Both Aylmer Lagoons and Aylmer Wildlife Management Area [aka Aylmer
Police College] have excellent conditions for shorebirds, the best in
many years and there are plenty of shorebirds to keep you busy for
hours. Both sites had 300+ shorebirds today including all of the
expected species reported in numbers at other sites. Both sites had
10 + Solitary Sandpipers, good numbers for here. Other than 10+ Least
Sandpipers at both locations, the only other 'peep' was a single
Semipalmated Sandpiper at the lagoons.
Highlights at the lagoons included 1 Upland Sandpiper, 1 Wilson's
Snipe, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher and 4 Great Egrets [uncommon in Elgin
County and usually seen as singles].
Highlights at the WMA included an early adult American Golden-Plover
still mostly in breeding [alternate] plumage.
These two sites are located in central Elgin County northwest and
northeast of Aylmer.
Directions to Aylmer WMA:
Exit 203 south from 401 on Hwy 73 to College Line. Turn east/left on
College and drive to Hacienda. Turn south/right and drive past the
Ontario Police College to the entrance at the south end. Follow the
access road to the viewing stands.
Directions to Aylmer Sewage Lagoons
From Aylmer WMA drive south on Hacienda to Glencolin. Turn
west/right on Glencolin and drive through Hwy 73 to Rodgers Road.
Turn left/south and the sewage lagoons are on the right. Be advised
the lagoons are posted NO TRESPASSING so early morning, late
afternoon or weekend visits are best. In 30 years we've only been
asked to leave once by maintenance staff. If you are asked to leave
please do so without being confrontational.
Dave Martin and Linda Wladarski
Harrietsville, ON
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
