Wednesday, August 11, 2010

August 11, 2010 Egret battle at Shirley's Bay

Spent an hour birding Shirley's Bay this afternoon in the heat. Lots of activity including a battle between two Great Egrets. They were very aggressive fighting over fishing rights! Counted over 450+ shorebirds, mainly "peeps", 350+ Least and 50+ Semipalmated Sandpiper. There was 1 juvenile Semipalmated Plover another first of the fall.

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. 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. There is lots of POISON IVY along 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 for birding.





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