Dear Ontbirders: Due to some recent misunderstandings, I am posting some important notes of clarification about the Hillman Marsh Shorebird habitat.
First, a belated thanks to all birders who visited the new spring shorebird habitat at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area this past April and May. A superb total of 26 species of shorebirds, 17 species of waterfowl, and 10 gulls and terns, made the launch of the habitat a great success. Hats off to the Essex Region Conservation Authority, Ducks Unlimited, and all the partners who made this project possible. I think we will see this habitat getting better and better each spring. Second, an important point of clarification about the seasonality of the project. The site will be managed for shorebird habitat ONLY IN THE SPRING. There are two important reasons for this. First, the birders ERCA sought advice from on the project (myself included) agreed this was the best approach. Our advice was based upon the difficulty of managing a shorebird habitat on a spring through fall basis. The biggest problem is the rapid development of invasive aquatic vegetation. The result is that the habitat is good in neither fall or spring in short order. By flooding in spring, draining and planting with a crop in summer, and flooding again later in fall, the hope is that habitat will require minimal maintenance and provide good spring habitat for a long period of time. In addition, the late fall flooding provides waterfowl resting habitat, and allows the project to fulfill goals of DU. As DU was the primary funder of the $800,000 capital cost of the project, and the creation of shorebird habitat is not one of their mandates, this compromise is a real win for shorebirds and birders. Also keep in mind, that although there may not be shorebird habitat in fall, there will be excellent habitat for waterfowl, and viewing opportunities should be good. I will keep birders posted on when the impoundment gets flooded this fall. Finally, for those folks who bought an annual pass to the site, please keep in mind that your pass is good not only at Hillman Marsh but to all of ERCAs sites. Among those Holiday Beach Conservation Area is certainly one well worth a visit in fall. It is a superb raptor and diurnal migration site, with regular songbird banding and raptor banding demonstrations, and a hawk festival on fall weekends (for more info, check out www.erca.org). I look forward to bumping into Ontbirders at either the shorebird habitat or Holiday Beach this fall. Thanks again to all who supported this great project. Cheers, Tom Hillman Marsh is located in southeastern Essex County, about a 5 minute drive east of Leamington. For directions please visit the ERCA website at www.erca.org Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0 Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice) (519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Tom Hince" <[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.
