GREETINGS BIRDERS, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits in Southern Ontario on Sunday, 02 Sept 12:
WEST PERTH WETLAND: Two Hudsonian Godwits, found earlier by others, continued Sunday afternoon in this excellent managed wetland in Perth County. Approximately 95 percent of the shorebirds at this location are in the fenced cell, reached by turning left on the embankment trail after arrival. Viewing of the entire cell is possible without disturbing the birds. Also seen here Sunday: Black-Bellied Plover American Golden-Plover Killdeer Semipalmated Plover Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper West Perth Wetland is in the Community of Mitchell, part of the Township of West Perth in Perth County. Arriving in Mitchell from the south-east on Highway 8 out of Stratford, turn left on Wellington St., drive to the end (past Frank St.) on the dirt road extension. Park at the Wetland sign. WILDWOOD LAKE: One Marbled Godwit, found by others, continued Sunday near the bridge crossing Wildwood Lake on the 29th Line. Late Sunday afternoon, the bird was not visible from the bridge. Instead, I walked a few hundred metres along the dry mud edge of the north side of the lake for a closer, but still undisturbed view. A scope is required. The Godwit was feeding in the mudflats at the side of the narrowest channel of water. Given that people fishing these waters from canoes, the bird could be flushed and move about. But almost all the best habitat is still on the east side of the bridge. A resident Merlin also influences behaviour. Wildwood Lake is near the Community of Harrington, part of the Township of Zorra in Oxford County. Directions adapted from James Holdsworth's earlier post: Take County Road #6 north from Highway 401 to County Road #28 (also known as Road 96). Go west through the Community of Harrington and turn right on 29th Line. NOTE: This road is under construction but, on Sunday and I presume on Labour Day Monday, it is open to traffic (despite the Closed Road sign) and is in good condition. Drive north to the bridge and scan to the east. When the road is again actually closed for the renewal of construction, Mr. Holdsworth suggests it may be necessary to turn right on 31st Line, drive to the lake and rough-walk along to the 29th Line bridge (but that is a 2.5 km round trip in difficult, muddy-rocky conditions). GOOD BIRDING, BRUCE KIRKLAND, TORONTO _______________________________________________ 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/
