Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca
April 21, 2016 A BARNACLE GOOSE was seen and photographed on a golf course in Pakenham on the 20th, associating with large numbers of CANADA GEESE. Unfortunately it was not refound later. The next best bird was a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER at Mer Bleue on the 16th. Consistently spring-like weather and the warmest temperatures so far this year has resulted in a stream of birds arriving, including at least 12 firsts of the year (FOY). Bare ground and increasing numbers of insects have greatly expanded the food supply. None of the other birds have been exceptional, however. A good variety of waterbirds have been present in the rivers and now melted ponds, but there have not been huge numbers, less than 100. 21 species of DUCKS have been found at various times and places, with LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD and RING-NECKED DUCK being the most common. Shirley’s Bay to Andrew Haydon Park is the best area in terms of variety and numbers, as is normal. BLACK SCOTER in Gatineau on the 14th was the FOY. Among the HERONS, GREAT EGRETS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS are back at their breeding grounds in Britannia and Deschênes. A FOY AMERICAN BITTERN was at Marais aux grenouillettes on the 18th and at Mer Bleue on the 20th. VIRGINIA RAIL (FOY) was in at least two spots starting on the 17th. GREATER YELLOWLEGS in a few spots, LESSER YELLOWLEGS AT Marais aux Laîches on the 17th, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER IN Pakenham on the 20th were the FOY among the waders. There were several sightings of BROAD-WINGED HAWK, but otherwise the raptors seen were of the previously established species. GULLS were not notable aside from a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the Trail Road Landfill on the 20th. PURPLE MARTIN at Andrew Haydon and BANK SWALLOW at Britannia on the 18th were the FOY. Passerines have begun their long-awaited arrival into the region. A number have become well-established, such as HERMIT THRUSH, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, SWAMP and CHIPPING SPARROWS. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, seen near 279 Concession 12 in Pakenham, was the first recent regional report. Most importantly, we have now had 4 WARBLERS for the year. The long awaited parade of colourful birds has begun. The following were the FOY: 1. WARBLING VIREO in Britannia on the 18th (very early) 2. BROWN THRASHER in Luskville on the 17th. 3. PALM WARBLER in multiple locations. 4. NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH in the Morewood bog on the 20th (very early) 5. FIELD SPARROW in multiple locations. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca 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 birdalert@ontbirds.ca 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
