The skies over the Hullett Marsh were full of ducks as 20-25 people from Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, London, Central Huron and surrounding areas joined us today (Saturday April 21st) for Waterfowl Day 2007. Some of our guests were members of the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists and McIlwraith Field Naturalists.
We enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and mid-twenty degree weather with a showing of 38 bird species including the following 13 species of duck: Wood Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Blue and Green-winged Teal, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, plus Hooded and Common Merganser. Other highlights included a calling male Eastern Towhee perched conspicuously at the top of a tree for all to see. Hundreds of late Tundra Swans both on the water and in the air, and Greater Yellowlegs were also encountered on the guided tour. Further species included: Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Cardinal, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Slate-coloured Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, and a perched stoic and photogenic Great Blue Heron. In addition to bird life, Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers were heard calling, Leopard Frogs were seen hopping, a Painted Turtle basking, Garter Snake slithering and Muskrat swimming. The Friends of Hullett appreciate all those who came out to enjoy the day, the ducks and the wildlife with us at Waterfowl Day 2007. We look forward to hearing about additional spottings not recorded on our list. Other species of note this week at Hullett Marsh included Double-crested Cormorant, Sandhill Crane, Wild Turkey, Gadwall, Common Goldeneye, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown Creeper, American Coot and Rusty Blackbird. Hope to see you out for the Owl Prowl May 5th and the Songbirds tour May 26th. Details at www.hullettmarsh.org. Good Birding! Scot Directions to Hullett - From London Area - take Hwy. 4 to Clinton, east on Hwy 8 and turn left at the Hullett P.W.A. sign. From Toronto - take the 401 to Hwy 7/8 in K-W, through Stratford to Hwy. 8 - turn right at the sign before Clinton. From the North, Take Hwy. 4 and turn left at the sign. -- Scot Russell Outreach Coordinator Friends of Hullett/Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area www.hullettmarsh.org [EMAIL PROTECTED] (519) 482-7011
