Hello Ontbirds people, Thanks to Gordon Pringle for putting out the alert re: the LONG-TAILED JAEGER seen in Ottawa this morning (August 11, 2007). We would like to add the following for this very rare species, not seen in Ottawa for nearly 30 years!...
While birdwatching at Shirley's Bay on the Ottawa River this morning , we encountered 3 birders/photographers (Daniel Cadieux, Wayne Wood and Stephen Stephen) who told us that they had seen & photographed an adult jaeger at the east end of Andrew Haydon Park. We would like to thank these 3 men for notifying us of their discovery (in particular Daniel who called the OFNC Bird Status Line). They had watched the bird for approx. 2 hours from 6:30 AM onward. Five of us (Bob Bracken, Chris Lewis, Bob Cermak, Paul Mirsky & Jan Slumkoski) were fortunate to re-locate the jaeger at 10:30 AM. We studied it at length (for the next 2 hours and 45 minutes) and had multiple very good views of all salient field marks as it harassed a number of Ring-billed Gulls and even an Osprey....and we were elated that it turned out to be an adult LONG-TAILED JAEGER. We initiated a Rare Bird Alert, and the bird was subsequently seen by multiple observers and was still present when we departed at 1:15 PM. This was a Life Bird for many who saw it! A Rare Bird Report (with photos courtesy of Daniel Cadieux) will be submitted to the OBRC. DIRECTIONS: In Ottawa, take Hwy 417 west to the Greenbank/Pinecrest exit (#129). Take Pinecrest Rd. north to Carling Ave. Turn left (west) on Carling, then right (north) onto Scrivens St. which is the 3rd road past Birtannia Park. Scrivens is a traffic light T- intersection immediately after the "Shwarma Shack". Drive to the end of Scrivens to the recreational pathway and a view of the Ottawa River. Please take care not to block laneways in this small residential neighbourhood..and good luck! Chris Lewis & Bob Bracken Ottawa, ON [EMAIL PROTECTED]
