Hello Ontbirds people, Today (09 April) from approx. 10:00 - 11:30 AM Bob Bracken and I observed 2 very large flocks of Snow Geese in the flooded agricultural fields east of Bourget, ON. There were also many in flight, constantly moving around, leaving and joining those on ground. Most were well away from "driveable" roads so estimating numbers was a challenge...but approx. 50,000-60,000 would not be an exaggeration. Quite the spectacle!
Also of interest, we observed 18 Sandhill Cranes in the fields on the west side of Milton Rd. between Perrault and Smith rds. southwest of Navan, ON. This is a high number for the SPRING season in the Ottawa area. Large numbers of cranes "stage" in this area during FALL migration (a local record high of 183 was counted here on 24 November 2012). To my knowledge, it is not known how many SACR actually breed in the nearby Mer Bleue fen bog complex and the Alfred bog farther east. Also observed, mainly east of Bourget, were many 1000's Canada Geese, several 1000's N. Pintail, and small numbers of other ducks incl. Wood Duck, Am. Wigeon, Am. Black Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup and Common Goldeneye. DIRECTIONS (from downtown Ottawa): Hwy 417 east to exit 96 (Boundary Rd.). Boundary Rd. north to Carlsbad Springs, then east on Regional Rd. 26 (Russell Rd.). For the Sandhill Cranes, go north on R.R. 85 (Milton Rd.). For the Snow Geese etc., proceed east on Russell Rd. past Bourget . Most of the "east of Bourget" waterfowl were in the flooded areas around Cobb's Lake Creek and the Nation River. Good spring birding! Chris Lewis Ottawa, ON _______________________________________________ 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/
