A check of the Riceville floodplain showed large flocks of Snow Geese (mostly Greater) tightly huddled together braving the high wind. The cold temperature overnight and for much of the morning kept the birds from feeding (new ice had formed over a lot of the shallow water) but around noon some began to move to the adjacent cornfields. There were three large flocks east of Cty Rd 9 with about 75,000 birds. Then about 1 km west of the area a large flock near the river took to the air and was likely about 25,000. East of Bourget on the Cobb Creek floodplain there was an additional large flock but very far out. This was about 35,000 Snows. In each area there were also Canadas but nowhere near that many.
The birds should be present on the weekend and it will be a bit warmer overnight with a little less wind. Brian Morin Cornwall Directions: If coming from Ottawa on Hwy 417 take the St. isidore exit and proceed on Cty Rd 9 about 5 minuutes north of St. Isidore. If coming from the southwest take the Brookdale exit in Cornwall, head north a short distance, turn right then left onto Hwy 138. At Hwy 417 head east and get off at the next exit (St. Isidore). Head north through town and continue north about 5 minutes. Once you have checked the flats on Cty Rd 9, backtrack to the top of the hill and head east on the first road (Ridge Rd). You'll see geese on the 'lake' below the hill. Continue into the centre of town and turn left. Outside town there is a curve in the road. Go straight on the dirt road a short distance (dead end) and check the geese from there. Finally, get back onto the paved road (Cty Rd 15) and go around the corner. Geese should be on the right if the ice has melted. This area is roughly 45 minutes north of Cornwall. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
