Approximately 50 Tundra Swans are spending the evening and nights in the southern section of the Lynde Shores Marsh, in south Whitby. The Swans have flown in each evening starting at about 6:00 until 7:30-8:00. They are staying in the shallow water about 200 yards north from the mouth of the marsh at Lake Ontario. They are in a group within the massive collection of Canada Geese that also fly in each evening.
The Swans have been sighted each evening for the past week. Although tonight I did not venture out to confirm their presence today. My apologies for the late posting but as a newer birder I required more research to positively identify the Swans as Tundras, rather than Trumpeter Swans. Directions: Enter the Whitby Shores neighbourhood at Seaboard Gate off Victoria Street. Seaboard Gate is the first set of lights, east of the marsh and the popular Lynde Shores Conservation parking lot. The Tundras Swans will not be visible if you park at the regular Lynde Shores Conservation parking lot and stay on the western side of the marsh. From the 401 use the Brock Street in Whitby exit, south to Victoria and head west from there. Once in the neighbourhood, turn right onto Whitby Shores Greenway and follow it around until you near Coastview Court, from there park on the street and look south into the marsh. Alternatively...birding out at the channel entrance can be done by walking on the Waterfront Trail into the hospital grounds and working west along the shoreline through the walking trail and out onto the beach to the channel outlet. At the channel outlet, the Swans are visible looking north over the marsh. Multiple lake birds, such as Buffleheads, Longtail Ducks and others are visible looking south from the same location. Thanks to Tyler Hoare and my brother for assisting in confirmation of the identification. Tundra Swans are now on my Life-list. Sean Crowston OFO member _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
