Last night from about 800-845 PM, I observed a Great Egret with a red leg-band with white characters, 42U, at the egret roost immediately north of Wheatley Harbour. Records show that this bird one of over 100 that were banded by a CWS banding crew on 7 July 2008 at the large colony on Nottawasaga Island near Collingwood on the south end of Georgian Bay. This is the 2nd red leg-banded GREG to be reported from the shores of the Great Lakes in southern Ontario in the last two weeks and indicates a movement by juvenile Great Egrets away from the island where they were born and raised. Ontbirders are encouraged to check all GREGs they see in the next few weeks for additional colour-banded birds and report them. Most birds will have an aluminum band on the right leg below the "knee" and a plastic band with numbers and letters above the "knee". Ontbirders are also encouraged to report (to me privately) feeding, foraging, loafing or roosting groups of GREGs ..... The best way to find colour-banded birds is to check areas where they regularly congregate.
Directions: From the main intersection in Wheatley, Ontario (Highway 3 and County Road 1 (Erie St.)) go south on Erie St. toward Lake Erie. Go right (west) at the last right-hand turn just north of the Harbour, you will almost immediately cross over a small bridge, which goes over Muddy Creek. Look to your right...on the other side of the pond (Muddy Creek backwater). The trees on the north side of the pond is where the egrets roost. Many thanks, Chip Weseloh, Canadian Wildlife Service - Ontario Environment Canada 4905 Dufferin St. Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4 Phone-416-739-5846 Fax-416-739-5845 Cell-416-518-4329 [EMAIL PROTECTED] A poor day in the field is better than a good day in the office ! _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
