Hello ontbirders,
It has been a great year around Ontario for these Bohemian Waxwings. I heard from a few other birders that they have trouble finding them after others report them, as they are often mobile. I thought I would give a head's up to those in the Ottawa area still wanting to see this species. I have had them in the same tree for the last seven days here in the Britannia area. Right behind the Tansy buffet on Carling Avenue (near Croydon Avenue). There are four crabapple trees that have kept these birds in one spot. Granted the majority of the quarum are Cedar Waxwings, a dilligent birder can eaily identify the two to three Bohemians that have been mixed in. They favour the smallest tree and so excellent looks can be had to identify every field mark right down to the chestnut flanks. On another note I did make a trip down to Cassels road and birded along there and the ridge (Mud Lake). I had my first Tree Swallow of the year there yesterday. Scores of Song Sparrows and Red-Winged Blackbirds are a great sign after the longest and snowiest winter here in close to 40 years. I also noted a White-Throated Sparrow at the Filtration plant. Turkey Vultures and Sharp-Shinned Hawks continue to fly about the area. Keep your eyes on the skies. Too bad the Carolina Wren and Great-Horned Owls weren't there yesterday! I would have liked to see those. Any questions feel free to e-mail me privately. Good birding, Jay Peterson Britannia Park, Ottawa Directions for the Bohemian Waxwings The Waxwings are favouring 4 crabapple trees on Bond Street. Turn right onto Croydon from Carling Avenue and then a quick left. Croydon Avenue is the first street after passing by Lincoln Heights Galleria heading west on Carling. Mud Lake can be accessed via Poulin or Britannia road and drive north all the way to the yacht club where you meet Cassels Road, turning right onto Cassels will render you in the appropriate area. There are places to park before you arrive at the Filtration plant. If birding the ridge (a long favourite spot that runs along Cassels on the north side) be wary that the 400+ cm of snow that have fallen this year is still prevalent. You'll need boots for April_______________________________________________ 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
