[Ontbirds]Reeve, Minesing Swamp

[John Schmelefske]

Sorry for the delay, I tried sending this message this morning, but I must have messed up.

This morning at aprox. 9:30 I came across a Reeve (female Ruff) on 
McKinnon Rd. at the south end of Minesing swamp.  I first saw it briefly 
in a flooded area on the sod farm on the left as you approach the 
wetlands area.  It was with a large group of Greater and Lesser 
Yellowlegs and a few Pectoral Sandpipers.  The bird vanished as I was 
looking for my camera.

I encountered it again at the end of McKinnon Rd where the road 
is completely flooded and watched it for about 20 minutes.  It was there 
when I left, with a group of yellowlegs and pectoral sandpipers.

Directions;

Turn north on McKinnon Rd. which is off Hwy 90 at the eastern outskirts 
of Angus.  About 1 Km. up there is a large sod field on the left.  The 
edge of the field on the north side is flooded and this is where it was 
first seen along with a number of other shorebirds.  Continuing up 
Mckinnon Rd. go past the junction at the next concession on the left.  This area is quite 
flooded and there are lots of waterfowl.  Continue past the junction. 
 The road curves.  Then there is a house on the right with great bird 
feeder in the driveway.  Had Red-bellied Woodpecker and White-throated 
Sparrow here.  After the house the road is covered with water.  On the 
right hand side, past the outbuidings of the farm there is a large 
partially flooded field.  The Reeve was relocated at the far end of the 
flooded area along with other shorebirds.  A scope is needed and rubber boots 
are a good idea.

John Schmelefske
j.schm at rogers.com