Hi Ontbirders, Great Egrets are once again roosting this summer at Luther Marsh but they have changed their roosting location. For the last 6 years, they have roosted in the South Monticello Pond on the NE corner of the Luther Marsh area. When that area was checked last week there were no egrets roosting there but, during the day, there were egrets in the area....so where did they roost? They were found in an area known as "the Sanctuary", about 300-400m out from the West Boat Ramp, an area not generally open to the public; Tony Zammit, Grand River CA, posted that on eBird last week. Tonight, Tony, Dan MacNeal and I were at the West Boat Ramp from about 7:30 to 9:00 and tallied 20 egrets coming into the roost there. This was about half of what Tony and Dan reported last week....so where have the others gone ? We're still looking. If anyone would like to join our group and help with this monitoring, please contact Tony (tzam...@grandriver.ca).
Other birds that were visible from the West Boat Ramp included about 26 Sandhill Cranes, 7 Common Loons in a flock and 3-4 Osprey. I'd like to remind Ontbirders who have assisted with egret roost counts in the past to head out soon and see if your roosts are active yet. Large roosts are usually active by late June and smaller ones by late July. This year, with the late spring, things seem to be behind a little. Please send your information to me privately or post it. Directions: To reach the main access area of Luther Marsh, go west from Orangeville on Hwy 109 towards Arthur. Go right (north) on Hwy 25, through Grand Valley and continue for 3-4 km, turn left at the sign for Luther marsh, follow that road until you must turn right (Sideroad 21-22), follow that road for a couple of km to the Main Entrance (on your left) to Luther Marsh....it is well marked and has a kiosk. Email Tony if you'd like to help. Cheers, Chip Weseloh _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
