A couple of interesting finds in Ottawa today despite the ongoing rain.
At Britannia Conservation Area there was a very vocal and active Blue-gray Gnatcatcher this morning. It was moving about the peninsula extending into Mud Lake from the south side, roughly 100 m northeast of the boardwalk bridge. At least 3 Pine Warblers were in the same area, as well as a Black-and-white Warbler (to be expected, but somewhat noteworthy given the ongoing absence of most other typical early May warblers). Later (early afternoon), there was a male Black-backed Woodpecker along the Mer Bleue boardwalk - conveniently moving from tree to tree right along the trail, a bit east of the "twin benches" on the far side of the loop. Also of note were 3 Palm Warblers singing in full view. Marcel Gahbauer Ottawa ON Directions to Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Get off Hwy 417 at Pinecrest and head north to Richmond Road. Turn right and go a short distance to Poulin. Turn left, and continue until it turns left and becomes Howe; park in this area and follow the path into the woods; at the T-junction turn right, cross the bridge boardwalk, and continue roughly 100 m along the trail to your left. Directions to Black-backed Woodpecker: Get off Hwy 417 at Anderson Road and head north ~2.5 km to Ridge Road; turn right and continue to the end (~3 km). Follow the Mer Bleue boardwalk; the bird was on the south side of the 1.2 km loop, gradually working its way east. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
