Hey Folks,
The small flock of 6 American Avocets (originally spotted by Steve Thorpe
yesterday) were still present
this morning at the Mitchell (West Perth) Wetlands....easily visible in the
first cell behind the small parking
lot and entrance garden. They were still there as of 12:00 noon today (Tues)
when I left.
There are quite a few Dunlin present ...along with the single Dowitcher also
from yesterday (based on time
of year and plumage I'm thinking, Long-billed), a lone Pectoral Sandpiper, a
Black-bellied Plover and a few
Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and some Killdeer.
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For those who are interested....read on....
POLL SUMMARY: I realized today that I never posted the results of the poll for
birders visiting the West
Perth Wetlands that I put out to ONTBIRDS several months ago. The reponse from
birders was tremendous
as I received over 120 emails. In summary...a total of 123 individuals
including 4 different field naturalist groups
visited the West Perth Wetlands over the 2008 season. I forwarded these results
on to West Perth Council and they
were very pleased to hear about such positive numbers. I want to thank all
those birders that responded to this
poll as it proved very useful. My thanks also to everyone who listed other
activities they did in the Mitchell area
while visiting (e.g. bought gas, grabbed lunch etc.). And thanks as well to
Mark C. for agreeing to posting this poll
to ONTBIRDS.
WORK UPDATE: For those who are interested I thought I'd also provide a quick
update on the work at the wetlands...
- Pumping system - complete - water can now be moved between the 3 main
cells
- Sculpting of cell bottoms - complete - with additional earth dumped
to form "peninsulas" and more edge
- Berm fortification - complete
- Berm relocation - nearly complete - allows larger overflow pond and
hopefully more algae pad area in future
PLEASE NOTE: The municipality has heavy equipment working in the section right
behind the treatment plant.
They've had to move a portion of a berm to form a larger emergency overflow
pond. In the interest of safety it
would be best to stay away from this area. This will NOT affect those wishing
to see the Avocets in the cell
immediately behind the soccer fields or the waterfowl and other shorebirds in
the largest cell in the SE corner.
Good birding!
Dave
Directions to Mitchell (West Perth) Wetlands:
>From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru
Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and
turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the
ball diamond. Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond
and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. You can go straight ahead
on the gravel and park next to the berm.
>From the London area....take Hwy 23 into Mitchell from the south and
just after you pass the "Welcome to Mitchell" sign...watch for Frank
St...go right on Frank St and head down over the bridge till you get to
the ball diamond (will be on your right). Again...the cells are behind
the ball diamond and soccer fields. You can go straight ahead
on the gravel and park next to the berm.
>From Southampton area....take Hwy 21, to Goderich and then Hwy 8 to
Clinton and down to Mitchell, turn south on Hwy 23 to Frank St. and turn
left on Frank St. and head over the bridge to the ball diamonds (which
will be on your right). You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park
next to the berm.
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