Various levels of government use birds and birders to increase revenue and boost the local economy. Could London, Ontario be missing out?
According to the most recent study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2006) 20% of Americans are identified as birders and contribute $36 billion to the U.S. economy. This trend is not confined to the United States as these numbers are proportionately consistent and rising worldwide.
Many national and provincial parks as well as municipalities are cashing in on birders. Money generating birding events and festivals take place in various locations throughout the year. For instance, Point Pelee schedules their Festival of Birds annually in early May, taking advantage of spring migration. This festival attracts 45,000 people to the area over a three week period, pumping thousands of dollars into the national park and local economy. The annual Hawkwatch located at Hawk Cliff in Port Stanley, Ontario attracts thousands of birders each September, maintaining the town’s economy long after the hoards of beach goers have vacated following Labour Day.
Hawkwatch in Port Stanley, Ontario attracts thousands of birders to the area looking to view the many migrating raptors.
Granted, these two festivals have been operating for many years and have ideal geographic locations behind them, but why doesn’t London, Ontario attempt to attract more birders or have a festival? With seven public ESAs, Fanshawe Conservation Area, the Thames River and the many city parks along its banks, London has no shortage of bird habitat and birds. I believe the city is missing out on an excellent opportunity. With careful planning and promotion, birders would be attracted to London to see our beautiful nature and spend money while here.
Visiting all the fantastic birding locations in one day would be a stretch, so local hotels and restaurants would benefit. Retail sales would increase as the influx of birders visit our local shops and explore downtown. These nature enthusiasts could enjoy the nightlife by taking in a game or concert at Budweiser Gardens, a show at the Grand Theater or a drink at a local pub. This is a whole new demographic of tourist that is virtually untapped by the City of London.
Reports of Red-throated Loons on the Thames River last February attracted birders from all over Southwestern Ontario and parts of the U.S.
Birders do an unbelievable job at spreading the word about great birding locations. With websites like eBird and others designed specifically for reporting bird sightings, news of rare or unusual sightings travels fast. As word spreads, birders quickly rush to these locations, often traveling hundreds of kilometers in hopes of seeing a new species for their life list.
This was apparent in London last February after I reported two Red-throated Loons on the Thames River. After news of these loons spread (the first reported sighting in Middlesex County since 1898) birding traffic along the Thames River greatly increased. The following day, the majority of people walking the Thames were birders, toting binoculars, spotting scopes, and digital cameras; all panning the river hoping to catch a glimpse of these rare loons. In speaking with fellow birders, where they were from often came up. People traveled from all over Southwestern Ontario and even crossed the border from the U.S. in search of these birds.
Hooded Mergansers are commonly found and easily viewed on the Thames River during winter months.
For local birders, the wonderful waterfowl that frequents the Thames River during winter months is no secret. The river’s current prevents water from freezing in many sections, attracting several species of diving ducks. Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Canvasbacks, and Redheads are among the species observed during winter months. These ducks feed on fish and other aquatic life, making open water key to their survival. As northern lakes and areas of the Great lakes freeze, these birds move inland in search of food. Large concentrations of waterfowl are found in various sections of the Thames within the city. To view some of the beautiful waterfowl photographed on the Thames River, take a look at my gallery.
Red-necked Grebes were present on the Thames River last winter. Open water is critical to their survival.
Winter would be the perfect time for London to host a birding festival highlighting waterfowl along the Thames River. With proper planning, promotion and time the economic benefit to our city could be huge. Birders in Ontario regularly flock to the shores of Lake Ontario in Burlington and Toronto, as well as the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers during winter months in search of waterfowl. Why isn’t London attempting to attract them here? In the case of a waterfowl festival on the Thames, two thirds of the equation is already solved. The river is here, the birds will be here; it is simply a matter of attracting more birders, specifically birders from outside London to visit.
Bird festivals not only generate revenue and boost local economies, they help preserve habitat. With established money generating festivals, governments place more priority into protecting and preserving the area in which they are held. Point Pelee National Park is a perfect example of this. A Thames River waterfowl festival would increase the use of our river in its natural state, having long term economic and environmental benefits for the city. Not only would the local economy see a nice boost, the Thames River would be appreciated for its nature, placing more focus on preserving it and less on developing it. Perhaps just the thing our city needs.
Dams have several negative effects on rivers. Since Springbank Dam became nonoperational in 2008, the health of the Thames River has improved.
Constructed at its current location in 1929, Springbank Dam was built to create water supply reservoirs and for recreational activities. As the city expanded, means by which water was collected and stored changed, as new technology became available. These obsolete reservoirs have since been replaced by park, and the pump house converted to washrooms. Plenty of recreational activities exist, as canoeing, kayaking and fishing are still enjoyed along the river.
Contrary to what many believe, Springbank Dam serves no purpose in flood control as is evident by London’s famous flood in 1937. In fact, the threat of flooding wasn’t resolved until Fanshawe Dam was completed in 1952. Springbank Dam has been nonoperational since 2008 when after repairs, debris in the river caused one of the gates to shift and bolts securing that gate’s hinge sheared off. Since this time, the health of the river has improved.
Natural water levels make for a much healthier river. Air and water quality is improved, and wildlife habitat increases. Both factors are beneficial to the many Species at Risk residing in and along the Thames River.
Dams are unhealthy for rivers in many ways. They create an unnatural barrier preventing fish and other aquatic life from moving freely up and down stream. The decreased flow of water causes sediment and nutrients to build up and an increase in water temperature. These factors promote the growth of harmful bacteria and algae. When Springbank Dam was operational, stagnant, slow moving water, made the river appear dirty and produced the aroma associated with it for so many years. Glancing at the river when passing by, it now appears much cleaner than it did when the dam was operational. It is not just an appearance, the river is in fact cleaner. The increased flow of water keeps a fresh supply coming from upstream and moves sediment, nutrients, and treated sewage from Greenway Pollution Control Plant out of the city.
Many Species at Risk inhabit the Thames River and its watershed. Ten species of fish and ten species of freshwater mussel currently found in the river are listed as Species at Risk. Seven species of snake and six species of turtle that are currently listed as Species at Risk reside within the Thames River watershed. Several factors have led to the decline of these species including: habitat loss, pollution, and siltation, all negative effects caused by Springbank Dam.
The Northern Map Turtle is a Species At Risk residing in the Thames River. Nesting habitat for these and other turtles has increased without Springbank Dam in operation.A threatened species, the Spiny Softshell Turtle is benefiting without Springbank Dam. Increased habitat has resulted in the UTRCA Species At Risk Reptile Team protecting 175 nests this year. The most ever!
Seven of the eight turtle species residing in Ontario are now listed as Species At Risk. Six of these species are found within the Thames River Watershed. Among these species is the Spiny Softshell Turtle, currently listed as threatened. Habitat loss and pollution are two of this species biggest threats; both issues have improved since Springbank Dam failed. With the river back at its natural level, nesting habitat for these turtles has greatly increased. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s Species At Risk Reptile Team has been working hard over the years to protect these turtles and their nests. This year saw them protect 175 Spiny Softshell Turtle nests, the most ever, proof this species is benefiting without Springbank Dam.
During spring and fall migration, songbirds and waterfowl follow the Thames River valley. Resting and feeding in and along the river is key to their survival. The healthier river is now attracting more species.
With the Thames River now at its natural level, reforestation is occurring, increasing the size of the riparian zone. A riparian zone is the area of vegetation where the land and river meet. This area helps reduce pollution and improve water quality. Along the Thames, many beneficial native species of tree, shrub, wild flower, and grass, make up this riparian zone. Their root systems stabilize the bank, reducing erosion and the amount of sediment that ends up in the river. Less sediment means a cleaner river bed which improves the habitat where fish spawn.
Wading birds like the Great Blue Heron are attracted to the natural water levels of the Thames River. These birds feed on fish and other aquatic life in the shallow water.
Riparian vegetation also reduces the amount of harmful nutrients and pesticides that enter the river with run off following periods of rain. Although these nutrients occur naturally in aquatic ecosystems, high levels result in nutrient pollution. Many of these nutrients and pesticides are applied to lawns by golf courses, homeowners, and city parks along the river. Most notable are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium found in fertilizers. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the river can cause water to become polluted.
Natural reforestation is occurring along the Thames River in areas that with Springbank Dam operational would otherwise be underwater. Native species such as Poplars, Aspen, and Willow are among the new growth.
Trees in the riparian zone provide nest sites for birds. Wood and debris that fall from these trees into the river provide shelter, current breaks and habitat for fish and aquatic insects. The shade created by these trees regulates the water temperature benefiting several fish species, as most fish, including many on the Species at Risk list, thrive in cooler water.
Riparian vegetation is key to a healthy river. Following periods of rain, this vegetation reduces the amount of harmful nutrients and pesticides entering the river with run off.
Leaves, twigs and other organic matter that fall into the river and riparian zone, provides food for many aquatic organisms. Increased vegetation along the banks helps slow the force of the water after heavy rains, which prevents erosion of the river bed. When a riverbed erodes the local groundwater table is lowered, which has negative effects on the environment. These negative effects include: loss of wetlands and riparian vegetation, more frequent and severe drought, reduced biodiversity and wildlife habitat loss.
Evidence of this reforestation and increased size to the riparian zone is most easily noticed at Springbank Park on both sides of the river, from the dam, upstream to the old pump house. Beneficial reforestation is not limited to this section of the river as it occurs in many areas as you follow the river upstream.
Monarch Butterflies are benefiting from Milkweed that has grown in areas that would otherwise be underwater. Milkweed is key to the survival of Monarch Butterflies as it is the only plant their caterpillars eat. These areas of Milkweed will be destroyed if Springbank Dam is repaired.The Red Osier Dogwood is one of many native plant species to grow in the Riparian area. Not only does this shrub reduce sediment, nutrients, and pesticides from entering the river, its flowers attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees. The fruit is also a favourite of many birds.
Native species in the riparian zone where natural reforestation is occurring along the Thames River include: Poplar, Aspen, Cottonwood, and Sycamore. Smaller fruit bearing trees and shrubs, like Dogwoods and Chokecherries, are also found. Migratory birds use the Thames River as a highway, feeding on various organisms such as insects, fish, and berries. These same organisms provide food year round to resident birds. Birds nest and raise their young in these same trees and shrubs. Native wild flowers such as Milkweed are growing in areas that with Springbank Dam operational would otherwise be underwater. Milkweed is critical to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, as it is the only plant consumed by Monarch caterpillars. Other wild flowers now abundant along the banks of the Thames River are Joe-Pye-Weed, Goldenrod, and Jewel Weed. Jewel Weed is a magnet for Hummingbirds. A quick look over the large patches, especially during migration, reveals these beautiful little birds. Joe-Pye-Weed, a mid season bloomer, and Goldenrod, a late season bloomer, are both beneficial to pollinators such as Bees and Butterflies. Nectar from the late blooming Goldenrod is a favourite food of adult Monarch Butterflies who begin their 3000km migration to Mexico in early September. Mammals such as Beavers can be found nibbling on the Poplars, American Mink slip through the dense cover within the riparian zone, as do Squirrels and Chipmunks. Reptiles and amphibians such as snakes, frogs, and toads call this area home.
Repairing Springbank Dam will raise water levels to an unnatural level. The natural reforestation and beneficial riparian zone will be flooded and destroyed. Water and air quality will suffer and so too will many plant and animal species, some of them Species at Risk. Nesting habitat of threatened turtles will be unnecessarily submerged, and the slow moving, stagnant water that so many Londoners associate with the Thames will return. Future repairs will cost taxpayers millions, as new studies, research, and engineering will be required as the previous design clearly failed. A $5 million law suit launched by the City of London against the contractors hired to repair Springbank Dam is expected to hit the courts next year. If money previously spent on this project is recouped by this lawsuit, it could be spent addressing the many other issues facing our city. There is no plan for what the city intends to do with Springbank Dam in the future, but with a municipal election on October 27, 2014 it is an issue I will be discussing with my mayoral and ward candidates before I vote. If you wish to keep a healthy and diverse ecosystem and save Species at Risk in the Thames River, then leaving Springbank Dam nonoperational, thus maintaining natural water levels, is the solution.
The UTRCA Species At Risk Reptile Team has protected 175 Softshell Turtle nests and hopes to release 2000 young turtles like this one back into the Thames River this year.
As a nature lover, I am a huge fan of the Thames River that flows through London, Ontario. The river itself, and the various habitat along its banks, make it the perfect location to find birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Among these reptiles is the Spiny Softshell Turtle, a Species At Risk in Ontario. With their leathery shells and snorkel-like noses, these unique turtles are my favourite reptile residing in the Thames River. Spiny Softshell Turtles spend much of their time in the water, but can be observed basking on rocks and logs.
The newly released turtles quickly made their way into the water from this log they were placed on.
The Ontario Fish and Wildlife Protection Act currently protects these turtles from being harassed in any way. Failure to comply with this can result in large fines and even jail time. Although habitat loss is their biggest threat, other human activity such as poaching threatens this species. These turtles are known to be collected for the food and pet trade and also medicinal purposes. In an effort to reduce poaching, it is advised that specific locations of these turtles not be published on the internet. Both the Species at Risk Act and Endangered Species Act list the Spiny Softshell Turtle as threatened in Ontario. Any illegal activity regarding this or other threatened species should be reported to the Ministry Of Natural Resources 1-877-TIPS-MNR.
It was quite an incredible experience witnessing these Species At Risk being released. Thanks to Scott Gillingwater and the team for inviting me to come along.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) led by Species at Risk Biologist Scott Gillingwater are doing incredible work in preserving this species in the Thames River watershed. Scott and his Species At Risk Reptile Team have protected 175 Softshell Turtle nests this year alone and are hopeful that 2000 young turtles will be returned to the Thames River. Some nests have been protected from predators such as raccoons by placing wire cages over them, other nests are carefully excavated and the eggs taken to the Species at Risk Reptile Team’s lab where they are placed in incubators and hatched there. Upon hatching the young turtles are measured, weighed and returned within days to the location where the eggs were removed from. It is here they are released back into the river. It is estimated that only 1% of unprotected turtle eggs will reach adulthood. The Species at Risk Reptile Team ensures the majority of eggs at least hatch, helping the Spiny Softshell Turtle overcome their first obstacle.
If you are exploring along the Thames River you may notice this species or efforts to protect it. Please respect both the turtles and hard work of the team. Remember tampering with a nest is considered harassment and charges can be laid.
The young turtles being released are about the size of a loonie; the females can grow to be more than 45cm in length.
The majority of this season’s protected eggs have already hatched and the young have been released into the river. I was recently invited by Scott Gillingwater out to see some of the recent hatchlings and tour the lab. As an avid fan of these turtles I jumped at the opportunity. Upon arriving at the UTRCA building I was greeted by Scott and introduced to Kaela and Krista, members of his team. All three of them were warm and inviting, and even though we had just met I felt like I had known them for years.
First, I was shown a group of recently hatched Spiny Softshell Turtles no bigger than a loonie that were ready to be released. The team educated me on everything about the turtles from habitat, to behaviour and how to distinguish between sexes. The incubators holding containers of eggs waiting to hatch were then explained. An interesting display of various turtle shells, skulls and other educational material that has been collected over the years was then presented. Scott, Kaela, and Krista’s passion for these turtles and what they do was evident as they spoke. This whole experience and the education I was given was truly fascinating and I am incredibly grateful for being invited to spend the morning with the team.
This particular turtle paused briefly on the surface before diving to the bottom of the river.
Next I was asked by Scott if I wanted to accompany him and the team on the release of the young turtles. I responded with a definite yes and was excited to witness these young turtles begin their journey in the Thames. I followed the team by truck to the location where the eggs had been collected earlier this year. The river was quite high after receiving 4 1/2 inches of rain during the previous week’s thunderstorms. The normal bank area was underwater and the river was flowing fast. Finding a place where our feet would stay dry wasn’t going to happen, so we waded through the flooded grasses that under normal water levels would have been dry. We remained a safe distance from the rushing river in an area that provided cover for the turtles in the form of a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation.
I was able to photograph these turtles as the team placed them on a log surrounded by vegetation. Upon being released, the turtles quickly entered the water and disappeared towards the bottom. It was quite a thrill being permitted to release the last turtle as Scott snapped a picture. We carefully exited the area and left the turtles to begin their journey in the wild.
Scott Gillingwater has written an incredible book entitled “Stewardship Of The Spiny Softshell Turtle” that is loaded full of information about these and other turtles which I referenced for the purpose of this blog. Photographs of larger Spiny Softshell Turtles in the Thames River can be found in my earlier blog post Unique Reptiles Found in London, Ontario.
The Spiny Softshell Turtles quickly headed to the ample vegetation and muddy bottom for cover upon being released.
For more information on the Spiny Softshell Turtle and the Species at Risk Reptile Team visit the UTRCA website here. Funding for this project is critical to its success so private donations are always appreciated. Donations can easily be made online by clicking here. Be sure to like UTRCA on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Once again I would like to thank Scott, Kaela and Krista for the incredible work they do preserving this amazing species and for providing me with such an amazing experience.
A large Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle basks on a rock in the Thames River.
While they may not garner the same hype as the Caiman discovered in Toronto’s High Park this week, there is an indigenous reptile found within London, Ontario that is worth searching for. With their long snorkel-like noses and soft leathery shells, the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle is a unique looking creature. These turtles are classed as threatened under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act and the Species at Risk Act, but thanks in large part to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, their numbers are increasing.
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle’s as well as other native turtles. This can be caused by shoreline development, stabilization and changes in water levels. Lower water levels resulting from the Springbank Dam not being in operation has improved their habitat.
It is not uncommon to see several softshell turtles sharing the same rock.
If seeing one of these turtles is on your bucket list, they can be viewed from the banks of the Thames River throughout the city. By scanning the the river, paying attention to exposed rocks and logs will reveal these turtles basking in the summer sun. Softshell turtles in the Thames River range in size from only a few centimeters to much larger specimens exceeding 40 centimeters.
Turtles of all sizes are present, so keeping an eye out for smaller specimens is important.
Turtles are less visible during high water times because many of the rocks and logs they bask on become submerged. For this reason, success will be much greater if you avoid searching for softshells after heavy rains.
Remember that these turtles are protected and cannot be harmed or harassed in any way. Stay on the trails adjacent to the river as these and other turtles nest on the sandy banks of the river, and walking on them can damage the nests. Poachers often raid the eggs from nests for either the pet or food trade. It is illegal to buy, sell, or possess protected species and any illegal activity regarding these or other plant or animal species should be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
The beautiful red plumage of a male Cardinal will certainly add colour to your day.
If you have had enough of winter and the slow start to spring this year, heading out for a little birding will definitely put colour into your day. For the last several months it seems everything around us has been shades of white or grey. With plenty of snow and ice this past winter, I think we are all ready for the colours of spring.
The orange breast of the American Robin adds plenty of colour and contrasts nicely against most backgrounds.
With the snow taking it’s time to melt, it may be a few weeks yet before we start to see colour in the form of daffodils, tulips, and crocuses emerging from the ground. Luckily there is plenty of colour in the birds around us to help forget about winter.
The female Cardinal is not always considered a colourful bird, but their beautiful red and orange accents show otherwise.
On recent walks around some of my favourite birding hotspots, there has been a wide range of beautiful colours. Bright red male Northern Cardinals can be seen in the tree tops singing; establishing their territories and bringing in their mates. Speaking of mates, the red and orange accents of the female cardinal are quite stunning and can be easily forgotten when thinking of colourful birds. Robins are now more active and can be seen hopping across newly exposed grass searching for food in wet areas as the snow melts. Their bright orange breasts contrast against their dark backs as well as the remaining snow; painting a beautiful picture. Good numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds are around showing their red and yellow wing bars, and the beautiful plumage of Blue Jays really stands out this time of year against a leafless backdrop.
The brilliantly coloured male Wood Duck is perhaps the most colourful bird we have in our area.
The return of some waterfowl to the Thames River this spring is adding some incredible colour. American Wigeons can be seen, the males showing a wonderful green stripe on their heads, with a baby blue bill and rusty patch on their sides. Perhaps the most colourful of all birds is the male Wood Duck. This gorgeous bird is a fantastic combination of green, red, orange, yellow, blue, maroon, purple, and white; impressing birders and non birders alike with it’s beauty.
This male American Wigeon shows off a variety of colour.
If you feel your days are lacking some colour and you want to put the drab winter behind you, then I recommend taking a walk and enjoying the beauty our local birds present.
As many of you know, I am a huge fan of birding along the Thames River. The series of paths and trails are easily navigated and the birds and wildlife along the river are remarkable. The Red-necked Grebe is a bird that I just added to my life list this year, thanks to the extremely cold temperatures we have experienced. These birds usually winter on the Great Lakes, but with so much ice coverage many have moved inland in search of open water.
This particular Red-necked Grebe really liked this section of river between the bank and a sheet of ice for searching for food. It provided close views and was interesting to watch as it dove repeatedly, but unfortunately unsuccessfully during my watch.
On recent walks along the river I have viewed as many as four Red-necked Grebes in the section of river between Greenway and Springbank Parks. These birds don’t seem to be too shy around humans as many times I’ve had some pretty good views from close range. On one particular day I got quite lucky as one of these grebes was feeding in the shallow water right next to the bank. I managed to get in a position where there was a clearing in the shrubs and watched as the grebe hunted for food. Red-necked Grebes feed on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans and must dive underwater in order to catch it. For whatever reason this grebe liked this small section between a sheet of ice and the river bank. I watched as it dove repeatedly in search of food, but unfortunately for the grebe it came up short every time. It was interesting to watch the grebe swim with its face in the water searching before every dive and as it cruised along the bottom in the shallow water.
Grebe’s bodies are designed for diving and swimming underwater. The rear placement of their legs makes walking on land quite difficult.
Grebe’s legs are set back far on their bodies which helps them dive and swim underwater but makes walking on dry land extremely difficult for them. It puts their balance off and they tend to fall on their breast as they try to walk. This particular grebe saw an open section of water in the middle of the sheet of ice and decided to try it’s luck there. Reluctant to dive and try to resurface in the hole further out in the ice, the grebe decided to walk. The grebe popped up on the ice and tried walking. Between it’s front-heavy body and the slippery ice it wasn’t making much progress. It reminded me of watching a child on skates for the first time. It tried using it’s wings for balance, but still continued to fall forward. The grebe eventually gave up and got back into the river alongside the sheet of ice. it was clearly hungry and was trying anything to find something to eat. I carried on with my walk and hoped that the grebe would soon find something to appease it’s hunger. These birds have travelled many kilometers this winter in search of food and mortality rates among all waterfowl are up due to starvation in many areas.
Struggling to walk across the slippery ice, this Red-necked Grebe tried using it’s wings to help balance.
If you have yet to see a Red-necked Grebe or some of the other waterfowl species that have overwintered on the Thames River, time is running out. As the Great Lakes thaw these birds will be making their way northwest back to their breeding grounds. Try to get out next week and experience some of the wonderful birding we have close to home.
This winter’s cold weather has lots of people wishing for spring to arrive. For many it feels like winter is lasting forever, but for me this winter has been perfect. This year 86% of the Great Lakes are now covered in ice, compared to 35% on average years. Many species of waterfowl that typically winter on these lakes are showing up inland in their quest for open water as open water is scarce this year. Even the St. Clair river, another popular location for wintering ducks, has more ice coverage. The recent closure of the Lambton Generating Station has resulted in less warm water being discharged into the river and thus more ice formation. Many of these ducks are now forced to migrate to the Atlantic coast as these lakes and rivers freeze. The Thames River is located right in their flyway and is an excellent place to stop over to feed and rest or set up shop for the rest of the winter.
Red-necked Grebe
The number of species on the Thames River has increased almost daily and is a great place to get excellent views of waterfowl that would otherwise appear as tiny specks out on the big lakes and rivers. In London, on the stretch of river between Springbank and Greenway Parks there is plenty of open water and waterfowl. This past week alone I have added four new species to my life list and had some incredible close-up views of many others. A complete list of waterfowl I’ve seen in this area are:
American Black Duck
Bufflehead
Canada Goose
Canvasback
Common Merganser
Common Goldeneye
Greater Scaup
Hooded Merganser
Horned Grebe
Mallard
Muscovy
Red-breasted Merganser
Redhead
Red-necked Grebe
Red-throated Loon
Long-tailed Duck
White-winged Scoter
Horned Grebe
Several access points for this stretch of river are available. There are multiple parking lots in Greenway Park by turning on Greenside Avenue off of Springbank Drive. Other access points are from the parking areas in Springbank Park off either Springbank Drive or off Commissioners Road West at Springbank Gate.
Once the warm weather arrives and the melt begins, several of these waterfowl species will be gone. If you are wanting some great views of these waterfowl species now is the time. Don’t leave it too long as this has truly been an amazing year on the Thames. There is no telling how long it will be when we see ice levels like these on the Great Lakes again and have such an abundance of waterfowl species move inland.
