Unknown to most birders until recently, the Carden Alvar is now Ontario's
birding hotspot in late spring and early summer for grassland and shrubland
specialties. Today, 51 OFO birders enjoyed birding the Carden Alvar. We
tallied a respectable 81 species in perfect weather (no rain, no humidity,
a sun/cloud mix, light breeze, and no bugs) with pleasant temperatures that
reached 22C or 72F. Best birds were an endangered Loggerhead Shrike in the
scope, several Upland Sandpipers in display flights and calling, singing
Sedge Wren in scope, Grasshopper Sparrow and singing Vesper Sparrow in
scope, singing Alder Flycatcher in scope, Willow Flycatcher, and a singing
Golden-winged Warbler. Prairie Smoke, Carden's signature wildflower, was at
its peak, covering the meadows. We lunched at the Kirkfield Lift Lock where
we had great views of a Green Heron in flight and perched in a dead tree.
After lunch we toured Prospect Marsh where we heard Marsh Wrens and heard
and saw a Virginia Rail. Along the causeway over Canal Lake, we saw an
immature Bald Eagle and at times watched up to six Ospreys in view at one
time. This must be one of the largest concentrations of Ospreys in Ontario.
Thanks to co-leader Ron Tozer whose knowledge and enthusiasm of birds
always guarantees that OFO trips are a big success. Ron and I led our first
trip to Carden in June 1991. I'm grateful to the many experienced birders
who helped new birders find lifers and year birds: Maris Apse, Eleanor
Beagan, Dave Brewer, Sid and Dorothy Hadlington, Wendy Hunter, Derek and
Jennifer Lyon, Naish McHugh, and Dave Milsom (OFO Trip Coordinator). Three
Ottawa birders added considerable spirit to the group. We had a fine day's
birding.
Directions: For an updated Carden Alvar birding guide/map
http://www.ofo.ca/CardenAlvar/
Good birding,
Ron Pittaway
Ontario Field Ornithologists
Minden and Toronto ON
