Good Afternoon Ontbirders: It was a great morning for migrating geese here in Eastern Ontario.
In addition to ubiquitous Canada Geese – with a few Cackling Geese noted – I saw 2000 SNOW GEESE at 0930 along Milton Road in the fields south of Navan east of Ottawa. Farther east in the Bourget/Cobb’s Lake Creek area around 1100, there were many more SNOW GEESE in three concentrations: - several hundred birds amongst CAGO on south side of Russell Rd east of Bourget; - at least 2000 on the north side of Russell Road (best seen from the berm for the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail at the seasonal trail/“Boileau Road”); and, - a third and far more substantial flock of at least 5000 birds – certainly many more – viewed to the north and northwest of Lalonde Road at Cobb’s Lake Creek. This latter flock had a greater number of dark morphs. In addition to the smaller groups of SNOW GEESE scattered amongst the thousands of CAGO, there were easily at least 9000 Snow Geese in this area. A few notes: Boileau Rd north of Russell Rd was just passable late this morning in my 4WD vehicle. Given the mild temperatures and rain in the forecast, it may be advisable to park safely on the side of Russell Rd and walk 250m north to the berm. There is also an access point to the Recreational Trail about 2km to the east which should offer decent views. As well, west of Rollin Road, Lalonde Road is best described as rough and soggy in spots and is in fact flooded beyond Cobb’s Creek Lake. And as a final observation, I came across several bow hunters in the area who were stalking – quite unsuccessfully – the Snow Geese. Aaron Hywarren OTTAWA _______________________________________________ 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/
