Yes, you read that right. Late this afternoon I found a Marsh Sandpiper in the west lagoon at Thedford lagoons, the 1st for Ontario and appears to be the 1st for Canada. The site is, like most lagoons, posted and not publicly accessible so efforts were made, through OFO, to make arrangements for public viewing. That was achieved this evening and details will be posted by OFO tonight. The bird appears to be pre alternate (I really haven’t had time to dive in yet!) and stands out markedly from adjacent Lesser Yellowlegs..smaller, more slight and much more elegant appearing, very pale face, throat and upper breast, very long, thin and slightly upturned bill, very long greenish legs, striking white wedge up the back, broad dark centres on mantle and scapulars. Most of my early photos were garbage because my hands were shaking and my heart was racing but the bird has been well documented with photos and video. Good luck to those that make the effort tomorrow. The lagoons are on Ravenswood Line (Road 79), just before the south curve that leads to Thedford and about 1km east of where Northville Road turns southward James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services226-228-1428, [email protected] 'If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself.'' - Ferdinand Porsche -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario.
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