Hi Ontbirders: This afternoon, I stopped on Bate Island in the Ottawa River to scan the Deschenes Rapids. A total of six duck species were present, most on the Ontario side looking south from Bate Island. There was one female Harlequin Duck, one male Hooded Merganser, two female Bufflehead, as well as several Common Mergansers, a few Mallards and many Common Goldeneyes. The snow was just starting to fall at about 3:00 pm as I was leaving and is forecast to keep falling until later on Saturday so visibility on the river could be very limited.. We may be heading this weekend towards.more than 400 cm of snow so far this winter in the Ottawa area. Good birding Peter Hall Directions: From Highway 417, take the Island Park Drive exit (123) north and follow Island Park Drive until it crosses the Ottawa Parkway and heads across the Ottawa River. Shortly after you enter onto the Champlain Bridge exit right onto Bate Island where there is a small parking lot on the north side of the island. Scan the Deschenes Rapids for ducks. _______________________________________________ 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
