Ontbirders, There were 4 Long-billed Dowitchers, in full alternate plumage, in the east [drawn down] lagoon at Tavistock today. Besides noting all of the relevant field marks, the dowitchers were giving their diagnostic ''keek'' [or ''peep'' to my ear] call frequently; while feeding as well as when they took short flights around the lagoons. This is only the 2nd spring record for Oxford County.
Other birds of note using the lagoons were few, both Yellowlegs, Spotted and Least Sandpiper, American Pipit and an assortment of expected waterfowl. The east lagoon looks great for shorebirds [I went up with visions of flocks of Willets and Avocets.....wishful thinking I know] so hopefully it will be productive in the next few weeks. The back [south] woodlot was full of migrants and returning resident birds, nothing really early or noteworthy though. On a side-note, I counted nearly 70 Red Admirals, mostly around the lagoons. This species has been flooding into the area over the past few days on the south winds. To reach the lagoons, take Hwy 59 north from Woodstock to Tavistock, take Hope Street east at the light and then take Wellington south. Park at the cemetery and walk over the old RR line. The lagoons are visible to your SE. They are posted, so it's probably best to scope the lagoons from outside the fence, although that's not much fun.;] Cheers, James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services 14 Marian St, RR#1 Woodstock, On, N4S-7V6 [519]537-2027 [519]535-8760 [cell] [email protected] _______________________________________________ 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/
