[Ontbirds] HORNED GREBE, RED-NECKED GREBE, various waterfowl at Mitchell Wetland (Lagoons)

[Dave Brown]

Hi All,

I managed to take a jaunt out to the Mitchell Wetland ponds (former sewage lagoons) this afternoon and found that all ponds are now completely free of ice...and indeed the water levels are the highest I've seen in a long time.

Highlights were a single HORNED GREBE that's close to completing its pre-alternate molt. and a single RED-NECKED GREBE that's pretty much completed its molt. They were easily seen in the last pond at the furthest back left of the property.

I also spotted my first male Tree Swallow for the season cruising low over the water of the same cell.

There was also a good variety of waterfowl in this same cell:

American Wigeon       - 10 Pair
Northern Shoveler     - 1 Pair
Ruddy Duck            - 3 Pair and 4 lone males
Redhead               - 2 Pair
Ringed-necked Duck    - 17 pair and 3 lone males
Lesser Scaup          - 15 pair
Bufflehead            - 22 pair
Green-winged Teal     - 2 pair
Blue-winged Teal      - 1 lone male
D.C. Cormorant        - 5 in flight (did not land)
Mallard               - 2 Pair

Also had 20+ singing Savanah Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow and 4 Horned Lark.

Good Birding!
Dave J Brown
Mitchell, ON

thebrowns at ezlink.on.ca

Note: There are no permits required to walk around the Mitchell wetland area.

Directions to Mitchell Wetland Ponds:

>From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru
Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and
turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the
ball diamond.  Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond
and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant.  You can go straight ahead
on the gravel and park next to the berm.

>From the London area....take Hwy 23 into Mitchell from the south and
just after you pass the "Welcome to Mitchell" sign...watch for Frank
St...go right on Frank St and head down over the bridge till you get to
the ball diamond (will be on your right).  Again...the cells are behind
the ball diamond and soccer fields. You can go straight ahead 
on the gravel and park next to the berm.

>From Southampton area....take Hwy 21, to Goderich and then Hwy 8 to
Clinton and down to Mitchell, turn south on Hwy 23 to Frank St. and turn
left on Frank St. and head over the bridge to the ball diamonds (which
will be on your right). You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park 
next to the berm.