Hi Birders, >From 0800 this morning spent the day birding the Quebec side of the Ottawa River from the Marais des Laiches Ouest east of Gatineau along Highway 148 to Plaisance (Parc national de Plaisance) and La Grande-Presqu'ile. Highlights were four American Bittern, all clearly visible, and one immature bald Eagle.
The first Bittern was observed from Highway 148 in a marsh 5 km west of the ferry road (Chemin Du Quai) in Masson-Angers. The other three were observed from Highway 148 in a marsh 4.9 km east of the ferry road. The first two, spotted on our arrival in close proximity to each other, flushed and flew west parallel to the highway. Shortly after, the third was observed hunting and it appeared to catch and consume a snake. It was very interesting watching it trying to get the job done, which it eventually did (when you've got it by the middle in your beak, how do you get to one end to swallow?). The immature Bald Eagle was observed sitting in a tree across the ponds from the pond blind on La Grande-Presqu'ile in the Parc national de Plaisance. No warblers observed. Peter Campbell Ottawa, Ontario
