In spite of the marshland being covered with Cattails, a bane to "birders", since Aug.14 Cranberry Marsh in southwest Whitby continues to attract a large number of observers and visitors. To date we have counted over 360 migrating raptors, including 63 Ospreys, 11 Bald Eagles, 111 Broad-winged Hawks and 14 Merlins. As coordinator of data-collecting I thoroughly enjoy intoducing visitor-observers to one another, ensuring the learning of spotting techniques. Now then, my primary outdoor love is identifying wildflowers. It goes without saying that I do my utmost to enrich birders' minds with phytological fascinations. The flora around our viewing platform and along the approach-pathway is rich with many botanical gems. INDEED, ON SUNDAY, SEP.12, I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING WITH PEOPLE AT 10AM TO SPEND AN HOUR POINTING OUT THE LIKES OF WATER-HEMLOCK (Socrates would enjoy it), PEPPERMINT, BLACK NIGHTSHADE, several GOLDENROD and ASTER species, etc. We might even get in some birding and butterflying!!-- meet along the south pathway from the parking lot on Hall's Rd.-- Hall's Rd. is 1 block east of Lakeridge, along Victoria St. in southwest Whitby.
Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON
