Hi Ontbirds people, Since 25 January there have been many great reports by people who have visited the Eardley-Masham Rd. and environs on the Quebec side of the Ottawa-Gatineau area (American Three-toed Woodpecker, Bald Eagle, Gray Jay, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Purple Finch, etc.)
Although it can be a "hit or miss" area for finding birds, it's always a beautiful place to visit at this time of year!! Today (29 Jan.) Bob Bracken, Paul Mirsky & I enjoyed our excursion up there. Our highlights included (at least) 6 Red Crossbills coming to the road for grit, and a spectacular flight of eagles -- 5 Bald Eagles (all adults, including some pairs interacting), and an adult GOLDEN EAGLE. The "eagle show" occurred ~ 10:30 AM, seen from the north end of Therrien Rd. (the 1st road east of Eardley-Masham Rd. off Hwy 148). It almost goes without saying, that all of eagles (including the Golden) were accompanied by Common Ravens, also beginning to pair up. A flock of ~ 200 Bohemian Waxwings was reported west of Aylmer, QC near Ch. Terry Fox this morning (thanks to Phil Wright). Bob, Paul & I saw ~40 Bohemians in the same general location. DIRECTIONS: >From downtown Ottawa take the Ottawa River Parkway west to the Champlain >Bridge, then north across the bridge to Quebec. Head west on Ch. Aylmer and >follow the signs to Ch. Eardley (which becomes Hwy 148). Continue west >(approx. 40 minute drive) along the 148, and look for the very well-signed T- >intersection to the Eardley-Masham Rd. (there is a restaurant at the corner, >that also seems to be "hit or miss" re: hours of operation...kind of like the >birds up there). Enjoy! Chris Lewis Ottawa, ON [email protected] _______________________________________________ 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/
