A little while ago I got a call from Danno who is at the Chausee. He is reporting the same group of birds from the Chausee as were seen last night with the addition of a Wilson's Phalarope. This includes Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits, a Red Knot and the 2 adult Western Sandpipers. These WESP are very pale, almost a pure white belly and lack any red. When compared with a Semipalmated S.P. the birds are just a bit large and the bill appears a bit longer, thicker and more droopy. It is a good idea to have a field guide with you!!!

The Chausee is the old entrance to Cedar Point which now leads to some fancy condominiums. It is about 1 mile to the west of Sheldon's Marsh. As you head out, there is an obvious pull-over for parking just before the vegetation begins. Park here and walk north, towards the lake. The shorebird habitat is on the right in the first open space beyond the water vegetation. It extends from there almost all the way to the condominiums. The best time of day for this spot is late afternoon to evening hours. This morning it is overcast and that works out OK, too! Be sure and have a scope. If there are two of you, one can drive and drop the other person off with the scope and then return to the pull-off, park and walk back out! 

As the birds fly, the Chausee is only a few short miles to the east of Pipe Creek. Since Pipe Creek is now closed for hunting, the Chausee is an excellent alternative. To avoid the Sandusky/Cedar Point traffic, take Rte 2 to the Rye Beach Rd., head north and then west (left) at the first stop light. Turn right on the first road past the entrance to Sheldon's Marsh (about a mile).

Good Birding!

Doreene Linzell
Dan Sanders
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