Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
August 16, 2018 There were no real highlights this week. It was a rather quiet week, threatening rain most days but very little actually fell. Migration proceeded steadily but slowly, and there was not a huge change from the week before. A COMMON GOLDENEYE at Shirley’s bay on the 14th was the only thing noteworthy among the WATERFOWL. The lack of rain has exposed more habitat in places like Shirley’s Bay. 90 birds of 10 species were there on the 15th, and 15 birds of 5 species were at Andrew Haydon Park on the same. In both cases, only the more common species were seen. At Embrun, nearly 100 birds of 8 species were also present on the 15th; a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER was the only notable species. COMMON NIGHTHAWKS have started migrating south. Up to 30 were in Carleton Place on the 13th, and smaller numbers were seen on the 15th. 43 were also seen at Deschênes on the 15th. Expect to see them regularly for the next few weeks. This was a good week for VIREOS. A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was in Riverton Park on the 15th. PHILADELPHIA VIREOS at were seen in a number of places, and there were 2 BLUE-HEADED VIREOS at Britannia on the 12th. The first BLACKPOLL WARBLER of the season was at Shirley’s Bay on the 10th. Another was in Britannia on the 12th. Only 2 of the 25 regular WARBLERS have not yet been seen this fall. Speaking of WARBLERS, Britannia remains the hotspot, with CAPE MAY WARBLER still the most common. On the 15th there were also good numbers at Shirley’s Bay, but so far there are rather few anywhere else. 8 VESPER SPARROWS were at Burnt Lands Provincial Park on the 15th, and the other specialties there will likely be around for a few more weeks. 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 was updated recently. 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
