22 September 2008
Port Burwell, ON
Today, two Whimbrels were seen foraging and preening at the mouth of
Big Otter Creek in Port Burwell.
One of these two is slightly crippled in one leg, and this bird was
seen as early as last Saturday on the Municipal East Beach in Port
Burwell by Ron Allensen.
Today, this slightly crippled bird was observed again and joined by
another Whimbrel that appeared to be healthier. The crippled bird flew
without any apparent problem, but limps when it walks.
First, today they were both spotted foraging together on the west side
of the harbour mouth in the vegetated area flats located due north of
the creek mouth.
They were also seen in flight as they moved to the natural beach (not
the big Provincial Park beach) at the west side of the harbour mouth
and observed there too on the beach foraging and preening .
One Ring-billed Gull was observed seemingly harassing the pair in
flight, but the Whimbrels were not deterred.
Directions:
Port Burwell is at the southern terminus of Hwy 19 (Plank Road) south
of Tillsonburg, ON.
The harbour area is easy to locate in this small town. There is a
municipal beach on the east side of the harbour. On the west side
there also is a public parking area near the harbour mouth which is
near where the Whimbrels were seen today.
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