Hi.
Sure glad I took the day off today, Monday, September 10th. Headed
down to Ottawa Beach at Andrew Haydon Park. Ran into Tony Beck scoping out
the birds. Tony Beck spotted a Ruddy Turnstone in a small flock of
shorebirds that flew close to where we were standing. Unfortunately, I was
not able to relocate it for another look later. Tony also mentioned having
seen a Great Egret fly by at the same beach just earlier.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
Monday was a lot more productive at Ottawa Beach than what I had been
able to see on the weekend. Today I had close-up looks at Semi-Palmated
Plovers, Yellow-legs and Least Sandpipers. 5-6 Turkey Vultures were seen
and one flew in to peck away at a dead Carp on the beach. However, the
highlight of the day were 2 greater Snow Geese swimming along with a group
of Canada Geese. Credit for the sighting goes to birder Chris Bruce who
spotted the Snow Goose through his scope and positively identified it by
checking his bird guide book. After lunch I returned to Ottawa Beach and
re-found both Snow Goose very close to shore and took some photos. Chris,
who had gone to check out some other locations was right behind me.
According to Tony Beck, whom I have found to be generous with his
time when I have had questions concerning birds and identification matters,
"Back in 1993, when the (Ottawa Field Naturalist Club) checklist was made,
Snow Geese were always a very exciting find. They have since increased
numbers, expanded their range, and are being seen earlier each fall. As you
recall there were record numbers late last year. However, it is still a bit
early for them right now. Regardless, it seems to fit the trend of their
population explosion."
Wilson Hum
www.pbase.com/golfpic
Photos of Snow Goose along with some Canada Geese.
http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/85396598
http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/85397542
http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/85399141
Directions:
Directions courtesy of Neilyworld.
"From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank & Pinecrest
Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto
Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to
Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest
Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now
follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or
west on Carling and go 1.7 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Ottawa
Beach on the right or north. Turn right into the lot."
My notes: For those unfamiliar. If heading west on Carling, enter the
first entrance at Andrew Haydon Park. There is a playground to the left of
the parking area. In front of this playground, head down to the river. The
partially sandy/mudflat before you is what is known as Ottawa Beach.
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