This morning Nick von Maltzahn and I birded along the Shirley's Bay dyke. Shorebird activity was dramatically reduced as compared to previous weeks, but a small mixed-species foraging group contained two BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS and singles of PECTORAL SANDPIPER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, BLACK-BELLED PLOVER, and DUNLIN, along with more common species. There were also 13 GREAT EGRETS present. Good birding!Pat DIRECTIONS: (courtesy Bruce DiLabio) Take Carling Avenue and follow to Rifle Road. Turn right onto Rifle Road. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. **** PLEASE NOTE **** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA -- CALL (613) 991-5740 AND REQUEST PERMISSION TO VISIT THE DYKE AREA BEFORE BIRDING. _______________________________________________ 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/
