Hey there,
A Tri-oomph of owls. Sue and I were down near Mitchell's Bay again today. The waterfowl put on a great show, but more interestingly there are three male snowy owls. They are very white. One was where there have been a couple reported in the past. It was on a post out in the field behind the "cattle ranch", on the north side along Mallard Line west of the intersection with Winter Line. Another was spotted by owl-eyed Sue along St. Philippes Line, on the ground on the north side of the road, east of Winter Line. And a third one was spotted by Sue along Rivard Line, again on the north side, and on the ground, west of Winter Line, where Big Pointe Road intersects with Rivard. Actually quite easy to find, if the birds are out in the open as they are so white. Easy as finding a white pail on a post (in-joke for people who have been along Mallard) As I say there are many waterfowl in the area. One large congregation was loafing near the west end of Rivard and had about 1800 Canadas. But there were three Snow Geese as well, a white and two blue forms. Several other congregations were in the area. Further south on Winter Line, about 1200 tundra swans were still lingering in a field. Look for these congregations as you pass through the area. Many ducks, mostly blacks and mallards are out in the corn fields as well. This weeks projected freeze-up might push the waterfowl out, but perhaps as long as there is no real snow cover, they will remain to eat out in the fields. And maybe the owls will hang in there. Pete Read Directions. Since highway 40 (St. Clair Rd) runs between Wallaceburg and Chatham, will give directions according to this road. >From Chatham, north on 40 to St. Andrew's Line, about 5th line out ( 2nd from Walmart) Go west, left, to Bear Line Rd, and then north on Bear Line. Rivard is 3rd road north, St. Philippe is 4th road north and Mallard, the 5th left. Since the first snowy owl coming from the south and east is along St. Philippe, try for it first. After turning west, left, from Bear Line, travel about halfway to Winter Line, (the next road west of Bear Line). Look for it on the north side, though obviously keep an eye out on either side. It was on corn stubble, next to an open field. For the Mallard Line bird, continue to the intersection with Winter Line, at the village of Grande Pointe. Turn right, onto Winter Line, and head north for one intersection and turn left onto Mallard. The "cattle ranch" is on the north side, about a half km from the corner. Look for the second snowy on the north side out behind the cattle area, often sitting on a post, but can be seen on the ground. Take time to look across on the south side, after passing the cattle area as well, since a second snowy owl has been seen there. Watch for the white pail on a post too. Finally, head south on Winter Line, and turn right onto Rivard Line. Heading west, there is a small road called Ouellette coming off to the north. Shortly after that Big Pointe Rd, comes off to the south. At that intersection, across from some greenhouses, look for the snowy owl out in the field on the north side, as I say, across from Big Pointe rd. It was standing on the corn stubble, next to an open field. Continue west on Rivard to almost the end and watch for the Canada Geese with the Snow Geese on the north side, though they could be feeding anywhere there is corn stubble. >From Wallaceburg south on 40 to Electric Line, go south, right, to Bear Line, and then left, to Mallard and the other roads. Then directions are as above.
