[Ontbirds]Cranberry Marsh birding: 14 April 2008

[Wayne Renaud]

    While David Hallett and I spent most the afternoon and early evening
doing the "high-yield" birding areas along the northwest shoreline of Lake
Ontario from Whitby and W. Oshawa (Thickson Wood to Oshawa 2nd Marsh).  The
best results by far came from our last stop: Cranberry Marsh at the mouth of
Lydde Creek (all seen in 20 minutes off the north observation platform near
sunset).  
   As others who have recently visited the marsh have reported, the variety
of waterfowl (18 species!) was outstanding: Mute Swan: 25, Trumpeter Swan:
1; Canada Goose: 16; Mallard: 29; American Black Duck: 13; Northern Pintail:
5; American Wigeon: 31; Gadwall: 80; Green-winged Teal: 20; Blue-winged
Teal: 2; Northern Shoveller: 11; Lesser Scaup: 3; Ring-necked Duck: 110;
Redhead: 4; Bufflehead: 85; Common Goldeneye: 3; Ruddy Duck: 3 and Hooded
Merganser: 2. 
   Other notable sightings were a Least Bittern at 7:15 pm, a Lincoln's
Sparrow, four Wild Turkeys (in the field just west of entrance), one
Northern Harrier and four American Coots.

DIRECTIONS
   Just east of Lakeridge Rd. in southwest Whitby, along Victorias St., turn
south down Hall's Rd. toward the lakefront, parking at either roadside
parking area.

Wayne Renaud