Hello Ontbirds people, First of all, thanks to Gordon Pringle for posting a notice to ONTBIRDS about the Black-headed Gull, which is of interest in eastern Ontario.
This bird was 1st observed on the west side of the Shirleys bay causeway, at ~ 10:15 AM today, by Bernie Ladouceur and Vivien Rolland-Commardot. It was also observed by several others including ourselves. The bird is in early 1st-winter plumage. It was still present at approx. 1:00 PM. Also present in this location today were 5 Great Egrets, several Killdeer, 1 (late) Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin. A Hudsonian Godwit seen here from 6 October until yesterday, was not present today, probably due to the NW winds that began overnight. The numbers of Lesser Scaup are building up in the bay, and 2 Common Goldeneye were a sign of the impending season... Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. **** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding. Great Fall Birding! Chris Lewis & Bob Bracken
