Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
August 8, 2019 It was another fairly quiet week in the region, with a few interesting birds but no major highlights. There was finally a bit of a change of the weather, with scattered thundershowers starting the 6th. So far it has not made major alterations to the bird population. *We are looking for participants for the Ottawa Seedathon, to take place on September 1st. Please see the end of the message for details. * Again this week, SHOREBIRDS have been the main interest. The now extensive mudflats of Shirley’s Bay had about 150 SHOREBIRDS of 12 species on the 5th. Most have been LESSER YELLOWLEGS, WILSON’S SNIPE and KILLDEER, but there was a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER on the 4th, and a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the 4-8th. Richmond CA also had this species on the 5-8th, but little else. Petrie Island had habitat, with 22 birds of 7 common species on the 8th. There was plenty of habitat on the Ottawa River and elsewhere but very few birds. A few birds were reported in places like Andrew Haydon Park, the Deschênes Rapids, and Parc Brébeuf. A SANDERLING was seen in the Deschênes Rapids as well as Parc Brébeuf. In Almonte, only a few common SHOREBIRDS were seen. A few WATERBIRDS were of note, primarily at Shirley’s Bay. Single BUFFLEHEAD, LESSER SCAUP, COMMON GOLDENEYE and AMERICAN COOT were there, probably the vanguards of the fall hordes. Generally, there is little around that might be called migrants, aside from a few that have likely migrated from not very far away, like TENNESSEE WARBLER. Virtually all of the summer residents are still here, but not very vocal. A few notable sightings included: 1. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO at the Reveler feeders near Cannamore on the 6th and another near Almonte on the same day. 2. RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS are still at Constance Bay as of the 8th. 3. Up to 4 LEAST BITTERNS have been seen at Thomas Dolan and Constance Creek, most recently on the 6th. One was seen on North Russell Road on the 4th, and one was at Baie McLaurin on the 2nd. 4. SEDGE WRENS continue on Torbolton Ridge Road as of the 3rd. *Note Re: Ottawa Seedathon on September 1* The 2019 Ottawa Seedathon will take place Sunday, September 1st. As in the last few years, this will be a team effort where anyone can contribute. Participation in the seedathon is a fun and worthwhile way to contribute to bird records and to support the OFNC winter bird feeders. There are two ways you can contribute: 1. *Bird anywhere within the 50K region anytime on September 1st, and share the results with the Seedathon eBird account (Ottawa_seedathon).* It doesn’t matter where you go, how long you spend, or whether the area is covered by other people. Try for a “Big Day” or bird your yard, your neighborhood, or your favorite patch. However, if you are looking for something different to do, why not go to some good but less frequently birded area? For example, we receive few contributions from Quebec, and some areas like Plaisance are excellent at this time of year. See reports of previous seedathons at ofnc.ca Birds/Seedathon/historical Seedathon results. 2. *Make a financial contribution.* OFNC is grateful to those who have donated in previous years. All funds raised go specifically to pay for bird seed for the many OFNC sponsored winter feeders. Maps of the OFNC feeder locations are at ofnc.ca Birds/Where do I go. To make a donation, go to http://ofnc.ca/membership-and-donations and specify that the donation is for the seedathon. The number of species found during the seedathon will be reported. A donation of a lump sum, or an amount corresponding to the number of species found will be appreciated. *Reminder regarding access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway:* 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. To access this site, you must be on the access list, and 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
