Hi Ontbirders, I got my first look at the Ottawa Solitaire this morning, 12 January, between about 1120 and 1140 AM. Three other birders were present when I arrived and one advised that the bird had flown a few minutes earlier into the juniper at the left front of # 7 Millbrook Crescent. The bird was shortly after relocated roosting in the juniper. It gave reasonable, though partly covered views, until a red squirrel moving up the roof edge caused the bird to come right out in full view to the front of the juniper. In the sunlight, the views were excellent. When the Solitaire raised its wings, it gave lovely views of the underwing pattern. It then flew briefly into a small deciduous tree in the front yard of #7 before flying to the ledge of the front window closest to the juniper. We had excellent views of the bird including the white eye-ring and upper wing pattern, which lasted until it flew down toward the base of the juniper and out of sight. The best and closest look I have ever had of a Townsend's Solitaire.
Happy birding in 2008, Peter Campbell Ottawa, Ontario Directions: from the intersection of Baseline Road and Fisher Ave (south edge of the Central Experimental Farm) proceed south on Fisher to the first traffic light (Deer Park Road). Turn right and go three streets to Millbrook Crescent. Turn left and # 7 is a few houses in on the left. _______________________________________________ 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
