Hi All, A very cool day at the lagoons, both bird wise and temperature wise.
We found the Black-necked Stilt feeding and walking among the sewage pipes to the west of the stand. It worked its way through the pipes and occasionally flew to a different spot. I managed to get a couple of photos through the scope despite the wind and my cold hands! We also saw a juvenile Hudsonian Godwit with a slight disadvantage: It is missing half of its right leg just below the bend. This one was feeding along the edge of the pond right in front of the stand. The lack of two feet did not seem to slow it down though, as it balanced and hopped along fairly easily. As well, in among all the Bonaparte's Gulls was a single Black-headed Gull. It was near the back edge of the lagoon. Other highlights: A Common Loon on the swimming in the lagoon. The bubbling pond had a large flock of Northern Shoveller ducks. Also present were Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ruddy Ducks, Lesser Scaup, and a Ring-necked Duck. Raptors were moving along Highway #3 on the drive over to Ridgetown. We saw Red-tailed, several Rough-legged, a small group of Northern Harriers, Sharphinned, Kestrel and a kettle of Turkey Vultures. The south end of Rondeau Bay was loaded with waterfowl. Many of the same species as at the lagoons, but also Redhead, Pintail, American Coots, Gadwall and Widgeon. Brett Groves Leamington, Ontario Directions to Ridgetown, from Irene Woods' email: Ridgetown is a few miles N/E of Rondeau P.P. At the only traffic light, turn North on Erie St.----go about 10 short blocks---just before the Railroad tracks and the large Fertilizer plant turn left on Mitton Line. The lagoons are just a bit down the road-----you will see the viewing stand. YOU CAN NOT ENTER these lagoons. Viewing is good from the stand.
