Hello. This morning I saw a Northern Mockingbird in and around the backyards of Nestow Ave. This street is located immediately south of the railway line that, in turn, is south of a large field bordered by Merivale, Woodroffe and the residential streets south of Viewmount. Viewmount is just south of Meadowlands.
A singing bird of this species was a fixture at this location in the spring of 2006, but a couple of visits this spring did not produce it, and I'd concluded it was no longer here. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to find it today (assuming it's the same individual). The bird was generally silent, but on two occasions uttered a repeated, moderately loud, sharp yet throaty "chook", sometimes in a series. On these two occasions an immature Cooper's Hawk had just been in the area. Note that the field to the north apparently was home to a small flock of Grey Partridges till recently. Though it seems they haven't been seen for close to a couple of years now (victims of some predator?), they may reappear just like the mocker, so it's worth keeping an eye out for them. Paul Matthews, Ottawa Directions: The bird generally stays around the backyards close to 86 Nestow, but these backyards are not readily visible from the street. Although it's more time-consuming, coming in from the north across the field is more likely to produce the bird. I suggest that interested birders park near 26 Parkside, which is one of the crescents on the south side of Viewmount. On the east side of #26 there's a gap that gives access to the field. Take the path south across the field to the end, then jog left (east) a few dozen metres. The gap allows access up onto the railway track. In front (to the south) is the backyard of #86, which features a high, rather untidy cedar hedge. The bare tree behind the hedge appears to be one of the mockers' favourite perches. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
