Good Friday was indeed a good friday for me. I walked the south trail at Island Lake from the Hurontario boardwalk entrance ( east side of Hwy 10 at 4th Ave ) to the farthest end of the trail near the northeast end of the lake where 1st Line almost meets the lake. A very nice walk, this is about a 6km round trip.
Photo album at
http://picasaweb.google.com/scaleaerobatics/20120406IslandLakeOrangevilleIsland Lake Location
http://g.co/maps/q8zd6I was surprised at the lack of "non waterfowl" activity. Not even a peep or tweet of sparrows or Red wings along the boardwark thru the marshy entrance area, nor even along the shorelines. Thru the wooded portions of the trail not a tap, tap, tap, nor even atweet from Cardinals or Jays. The only activiy I heard and saw were a few chickadees. Funny how, when you take a pause for a few moments, they invariably arrive almost looking for a handout!
Now, deep into trail beyond the visitors welcome site was a different story. There were many geese. Also Buffleheads, several small rafts of them, numbers 50 plus ( equal male and female). Strange, didn't see any Mallards!
My best catch of the day was one Belted Kingfisher, a new species for me. Also I spotted Common Mergansers in two locations, 2 males and 2 females, then 1 male escouting 2 females. These were also a highlight for me as I had only see one before in Port Credit Harbour in January. I was hoping to see some cranes or loons or such , but these 2 new finds made my day.
Next time I visit Island Lake I will take the north shore trail.
