While David Hallett and I spent most the afternoon and early evening doing the "high-yield" birding areas along the northwest shoreline of Lake Ontario from Whitby and W. Oshawa (Thickson Wood to Oshawa 2nd Marsh). The best results by far came from our last stop: Cranberry Marsh at the mouth of Lydde Creek (all seen in 20 minutes off the north observation platform near sunset). As others who have recently visited the marsh have reported, the variety of waterfowl (18 species!) was outstanding: Mute Swan: 25, Trumpeter Swan: 1; Canada Goose: 16; Mallard: 29; American Black Duck: 13; Northern Pintail: 5; American Wigeon: 31; Gadwall: 80; Green-winged Teal: 20; Blue-winged Teal: 2; Northern Shoveller: 11; Lesser Scaup: 3; Ring-necked Duck: 110; Redhead: 4; Bufflehead: 85; Common Goldeneye: 3; Ruddy Duck: 3 and Hooded Merganser: 2. Other notable sightings were a Least Bittern at 7:15 pm, a Lincoln's Sparrow, four Wild Turkeys (in the field just west of entrance), one Northern Harrier and four American Coots.
DIRECTIONS Just east of Lakeridge Rd. in southwest Whitby, along Victorias St., turn south down Hall's Rd. toward the lakefront, parking at either roadside parking area. Wayne Renaud _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
