Ron Pittaway just called to say he made a quick stop in Carden this afternoon and saw his first Loggerhead Shrike of the season at Cameron Ranch on the Carden Alvar. From the parking lot at Cameron Ranch on Kirkfield Road 6, it was directly north about 150 metres, perching on the top of hawthorn bushes and dropping down to the ground seeking prey. This is the same spot we saw one last year. A Wilson's Snipe was winnowing overhead. Ron drove up Wylie Road as far as the Sedge Wren Marsh. Eastern Bluebirds were near Bluebird Box 10 and Eastern Meadowlarks are back. He advises that the road is fine to the parking area just south of the marsh but looks rough beyond the bridge and could be difficult for now unless you have a 4-wheel drive. Ron's Carden Alvar Birding Guide is on the OFO website: http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/cardenalvar.php Directions: To Wylie Road: From the centre of Kirkfield on Kawartha Road 48 east of Beaverton, take Kirkfield Road 6 north past the lift lock to McNamee, turn right then immediately left onto Wylie Road. To Cameron Ranch parking lot: From Kirkfield Road 6 and McNamee, continue on Kirkfield Road 6 to the Cameron Ranch parking lot on your right, which is about 1 km past the intersection with Centennial Park Road. Good birding, Jean Iron Toronto