Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at [email protected] Nov. 5, 2020
Highlights: Lark Sparrow - The sparrow spent Halloween afternoon hanging with juncos at Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa. Black-legged Kittiwake - a kittiwake was photographed flying around Bate Island, Ottawa, on Nov. 2. Neither bird has been refound. Other Notable sightings: Barrow's Goldeneye - A male continues with a flock of Common Goldeneye on the Rideau River between the Hurdman Bridge and St. Patrick's St, Ottawa. A female was seen at Andrew Hayden Park, Ottawa. Red-throated Loon - Single birds were seen on the river off Clarence-Rockland, Prescott and Russell, and in Baie Simard, Gatineau. Ross's Goose - There have been a few in the region: one Nov. 3 off Dick Bell Park, Ottawa, one Nov. 1 at Embrun Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell, and a small flock at the St. Isidore Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell, the same day. Just east of the OFNC circle, flocks of thousands of Snow Geese are staging, and well worth the drive for the inspiring sight and sound. Iceland Gull - A first year bird was seen at the Rapides Deschênes, Gatineau, and at the Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa. White-rumped Sandpipers - Winter birds may have arrived, but some shorebirds are still passing through, and this late in the season, peeps often turn out to be White-rumped Sandpipers, including one at the Eagleson storm water ponds, and another at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa. American Golden-Plover - A single bird on Wall Road, Ottawa. Golden Eagle - Eagles continue to migrate through the area, with sightings from Dick Bell Park, Shirley's Bay (boat launch), both Ottawa, and Mississippi Mills, Lanark. Red-headed Woodpecker - At least one adult continues in Constance Bay, Ottawa. Red-bellied Woodpecker - Surprisingly common this week with migrating birds seen on the Shirley's Bay Dyke, Weatherly Drive, Britannia Conservation Area and a long-staying and wide-ranging bird (or birds) near the Chapman Mills Conservation area, all on the Ottawa side, as well as visiting a feeder in the Ch Fer-à-Cheval/Sentier des Libellules area, Gatineau. Northern Mockingbird - A long staying bird on Perrault Rd, Ottawa, and a second bird seen at the Moodie Drive Ponds, Ottawa. All the winter finches were reported in the circle this week. Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, has consistent (but never guaranteed) grosbeak sightings. White-winged Crossbill - Four on the Prescott-Russell Rec Trail east of Canaan Rd, and a pair at Clarence Creek, Prescott and Russell. Hoary Redpoll - Multiple sightings of single birds reported on Galetta Side Rd, Ottawa, Berry Side Rd, Ottawa, as well as Beechgrove, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. Eastern Towhee - One bird in Parc du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau (at the feeder between the lake and the bike path). Another long staying bird in Fine Estate, Ottawa. Late warblers: Wilson's Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler have been seen for a couple of days near the Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa. Shirley's Bay reminder: OFNC members on the access list must call Range Control (613-991-5740) to provide their names, how long they intend to be out on the causeway, and a mobile number where they can be reached. There is a new 5 person limit on the causeway and this will be strictly enforced. As well, members must comply with any applicable COVID related municipal/provincial regulations. At the time of departure, you must phone and advise Range Control that you are clear of the property. DND also requests that you inform them of any trespassing on the causeway. -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Birdnews setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdnews_ontbirds.ca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
