I apologize for the late update, but I made two trips to Luther Marsh over the past weekend (April 4th & 5th). Living in the Elora area it's only a thirty five minute drive to the marsh, however Saturday morning proved somewhat challenging as weather & road conditions on Saturday where not ideal - basically it was a blizzard! Sunday afternoon was a complete turn-around - brilliant sunshine and blue skies. Springtime in Southern Ontario - wasn't sure whether to wear winter gear or tee-shirt & shorts!!
The Marsh is gradually coming alive. Ring-Neck Ducks were prominent, along with Common Mergansers plus a couple of Red-Breasted Mergansers and a pair of Wood Ducks. American Wigeons were present plus the usual volume of Canada Geese. Two pairs of Trumpeter Swans seem to have taken up residence and are by no means shy! In the distance a pair of Sand hill Cranes could be seen however they were on the edge of an island an inaccessible for any decent photographs. Inland, adjacent to the marsh, observations included a Snowy Owl gliding across the fields, one Bald Eagle circling at a high altitude above, two Ospreys, several Red-Tails, a Rough-Legged, Kestrels, and a Harrier. Song birds included Robins (galore!), Red Wings, Grackles, Juncos, one Northern Shrike, one Brown Creeper, Downey's & Hairys. With the Easter Weekend forecast looking favorable (I'll believe it when I see it!!) I'm hoping things will pick up a bit. Luther Marsh is a huge area, located south of Hwy89, north of Hwy9, east of Arthur/Mount Forest and west of Grand Valley/Orangeville. The local side & concession roads cut through the area with many excellent vantage points looking over wetlands, scrub brush, fields, ponds etc. It's a desolate area, managed by The Grand River Conservation Authority and maintained in a natural state. There are no facilities other then a parking lot and a couple of viewing platforms. Highly recommended for those who like to venture into the bush and marsh without any disturbance. Dave Buckton _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
