Flood waters peaked along the Ottawa this weekend, which meant that access to our first site, Petrie Island, was limited. Despite this, a dozen or so observers were able to catch up to some early migrants, better still, we were able to enjoy views of a swim-by otter. Continuing the mammal theme, an arboreal racoon was observed "budding"; maybe it thought it was a grouse? Heading inland, two artificial ponds along Giroux Road held a good selection of waterfowl including a surprise Red-necked Grebe, only rarely seen on smaller ponds in eastern Ontario. An impromptu roadside stop in some nearby seemingly barren fields yielded several "praticola" Horned Lark and, even better, two recently arrived singing Vesper Sparrows, which eventually posed for fine scope views. A happy surprise at Bearbrook was a close flock of 250 Snow Geese which contained a good blend of "snows" and "blues", including immatures of each. Several hundred Northern Pintail lingered in the remaining floodwaters, along with a FOY for most Northern Shoveler. The trip finished off with views of a dozen or so Sandhill Crane, which shared a field with some spectacular displaying Wild Turkey. Many thanks to Bernie Ladouceur and Bob Cermak for assisting in the festivities.
Mark Gawn Ottawa _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
