After a search of areas from Lancaster to Bainsville and concessions north of Hwy 401 I finally found Snow Geese on the Beaudette river at Green Valley on Cty Rd 34. There were about 3,000 off the west side, well back with Canadas and roughly 25-27,000 to the east, maybe in about 100-200 metres but obscured by a line of trees. The best viewing of the larger flock was along Concession 7 (next road to the south of the birds). Head west less than a km and since the road runs along a ridge, the height of land offers a good view across a sloping cornfield. When the birds are not there they are in some field probably within 5-10 km. They likely depart twice a day.
The Beaudette river flood zone is noticeably wider than in recent years. With rain starting tonight and running through the next few days, the river will continue to be a good area. Most fields have already dried out but some will flood again. Flood zones east of Ottawa, Bourget and Riceville may see birds in a few days or next week. Conditions are later than last year. The ice is still far out at Westley's Point with zero birds but whenever it pares back to within 100 metres from shore it should be a draw for the geese. Worth checking in 5-7 days. Brian Morin -- 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 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.
