Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at [email protected]
April 18, 2019 A “co-operative” TRUMPETER SWAN near Manotick on the 14th was probably the highlight of the week. The same species was seen near Carp on the same day and at the Bruce Pit on the 16th. Other continuing specialties were still here: 2 TUNDRA SWANS were last seen on Milton Road on the 11th, while a ROSS’S GOOSE (18th) and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (14th) continued in the Milton/ Frank Kenny area. It is safe to say that spring has sprung in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. There were no snowstorms this week, and most days saw temperatures near to above average. Snow has mostly disappeared except in some forested and sheltered areas, and the forecast heavy rain should wash away the vestiges of winter, but may also bring flooding. The Ottawa River is now open west to at least Shirley’s Bay. Inland ponds are not yet completely thawed, but likely will in a few days. As a result there has been a steady stream of migrants, but not a flood yet. The 10+ arrivals this week will certainly be added to daily in the next week. 20 species of DUCK were seen in the region this week, but generally there were no huge concentrations. One exception was at Carleton place on the 14th, with over 1000 DUCKS of 12 species (80% RING-NECKED DUCKS) included the first REDHEADS. Of note were 70,000 SNOW GEESE at both Cobb Lake Creek and Riceville on the 17th. 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS near Bourget on the 16th and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS on Moodie Drive on the 17th were the latest SHOREBIRD arrivals. Increasing open water resulted in some marsh BIRDS: VIRGINIA RAIL on Kerwin Road on the 14th and AMERICAN BITTERN at Petrie Island on the 14th. An ICELAND GULL at the Moodie Drive Ponds on the 18th was getting a bit late. More insects means more insectivores: BARN SWALLOWS were at Constance Creek on the 13th, and a NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW was at Manotick on the 14th with 100 TREE SWALLOWS. The 13th was an excellent day for raptors at Greenland Road and Constance Creek: 11 species including GOLDEN EAGLE. This latter species was also at Britannia on the 15th and on Milton Road on the 13th. Many of the recent arrivals are being seen in many spots: SWAMP SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and FOX SPARROW are some that were widespread this week. New included: 1. 2 VESPER SAPARROWS near Luskville on the 13th and on 14th on Milton Road 2. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW in Gatineau on the 14th. 3. EASTERN TOWHEE at Britannia on the 18th. Some other notable sightings included: 1. A NORTHERN SHRIKE at the mouth of Pinecrest Creek on the 17th and on March Valley Road on the 16th was getting late. 2. A GRAY PARTRIDGE near Pakenham on the 16th 3. A CAROLINA WREN at Britannia on the 15th. 4. HOARY REDPOLL at Constance Bay on the 14th, and in Rockcliffe on the 16th. Now that the river is open: *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]. 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. 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
