[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to September 1, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca September 1, 2016 The only highlight was a fairly modest one, a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at Britannia on the 30th. There were 2 sightings of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (early) at Britannia and 1 in Richmond. Weather was again mostly above seasonal temperatures with limited rain. This was not conducive to any major movement of birds. WATERBIRDS and SHOREBIRDS were in limited supply, the latter despite a reasonable amount of habitat. There was a good variety of PASSERINES, with some excellent and mediocre days. WATERBIRDS again were not notable for the most part. A SNOW GOOSE west of the Rockcliffe airport was early, or perhaps a sign of the increasing numbers of this species. 2 REDHEAD at the Moodie Drive ponds on the 28th and LESSER SCAUP at Shirley’s Bay on the 28th-1st were a little more than ordinary. There were no real concentrations of SHOREBIRDS anywhere. The best spots are Shirley’s Bay (up to about 40 birds), Embrun (up to about 55 birds) and the Richmond Conservation areas (up to 50 birds). Notable this week were: 1. Shirley’s Bay: BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was there until the 26th, STILT SANDPIPER most of the week, BAIRD’S SANDPIPER until the 29th, and RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the 31st-1st. 2. Embrun: BAIRD’S and STILT SANDPIPER on the 27th. 3. Richmond: STILT SANDPIPER on the 28th. 4. Andrew Haydon Park: RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the 30th, and HUDSONIAN GODWIT on the 1st. 5. Blakeney: WHIMBREL on the 28th. Among the PASSERINES, this will likely be the last week before significant declines in many species such as FLYCATCHERS. A single sighting of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was in Britannia on the 25th, but by contrast there have been a number of sightings of YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER in various places this week. 24 species of WARBLER were seen this week. There was an exceptional single-observer sighting of 20 species in Britannia on the 27th, including the first-of-the season BLACKPOLL WARBLER. More generally there is good variety but not large numbers. The better areas are seeing 10-15 species of WARBLER in a single visit. Finally, a CAROLINA WREN was in Carlington on the 28th. Note re: Access to the Shirley’s Bay causeway. The OFNC has a signed agreement with DND and PWGS that gives OFNC members limited access to this important birding area. You must call the Range Control Office (613-991-5740) before entering DND property, and you will be informed how far down the causeway you can go. Please respect their instructions for your safety, as the shooting patterns vary from day to day. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to August 25, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca August 25, 2016 The highlight of the week was a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER at Shirley’s Bay on the 24-25th. This species is less than annual in Ottawa. A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at Shirley’s bay 22nd was a much lesser highlight. Weather was mostly above seasonal temperatures with a significant rain on the 21st. Migrant PASSERINES were in good variety but not huge numbers. SHOREBIRD variety was good at times, notably on the 21st and 24th, but the numbers are a small fraction of what they were before the rains last week. Habitat on the Ottawa River is reasonable between the rains. Waterbirds were not notable at all this week. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was regular at the Deschênes Rapids. Again this week, 19 species of SHOREBIRDS were seen in the region. Shirley’s bay had 10 species including the rarity and both BAIRD’S and STILT SANDPIPER. Other spots on the river have virtually no shorebirds. A few spots, mostly east of Ottawa, had a small fallout in the rain on the 21st, but everywhere numbers are low. Some recent sightings include: 1. Almonte Lagoons: 7 birds of 2 species on the 24th. 2. Richmond CA: 30 birds of 6 species on the 21st, including A SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. 3. Casselman: 12 BIRDS OF 7 species on the 21st including RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. 4. Embrun: 78 of 8 species on the 21st including STILT and BAIRD’S SANDPIPER; 30 birds of 5 species on the 22nd. Southward migration was very evident this week. There were several sightings of YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER THIS WEEK, and 2 of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Larose forest and South March Highlands). On the 22nd -23rd there were several sightings of PHILADELPHIA VIREO, and 2 of YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Richmond CA and Shirley’s Bay). There have been some noticeable concentrations of SWALLOWS-over 600 TREE SWALLOWS at Embrun on the 21st, for example. The RED-HEADED WOODPECKER is still in Torbolton Forest as of the 20th. The first of the migrant SWAINSON’S THRUSH were seen on August 22 and Gatineau and heard flying overhead the same night. Overall, most species of PASSERINES are at or above their summer levels, although a few like YELLOW WARBLER seem to be moving out. In a week or two at the most we can expect some major movement out of the region. 23 species of WARBLER were seen in the region, including a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER at Shirley’s bay on the 25th. 10-15 species of WARBLER are now being seen per trip, the largest being 15 at Britannia on the 21st. Finally, a PINE SISKIN WAS at a feeder in Ottawa on the 24th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to August 18, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca August 18, 2016 Finally, we had a highlight this week. A juvenile male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was at the Almonte sewage lagoons on the 13-14th. There was also finally a change of weather, which brought a few birds in with it. A major day-long rain on the 13th with brisk winds from different directions was undoubtedly a factor in the small shorebird fallout and the arrival of a greater variety of migrant songbirds. There was another deluge on the 16th (but no fallout). Temperatures were seasonal between the rains. WATERBIRDS were not particularly notable this week, but that is not surprising given the time of year. A SNOW GOOSE at Britannia on the 17th was very unusual, while a LESSER SCAUP at Shirley’s Bay on the 18th was less so. SHOREBIRDS were the highlight this week aside from the rarity noted above. Overall, 19 species of SHOREBIRD were in the region this week. While the rain was badly needed, it did eliminate shorebird habitat along the river. However, there are still modest numbers at the inland ponds and lagoons. A WHIMBREL was flying near Ottawa Beach on the 12th. On the 12-14th, up to 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWTICHERS were at Andrew Haydon Park. At Ottawa Beach on the 13th, RUDDY TURNSTONE, SANDERLING, and BAIRD’S SANDPIPER touched down briefly, but only one SANDERLING stuck around until the 14th. A BAIRD’S SANDPIPER was also at Parc Brébeuf on the 17th. 2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were at Almonte on the 14th and at Shirley’s Bay on the 17th. Some recent sightings: 1. Shirley’s Bay to Ottawa Beach: Virtually no SHOREBIRDS from the 14th-18th. 2. Petrie Island: Virtually no SHOREBIRDS on the 15-18th. 3. Almonte: 65 birds of 8 species on the 14th; 42 BIRDS of 6 species on the 15th. 4. Winchester: Little habitat or birds this week 5. Embrun: 64 birds of 10 species on the 15th (a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER was seen this day as well). 6. Parc Brébeuf : 9 birds of 3 species (including BAIRD’S SANDPIPER) on the 17th. 7. Richmond CA: 70 birds of 8 species on the 14th; GULL numbers and variety are building up a bit. The place to see them is Deschênes in the evening (mostly RING-BILLED), or the Moodie Drive Ponds (1000 birds there on the 16th, mostly HERRING). A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Deschênes on the 17th and 2 were at the Moodie Drive Ponds on the 16th. COMMON NIGHTHAWKS are on the move. Groups of up to about 40 were seen a few evenings this week. A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER at the Richmond CA on the 14th was the first fall sighting and another was at Lac Taylor in Gatineau Park on the 17th. SONGBIRDS were really on the move this week. A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was at Shirley’s bay on the 17th and at Britannia on the 14th. A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was also at Britannia on the 14th. 22 species of WARBLER were seen this week, although numbers are still rather low and only 5-10 species are typically seen in an outing in the better areas. 11 species of WARBLER were at Britannia on the 15th, including the first of the fall WILSON’S WARBLER. A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER at Shirley’s Bay on the 15th was an unusual sighting outside of the breeding grounds and season. Finally, there was an EVENING GROSBEAK at Lac Taylor in Gatineau Park on the 17th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to August 11, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca August 11, 2016 While there have been no rarities, there have been a few birds worth chasing. A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was at Shirley’s bay and Britannia on the 7th and 2 of this scarce species were at Britannia on the 9th. A WHIMBREL was flying over the Stony Swamp area on the 6th, and a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at Embrun 8-9th is still a bit early for this species. Persistent heat (with the hottest day of the year) and dryness this week have made birding a challenge, and perhaps a challenge for the birds themselves. Migration is on the upswing, although it is slow as the weather provided no incentive for them to stop and or linger. Ottawa River water levels continue to drop, causing the shorebird habitat at Shirley’s bay to expand but also to become more distant for viewing. There was little out of the ordinary among the waterbirds. A GREATER SCAUP at the Masson filtration plant was out-of-season. The summering RED-NECKED GREBE persists at Britannia as of the 11th. The low water levels have resulted in considerable habitat along the Ottawa River although it is presumed that most SHOREBIRDS are just flying over in spite of this. An example of this is 200 SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPERS flying down the Ottawa River near Wendover. Shirley’s Bay has the greatest number, but the variety is still only moderate at all locations. 13 species have been seen in the region this week. Some sightings include: 1. Shirley’s Bay: 220 bird of 8 species on the 9th. 2. Petrie Island: 78 birds of 6 species on the 8th (best spot for WILSON’S SNIPE) 3. Richmond CA: 80 birds of 9 species on the 6th incuding BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER 4. Almonte: 64 birds of 6 species on the 7th 5. Embrun: 72 birds of 9 species on the 9th 6. Giroux Road Ponds: 1 KILLDEER on the 6th. 7. Masson Filtration Plant: 4 birds of 2 species on the 5th. There is little else of note among the SONGBIRDS. Many of the residents are becoming a bit more conspicuous as they are no longer involved in nesting and the young are active too. We are still waiting for the bigger mixed flocks of WARBLERS. There were 10 species at Shirley’s Bay on the 8th but that was atypical. CAPE MAY, TENNESSEE and BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS are some of the more interesting early arrivals. Finally, a few odds and ends: 1. 30 COMMON NIGHTHAWK at Almonte on the 7th. 2. 16 HORNED LARK at Giroux Road on the 6th. 3. CAROLINA WREN at the Richmond CA on the 7th. 4. RED CROSSBILL at Shirley’s Bay on the 7th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to August 4, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca August 4, 2016 While there have been no rarities, there has been some action on the birding front. Specifically, some SHOREBIRD action. Some unsettled weather would help here, but it has continued to be warm to hot and dry. There has also been more noticeable post-breeding dispersal, mostly with SONGBIRDS. One oddity among the waterbirds, an apparently healthy SNOW GOOSE was in downtown Ottawa at least on the 30th. Among the new arrivals for the fall, at Shirley’s bay there were 2 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS on the 30th, and a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER on the 1-4th. There were 14 species of SHOREBIRD seen this week. Some recent sightings include: 1. Shirley’s bay: 220 birds of 10 species on the 4th. 2. Petrie Island: 64 birds of 8 species on the 3rd. 3. Almonte: 80 birds of 5 species on the 31st. 4. Embrun: 76 birds of 7 species on the 31st. A few more interesting sightings included: 1. 3 SANDHILL CRANES east of Almonte on the 30th. 2. UPLAND SANDPIPER on Dwyer Hill Road on the 31st. 3. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE at Shirley’s bay as late as the 29th. 4. 10 GRAY PARTRIDGE on Giroux Road on the 31st. This is the first sighting of this species for some months. Finally, 20 species of WARBLER were seen in the region this week, a good variety but nothing really special. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to July 28, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca July 28, 2016 Finally, after several weeks, there have been some highlights. On the 25th, at Shirley’s bay, both WHIMBREL and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER flew over. On the 26th, a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was there, and fortunately it stayed, still there as of the 28th. There was a STILT SANDPIPER at Embrun on the 27th, the first of the year. There were a few small signs of southward songbird migration, but the vast majority of the birds are the residents, and their song has dropped off greatly even in the last week. The weather has been warm to hot, with no major weather systems passing through. A COMMON GOLDENEYE at Shirley’s bay was notable among all the usual breeding waterbirds, and the RED-NECKED GREBE continues at Britannia as of the 28th. SHOREBIRDS are around, sometimes in decent numbers but finally this week there have been more than just common species. 13 species have been seen in the region this week. Here are some recent sightings: 1. Richmond CA: 61 birds of 6 species on the 25th. 2. Shirley’s Bay: 60 birds of 7 species on the 28th (4 additional were seen during the last week) 3. Embrun: 90 birds of 8 species on the 27th. 4. Almonte: 60 birds of 6 species on the 25th. 5. Petrie Island: 10 birds of 4 species on the 28th. A few other interesting sightings: 1. LEAST BITTERN at Embrun on the 27th. 2. 11 BLACK TERN on the Ottawa River near Cumberland on the 21st suggests that the breeding colony in Quebec is doing better than originally thought. 3. UPLAND SANDPIPER is still on Panmure Road. 4. RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS successfully nested in Constance bay this year and are being seen regularly. 5. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER at South March Highlands on the 26th. Finally, there are a couple of sightings that give some hints of some southern songbird migration, although neither breeds very far north: 1. A few sightings of NORTHERN PARULA, and 2. A TENNESSEE WARBLER at Shirley’s bay a few times, and one at Petrie Island. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to July 21, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca July 21, 2016 Ottawa has a major case of the summer doldrums, if possible even worse than last week. There are no real highlights to report. Perhaps the most interesting new sighting was a OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at the Moore Farm on the 19th, whether an early migrant or otherwise it would be difficult to know. SHOREBIRDS are around, sometimes in decent numbers but only the most common species. Here are some recent sightings: 1. Richmond CA: Up to 60 birds of up to 6 species on the 20th. 2. Shirley’s Bay: 21 birds of 5 species on the 17th. 3. St Albert: Up to 45 birds of 6 species on the 17th. 4. Almonte: 67 birds of 6 species on the 16th; 6 birds of 3 species on the 18th. 5. Petrie Island: 3 birds of 2 species on the 16th. Bird song is down considerably, and there are some limited signs of movement. Elsewhere, in no particular order, here are some sightings of less common birds: 1. 2 NORTHERN GOSHAWK AT Meech Valley on the 20th. 2. BONAPARTES GULLS have been seen a few times at various places on the Ottawa River. 3. Up to 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS are at Constance Bay. 4. SEDGE WREN is still on Torbolton Ridge Road. 5. NORTHERN PARULA on the Lime Kiln Trail on the 20th. 6. TENNESSEE WARBLER at the South March Conservation highlands on the 19th. 7. CANADA and MOURNING WARBLERS are still on Pine Grove trail 8. PALM WARBLER and LINCOLN’S SPARROW are still calling/ singing at Mer Bleue. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to July 14, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca July 14, 2016 Once again, there were no real highlights this week. By and large, birding has been as dull as dishwater. Like last week, weather was seasonal to hot with some rain. The rain was and will continue to be the important factor in river water levels and hence shorebird populations for the next few weeks. Birdsong has diminished but there is still quite a bit of activity with many young birds still being attended to by their parents. There was a quite a bit of shorebird activity this week, but unfortunately mostly outside the region, at Alfred and St. Isidore. Rain on 9th eliminated the Shirley’s Bay shorebird habitat temporarily. There was a bit of activity at Petrie Island, the Almonte Lagoons and the Richmond Conservation area, but nothing out the ordinary. More interesting were a few SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS at St. Albert on the 11th. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Britannia on the 10th, and the continuing RED-NECKED GREBE as late as the 13th at Mud Lake are noteworthy. Some of the other less common sightings this week were: 1. NORTHERN PINTAIL at Shirley’s bay on the 10th 2. UPLAND SANDPIPER on Franktown Road on the 10th. 3. BLUE-HEADED VIREO and RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at Meech lake on the 13th. 4. BLUE-HEADED VIREO at Burnt Lands PP. on the 10th. 5. 2 TENNESSEE WARBLERS at Camp Fortune on the 9th. 6. SEDGE WREN still on Torbolton Ridge Road as of the 11th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to July 7, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca July 7, 2016 There were no real highlights this week. Temperatures were seasonal to hot. The 1st and the 7th had some badly needed rain, and may have been a factor along with dropping river levels, in causing a bit of SHOREBIRD activity this week. A few visits to Shirley’s Bay produced a good assortment of waterbirds, most notably a rare-in-summer RED-BREASTED MERGANSER on the 5th and REDHEAD a few times this week. There were also some of the less common nesters, such as AMERICAN WIGEON and HOODED MERGANSER. A lingering RED-NECKED GREBE in breeding plumage continued at Britannia (Mud Lake) at least as late as the 5th. A SNOW GOOSE at St. Albert on the 1st was undoubtedly a lingering bird. SHOREBIRD activity was low but respectable for the season. PECTORAL and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER were at Embrun on the 1st. 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at St. Albert on the 1st and 1 was at Shirley’s bay on the 7th. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER at Casselman on the 2nd and GREATER YELLOWLEGS at Shirley’s bay on the 5th were of interest along with 5 other more expected species. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was at the Kanata Research park on the 5th. A few sightings of NORTHERN PARULA at Shirley’s Bay and near the Airport were of interest as this WARBLER species is usually restricted to the northern reaches of the region in the summer. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER becomes much tougher to get now, but one was on the Carp Ridge on the 2nd and another was at the South March Conservation Highlands on the 3rd. SEDGE WREN continue on Torbolton Ridge road and they were also on Conley Road by the bridge. A few other interesting sightings this week: • LEAST BITTERN at the marsh at the end of Champlain Street on the 4th and at Shirley’s bay on the 7th. • UPLAND SANDPIPER was near the Gatineau Airport • Only a few BLACK TERNS at Marais aux Grenouillettes, which is not a good sign as this is one of the few nesting spots in the region. • RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was near Winchester on the 3rd. • A few CASPIAN TERN are now regular, mostly on the Ottawa River. • NORTHERN GOSHAWK was at Shirley’s Bay on the 4th. • YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was in Gatineau on the 30th. • CAROLINA WREN was in the Heron park area on the 30th.. • 4 PINE SISKIN were at Mer Bleue on the 3rd. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to June 30, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca June 30, 2016 There were two birding highlights, both rare but not unusually so. The continuing BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was seen as late as the 24th in the Carp Hills, and there were 2 sightings of YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, one at Lac McGregor on the 29th and the other on a golf course near Stittsville on the 30th. In addition, a lingering RED-NECKED GREBE in breeding plumage continues at Britannia (Mud Lake) at least as late as the 29th. Aside from these, the summer doldrums are firmly entrenched in the Ottawa area. Weather was again typical of the season, but it continues to be somewhat dry and the Ottawa River has dropped noticeably. This may be important in a few weeks when shorebirds return. A few shorebirds are in the east. At St. Albert there was a LESSER YELLOWLEGS, while at Embrun there was a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER and GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Volume and variety will pick up for the next 8 weeks. A few other interesting sightings are as follows, although all of them are expected summer residents: 1. 4 or more SEDGE WREN continue at a sedge field on Torbolton Ridge Road. 2. 2 UPLAND SANDPIPER were on Barnsdale Rd. on the 29th. 3. A LEAST BITTERN was at South March Highlands conservation Forest on the 29th. 4. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was on Torbolton Ridge Rd. on the 27th. 5. 3 PEREGRINE FALCON including 1 young were at the nesting spot near Data Road. 6. A CASPIAN TERN was at the Moodie Drive Ponds as late as the 25th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to June 23, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca June 23, 2016 It is no surprise that summer doldrums continue in Ottawa, given that the summer solstice occurred this week. Still, the region was not completely bereft of interesting birds. A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER in the South March conservation forest on the 18th and later (nesting with GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER) was the most unusual find, the next being YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS, one in near the Thomas Dolan Parkway on the 18-19th and the other near the Champlain lookout on the 20th. Despite the late date, there may still have been some migration. 3 SEDGE WREN were seen on Torbolton Ridge Road on the 18th, and a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was reported at Burnt Lands Provincial park on the 19th, both of these the first of the year in the 50K. Otherwise, as last week, there was little beyond the usual breeding birds. Weather was notable only inasmuch as it was perfectly normal, something which is increasingly rare in Ottawa. Some other interesting sightings were: 1. A HORNED GREBE at Pinecrest Creek on the 17th and a RED-NECKED GREBE at Britannia (Mud Lake) on the 21st -23rd were unusually late birds. 2. A LEAST BITTERN survey in the Greenbelt has uncovered 7 of this elusive species, including 2 at a spot in Shirley’s Bay not publicly accessible. 3. A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was in Chelsea on the 19th. 4. A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was at Meech Lake on the 19th . 5. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and a BLUE-HEADED VIREO were at Forêt Boucher on the 18th. 6. A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was in Winchester on the 18th, and 7. 2 PINE SISKIN were at the Nortel Marsh on 19th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to June 16, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca June 16, 2016 There were no highlights this week. Ottawa is definitely into the birding summer doldrums, without even the benefit of summer weather for half the week. Cool and blustery weather through Monday made observation difficult and provided little incentive to get out. Although the weather turned normal after Monday, essentially only the breeding birds are around, and this will likely be the same birding story for the next month. A few late birds, harder to find birds or birds outside of the main breeding areas are the only notable sightings of the week: 1. A late BUFFLEHEAD was at the Bill Mason Centre on the 12th. 2. A late SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was at the Shirley’s Bay boat launch on the 13-14th and a late SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was at Quyon on the 14th. 3. There have been a number of sightings of the rather elusive LEAST BITTERN this week- 2 at Plaisance on the 10th, 1 at Baie McLaurin on the 14th, and 1 west of Petrie Island on the 15th. 4. A BONAPARTE’S GULL was at Britannia on the 13th. 5. A BLUE-HEADED VIREO was at Stoney Swamp on the 13th. 6. Late TENNESSEE WARBLERS were at Plaisance on the 10th and at Meech Lake on the 14th. 7. 2 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were in the Eardley Masham area on the 15th. 8. An EASTERN TOWHEE was on Greenbelt trail 10 on the 14th. 9. A VESPER SPARROW was on Murphy’s Sideroad on the 14th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. 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 - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to June 9, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca June 9, 2016 A few rarities spiced up the early days of the post migration season. A LITTLE GULL was at Britannia Point on the 3rd to early on the 4th. An AMERICAN AVOCET was at Casselman all day on the 6th and one was also reported from Pakenham on the 1st. A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was in the Dunrobin area from the 2nd to at least the 7th. Desperately needed rain finally arrived on the 5th, although too late in the season to have any real effect on migration. The 8th was very cool and blustery but otherwise there was no weather of note, and like last week the focus has been on the breeding birds. Waterbirds were of some note only due to a few late sightings: a GREATER SCAUP at Britannia on the 6th, a SNOW GOOSE at Casselman on the 6th, a ROSS’S GOOSE flying near Andrew Haydon Park on the 7th, and 3 TRUMPETER SWANS flying near the Moodie drive Ponds, also on the 7th. Among the LARIDS, ARCTIC TERN was reasonably regular off Britannia point this week. A few BONAPARTE’S GULLS were also there. Among the SHOREBIRDS, the rarity noted above was especially odd given the almost complete absence of others from this family. There were up to 25 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, one LEAST SANDPIPER and two SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS in the east, and one LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Masson, but that was it for the migrants. The Thomas Dolan Parkway continues to be the best and probably the closest spot to get both EASTERN WHIPPOORWILL and COMMON NIGHTHAWK. Both were seen and heard on the 7th and will likely be there until late summer. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was in Cantley on the 6th. A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (calling at night) in the Munster area on the 7th was of note. A CAROLINA WREN is singing regularly in the Walkley/ Airport Parkway area. A very late RUSTY BLACKBIRD was in Gatineau on the 3rd. On the Larose Forest Bioblitz on the 3rd, 16 of the 17 nesting species of WARBLER were found but there were no unexpected sightings of any Passerines with the possible exception of PINE SISKIN. A BLACKPOLL WARBLER in Carlington on the 5th may be the last sighting of the spring. \The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to June 2, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca May 26, 2016 The best bird of the week was a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, seen on the 27th from High Road south of the airport. Also notable were 2 sightings of YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, one at Britannia on the 29th and the second near the General Hospital on the 2nd. Unfortunately, there was little else of note. Despite very warm to even hot conditions, there was no unsettled weather: it was virtually rainless the entire week. With over 95% of spring migration now passed, likely the time for migrant fallouts has as well. It has been one of the dullest migration seasons recently, although there is still the chance for rarities to drop in. The birding focus is now on the breeding birds, which are now at their most active. 40 BRANT at Chelsea on the 27th were notable only because so few of these birds have been seen this season. There were a few later/ lingering species, such as WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and 13 LESSER SCAUP on the 28th at Britannia, 3 COMMON GOLDENEYE Deschênes on the 31st. PUDDLE DUCKS are mostly on their nesting grounds, ponds and lagoons. LEAST BITTERN was at Baie McLaurin on the 31st and also at Stoney Swamp as late as the 1st. Those who missed SANDHILL CRANE earlier this year can try their luck at local bogs. They were at the Morewood Bog on the 29th and also at the Mer Bleue Bog on the 31st. UPLAND SANDPIPER has been seen in the Munster area a few times, but migrant SHOREBIRDS are simply not landing or sticking around, and the severe lack of habitat in the immediate area does not help. Likely no significant numbers or variety will be seen until the fall, unless there is some major weather activity in the next few days. A tour of the east found some decent habitat at St. Albert, but only about 20 birds of 5 species. Casselman and Embrun have some habitat but virtually on birds. The only other place that has some habitat is the Moodie Drive ponds, but again birds are few. A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER on the 29th at Innis Point was the first sighting in the immediate Ottawa area. About 98% of the WARBLERS now being seen are the local nesters. Only a few late migrating WARBLERS are still passing through. A few other sightings topped off a fairly dull week: 1. A late RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET at the Morewood Bog on the 29th; 2. A late RUSTY BLACKBIRD near the Blair Road boat launch on the 27th. 3. RED CROSSBILL at Britannia on the 27th. 4. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD at Innis Point on the 2nd. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to May 26, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca May 26, 2016 The bird of the week was YELLOW-THROATED VIREO in Britannia, very cooperative all morning on the 22nd. Another was in Gatineau Park on the 21st. Aside from this, the week was a poor one for migration. Although summer-like weather prevailed during the entire week, persistent northerly winds, no rain and almost nothing in the way of weather systems were not conditions conducive to any bird fallout. Despite this, birds continued to flow in, variety is plentiful for the most part, and we are now in the late stages of migration. The only things notable in the way of waterbirds were a few late ones here and there. Up to 8 REDHEAD were at the Moodie drive ponds most of the week, HORNED GREBE was at Shirley’s Bay on the 24th, BUFFLEHEAD was near Chelsea on the 22nd, and GREATER and LESSER SCAUP were at Andrew Haydon on the 24th. There were still a few SNOW GEESE here and there in the eastern part of the region. The first ARCTIC TERNS arrived at Shirley’s bay on the 23rd. They will be around in small numbers for about a week. The first LEAST BITTERN was in the Stoney Swamp area on the 25th, and this species is its elusive self. The first BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER were at the Moody Drive ponds on the 23rd. 15 WHIMBREL were at Shirley’s Bay on the 21st, but otherwise the SHOREBIRD supply is desperately thin on the ground. The first OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was in Gatineau Park on the 20th, and there were a number of other sightings in the area this week. 8 COMMON NIGHTHAWK were on the Carp Ridge on the 25th. Up to 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were seen or heard in their traditional spot in Constance Bay starting on the 19th. Songbirds are pretty much all here. The late WARBLERS like BAY-BREASTED and especially BLACKPOLL WARBLER have become fairly common this week, but in any case all 25 regular WARBLERS have been seen in the region this week, and there is still a good variety in the migrant traps and major nesting grounds most days. Of the more local birds, GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER is back on Thomas Dolan parkway area, and MOURNING WARBLER is heard and sometimes seen on the Pinegrove trail area on either side of Conroy road. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to May 19, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca May 19, 2016 The best bird this week was an ORCHARD ORIOLE, seen very briefly at Britannia on the 13th. The second best were 2 CERULEAN WARBLERS in Gatineau Park on the 18th, followed by YELLOW-THROATED VIREO at the Arboretum on the 12th. This week, like last week, weather was up and down and on exactly the same days: good Friday-Saturday, appalling on Sunday-Monday, and improving through to Thursday. However, there was greater bird variety all week, as birds continued to arrive, and many are now on their nesting grounds. Warm southerly winds Thursday night-Friday brought the closest we have had to a fallout, and this week there were about 14 firsts of the year. About 90% of the regular species have now been seen in the region, although many are far from their summer populations. Still there is generally excellent variety in most areas, and of note is that on May 14, the ebird sponsored “Global Big Day”, about 165 species were seen in the region. In the next week, very warm weather is expected, and birders are hoping for a fallout if the weather becomes unsettled. Waterbirds continue their seasonal decline, although we can still hope for some fallouts of the late species in the next 2 weeks. Notable were 2 SURF SCOTERS on Mud Lake in Britannia on the 17th, and REDHEAD in a number of spots. Up to 3000 SNOW GEESE are lingering in the Frank Kenny- Milton Road area. A few modest flocks of BRANT have been seen on the Ottawa River. Shorebird numbers and variety continue to rise but the peak is 7-10 days away. Unfortunately there is rather limited shorebird habitat in most areas, and no reports yet from the east. New this week were 6 WHIMBREL near Pakenham on the 18th, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at Moodie Drive ponds on the 16th, and DUNLIN at Marais aux Grenouillettes on the 17th. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at the Moodie Drive ponds on the 19th. WILLOW FLYCATCHER arrived this week at the Richmond CA, and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER in Gatineau Park (P8) on the 14th, leaving only 1 regular flycatcher to arrive. The first BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was at the Winchester Bog on the 14th, the first PHILADELPHIA VIREO was at Britannia on the 13th, and the first GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH was at the South March Highlands on the 17th. The last three regular WARBLERS arrived this week: WILSON’S WARBLER, MOURNING WARBLER, and GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. A thorough search of the better areas (wet mixed woods and mixed habitat near rivers) has been giving daily tallies of over 15 species. The second last of the regular sparrows, CLAY COLOURED SPARROW, was at Innis Point on the 13th, and all the scarcer SPARROWS may now be seen at Burnt Lands Provincial Park. A late FOX SPARROW was near Chelsea on the 15th. Finally, there have been multiple sightings of RED CROSSBILL at Jack Pine Trail and Pine Grove Trail this week. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to May 12, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca May 12, 2016 The most interesting birds this week were 2 ROSS’S GEESE in Winchester on the 8th, a CERULEAN WARBLER (female) at Lac Philippe on the 11th, and this news just in, 2 LITTLE GULLS at the Marais aux Grenouillettes on the 12th. Weather was up and down during the week: good Friday-Saturday, poor Sunday-Monday, and improving through to Thursday. There were no fallouts, but migration continued at a steady clip, with nearly 30 firsts of the year (FOY). Some species like WARBLING VIREO and YELLOW WARBLER have become abundant virtually overnight, while there are just single sightings of some of the others. Unfortunately rainy and cool weather is forecast for the weekend. Waterbirds were not particularly exceptional. Thousands of SNOW GEESE at both Winchester and on Giroux were notable for the large number so late in the season. Small numbers of REDHEAD have been seen at different places in the region. Otherwise the waterbirds are mostly as expected. Numbers of many of the earlier DUCKS like SCAUP and RING-NECKED are declining for the season. BONAPARTE’S GULL at Parc Brébeuf on the 7th were the FOY but otherwise most of the non-breeding GULLS have left the area. SHOREBIRDS continue to arrive but the peak is several weeks away. In the limited habitat available there may be 3-4 species present. FOY were 5 SEMIPALMALTED PLOVER near Cannamore on the 10th, LEAST SANDPIPER (Petrie Island on the 11th), SOLITARY SANDPIPER at Richmond CA and Marais aux Grenouillettes on the 6th and UPLAND SANDPIPER on the 7th on Panmure and on Franktown on the 8th. EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL on the 5th on Thomas Dolan Parkway and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at Inkerman on the 6th were more or less on time for the season. The insect population, having now risen to the minor nuisance level, is providing food for the rising insectivore population including the FOY GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Pine Grove on the 6th), LEAST FLYCATCHER (Richmond on the 6th), ALDER FLYCATCHER (Almonte on the 7th) and EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Gatineau Park on the 7th). The most anticipated of the spring arrivals, WARBLER numbers and variety have risen dramatically. At Maple Hill Park there were 13 species on the 10th, and at least 14 species were in Britannia on the 11th. New arrivals were BAY-BREASTED, NORTHERN PARULA, AMERICAN REDSTART, BLACKBURNIAN, MAGNOLIA , CAPE MAY, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKPOLL, TENNESSEE and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. There were at least three sightings of the rare-in-spring ORANGE-CROWNED, the one in Britannia on the 12th being unusual in that it was seen by many and stayed just east of the ridge for a good portion of the day. To date, 21 of the 25 regular warblers have been seen in the region. RED-EYED VIREO in Leslie Park on the 7th, MARSH WREN at Plaisance on the 7th, SCARLET TANAGER on Spadina Ave. on the 9th , INDIGO BUNTING in Gatineau Park on the 9th, BOBOLINK on the 5th in the Lac la Blanche area, and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW at Burnt Lands PP on the 6th and behind the Airport on the 9th rounded off the remaining FOY. In other odds and ends, there was a TUFTED TITMOUSE in Plaisance on the 5th, 100 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen near Richmond on the 11th, a large number so late in the season, and among the FINCHES, an EVENING GROSBEAK was in Russell on the 7th, a late COMMON REDPOLL was in Britannia on the 11-12th, and a small number of PINE SISKINS remain. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to May 5, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca May 5, 2016 No exceptional birds were seen this week. Most notable were a ROSS’S GOOSE near Frank Kenny on the 30th, a EURASIAN WIGEON seen at Shirley’s Bay on the 30th and a TUFTED TITMOUSE seen briefly there on the 29th. Temperatures were seasonal or below for much of the week, which combined with persistent northerly winds slowed migration for the second week in a row. Nonetheless there was a steady but slow movement of birds in, increasing towards the end of the week, and many of the early migrants/ winter residents are moving out. Based on the weather forecasts, next week should see quite a significant flux of birds. Starting with waterbirds, 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at the Moodie Drive ponds on the 30th were quite late, a CACKLING GOOSE was in Gatineau on the 1st, and there are still numbers of SNOW GEESE east of Ottawa, 4-5000 at the Giroux ponds on the 5th. The first SURF SCOTERS, and the first WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS since early January were seen between Britannia and Andrew Haydon. 10 species of puddle DUCKS and 12 other species of DUCKS were a reasonable variety, with flocks up to about 100 present. The first SORA of the season was at the South March Highlands Conservation Forest on the 3rd. This was the week for TERN arrivals. BLACK TERN was at Marais des Laîches on the 2nd, CASPIAN TERN was at Britannia on the 3rd, and COMMON TERN was at the Moodie Drive ponds on the 3rd. An EASTERN KINGBIRD was at the Fletcher Wildlife garden on the 2nd, continuing the parade of the insectivore arrivals. Only 7 more to come! All of a sudden there are multiple sightings of NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS: Val des Monts on the 30th (and apparently in the area for some weeks before), near Magladry and Birchgrove on May 2nd, near the eastern corner of Britannia by the parkway (as late as the 4th), and Parc Brébeuf on the 5th. A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was reported at the Mill of Kintail CA on the 5th (note that a parking charge now applies). The first of the year AMERICAN PIPIT was at Magladry and Birchgrove on the 3rd. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, OVENBIRD, and NASHVILLE, BLACK AND WHITE, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, ORANGE-CROWNED and YELLOW WARBLERS arrived this week at various times and places, bringing the year to date WARBLER tally to date to 12. However, numbers and variety and any given spot are still low, 1-4 species per trip. A VEERY was at Parc du Lac Beauchamp on the 4th, WOOD THRUSH in Richmond on the 4th and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK in Gatineau Park on the 3rd were new as was a LINCOLN’S SPARROW in Gatineau on the 1st. A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was at Marais aux Grenouillettes on the 2nd. Finally, some late birds were BOHEMIAN WAXWING on the 3rd at Beechwood Cemetery, and FOX SPARROW on the 3rd-4th in Richmond. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to April 28, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca April 28, 2016 2 rare birds highlighted the week. A PURPLE GALLINULE was seen and photographed at Constance Creek on the 23rd. On the 24th, 3 WHOOPING CRANES were seen flying over Almonte headed to Pakenham. Unfortunately, neither species was seen again. Of the other birds, EURASIAN WIGEON in Thurso on the 27th was of special interest. The temperatures went below seasonal after the 21st, and this combined with unfavourable winds slowed migration considerably. At least the days have been sunny and insects have been active when the sun is strong. Nonetheless, the season progressed. There was noticeable leafing out of many shrubs and trees; forests are finally showing a bit of colour. However, we had to be content with a trickle rather than a flood of birds. Waterbird variety and numbers were probably lower than last week. 18 species of DUCK were seen during the week, but there were not large numbers of anything. Flooded fields are starting to host puddle ducks, and it is of interest that there are still numbers of SNOW GEESE around: 1000 in Russell on the 23rd, and nearly 4000 on the Bearbrook Creek near Milton/ Frank Kenny on the 25th. 3 CACKLING GEESE were there on the 25th as well. A few new shorebirds/ marsh birds arrived: 1. GREEN HERON at Britannia on the 26th. 2. SPOTTED SANDPIPER in Russell on the 24th , 3. PECTORAL SANPIPER near Carp on the 24th, and 4. LESSER YELLOWLEGS at the Moodie Drive ponds on the 23rd. 5. COMMON GALLINULE at Marais-Trépanier on the 27th. The last of the ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS are moving through-they were seen in 2 places this week. A CLIFF SWALLOW was at Constance Creek on the 23rd; all six regular species have now arrived but not all are common yet. This was complemented by the arrival of CHIMNEY SWIFT at Britannia on the 26th. GULL numbers aside from the nesting species are declining, but a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at the Trail Road Landfill on the 26th along with GLAUCOUS GULL. No new WARBLERS have arrived, but other passerine firsts for the year include: 1. HOUSE WREN on the 21st near Carleton Place. 2. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW on the Nakkertok trail just north of Gatineau on the 24th. 3. GRAY CATBIRD in Kanata on the 27th. 4. BLUE-HEADED VIREO in two places on the 23rd. A CAROLINA WREN in the Merivale Gardens area was the first recent sighting. Finally, of the FINCHES, the flood of PINE SISKINS and COMMON REDPOLL has ebbed, but EVENING GROSBEAK in Gatineau Park (Chelsea) on the 23rd and RED CROSSBILL on NCC trail 23 on the 28th were of interest. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to April 21, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca April 21, 2016 A BARNACLE GOOSE was seen and photographed on a golf course in Pakenham on the 20th, associating with large numbers of CANADA GEESE. Unfortunately it was not refound later. The next best bird was a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER at Mer Bleue on the 16th. Consistently spring-like weather and the warmest temperatures so far this year has resulted in a stream of birds arriving, including at least 12 firsts of the year (FOY). Bare ground and increasing numbers of insects have greatly expanded the food supply. None of the other birds have been exceptional, however. A good variety of waterbirds have been present in the rivers and now melted ponds, but there have not been huge numbers, less than 100. 21 species of DUCKS have been found at various times and places, with LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD and RING-NECKED DUCK being the most common. Shirley’s Bay to Andrew Haydon Park is the best area in terms of variety and numbers, as is normal. BLACK SCOTER in Gatineau on the 14th was the FOY. Among the HERONS, GREAT EGRETS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS are back at their breeding grounds in Britannia and Deschênes. A FOY AMERICAN BITTERN was at Marais aux grenouillettes on the 18th and at Mer Bleue on the 20th. VIRGINIA RAIL (FOY) was in at least two spots starting on the 17th. GREATER YELLOWLEGS in a few spots, LESSER YELLOWLEGS AT Marais aux Laîches on the 17th, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER IN Pakenham on the 20th were the FOY among the waders. There were several sightings of BROAD-WINGED HAWK, but otherwise the raptors seen were of the previously established species. GULLS were not notable aside from a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the Trail Road Landfill on the 20th. PURPLE MARTIN at Andrew Haydon and BANK SWALLOW at Britannia on the 18th were the FOY. Passerines have begun their long-awaited arrival into the region. A number have become well-established, such as HERMIT THRUSH, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, SWAMP and CHIPPING SPARROWS. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, seen near 279 Concession 12 in Pakenham, was the first recent regional report. Most importantly, we have now had 4 WARBLERS for the year. The long awaited parade of colourful birds has begun. The following were the FOY: 1. WARBLING VIREO in Britannia on the 18th (very early) 2. BROWN THRASHER in Luskville on the 17th. 3. PALM WARBLER in multiple locations. 4. NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH in the Morewood bog on the 20th (very early) 5. FIELD SPARROW in multiple locations. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to April 14, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca April 14, 2016 There were few highlights this week, due to very unfavourable weather and migration conditions most of the week. There was a gray morph GYRFALCON seen from Chemin Thérien on the 9th, and up to 3 TRUMPETER SWANS have been seen twice at Shirley’s Bay and once at the Richmond Conservation area, as well as Carleton Place. It is hoped that they may decide to nest closer to the city. A few new species arrived, most quite recently: 1. RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen in a few places starting on the 8th. 2. A BROAD-WINGED HAWK was in the western part of Larose forest, feasting on the abundant FINCHES. 3. A very early BRANT was at the Moodie Drive ponds quite briefly on the 13th. 4. 5 REDHEAD were at Shirley’s Bay on the 14th. Luckily, Spring has staggered back into the ring after a gut shot by Winter. The recent snowfall has melted and temperatures have risen to a bit below seasonal. Next week promises to be the warmest of the year. Rivers are running freely, but littered with quite a few chunks of ice headed east. Some ponds (including those on Giroux Road and Moodie Drive) have melted. Some sheltered marshes like those on Petrie Island are still mostly frozen. While a good selection of waterbirds are on the rivers, there are no great concentrations yet. One exception has been the Mississippi River near Carleton Place. Weather has been mostly unfavourable for raptor migration. However, GOLDEN EAGLES are still passing through. There have been sightings in Plaisance on the 10th and one lucky birder had a great view of one in the west end on the 9th. As far as most of the landbirds are concerned, they hunkered down during the bad weather, with little influx. 2 GRAY PARTRIDGE on the 8th in south Kanata were the first recent sighting. A few sepcies like YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER have become more common. A VESPER SPARROW was on Giroux Road on the 10th was of interest. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was near Russell on the 9th along with 100 SNOW BUNTINGS. A somewhat early EASTERN TOWHEE was in the west end. Finally, the invasion of PINE SISKINS and COMMON REDPOLLS continues, just like last week, with a HOARY REDPOLL among every 100 or so COMMON. 5 EVENING GROSBEAK in Cantley on the 12th, and 5-10 this week in the eastern part of Larose Forest were among the less common species. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to April 7, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca April 7, 2016 There were no real highlights this week. Migration has been very slow since spring was temporarily knocked out this week. There were very cold temperatures, starting Sunday, and 20 cm of snow on Wednesday, and it appears that it will be at least Monday before more settled spring-like weather returns. In late news, a GYRFALCON was found injured in the Frank Kenny area on the 28th of March and brought to the wild bird care centre for rehabilitation. Evidently, being an apex predator is no guarantee of a problem-free life. There were more new arrivals (new for the year or the season), than might have been expected, considering the appalling weather: 1. The biggest surprise was a BARN SWALLOW on the Rideau River near Carleton University, hunting insects on the 4th. This bird has not likely survived the subsequent snow and cold. 2. Another surprise, a PINE WARBLER at Britannia on the 6th. 3. A VESPER SPARROW was on Kettles Road on the 4th. 4. A HERMIT THRUSH at the Pine Grove trail on the 5th and the Dolman Ridge Road on the 6th. 5. 2 SWAMP SPARROWS were at Jack Pine Trail on the 4th. 6. An AMERICAN COOT was at Constance Creek on the 5th. 7. 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL were in Gatineau east of the Blanche River. 8. A GADWALL in Carleton Place on the 3rd. 9. A GREAT EGRET at Britannia on the 6th. Waterbirds were not much of a highlight this week. Shirley’s Bay opened up enough to lure in 3 TRUMPETER SWANS on the 2nd, but the cold snap has probably caused a bit of re-freezing, and we are still waiting for a major influx. Small numbers of the expected DUCKS have been seen on all the watercourses. Carleton Place did have a flock of 500 LESSER SCAUP on the 3rd, there were 5000 SNOW GEESE in Winchester on the 5th, and a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE on the 5th at the Richmond Conservation area was notable. 6 TUNDRA SWANS are still hanging out in the Frank Kenny area as late as the 1st. Mostly the birding week was characterized by an increasing number of the expected early migrants including WINTER WREN, FOX SPARROW, NORTHERN FLICKER, and TREE SWALLOW (nearly 100 at Mooney’s Bay on the 2nd), but no major influx of anything. 18 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON at Britannia on the 6th is surely a sign of a population increase. Some winter visitors like BOHEMIAN WAXWING are still being seen in large flocks, notable being hundreds in Rockcliffe on the 3rd. Finch numbers are still huge, with PINE SISKIN and COMMON REDPOLL leading the pack, and once again there have been a number of sightings of HOARY REDPOLL in these flocks. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to March 31, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca March 31, 2016 A BRAMBLING was reported in the Walkley Road/ Airport Parkway area in a mixed finch flock on the 29th, but has not been found again. There is also a report of a VARIED THRUSH at a private residence in Beckwith Township, but so far this bird has only been seen infrequently by the owner of the residence. The bird is not visible from a public road. Aside from these, the highlight of the week was another GYRFALCON seen on the 26th on Berwick Road north of Chesterville along with a ROSS’S GOOSE. Much milder weather this week has melted last week’s snow and has made inroads into the snow cover in sheltered areas. However, the warmth has not yet been sufficient to cause the breakup of the Ottawa River at places like Shirley’s Bay. Many new birds have arrived, and others have become fairly widespread. With the flooding east of Ottawa more or less over, waterbirds are more dispersed, but there are still some modest flocks in the east here and there. In a few weeks the rising and soon to be open Ottawa River will be a major focus. As of Thursday, there have not been large numbers on the river, although there are modest numbers east of Ottawa at Plaisance. Notable there were 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS there on the 27th. The 2 elusive GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen again on Frank Kenney on the 27th. Once again, there have been multiple sightings of GOLDEN EAGLE, with at least 5 on Berwick Road on the 26th and others to the north. RED-SHOULDERED HAWK has been regular on Greenland Road. There have been a number of arrivals this week: 1. There have been numerous sightings of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT have been seen starting on the 26th, mostly near Britannia and various places on the Rideau River. 2. Up to 2 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON were at Britannia on the 26-27th. 3. A PIED-BILLED GREBE was in the Munster area on the 26th. 4. A few sightings of OSPREY from the 26th. 5. A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was at Mooney’s Bay on the 29th. 6. AMERICAN WOODCOCK and WILSON’S SNIPE are now in multiple places in small numbers. 7. Both BELTED KINGFISHER and TREE SWALLOW are now here in small numbers. 8. An early CHIPPING SPARROW was in Manotick on the 3oth. 9. A FOX SPARROW was seen in a few locations from the 27th. 10. A SAVANNAH SPARROW was on Chemin Parker east of Gatineau on the 26th. 11. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD and RUSTY BLACKBIRD are now here in small numbers. Some species of FINCH are passing though in large numbers all over the city, specifically flocks of up to several hundred PINE SISKIN and COMMON REDPOLL. In the REDPOLL flocks there are a few HOARY REDPOLL. Some of the scarcer FINCHES also put in an appearance. A RED CROSSBILL was at the Bruce pit on the 30th, and 6 PINE GROSBEAK were in Gatineau Park north of Camp Fortune. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to March 24, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca March 24, 2016 The region’s annual wildlife spectacle occurred on the weekend as the agricultural lands east of Ottawa reached their peak of flooding. An estimated ¼ million SNOW GEESE were on the Cobb’s Lake Creek flood plain on the 20th, which was the largest concentration of any species ever in the region. (Note that a little farther away, the St. Lawrence River has seen more.) The numbers were greatly diminished by Thursday. Almost as exciting, a dark morph GYRFALCON was seen by a lucky few at the same time there. A ROSS’S GOOSE was in the mix and seen a few times, and the same species was found in the Richmond area on the 21st-22nd. Up to 2 rather elusive GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on and off on the flooded Bearbrook Creek between Milton and Frank Kenney as late as the 20th. The same species was also seen on the Carp River flood plain on the 19th-22nd. Up to 9 very cooperative TUNDRA SWAN were off Milton Road on the 17-23rd. The flood waters in the east peaked on the weekend, and much colder temperatures and snow on Thursday added to March’s well-deserved reputation for weather treachery. Some of the earliest arrivals like SONG SPARROW are now well established, while there were quite a few first arrivals for the year. Some of the early arrivals may regret their decision before the weather ameliorates, which fortunately is expected in a few days. Nonetheless, rivers and creeks are now mostly open except for the quieter, broader stretches. New species for the year include: 1. Up to 4 SANDHILL CRANES were at their usual spot south of Smith Road from the 17th onward. 2. An EASTERN PHOEBE was at the Bruce Pit on the 21st. 3. A NORTHERN SHOVELER was off Milton on the 18th. 4. A LONG-TAILED DUCK was in Gatineau on the 17th. 5. An EASTERN TOWHEE (early) was in Cantley on the 21st. 6. 2 EASTERN MEADOWLARK were south of Luskville on the 21st. 7. 6 AMERICAN WOODCOCK were in Ottawa on the 19th. Returning waterbirds have been birders’ focus as the rivers and creeks open and flood. The best areas are east of Bourget and Bearbrook Creek, while the Carp and Jock rivers are some good areas in the west end. While most SNOW GEESE are east of Bourget, there were 5000 on Milton Rd. on the 20th, but only small numbers in the west end. NORTHERN PINTAIL are the most common duck in the flooded areas; 2000 were seen east of Bourget. Raptors put on a good showing this week. The raptor of the week was GOLDEN EAGLE. There were 2 sightings in Quebec, but many sightings south of the Ottawa River, from the east to the west, with an unusually high number of 4 on Greenland Road on the 22nd. Among the finches, a high number of PURPLE FINCHES (up to 100 in Pakenham) with lesser numbers of PINE SISKIN are moving into or through the area. A HOARY REDPOLL was in Richmond on the 18th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to March 17, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca March 17, 2016 Some very interesting sightings added to the spring excitement in the National Capital Region. The best bird of the week was a BLACK VULTURE seen on the 13th, crossing Highway 17 west of Antrim, headed northwest. The next best was a dark phase GYRFALCON, which was seen in the west end in the Tunney’s Pasture area on the 12th, and presumably the same bird was near Fallowfield/ Greenbank on the 13th. A ROSSES GOOSE or hybrid was seen at the Moodie drive ponds on the 12th , while a ROSSES GOOSE was near North Gower on the 16th. A week of spring-like weather has melted most of the snow in the open areas, and has resulted in an early arrival to some of the more ordinary migrants. More open water is on the rivers, but they have not yet broken up. Bearbrook creek in the east end has considerably flooding, but there are no reports on the status of the Bourget area yet. The most obvious sign of spring was a major influx of waterbirds. Bearbrook in the east end had 10,000 CANADA GEESE on the 14th, with 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE there on the 13th (2 were at Burrit’s Rapids on the 14th). While these GEESE were not at Bearbrook on the 15th, there were about 100 NORTHERN PINTAIL and a few RING-NECKED DUCKS. 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were there on the 14th. Clearly we are still very early in the duck migration. A CACKLING GOOSE was in Russell on the 12th, and another was on Milton Road on the 14-16th. 400 SNOW GEESE were near Casselman and 300 were at North Gower but otherwise there ar`e just a few SNOW GEESE here and there. 7 CANVASBACK at Britannnia east of Cassels were notable on the 14th (and also seen at Baie Simard in Gatineau the same day) while 2 TRUMPETER SWANS were in Carleton Place also on the 14th and 3 on the 15th. HORNED GREBES, the first of the year, were seen from Chemin du Fer à Cheval in Gatineau on the 15-16th. A GREAT BLUE HERON in Carleton Place on the 14th was the first of the season. There was noticeable hawk movement this week. Greenland Road is the place to be on good days for the next few weeks. The first RED-SHOULDERED HAWK of the year was there on the 16th along with 3 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, while 2 GOLDEN EAGLES were there on the 12th and another on the 17th. A GOLDEN EAGLE was also near Thurso and Orleans on the 13th. GRAY PARTRIDGE are a little more conspicuous as they display and start to pair off. There were some in Kanata south. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS have arrived in a number of places, and the first recent sighting of RUSTY BLACKBIRD was in Breckenridge on the 15th. A BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD was on Ch. Eardley-Masham on the 13th and will soon be commonplace. Among the FINCHES, a HOARY REDPOLL at Constance Bay on the 14th was the first recent sighting in the area. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to March 10, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca March 10, 2016 The GYRFALCON was seen on the 5th at the Laflèche Landfill east of Casselman. Nearer to Ottawa, no specific bird was a highlight this week, but there was a major shift in the weather, resulting in real spring-like weather, a few seasonal firsts, and many others that have arrived in considerable numbers. The flood, however, is still in the future. Starting with the waterbirds, at Britannia 2 WOOD DUCK and 2 HOODED MERGANSER are the first of these species in some months. Added to the regular crew and some early arrivals from previous weeks, 14 species of waterfowl were seen in the ever-increasing expanse of open water. A flock of 80 CANADA GEESE was in parc Brébeuf on the 9th. Such numbers are small compared to 1500 seen east of the city in Russell. A HARLEQUIN DUCK at the Champlain Bridge on the 6th was the first recent report of this bird. Leading the GULL pack, RING-BILLED GULLS are now being seen in shopping centres all over the region. Some GRAY PARTRIDGE were in Carp on the 7-8th, the first TURKEY VULTURE was seen over Pierce Road on the 10th, and the first KILLDEER was on March Valley Road on the 8th (but not relocated). A NORTHERN FLICKER at Hampton Park on the 9th is probably not a migrant; likewise a WINTER WREN at Rapides Deschênes on the 8th. Large numbers of SNOW BUNTING, modest numbers of HORNED LARK and a sprinkling of LAPLAND LONGSPUR can be seen in open fields particularly south of Kanata. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS are now here in some numbers, the largest flock being one of 30 on March Valley Road. 3 COMMON GRACKLE were in Gatineau on the 9th. EVENING GROSBEAK in Larose forest on the 5th, and a PINE GROSBEAK at Lac la Pêche on the 6th were notables among the FINCHES. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to March 3, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca March 3, 2016 The highlight of the week was just outside the region, a GYRFALCON at the Laflèche Landfill east of Casselman on the 27-29th. Aside from this, nothing exceptional was seen, just a few rather limited signs of spring in the bird world. Birding is still quite dull; any real change is at least a week away. Weather was a mixed bag with some mild temperatures, some cold temperatures and a significant snowfall on the 2nd. Overall, it is still very much winter in the Ottawa area. Among the waterbirds, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER at Carleton University on the 3rd was the on-going over-wintering bird, while the AMERICAN WIGEON on the 26th -1st, and NORTHERN PINTAIL on the Ottawa River at Britannia on the 1st were some of the very limited signs of spring. Among the more common GULLS, A few RING-BILLED GULLS have been seen, but so far not enough to call it a trend. 2 GRAY PARTRIDGE were in Kinburn on Feb. 27th but as last week this bird is not always seen. A NORTHERN FLICKER was on Rosebella on the 2nd. 2 male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on Herzberg Road on the 2nd were probably migrants, while the COMMON GRACKLE in Barrhaven was over-wintering. A FOX SPARROW was at a feeder in Metcalfe on Feb. 27th. 4 RED CROSSBILL in Marlborough Forest on Feb. 27th may be a sign of movement of this species. Finally, a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was in the Richmond area on the 27th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to February 25, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca February 25, 2016 It has been a dull week with no real highlights. Temperatures have been above seasonal with some thaws and modest amounts of snow. At this time of year, birders are anxiously watching for small signs of spring, but to date they have been very small indeed. An AMERICAN WIGEON at Britannia on the 23rd was the only thing really new among the waterfowl. A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER in the Vincent Massey Park area on the 20th is likely the same bird that was near Carleton University in previous weeks, while a BARROW’S GOLDENEYE on the 21st east of the Champlain Bridge was expected. Up to nearly 100 GULLS of 4 species, HERRING, GREAT BLACK-BACKED, GLAUCOUS and ICELAND GULL have started to show up in areas like the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers as well as the Trail Road Landfill. This is the first hint of spring. 6-7 GRAY PARTRIDGE were near Kinburn a few times this week, as late as the 22nd, but this declining species was often missed. A NORTHERN HARRIER on the 23rd in the Kinburn area may have been an early arrival. Many have seen BALD EAGLE, Manotick being one good spot. Although it surprises some who have not seen one before, this striking bird is not rare in the area, especially in the winter near open water. LAPLAND LONGSPUR were in the Kinburn area on the 21st. Among the FINCHES, 2 birders were lucky enough to see both RED and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS on the 19th in the Lac la Blanche area, neither of which has been regular anywhere. Lastly, EVENING GROSBEAK were in the Casselman area on the 21st. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to February 18, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca February 18, 2016 The last sighting of the SUMMER TANAGER in New Edinburgh was on the 12th, although the subsequent severe cold would seem to make continuing survival doubtful. However, despite the severe cold, a number of rare over-wintering sparrows were seen in the Winchester area on a bird count: CHIPPING, SAVANNAH and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen at a feeder on Maple Ridge Road on the 14th-15th. Also in the area was also a NORTHERN HARRIER, rare this time of year, and 3 LAPLAND LONGSPUR. Severe winter weather this week, being the coldest day of the season (-30) and the heaviest one-day snowfall in over 100 years (51 cm) could not have helped the few birds that have not yet succumbed to Ottawa winter. There was a bit of activity on the weekend due to local participation in the “Great backyard bird count”, but aside from the bird count, there has not been much to report. Probably there is more around, but these are still the winter doldrums for birders. A BUFFLEHEAD on the 15th east of the Champlain Bridge and the BARROW’S GOLDENEYE near Hurdman were the only more uncommon waterfowl sightings this week. A small covey of GRAY PARTRIDGE near Donald B. Munro and Carrey’s Sideroad on the 13th was the first sighting of this species in nearly 6 weeks. A NORTHERN FLICKER was on McCordick Road on the 14th, while RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was in the Winchester area on the 14th, and in Manotick on the 18th. A CAROLINA WREN was in Gatineau on the 14th, and in the blackbird family, COMMON GRACKLE was in Russell on the 12th, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD was in the Winchester area on the 14th, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD was also present on the 14th on March Valley Road. Finally, a RED CROSSBILL in Larose forest on the 12th, and EVENING GROSBEAK in 2 places, south of Larose Forest on the 14th and near Manotick on the 13th were notables among the finches. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/ Gatineau-recent sightings to January 28, 2016
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at k_zbitn...@bell.net or sighti...@ofnc.ca January 28, 2016 The only notable birds this week were some continuing rarities. The TUFTED TITMOUSE was still present in Breckenridge on the 24th, and the HARLEQUIN DUCK was still at Bate Island as of the 27th. Weather this week was fairly mild for the season, with little additional snow. A significant thaw on the 24th caused a bit of melting on the rivers, with open water now considerably above seasonal norms. While birding has been pleasant, there has been little change to the avifauna. In fact there is either little out there or little birding activity this week. On the rivers, there are a few birds worth pursuing. Near Carleton University there was a female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, as late as the 27th. 3 BUFFLEHEAD were west of the Champlain bridge on the 27th, but that was all of note. 2 GOLDEN EAGLE were at a traditional location, Steele Line, on the 24th and 1 on the 27th. The first recent report of a BELTED KINGFISHER was on the 23rd at Cardinal Creek and Hwy. 17. A CAROLINA WREN has been frequenting a feeder in Gatineau (Limbour) from the 24th to at least the 27th, while the one near Brantwood Park was seen as recently as the 23rd. A HERMIT THRUSH continued at Lac Philippe (P19) until the 27th. Large numbers of BOHEMIAN WAXWING are about, with a huge number (1000) at Britannia on the 24th. COMMON GRACKLE in Russell on the 25th , BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD and EVENING GROSBEAK AT Larose Forest on the 24th were the only other out of the ordinary reports. Finally, a trip to the Lac la Blanche area had good numbers of PINE SISKIN and a few COMMON REDPOLL but none of the sought after FINCHES. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to sighti...@ofnc.ca for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
