I returned to Richmond fen last night between 10:30pm and 1:30am. Upon my arrival I could easily hear three WHIP-POOR-WILLS calling from Marlborough Forest - one seemed to be close to the end of Kettles Road, but it stopped calling shortly thereafter and was not located. About four AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were "peenting" and making courtship flights near the tracks. I did hear a single hoot from a LONG-EARED OWL, but it was in the distance and did not call out again.
The walk into the fen was fairly quiet. Occasional calls from WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS broke up the silence, and nearing the fen I relocated the AMERICAN WOODCOCK that Jeff and I had failed to locate in last weeks report. I managed to observe the bird this time around, and have uploaded a few shots to my website for those who have never actually seen this bird (http://pj-mcblake.smugmug.com/gallery/5038229_j8QK5#530476369_hG8eh-A-LB). The fen was fairly active - SWAMP SPARROWS were singing intermittently, and a WILSON'S SNIPE was winnowing. The big surprise was the distinct chatter of two SEDGE WRENS, approximately halfway into the fen (distance and location are hard to determine in complete darkness). At least two VIRGINIA RAILS were also calling, but I assume there were more that were silent. On my way out nothing unusual was found, but a single SONG SPARROW gave off a call as I neared Kettles Road, and another VIRGINIA RAIL was calling from somewhere just off the railway. DIRECTIONS: Richmond Fen: Follow Fallowfield Drive west, turning left onto Munster Road. Follow Munster Road to the end, turning left onto Kettles Road. Park at the "Marlborough Forest" sign and head out to the fen on foot, following the railway for about 2 kilometers. Be aware that the railway is active and trains can come up on your very quickly without making much noise. _________________________________________________________________ Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9656621_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
