Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at [email protected]
August 2, 2018 There were no real highlights this week. However, there have been a surprising number of migrant SONGBIRDS, and some SHOREBIRD habitat is returning after the heavy rains of the previous week, although it still remains damp. Some other signs of fall migration are evident. Bird song is now at a very low level. Some birds, especially SWALLOWS, are flocking. There were 800 TREE SWALLOWS noted in Russell on the 1st. Shirley’s Bay is regaining some of the lost SHOREBIRD habitat, but recently only a small number of SHOREBIRDS of common species have been there. On the 2nd, there were about 20 birds of 5 species. Embrun on the 1st was good with about 60 birds of 11 species, including AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER and STILT SANDPIPER. In Crysler on the 28th, there were 25 birds of 7 species. Petrie Island had minimal habitat on the 30th. Other notable sightings included a SANDERLING at Deschênes on the 28th, and a RUDDY TURNSTONE at the Moodie Drive Ponds on the 28th and on the 1st. CASPIAN TERN numbers are building up. 23 were at Deschênes on the 1st, and 17 at Shirley’s bay on the 31st. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Deschênes on the 28th. A LEAST BITTERN was at Stony Swamp on the 29th. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO and YELLOW-THROATED VIREO were at Shirley’s bay on the 31st. Of interest this week were a fairly large number, this early in the season, of migrant SONGBIRDS at Britannia, Shirley’s Bay, and Aylmer (near the river), with up to 12 species being seen in a trip. The most surprising was a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER at Britannia on the 1st. There were a few TENNESSEE WARBLERS, many YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, higher than expected numbers of CAPE MAY WARBLERS. It is worth noting that this variety was not seen in other large migrant traps like Petrie Island. At any rate, we are now in the season where checking migrant traps regularly is beneficial, if not essential. Finally, 3 PINE SISKINS touched down briefly at a park in the west end on the 26th. 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 [email protected]. Good birding. _______________________________________________ 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
