This morning in the shorebird cell at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area near Point Pelee there were +50 Short-billed Dowitchers. Most were of the expected bright cinnamon coloured subspecies hendersoni which breeds in central Canada, but there were also a few of the dull eastern nominate subspecies griseus, which breeds mainly in Quebec east to James Bay. A few intergrades (intermediates) also occur because subspecies interbreed. The hendersoni and griseus subspecies are best illustrated in the latest National Geographic Guide (6th edition 2011). I saw no Long-billed Dowitchers today.
Black-bellied Plovers and Dunlin (some causing confusion because they are in various stages of molt) are common in the shorebird cell. Many other shorebird species and waterfowl are also present. The Essex Region Conservation Authority is managing this habitat for migrating shorebirds and for shorebird viewing by birders visiting Point Pelee. Don't miss it. Entrance fee. Jean Iron (at Hillman Marsh) Toronto ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
