After a few weeks with a very small number of Greater Snow Geese hanging around the sod farm south of Hwy 417, the larger flocks have moved in. There were close to 10,000 there today, almost all fairly close to the main highway and west of Hwy 138. It is possible to see the birds from Hwy 138 but you will need a scope to check them for other species since more tend to be towards the western part of the fields.
Heading 1 km south of 417 to Lafleche Rd there were some birds closer but most joined the main flock before I arrived. Another smaller group of a couple hundred mixed with Canadas were just south of Lafleche. With them were an adult and juvenile hybrid Lesser Snow Goose x Ross's Goose. There were also some gulls near this closer flock which included 3 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Another 4 adult Lesser Black Backs were at a distance closer to the main flock of Greater Snow Geese. If you are checking for Lessers at a distance be aware that there are adult Great Black Backs with worn plumage making their colour very close to the Lessers. Use size and if possible leg colour for identification. With a flock this large there are likely one or more Ross's Geese but they will be tough to pick out. Brian Morin Directions: Casselman is east of Ottawa along Hwy 417. Take the Hwy 138 exit and check the birds closer to the 417 from this vantage point. Head 1 km south to Lafleche Rd to view other flocks. Snow Geese are usually present on these fields each day although flock size will vary. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
