Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at [email protected] or [email protected]
Recent sightings to October 22, 2015 The RED PHALAROPE seen last week was seen again briefly at Shirley’s Bay on the 17th. As a consolation prize, the year’s first and very early PURPLE SANDPIPER was seen by many on the mud flats west of the causeway at Shirley’s Bay the 18th-19th. A EURASIAN WIGEON was at Black Bay (PN de Plaisance) on the 20th.. The weather in Ottawa turned quite ugly on the weekend, with snow flurries and record cold temperatures. Although it moderated quickly, likely this finished off most of the few lingering summer birds. One the other hand, the winter and late fall land birds are becoming more noticeable and there have been a few seasonal arrivals. Some concentrations of shorebirds remain, despite frozen mudflats on the 19th. Waterbirds, on the other hand, along with GULLS, are entering their peak population period. Shirley’s Bay remains far and away the best spot for WATERFOWL and other waterbirds. On some days close to 2000 ducks may be seen in the inner bay, most only visible from the causeway, with considerably fewer but still some east to Britannia and Deschênes. 2 species of GREBE, COMMON LOON, 3 species of SCOTER (a few), LONG-TAILED DUCK (a few), 9 species of PUDDLE DUCK, and 9 other species of DUCK have all been seen here this week. Huge rafts of SCAUP (mostly LESSER) are the most common DUCK, while BLUE-WINGED TEAL are fast disappearing. Black Bay (east of Ottawa in Quebec) is traditionally a good spot but on the 20th it had less than 200 WATERFOWL of 12 species. The first of the season ICELAND and GLAUCOUS were on the river along with a number of LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. BONAPARTE’S GULLS were at the Deschênes rapids on the 21st. Both LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (record late for this species) were at Richmond until as late as the 22nd, while 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at Shirley’s Bay on the 19th. DUNLIN and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER are now the most common SHOREBIRDS. HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen at Britannia Bay and the Giroux ponds on the 18th, and at Britannia Pier on the 21st. This week, 19 species of SHOREBIRD were found regionally. Some sightings in some of the better areas included: 1. Shirley’s Bay: 80 birds of 8 species on the 18th; 110 birds of 7 species on the 19th; 65 birds of 4 species on the 21st. 2. Giroux Ponds: 17 birds of 8 species on the 18th, but only 3 KILDEER on the 21st. 3. Richmond Conservation area: 16 birds of 5 species on the 20th. 4. Almonte: Up to 15 birds of 6 species on the 17th There has been some RAPTOR movement this week. Most notably there were a number of sightings of GOLDEN EAGLE. While still very uncommon, this is the beginning of the peak period for this species. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK is now being seen in many places. While not rare, 30 TURKEY VULTURES on a field on Dunning Road (18th-21st) are a high number for this time of year. The first NORTHERN SHRIKES and HORNED LARKS of the season have now arrived. A BLUE-HEADED VIREO was seen at Shirley’s bay on the 20th, but most of these insect eaters like the WARBLERS are fast disappearing. 7 species of WARBLER were reported this week, but almost all are YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER; the others are single isolated occurrences. Notable late sightings are as follows: 1. A very late VEERY at Shirley’s Bay on the 18th to at least the 21st. 2. A late SWAINSON’S THRUSH IN Vanier on the 22nd. 3. NORTHERN PARULA at Lac Leamy on the 17th. 4. MAGNOLIA WARBLER at Lime Kiln Trail on the 16th. 5. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Black Bay on the 20th. The first SNOW BUNTINGS of the season have arrived in a few places, another sign of impending winter. Meanwhile, there has been a small movement of PINE SISKIN, and EVENING GROSBEAK were noted on the 18th at their traditional spot just west of the Larose Forest. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to [email protected] for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. _______________________________________________ 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
