Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
July 4, 2019 There were no real highlights this week. Like last week, the summer doldrums continue. That is, bird activity has been static, with almost nothing moving in or out. The number of birders out is much lower too. That being said, there were still about 150 species seen in the region in the last week, and song volume is still decent. So this is the time to look for scarce summer residents or in obscure areas, and for nesting activity as the fledglings become more visible. There is some good news with respect to the Ottawa River water levels, which have dropped close to 40 cm in the last week and are now close to normal. Should this continue we can hope for decent shorebird habitat in a few weeks. Among the WATERBIRDS, most unusual were up to 6 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS at the Almonte Lagoons, on the 30-1st. 3 TRUMPETER SWANS were seen west of Munster on the 3rd. A RING-NECKED DUCK was on Perimeter Road on the 1st. 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS at St. Albert on the 1st were likely our first southbound SHOREBIRDS of the season, one of the few signs of bird movement this week. Marshes on the Ottawa River are perking up but still wet in spots. Marais aux grenouillettes had a LEAST BITTERN on the 1st. BLACK TERNS appear to be restricted to Plaisance. A SANDHILL CRANE was on Vance’s Sideroad on the 1st. The OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at still at Mer Bleue on the 28th. A few other birds of note included: · The YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was still on Dobson Lane as of the 30th. · A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was on McCordick Road most of the week and as late as the 3rd. · A SEDGE WREN was on the Watts Creek pathway on the 1st. · 2 EVENING GROSBEAKS (fly overs) were near Dunrobin on the 28th. · A NORTHERN PARULA was at Britannia on the 29th. *Good News!* *The Shirley’s Bay Causeway is now reopened for birding. However, DND has advised extra caution as the causeway is in rough shape. They have also requested that if any garbage can be removed it would be appreciated. * *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. 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 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
