Hullett Marsh - OFO trip

Habitat restoration began at Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area in 1979, in an area adjacent to the South Maitland River. The 800 hectare property provides secure conditions for waterfowl and other wildlife, including species at risk. We joined an OFO (Ontario Field Ornithologists) outing on April 20th along with another 20 members. We had been to the area in the past, but this tour showed us some different hiking areas and over 63 bird species!

Birders at Hullett Marsh.

Our first stop was at the east side of the property. I saw 14 species of ducks but additional species were found by others.

The bugling sound of Sandhill Cranes could be heard in the distance before they came close enough to view.

A Canada Goose shelters under the rusted remains of a car frame while incubating eggs. The very old vehicle was likely abandoned in a dry field which later flooded during construction of the wetland.

I saw my first shorebird of the season, a Greater Yellowlegs! 

Many Minnows in the water.

Bridge over a creek along a trail.

Hidden in the shadows, a pair of Black-capped Chickadees spent time excavating a nesting hole.

An immature Bald Eagle, missing a few feathers circled above.

We were very surprised to see an immature Golden Eagle flying very high overhead! Most Golden Eagles have already headed North.

A partially submerged Green Frog rests with it's head and eyeballs showing above the vegetation.

Nesting box #25 for Screech Owl monitoring. (notice the owl outline carved on the side of the box.)

Although it was a cool day, creatures such as this Wooly Bear caterpillar were thriving in sunny, sheltered areas.

A Garter Snake tried to enjoy the warmth of the sun as we walked by.

Canada Geese on patrol.