Migrators are back in full force to the West Quebec area. I've been focusing on the northern sector of the Gatineau Park, around Wakefield (where I reside) and Lakes Philippe and Taylor, also Old Chelsea. Warblers are my particular predilection at this time of year. Have observed in the last week 14 species (palm, chestnut-sided, yellow-rumped, Nashville, magnolia, black-and-white, black-throated green, yellow, pine, common yellowthroat, northern waterthrush, ovenbird and, just yesterday and today, bay-breasted, blackburnian and American redstart), plus 3 vireos: red-eyed, warbling and blue-headed. Saw 4 male scarlet tanagers last weekend in Old Chelsea (visitor centre entrance to Gatineau Park) and a loudly singing individual yesterday near Wakefield (Kennedy Road). Also seen were great-crested and alder flycatchers, bobolinks, rose-breasted grosbeaks, broad-winged hawk, merlins and lots others.
Most of these sightings took place in 2 locations: the Lac Philippe and Lac Taylor area of the Gatineau Park (northern sector); and right off Hwy 105 at Wakefield (parking lot 17, called P17). From P17 follow the trail briefly through a field (bobolinks here), then get on Kennedy Road (part of the Trans-Canada trail network) that goes 5 km to Lac Philippe. I've walked about 1 km down that trail and also on the Brown Lake trail which turns left off Kennedy Road a short way into the Park (3 kms to Brown Lake -- we saw a smooth green snake on that trail). If anybody is up this way from the Ottawa area this weekend, it's worth a visit (some bugs but not too many yet). Happy birding on this long May weekend! David Rhody Wakefield, QC _______________________________________________ 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/
