Hello Ontbirders, This report is from Quebec, but close enough to Ontario that we thought it merited a report to ONTBIRDS.
Today April 18 an adult PINK-FOOTED GOOSE was confirmed at Baie de Pentecote off the Ottawa River in Parc Plaisance, Quebec. The bird was first reported yesterday (April 17) @ 15:30 as a "probable" but was only seen briefly under poor viewing conditions. This morning the goose put on a fabulous show under ideal lighting conditions for approx. 1 hour. It was 1st observed swimming just off-shore (~ 100 m. from the observation blind), then seen flying and subsequently standing and and preening on the ice. All salient field characteristics were clearly seen. This bird is unbanded, with immaculate plumage and is free-flying. This species is semi-annual in Newfoundland and eastern Quebec at this time of year, and occurrences usually follow periods of strong east winds. It is interesting to note that this goose appeared after a period of persistent E/ NE winds over the past week, and the bird was wary & alert. Also of note was a message we received today from a birder in the Outer Hebrides (western seaboard of Scotland): "Just thought you may be interested to know that Pinkfeet are currently passing through the islands here on the way back to their breeding grounds and have been for the past 3-4 days. A perfect time for a genuine vagrant Pinkfoot in your part of the world" We believe that this bird likely represents a bona fide wild Pink-footed Goose from Greenland or Iceland. DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 417 to downtown Ottawa, exit #118 (Lees Ave./Nicholas St. exit) continue north along the Rideau Canal. Turn right on Laurier St. then left on King Edward St. Take King Edward north to the Macdonald-Cartier bridge and cross over the Ottawa River to Quebec. Follow the signs to Hwy 50 east towards Montreal. The 50 ends at Masson-Angers. At the T-intersection turn left (south) and the go east along Hwy 148. Continue through the communities of Masson and Thurso to the town of Plaisance. In Plaisance, turn right onto Chemin de Presqu'ile, proceed south through the park booth (entry fee $3.50 per adult) then continue to the split inthe road and take the the left (north) road. A short distance along the road and up the hill there is a spacious parking lot and viewing blind. The goose was seen in the bay just off-shore. Bob Bracken & Chris Lewis Ottawa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
