The Pipits: Carden Alvar (2)

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Hello Pipits!

This Sunday we will be going to the Carden Alvar!

It's a magical place, and each sequential visit you make there will show different aspects of the whole.

Let's meet at the Prospect Marsh Nature Reserve parking lot at 5:30 am.

We'll see what we can see there, then drive down the road to an area where the marsh should be more open.

I've seen Least Bittern and Pie Billed Grebe with greblets here.

From here we will drive to Wylie Road and make our way along Wylie all the way to Alvar Road. We should see Wilson's Snipes, a variety of Sparrows, Bluebirds, and perhaps Upland Sandpipers. Loggerhead Shrike breed in the area so we may see them as well.

Bring a scope if you have one.

There are no washrooms along this route, and the road takes several hours to drive - we drive slowly, stopping frequently. For lack of a more delicate way to phrase this, our journey may necessitate roadside pee stops. Please bring some ziploc bags or something to collect any toilet paper you use - we don't want to leave anything behind. We probably won't get to a washroom until after noon.

After this we will make a pit stop at the Kirkfield Lift Lock, for a washroom visit. I don't know if they are open this year.

And then head off to Cameron Ranch for a hike.

After the hike, another stop at the Lock for hoped for washroom access, if they're still open; then off the Curls Rd.

Let's meet at the parking lot at Prospect Marsh, at 6am.

Bring food you can eat in the car, and lots of drinks to stay hydrated.

Be prepared for driving Wylie Rd - it is a rough road and requires a vehicle with good clearance. I'm fine with my RAV4 - I probably wouldn't want to try this in a car with less clearance.

My phone number is 289.795.6537. Feel free to call or text me if you need.

Looking forward to seeing those who can attend!