Hello Ontbirds people, Today (May 21) @ 9:15 AM, 4 ARCTIC TERNS flew into the Embrun sewage lagoon complex from the south then proceeded west. At this time, Ottawa was experiencing strong north/northwest winds after south winds the previous two days and thunderstorms on the 19th. The birds were in view for approx. 3 minutes, and were well-studied until they zoomed off. This is on the early side for Ottawa, but essentially on-time, given these weather conditions.
Many of you may know that Arctic Terns occur annually on the Ottawa River, typically during the last week of May through the 1st week of June, under dynamic weather conditions including strong winds from any direction or sudden downpours. Also at Embrun this morning: 4 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 3 L. Yellowlegs, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 1 White-rumped Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin and a minumum of 40 Wilson's Phalaropes (a record number for us at this site!), with 24 seen in one cluster in the SW cell. Also present were 2 Black Terns. >From May 19, Yvan Larche reported a Red Knot in the SW cell, which was not seen by us today. 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. Good birding! Chris & Bob
