Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
May 24, 2018 There were a number of highlights, mostly all SHOREBIRDS, this week. There was a MARBLED GODWIT at Embrun on the 20th, A RUFF there on the 21st, and a WHIMBREL at Shirley’s Bay on the 22nd. None of these birds were seen the next day. A LITTLE GULL was flying by Britannia Pier on the 22nd. It was a week of seasonal to above seasonal temperatures, with some needed rain as well. While migration continues, PASSERINE migration has peaked, all the “regular” species have been seen so far this year. The big push now and next week is SHOREBIRDS and the late WATERBIRDS. The blustery and warm weather in the next few weeks have the potential for some fallouts. There have been a number of sightings of WHITE-WINGED SCOTER near Shirley’s Bay, and a LONG-TAILED DUCK was at Embrun. The next 2 weeks are prime time for the later DUCKS like these to come through. In the meantime most of the earlier DUCKS are getting a bit scarce but still 20 species were seen this week. A EURASIAN WIGEON was in Quyon on the 20th. 6 BRANT were seen at Deschênes on the 23rd. This is now prime time for this species, but there are still some lingering SNOW GEESE: 40 near Vars on the 18th and 2 at Embrun on the 22nd. The first RED-THROATED LOON was flying by Britannia Pier on the 22nd. A few late SANDHILL CRANES are still being seen here and there. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK near the Nepean Sportsplex on the 23rd. A lucky BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER recovered from a window collision in downtown Ottawa on the 23rd. Embrun has had some good habitat, with STILT SANDPIPER, LONG and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and WILSON’S PHALAROPE being some scarcer species seen there along with up to 1000 of the common species. Be aware that this spot now appears to be inaccessible. 2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were near Crysler on the 20th. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS arriving starting the 21st, and most recently one was at Britannia on the 23rd-24th. A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was at Ferme Moore on the 17th and one was in Brantwood Park on the 21st. Other Firsts of the Year include: 1. SEDGE WREN on the 23rd 2. YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO at Forêt Boucher on the 22nd. 3. CASPIAN TERN on the 20th at the Moodie Drive Ponds 4. WILLOW FLYCATCHER on the 18th at Marais aux Laîches. 5. MOURNING WARBLER on the 19th at Pine Grove trail and near High Road. Other birds of note were 2 (late) RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were in Kanata on the 22 nd , LEAST BITTERN near Munster and a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO in Rockcliffe Park on the 22nd. 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. 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. The OFNC has 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 that the OFNC put you on the access list. This list has already been sent to DND this spring and will be updated occasionally. To get on the next access list, please contact members...@ofnc.ca. 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
