be accessed at several points. Watch for blue signs along Port
Franks road, or Outer Drive SW of the village.
================
Blake A. Mann
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, ON.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
