I found a rare-in-spring (in Ottawa) Orange-crowned Warbler (OCWA) this morning at about 10 AM in the south-west corner of the Britannia Conservation Area (Mud Lake). It was in with a flock of other warblers and small passerines at the intersection of the fenceline trail on the western edge of the woods and the main trail that goes east from this spot to eventually border the southern shore of Mud Lake. The OCWA appeared to be heading east when I lost track of it. Warbler variety this morning was good for Ottawa with at least 15 species reported by the various observers (but I only managed to find 10). In the same general area as the OCWA there were several Swainson's Thrushes, a Veery and an Indigo Bunting.
Mark Gawn reported hearing a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, presumably the same bird originally found by Bernie Ladouceur. It was apparently in basically the same spot that Bernie found it, namely north of the spot mentioned above--on the eastern edge of the woodlot to the east of the sumac stand. Directions: Take Pinecrest exit from 417 west and head north, then turn right on Richmond and left on Poulin. Follow Poulin when it turns left 90 degrees (becomes Howe). Turn next right on Britannia and follow to end (T junction). Turn right on Cassels--Britannia/Mud Lake is a few hundred metres down with trailhead on south (right side). Paul Matthews _______________________________________________ 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/
