Today I birded Wylie Road at about 8:20 AM for about 4 hours. Firstly, on Mcnamee Road where the Carden Alvar informational sign is located, I observed a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW perched on the fence with at least two more singing.
At the beginning of Wylie Road there was a picturesque WILSON'S SNIPE perched on a fence post and another doing his aerial display above. A little bit farther, two juvenile SORA appeared on the side of the road, next to a little puddle. These come right on the road and aren't very cautious, be careful as they might suddenly jump in front of a vehicle. farther still, on the field to the left, were some more WILSON'S SNIPE and some UPLAND SANDPIPERS. These were calling. On the road to Bluebird Box number 10, I observed some EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, several SAVANNAH, SONG and VESPER SPARROWS, mostly sitting on fence posts, as well as a single BOBOLINK male. EASTERN KINGBIRDS and BLUEBIRDS were common everywhere. At box number 10 I did NOT see any LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES but heard them; they were on the other side over a hill. A pair of COMMON NIGHTHAWKS displayed overhead, chasing each other. Along this shrubby section of road I observed GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER and BROWN THRASHER. At Sedge Wren Marsh I painfully waited for SEDGE WRENS to make an appearance. They were singing loudly but were reluctant to come out. Finally, I observed one individual flush and drop into some sedges and then another more satisfactory view was achieved of one singing is a very low shrub. Patience is needed to see this species at this time of year. Along the final sections of Wylie road, I observed several more BROWN THRASHERS and had an incredible view of a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW singing right on top of a hawthorn. A scope is highly recommended. At Cameron Ranch, I observed 7 more UPLAND SANDPIPERS in flight and a few EASTERN MEADOWLARKS. Pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/levfrid/sets/72157606019514571/ Directions: The Carden Alvar is a 1.5 hour drive or 125 km northeast of Toronto via the 404 and Highway 48. From the Kirkfield Lift Lock go 2.5 km north, turn right on McNamee Road where Kawartha Road 6 turns sharply left. You'll see the Carden Important Bird Area sign. The Sedge Wren Marsh is 2.7 km from the start of Wylie Road. Good Birding, Lev Frid Maple Ontario _______________________________________________ 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
