Birdwatchers flock to New Tecumseth

August 27, 2014 · 0 Comments

If you wondered what was happening along Tottenham Road this past weekend, you’re in luck, I stopped to find out.

Members of the Ontario Field Ornithologists, or “insane bird watchers” as they called themselves, stopped on Tottenham Road (between the 10th and 11th Lines) to watch birds feeding at the Brayford Sod Farms.

Using telephoto lenses and National Geographic caliber binoculars, these bird lovers were able to get a close look at the several species that had stopped en route from the Arctic for a cool drink and a fat grub.

Pectoral Sandpipers, Baird’s Sandpipers, Semi Palmated Sandpipers, Kill Deer and Horned Larks were some of the species the group was able to observe. And they couldn’t be happier.

“These small birds are from the Arctic. They migrate in the winter and stop in Tottenham and Beeton to refuel before completing their journey south,” said the group’s leader. “What we do is identify them – some of the group members have never seen these birds before – and we keep a list of which birds we’ve seen. It’s really quite competitive between us.”

The group of 35 adult birdwatchers had already been to the Palgrave Conservation Area and the Alliston Quarry Pits to view their feathered friends. After Tottenham, the group was headed to Schomberg to complete the days activities.

The day before (Saturday) a group of 10 young bird watchers also stopped along Tottenham Road to birdwatch.

The Sandpipers will pass through Tottenham and Beeton again next May, on their return trip to the Arctic – the moment will no doubt be captured once again by a high-powered lens.

Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) is dedicated to the study of bird life in Ontario. It was formed in 1982 to unify the growing numbers of field ornithologists across the province and to provide a forum for ideas and information among its members, who now number over 1,000. OFO was incorporated in 1987. All donations to OFO (not including annual membership fees) are tax deductible and help to further field ornithology in Ontario.

For more information, visit www.ofo.ca

s season,” Rideout said. “We especially hope the community will come out and support us for the home opener on September 6th.”

Rideout and Wood are planning a pep-rally, live entertainment, and children’s activities for the home opener, and will also have a former Toronto Maple Leaf on hand to sign autographs, alongside the TCFC mascot, Parker C New Tecumseth.
They also encourage residents to come out for regular games on Saturday nights at the Tottenham Community Fitness Centre, which has recently acquired a liquor licence and will be selling ‘Steam’ Whistle beer on tap.
For more information on season’s tickets, admission rates, sponsorship opportunities or other partnerships, call 416 712-2028 or visit www.steamhockey.ca

By Wendy Gabrek