On a walk that would not have felt out of place in January, two leaders took
four participants on a six hour jaunt around the western outskirts of Ottawa
this morning, finding 58 species including five species of warbler and four
species of shorebirds.
The temperature at noon was all the way up to 7C with a wind chill of 1C due
to the steady 30km winds from the NW. Bone chilling to say the least. Our
break at Tim's was most welcome, both for the washrooms and the coffee/tea
we wrapped our frozen fingers around.
The highlights of the day were:
1. a great view of two Upland Sandpipers atop a hydro pole at the side of
the Franktown Road just west of Richmond, Ontario, trying their best to
remain upright while being buffeted by the winds and;
2. a small flock of Rusty Blackbirds with attendant Solitary Sandpipers
along the Twin Elm Road. We also visited the Richmond Fen, Richmond
Conservation area Several spots along the Munster Road, and the Moody Pits.
Nearly 30 species less than last year but considering the conditions, we did
well.
Our thanks to those brave four that participated,
Your leaders,
Colin Gaskell and Dave Moore
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