Hello Ontbirders As expected on Canada Day, the first of the fall migrants have arrived in the Ottawa area.
At the Almonte Sewage Lagoons, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 8 Greater Yellowlegs were feeding in the Southeastern most lagoon. Also of interest: At the Burnside Pit, a pair of Redhead were seen in the lagoon on the east side of Moodie Drive, south of Trail Road. Although the pair seemed inseparable, there was no sign of young. Four male Ruddy Ducks, close to Moodie Drive, were also amusing. To reach the Almonte Lagoons (in part, courtesy of the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists http://mvfn.ca/index.html ): >From Hwy 417 West, turn East on Hwy 49. Continue through the town of Almonte, past the intersection with Hwy 29. Here, Hwy 49 becomes County Road 16, Wolf Grove Road. Continue West, one mile, to Ramsay Conc. 8. At this intersection you will find the heritage Auld Kirk church. Turn north, go about 200m and park alongside the road. You will see the sign on the main gate with an arrow to the trail entrance, about 20 m further. Hike to the tower overlooking the lagoons. Although the whole area is posted with no trespassing signs, birders are most welcome as long as they accept entrance at their own risk. A new sign stating so is posted on the main gate, across from the Auld Kirk Cemetery. To Reach Burnside Pit (courtesy of Larry Neily, http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birdguide.htm ) >From Highway 416 southbound, take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). A 0.4 km offramp dumps onto Fallowfield, where you will turn right or west. Follow Fallowfield Road west for an additional 0.4 km to reach Moodie Drive. Turn left or southeast onto Moodie Drive and go 4.5 km, passing Cambrian Road to reach the Burnside Pits (second gate on the left). Park along the side of the road without blocking the access. NOTE: This site is private property and is an active quarry. The owners do not want birders to enter their property and interfere with operations. Trucks and machinery operate here on workdays. And please don't block the roads into the quarry. Birding can be accomplished from the roadside, which overlooks the pond, especially with a good scope. Have a productive summer Tony Beck http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ "Tony Beck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
