Yesterday at 8:40 AM, I observed a single Great Egret flying from Nottawasaga Island (where egrets breed) to the mainland just west of Collingwood, Ontario. This was the first egret I had noted at or near Nottawasaga Island this spring after conducting 1-hour observation periods, from the shoreline, on 22, 25, 28 and 31` March. Nottawasaga Island is the largest and one of the most northerly breeding colonies of Great Egrets in Ontario. Previously already this spring, egrets have been reported from the Chantry Island breeding colony (Southampton, Ontario), from the vicinity of the Gull Island colony (Brighton, Ontario) and from the new colony (last year) on an unnamed island in the Niagara River (immediately above the Falls). Egrets have also been reported from Essex County, suggesting that the several breeding colonies on islands in western Lake Erie are also occupied. Ontbirders are reminded to be watchful for evening roosting sites of Great Ergrets, especially in spring when known roosting sites are scarce. Egrets usually roost in trees or bushes in or near standing water, sometimes in shallow water or on mudflats. Please send any such observations to me. Thanks, Chip Weseloh Directions: Nottawasaga Island can been seen quite clearly from an area west of Collingwood. From Collingwood, take Hwy 26 (west) out of town. On the western outskirts of town, watch for "Dockside" St./Ave. on the right-hand side of the road. About 100m beyond Dockside is a vacant lot with a large For Sale sign and a dirt road/trail leading towards the water. Go to the bottom of this road/trail and walk out to the shoreline where the island (with its lighthouse on the west end) can be easily scoped. Great Blue Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Great Egrets, Double-crested Cormorants and Herring, Ring-billed and usually a single pair of Great Black-backed Gulls breed on the island.
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