Hello Onbirds people, Today (MAY 15), the Embrun sewage lagoons east of Ottawa had excellent shorebird habitat in the southwest and south-central cells.
Among the 8 spp. of shorebirds (aside from Killdeer) here were: 2 Semipalmated Plovers 3 Greater Yellowlegs at least 20 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Semiplamated Sandpiper A MINUMUM of 500 Least Sandpipers (a large number by Ottawa standards!) 4 Dunlin at least 30 Wilson's Phalaropes The habitat is really outstanding for this time of year and well worth a visit. Additionally, south of the Macdonald-Cartier (Ottawa International) Airport today, along Leitrim Rd. near Bowesville Rd., all 9 species of sparrows that breed here were encountered today: Chipping Sparrow Clay-coloured Sparrow Field Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow DIRECTIONS: EMBRUN LAGOONS - From Ottawa, take Hwy 417 east to exit 79 (Limoges/Crysler exit). Turn right (south and cross County Rd. 3 (Notre Dame St). Shortly after the bridge over the Castor River, look for Route 400 on your right, turn right (west) and look for the raised berm near the lone White Pine on your right. AIRPORT - From Ottawa, get on to West Hunt Club Rd eastbound, cross the Rideau River, and turn right (south) on Riverside Dr. Take the 1st left (south) onto Limebank Rd. Proceed until Leitrim Rd., turn left (east) on Leitrim and continue until you reach Bowesville Rd. All 9 species of sparrows can be encountered here, south of the CFB Ottawa Golf Club. Good migrations & breedings to all! Chris
