I birded the March Valley Road ponds this morning shortly after sunrise before work this morning. Despite last night's rain and the overcast conditions this morning, the sandpipers were out in force. I located approximately 30-45 LEAST SANDPIPERS throughout the pond. Two SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were in the mix, with at least five KILLDEER patrolling the shore of the pond. Also of note were single individuals of DUNLIN and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, as well as six visiting BLUE-WINGED TEALS, four males and two females. I hope this is a good sign for the sandpiper/plover migration, which seems to be getting off to a slow start this year. DIRECTIONS: From 417W, take the Moodie Drive exit, turn right onto Moodie Drive. At the fourth light, turn left onto Carling Ave. Follow Carling to Herzberg Road, turn right. About two kilometers down Herzberg, turn right onto March Valley Road. The ponds are located on the left near the intersection of March Valley and Klondike Roads. There is no shoulder on March Valley Road - use caution when pulling over to view the birds, as there are very deep ditches on both sides of the road! Good birding! Pat _________________________________________________________________
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