Greetings birders: In the midst of a nasty little sleet storm here in Chatham-Kent, it seems a bit early for the following, but I am receiving inquiries. You can request your permit any time now , or file this away in one of your Folders for later--when Spring really does arrive !
The Pond waters are free of ice now, but are at excessively high levels. Here are today's birds: Courtesy of Blake Mann : Of note was a Horned Grebe in Pond 3. Flyover Bald Eagle (imm.). Usual ducks, not a huge number: Wood Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck. Some Bonaparte's Gulls and a fair number of Ring-billed Gulls. Blenheim Lagoon Permits are FREE, but must be renewed yearly. One person in each party of birders must carry a Permit, and be responsible for his / her group. Entry to Ponds is by foot ONLY--- no vehicles at any time ! [ even if the big gate is open ! ] Parking is limited to the roadside next to the lagoons. This is a farming community, we need wide road allowance to move heavy, large , farm equipment. It is much appreciated by all if you would list your sightings in the book as you leave. And--- LOCK THE GATE [ a must for security !! ] For our regular / past visitors, who know the routine, Yes, you can go to Candy, at the Municipal Centre, by email. BY E_MAIL : Send your name; address; phone #; and request to: [email protected] She will email your permit----You PRINT---and go! {She asks that you mention if this is a renewal permit] How easy is that !!!!!! Be grateful & patient--she processes up to 400 Permits. Now--for our new Ontbird readers / lagoon visitors, here's everything you need to know: Directions; Blenheim is on #3 H [Talbot Rd. ] in Chatham-Kent. Take # 3 H West out of Blenheim, about 1 km. You will see a car wash at the corner of Lagoon Rd., turn right [ North]. Go about 1/2 km. and you will see a small locked gate [ see below]. Enter at this gate only. NEW : For those coming by #401. Take interchange #90-which is #40 H North & Communication Rd. South. Travel South, twds Blenheim, a few km. Just as you reach The outskirts of Blenheim, you will see a new "Sobey's " Grocery store. It is at the corner of Allison Rd. Turn right On Allison and travel 2.9 km. This will take you to Lagoon Rd., Turn left on Lagoon Rd. Where you will see the lagoon property and the small gate [ not the Large gate]. For those who have other "people needs "----the Sobey's store Is open 24 hours each day----has "Hot" and "Cold" deli foods, And a clean public WASHROOM----what more could you ask for ? Gas, you say ?---a few hundred metres from Sobey's, is a No Frills store---they have a gas bar---daytime hours only. ______________________________________________ Entry is by combination lock. Candy will give you the #'s with your Permit. Do not pass #'s on to other people. ----------------------------------------------------- To obtain permit : There are now 5 ways to get your permit !!!! BY E_MAIL : You must have a "Printer" Send your name; address; phone #; and request to: [email protected] She will email your permit----You PRINT---and go! {She asks that you mention if this is a renewal permit] How easy is that !!!!!! By Mail: : Blenheim Municipal Service Centre P.O.Box 2128, Blenheim,On., N0P 1A0 ---------------------------------------------------------- By Fax : 519-676-0244 ------------------------------------------------------------ By phone : 519-676-5405 ----------------------------------------------- In person : at the Municipal Service Centre 8am---5pm Mon.--Fri. 35 Talbot St. West [in the Post Office building ] ----------------------------------------------------- Should you need further directions contact me at [email protected] P.S. I do not send out the permits, only Candy, above Hope to see you at the Lagoons---- Irene Woods Chatham-Kent _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
