Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
April 19, 2018 There were no real highlights again this week, which is not much of a surprise. This is now the 19th day in a row with temperatures a little to a lot below seasonal, with a couple of truly hideous days with heavy freezing rain and wind. Likely some of the early arrivals have perished, migration has been minimal, and there has even been a report of an owl blown off her nest. The forecast (if it can be believed) promises above seasonal temperatures by Monday. Given that the bad weather has been over much of the northeast, we are hoping that there is a large “backlog” of birds which is ready to push up. So this weekend may be the start of a big movement. WATERFOWL variety was generally good, but the numbers are not there yet, and there are still many frozen areas. Likely this week will see this final opening of the Ottawa River and inland ponds. 2 ROSS’S GEESE were near Hallville on the 19th, and one was at the Cobb’s Lake Creek floodplain on the 13th. On the 13th a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was in Manotick. 2 TRUMPETER SWANS were seen in Carleton Place on the 17th. The first trips to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway produced 2 REDHEAD as late as the 13th. (The causeway has restricted access. Please see note below) While most of the area west of the causeway was still frozen as of mid-week, there were 13 species of DUCKS where there was open water. In the region, 18 species of DUCK were seen this week, including the first BLUE-WINGED TEAL south of Manotick on the 13th. Both ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS at the Moodie Drive Ponds (still not thawed completely) this week along with LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. The year’s first BONAPARTE’S GULL was there on the 17th. There were a few other firsts of the year, some rather surprising: · A COMMON GALLINULE (reported by Safewings Ottawa) at a parking lot near Merivale/ Hunt Club. · 2 WILSON’S SNIPE near Shirley’s Bay on the 13th. · The first YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER sightings were in Gatineau and near Cannamore on the 13th. · BARN SWALLOW in Stittsville on the 15th. · YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER in Carp on the 16th. · FIELD SPARROW in Britannia on the 14th. Less surprising were a few late sightings of SNOW BUNTING, the latest being on Rushmore on the 16th. Although nobody seems to be looking for WINTER FINCHES these days, both RED CROSSBILL and PINE SISKIN were seen in Gatineau Park this week. An EVENING GROSBEAK was on Vance’s Sideroad on the 14th. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community. *Reminder regarding access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway:* DND has amended our access procedure. You must call Range Control (613-991-5740) for permission, state that you are an OFNC member and give your name. The OFNC will provided DND with a list of OFNC members who HAVE SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED access. DND will check, so make sure that your membership is up to date and that you have requested to be on the access list, which is sent by to DND in the spring and updated occasionally. Finally, you must call again when you have left the area. DND would also like to be informed if you see anyone on the property who should not be there, such as boats in the bay or people fishing on the causeway. They are trespassing and DND will deal with the situation. Good birding. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
