Ontbirds
The current issue of Ontario Birds has a comprehensive article on last
summer's successful nesting of Piping Plover at Sauble Beach - a first
in Southern Ontario since 1976. The article concludes with a hope for
future nestings for this Endangered Species.
Currently there are 3 nestings in progress. All three attempts are
being monitoring by Guardian programs and can be viewed easily without
interfering with the birds.
The basic approach at all sites is to locate and approach a Guardian
(easy to do as they look and act like birders). They will be able to
help you find the birds and can give insight into the current situation.
If by chance you arrive when no one is around you can still look for the
birds but under no circumstances should you cross very clearly marked
fencing protecting the immediate area around the nest. The birds take
turns tending the nest so at any given moment one may be foraging
elsewhere along the beach. If you see a bird do not approach too
closely. If the bird begins to pipe (they do pipe) back-off. These
birds are endangered and protected under law.
At both Sauble and Wasaga Beaches there is already organized monitoring
and protection. However both locations would appreciate additional
volunteers. For Sauble Beach contact Stewart Nutt - 519-372-8588 or
[EMAIL PROTECTED] Volunteer guardians at Wasaga Beach Provincial
Park can call Jessica Jackson at the Park office 705-429-2516
Directions
Sauble Beach : Birds are nesting in dune vegetation near the mouth of
the Sauble River. From Owen Sound follow Highway 6 north to the lights
at Hepworth. Continue straight through the light toward Sauble Beach on
Bruce County 8. At the first traffic lights turn right onto Bruce County
13 following the signs north to Sauble Falls Provincial Park. Just
before the bridge crossing the Rankin River turn left onto Sauble Falls
Road. Follow this road (it makes a couple of 90 degree turns) to the
Lake past the Kit-Wat Motel. Turn right on the first street past the
motel and park near the lake. Parking is metered so bring loonies.
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park: I believe birds are nesting on cobbles? I
have not been near Wasaga in 20 years so better directions are
appreciated. From Highway 92 (River Road West) go north on Main Street
South cross Notawasaga River and follow one-way streets to Spruce Street
turn left and park to lake (Beach Street)
--
Mark Cranford
ONTBIRDS Coordinator
Mississauga, Ont.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
905 279 9576
_______________________________________________
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
