Hi Ont. Birders,
Despite the rainy conditions, it was an excellent morning for birding. In
the Shirley's Bay
area, there was a good variety of warblers between the parking lot and the
base of the dyke. The highlight was a female/immature Cerulean Warbler found
near the base of the dyke. Other warblers included Tennessee, Palm,
Bay-breasted, Blackpoll and Ovenbird. The water level was up, with few
shorebirds, but a juvenile Peregrine Falcon was observed making a number of
unsuccessful attempts at Green-winged Teals. The ponds along Moodie Dr. near
Barnsdale Road were very active with 2 Great Egrets, 46 Pied-billed Grebes,
16 Ring-neck Duck, 3 Lesser Scaup, 2000+ Mallards and 16 Ruddy Duck. In a
field, along Fallowfield Rd. near Richmond Rd. an adult Peregrine Falcon was
observed feeding on a Ring-billed Gull.
Good Birding,
Bruce
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 Defence 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.
Directions: Moodie Drive Ponds: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to Moodie
Drive exit and follow Moodie south (approx.10 km) to Barnsdale Rd. Watch for
the large pond on the east side of the road between Trail Road and
Barnsdale. This is private property, please view from the gate.
Bruce Di Labio
400 Donald B. Munro Drive
P.O.Box 538
Carp,Ontario,K0A 1L0
(613)839-4395 Home (613)715-2571 Cell
Di Labio Birding Website
Courses and Field Trips
http://www3.sympatico.ca/bruce.dilabio/
