Just a note for anyone considering shorebirding at West Perth Wetlands (a.k.a., Mitchell Sewage Lagoons)...
Water levels are still a bit high in the four traditionally good cells (NW, NE, SW & fenced) to support good shorebird numbers, although conditions are improving in the first (NW) cell, nearest the parking lot. The best habitat is currently in the small, "hidden" fenced cell, which is at the northeast corner of the main fenced (north-central) cell. There were at least 70 shorebirds of 6 common species there this morning. Unfortunately, accessing this cell involves a very unpleasant traipse through 150 metres of dense, 7-foot tall burdock, teasel and thistle, and visibility is somewhat limited once you get there due to the weeds and fencing (bring a machete!?!). Happy birding, Jarmo Directions: The West Perth Wetlands parking lot is at the south end of Wellington St., off Hwy 8 in downtown Mitchell. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists