Hello Ontbirds people, This afternoon (May 24) between 14:15 and 15:15 PM, in the vicinity of the Des Chenes rapids of the Ottawa River, a congregation of approx. 1000 restless BRANT were immediately off the Britannia Yacht Club at the west end of Cassels St. Seven calling WHIMBRELS flew over the same location at ~ 14:30. Just a bit farther east, at 15:15 PM, 11 ARCTIC TERNS flew east down the Des Chenes rapids, and an adult breeding plumage FORSTER'S TERN was perched on a small deadhead not far off-shore east of the Britannia water purification plant from 14:45 - 15:15 until it flew into the rapids.
Weather was definitely a factor. Yesterday, the winds switched to the south in the PM. This morning they were from the east-northeast with considerably cooler temperatures and rain which began last night, tapering off to a steady drizzle by noon. Not a bad hour for birding on a bad weather day in Ottawa. Rain is also forecast for the next couple of days. Good birding to all, Chris Lewis & Bob Bracken Ottawa [EMAIL PROTECTED] DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 417 to exit #129, turn right (north) on Pinecrest Rd. to Richmond Rd. Turn right (east) on Richmond, cross Carling Ave. Turn left (north) on Poulin Ave. Follow Poulin to where it curves west and becomes Howe St. then turn right (north) on Britannia Rd. to where it ends at Cassels St. The Britannia Yacht Club is to your left (west). The water purification plant is to the right (east). Take the left in the fork towards the Ottawa River. There is a small parking lot before the gate.
