Greetings: Well, the Brighton Constructed Wetland has been an exceptional "nursery" this year. There have been 6 "small" families of Canada Geese, the Mute Swan cygnets went from 7 down to 3, at least 4 Wood Duck families, a couple of Mallards, Moorhen (many), Sora (at least two lots), Virginia Rail (at least 4 lots) and of course the two Osprey chicks - Hunter and Junior. The song bird hatchings, that we know of, Redwing Blackbird, Common Grackle, Marsh Wren, House Wren, Tree Swallow, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Gray Catbird, Flicker, Cardinal. Blue Jay, Great Crested Flycatcher, American Robin, Goldfinch, House Finch, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and many, many more that can be heard but unfortunately Tiny and I are not very good at birding by ear, yet. Also seen earlier in May was a number of baby Muskrats. These little ones are just too cute for words.
All-in-all walking through the gate into the wetland puts you into another world. The sound of the traffic stays on the other side of the gate. The sounds of the wetland put an instant smile on my face. All the activity is just amazing. Just stand there for a couple of minutes and you know your decision to enter the Wetland was a good one. Sometimes when you enter it seems like nothing is happening, but wait a couple of minutes and you realize that you were wrong. And there standing by his vehicle in his usual spot is the man who has made entry into the Brighton Constructed Wetland possible - Tiny (Keith Lee). Tiny, who went to Jim Philips (his supervisor) to plead for birders to enter the wetland. Yes, Jim took a chance on Tiny and Tiny took a big chance on all us birders. All I want to say is that everyone should take a chance on the Wetland. Come, enjoy and meet Tiny. Tiny gives four hours a weekend for us to enter the Wetland and makes himself available at other times or makes arrangements for other indivduals to take you in if he is working. Thank you Tiny! Now it is not just feathered friends in the Wetland. There are many butterflies, Dragonflies and many, many wild flowers. A photographers virtual paradise. Enjoy!! Joan To reach the Wetland exit 509 (Highway 30 south) off the 401. Follow Highway 30 into Brighton. Highway 30 becomes Prince Edward Street. Continue on Prince Edward Street, which turns into County Road 64. The wetland is located on the south side of County Road 64. As you enter the sweeping curve you will see the wetland on your right. Please be cautious pulling over as the speed limit increase to 80km/h about 100 metres from the entrance to the wetland. The next time I go the Wetland I will check the distance from the 401 and Highway 30 to the Wetland. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
