Yesterday, July 20, I was birding the willows in the Dundas marsh and came across a male Ruff. It has moulted out the ruff but it stands out quite well against the Lesser Yellowlegs that it is hanging around with, as it is very dark on it's back, with heavy black marbling across it's upper chest. Other shorebirds seen in the tip area were, Lest Sandpipers (20), Semipalmated Sandpipers (4), a Pectoral Sandpiper, a Stilt Sandpiper, a Short-billed Dowitcher, Solitary Sandpiper (7), a Bonaparte's Gull.
Directions to the willows; Dundas Marsh (The Willows) - Take Main St. (in Hamilton) West to Cootes Drive (at McMaster University), down hill (north) to a bridge over the creek. Watch the parking regulations - the best way is to continue 200 m. to Olympic Drive, then u-turn back to the bridge on the south side of Cootes Drive. Take the trail on the side of the bridge closest to McMaster, as the old bridge has been removed. along the creek which goes out to what is called the Willows. If you follow this trail the creek is on your LEFT side. Part way down the trail there is a pond on the right when this end of the marsh is wet. At the end of the Willows is where there is extensive mudflats and where the Godwit was seen. Note: this trail can be wet and muddy, there are holes in the ground made by animals, and there are fallen trees which require agility to circumvent. It is quite a workout and is approximately 20 to 25 minute walk to the tip area.
