Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Eastern Ontario Birding October 5, 2009

Spent part of yesterday, October 5th, birding various sewage lagoons in Eastern Ontario. Overall, very quiet, all high water level but Alfred Sewage Lagoon had a good variety of water birds including 100+ Ruddy Duck, 7 Redhead, 22 Northern Shoveler, 38 American Coot, 11 Common Moorhen and 2 American Bittern. Along Peat Moss Road a single Gray Partridge was observed running across the road. At St. Isidore Sewage Lagoon, 3 Lapland Longspur flew over calling. At Shirley's Bay the Marbled Godwit and 2 Long-billed Dowitcher were still present feeding at the base of the dyke. Water levels are on the rise and there was very little mud. good birding, Bruce

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. 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.
Directions:
Alfred Sewage Lagoon:: From the town of Alfred go east on Highway 17, then turn south on Peat Moss Road and drive for 2 km. The lagoons are on your left (east side of road). The birds are best observed from the viewing tower. Access to the viewing tower is free and no permit is needed.

Entrance to Alfred Lagoons.


The Ruddy Duck is a regular breeder at the lagoons and had another successful breeding season.


The viewing tower gives you a great view of the lagoons.

The Marbled Godwit was still present yesterday but slowly running out of habitat.

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