[Ontbirds]Harris's Sparrow--Erie Beach, Chatham-Kent

[Irene Woods]

Birders:
The Harris's Sparrow was quite active today again in the
vicinity of the compost pile on Gore Rd.--directions below.
It is less likely to be found actually eating from the grain piles,
rather it prefers to forage either along the shrubby fenceline,
going East, OR,  I have always found it along the dirt ridges
running parallel with the road, about 3 car lengths from the
driveway.
It is best to stay in your car for viewing as the birds are 
very skittish. Today a Sharp-shinned hawk was annoying
the many Sparrow species there. The Harris's has always
been in company with White-Crowns.
The birds take refuge in the near-by cedars [with heavy vines],
so please do not park in that driveway.
Arrive with plenty of patience and time !

Irene Woods,
Chatham-Kent

Directions:
Take #3 Highway  [Talbot Trail  ]  out of Blenheim twds Cedar Springs.
Choice 1 :---go 1 road past the Erieau Rd. to Gore Rd. . Turn left twds. Lake Erie.
Travel about 2 km. and you will see the compost pile on your left.
Or,  Choice 2---Take the paved road twds. Erieau.  About 1/2 way to Erieau you will
see Bisnett Sideroad.  Turn right--S--on Bisnett. Travel about 1km. twds. Erie Beach.
Just at the outskirts of Erie Beach you will see a dirt road--N---Gore Road.
The compost pile is about 1/2 km. N on this road.
Dirt shoulders are VERY soft just now,  this is a busy road, but a good width.
Please--please stay in your car to observe.  Birds are very skittish. If you "flush"
the birds, you will have to wait possibly 20 min. for their return !