Area Wetlands Offer Outstanding Birding Opportunites

Each year throughout August I look forward to birding at area wetlands as several species congregate in large groups within these habitats. Wetlands don’t have to be overly big in size to attract impressive numbers of birds. Often times, small bodies of water including neighbourhood stormwater management ponds can be great places to bird. Wetlands provide all the necessities of life for birds making them quite appealing. 

My favourite wetland to visit at this time of year is the West Perth Wetlands located in Mitchell, Ontario. Already this month I have made two visits and have been treated to excellent views of a diverse group of birds. The reason I visit the West Perth Wetlands each August is to enjoy the magnitude of shorebirds that stop over to rest and feed during their migration south. It may only be mid-summer, but shorebird migration is in full swing. On both of my visits, Lesser Yellowlegs were the most prevalent species but I also enjoyed great looks at Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, and Greater Yellowlegs. 

Birding at the West Perth Wetlands revealed more than just shorebirds. Several waterfowl species were observed including Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shovellers. Great views of Wood Ducks were also achieved, which I know will interest many of my blog subscribers, but before you get too excited these were all females with juveniles or males in eclipse plumage so no vibrantly coloured specimens to photograph. A lone Pied-billed Grebe was observed from the viewing stand adjacent the parking lot.   

Wetlands are not limited to wading birds and waterfowl as many songbirds reside in the wooded areas that surround them. Red-winged blackbirds and American Goldfinches were the most abundant on my trip to Michell with Eastern Kingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Grey Catbirds and several swallow species also recorded. 

The West Perth Wetlands is also a great location for viewing and photographing butterflies. I am happy to report that on both of my visits impressive quantities of Monarch Butterflies were observed. In my experience, searching the wildflowers along the bank of the pond located in the southeast corner of the wetland is most productive for butterflies. Be sure to keep your eyes out for turtles and frogs as you circle the ponds. For more information and photos from the West Perth Wetlands please visit my blog posts written in previous years below. 

The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts

Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands

After hearing reports of a juvenile Little Blue Heron observed from line 31 at the south end of Wildwood Reservoir, I decided to make a quick stop here on my way up to Mitchell. These birds are rare to Canada typically residing in the southern United States. To my delight, the bird was present and I was treated to great views through my binoculars. This rarity was a little too far away to capture a quality photo, but for me simply seeing this species made my day. Also present here were many of the shorebird species observed throughout the network of ponds at the West Perth Wetlands as well as several Caspian Terns and Great Egrets. As I proceeded down line 31 approaching the bridge over the reservoir a Great Blue Heron walked across the road in front of my car while another one was intently feeding at the water’s edge. Cliff and Barn Swallows could be seen flying in and out from under the bridge. 

Local wetlands and stormwater management ponds revealed many of the aforementioned shorebird species albeit in smaller numbers. Some of my favourite wetlands in the city are the Dingman Constructed Wetland on Dingman Drive, the stormwater management pond behind the Canadian Tire Store on Wonderland Road as well as the two on either side of Hyde Park Road just north of Gainsborough Road. The Coves is also another great place to visit in August as many shorebirds, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Black-crowned Night Herons are seen here annually. Shorebird identification can be a real challenge so having a quality field guide is a must. My favourites can be found in my post The 4 Best Field Guides To Help Hone Your Bird Identification Skills.      

It’s important to protect yourself from both insects and the sun while birding in August. Over the past couple of seasons, I have started wearing lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts that feature UV protection, which shield me from both the sun and insect bites. I always wear a hat while birding but prefer a baseball cap over a wide-brimmed or bucket style hat. As a result, my neck would often burn despite multiple applications of sunscreen throughout the day. This year I have added a Columbia Neck Wrap to my wardrobe. With UPF 50 protection and heat activated cooling technology this garment keeps me cool and protected from the sun. Consequently, I have not sunburned my neck while birding this year. A quality insect repellant is also a must to prevent bites from mosquitos and ticks. Since switching to an all-natural insect repellant last year, I have not had a single tick on me and have not experienced any issues breathing that I have in the past with the use of a deet based product. 

Wetlands are one of my favourite habitats to explore at any time of year as outstanding birding opportunities are always present. August can be one of the best months for seeing large concentrations of birds, especially shorebirds and maybe even a few less common species as they make their way south. If you have been wondering where to bird in the coming weeks, give one of your local wetlands try. I think you will agree that these habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife making for a satisfying day.

Good birding,
Paul 

 *In case you were wondering, any products linked to in my post are items I’ve purchased with my own money and only recommend based on my experience and satisfaction.*