Good day While watching several Common Goldeneye males and fifteen or more females, a Barrows Goleneye male flew in to join them along the Rideau River between the Rideau Tennis Club and Strathcona Park. This is likely the same bird that has been reported before. The bird preened quickly and stretched its wings then got into a resting position. It flew off about 20 minutes later. Common Goldeneye were flying in and out ...Some males were doing their courtship display.
Here is a shot of the bird drying its wings...note the white facial crescent and dark purplish head....I will post a few more images when time allows... http://www.pbase.com/photofair/image/131742052 The birds can be viewed from either the Tennis Club side or Strathcona Park side. I have attached the directions for the Tennis court side although the light in the afternoon is better if viewing from Strathcona and the birds do seem to stay more to that side of the river. Strathcona can be accessed by Mann Avenue to Range Road and parking is also more available........ Rideau River at the Tennis Club. Take HWY 417 to the Vanier Parkway, exit north. Turn left on Donald Street, go to the end for the the tennis club parking lot. Go south towards the Maki [highway] bridge. Tunney's Pasture >From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take the Parkdale exit north. Cross Wellington and immediately turn into the parking lot on the left. Scan the tall buildings. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
