Late this morning a juvenile PEREGRINE FALCON was hunting along the exposed
mudflats east of Andrew Haydon Park, stirring up a lot of gulls on the river.
It is likely the falcon spooked most of the shorebirds, if there were any, as I
was only able to find two BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS with a single SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.
A GREAT EGRET was also foraging along the shore near the Nepean Yacht Club.
At Shirley's Bay there were a few more shorebirds, with LEAST (11), PECTORAL
(5), SEMIPALMATED (2), and BAIRD'S (3) SANDPIPERS represented. LESSER
YELLOWLEGS (12) were also present, as was a single DUNLIN, feeding close to the
dyke. I counted seven GREAT EGRETS visible throughout the dyke area. A few
warblers were on the dyke, namely YELLOW, YELLOW-RUMPED, PALM, WILSON'S, and
BLACKPOLL WARBLERS.
On my way home, nine WILD TURKEYS were feeding along Rifle Road near Carling
Avenue.
Pat
DIRECTIONS:
ANDREW HAYDON: Andrew Haydon Park is on Carling Avenue; the entrance is at
Carling and Holly Acres. Be aware of the construction on Carling Avenue near
the park.
SHIRLEY'S BAY: From Andrew Haydon, turn left onto Carling Avenue and follow to
Rifle Road. Turn right onto Rifle Road. Park at the lot at the end (boat
launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department
of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked
with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to
the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE
BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to
visit the dyke area for birding.
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