Hi Ontbirders, At lunch today Deb Stevenson and I went looking for the male Northern Pintail on the Rideau River in Manotick (just south of Ottawa). We found him resting on the ice on the north side of the bridge near the bend. While scanning the flock, we were surprised when we discovered a female American Wigeon as well. She was resting on the ice at first, then began swimming toward the bridge. We had great views of her until she and the mallards closest to her flew up into the air, circled the river, and took off in a southeasterly direction. As we had seen several ducks flying in from that direction, it is possible there is open water or a spot where people feed the birds somewhere south of the bridge. It seems highly likely she is still in the area.
Directions to Watson's Mill courtesy of Neily World: From Highway 416 (The Veteran's Memorial Highway) take exit 57 (Bankfield Road) and turn northeast on it. Follow Bankfield 4.0 km northeast to Rideau Valley Drive/Main Street, then turn right or southeast onto Main Street. Go 0.3 km to Bridge Street and turn left or ENE onto it. Drive 0.2 km to Dickinson Street and turn right or southeast onto it. There is parking near the old mill on the right for the Watson's Mill site iin Manotick. Good birding, Gillian Mastromatteo Ottawa, ON My blog: http://gillianm.livejournal.com/ My galleries: http://www.pbase.com/jewelwing/root _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
