Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at [email protected] Nov. 26, 2020
Highlights: Black Vulture - Apparently lurking around the Ferrellton area for a couple of weeks now. Photographed on Chemin de la Rivière, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais, on the 26th. Possible Pacific Loon reported at Shirley Bay Boat Launch, Ottawa, on the 26th. Tundra Bean Goose - Regular sightings stopped after the 19th, although it was seen Trim Road, Ottawa, on the 22nd. Overview: Time may have run out to see most of the rare geese in 2020. The first real snow of the season coated the feeding fields. Lots of great birds remain, including a ridiculous number of Red-bellied woodpeckers. There is probably one on your feeder right now. And look for a Hoary Redpoll or two in every big flock of commons. Other Notable sightings: Northern Shoveler - A pair at Giroux Road Ponds, Ottawa. Ross's Goose - Moodie Quarry on the 24th. Reported daily at Nolan Quarry until the 22nd. Barnacle Goose - Reported from Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa, on the 22nd. Iceland Gull - Moodie Drive Quarry. Glaucous Gull - Moodie Drive Quarry. Red-bellied Woodpecker - Continue at several locations: Britannia Conservation Area along the western edge, in Kars, and near the Chapman Mills Conservation Area, all Ottawa, and at Ch Fer-à-Cheval/Sentier des Libellules, and at Parc du Lac-Leamy (at the first feeder), Gatineau. Another was spotted this week at Baie Simard, Gatineau. Red-headed Woodpecker continues in Constance Bay, Ottawa. Carolina Wren - A new pair visited a feeder in Cumberland, Ottawa, today. Others continue at feeders in Kanata, Au Bois Ave, Villa Crescent, Du Bois Avenue, and the Britannia Conservation Area, all in Ottawa. Eastern Bluebird - A flock along Chemin Cook, Gatineau. Eastern Towhee - Continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa. At this point none of the winter finches are really rare in the circle. Of particular note, a flock of 200-250 Bohemian Waxwings was seen in the Lookout Drive/Fieldown Street area, Ottawa, on the 20th. Cape May Warbler - Rapides Deschênes, Gatineau, on the 19th. Wilson Warbler - Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa, regular as late as the 24th. Special Note about Owl Woods The privately-owned Owl Woods on Amherst Island are currently closed for the annual hunt through to 6th December inclusive. Please respect this long-standing agreement and stay out of the woods. If visiting at other times and you do see owls, the owners insist that these are not reported on any social media platform, including eBird, until the season is over, or we risk losing access. Although owls are occasionally seen at other nearby locations, disguising your owl wood sightings as 'Amherst Island' or even 'Lennox and Addington' goes against the spirit of the message. 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 five person limit on the causeway and this is 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.
