This hotspot is worth a stop at just about any time, but early mornings and evenings are best when the Peterborough landfill is closed and traffic on Bensfort Rd is greatly reduced. 

The Bensfort Road flooded fields hotspot is primarily a location at which to view dabbling ducks and shorebirds during spring migration. It is among the more reliable locations in the county for the locally uncommon Blue-winged Teal. Greater, and Lesser yellowlegs, Wilson’s Snipe, and Killdeer are the most commonly encountered shorebirds. Less frequently encountered species include Pectoral Sandpiper and Dunlin, and Peterborough’s first record of Long-billed Dowitcher was established here in April 2018. A good variety of field birds can be observed at just about any time and in wet years Sedge Wren has occurred in the damp fields to the south of the pull-offs. 

Located a kilometer north of Baseline on Bensfort Rd. (CR 39), this hotspot covers the vernally flooded fields, primarily to the east but also to the west for several hundred meters both north and south. There are two pull-offs on either side of the road each of which can accommodate one or at most two vehicles. Be aware that Bensfort Rd is an extremely busy road with nearly constant traffic traveling at a high rate of speed to and from the Peterborough landfill, so be sure to pull well onto the road shoulder and take particular care when exiting and entering your vehicle.