Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
August 1, 2019 It was another quiet week in the region, with no real highlights. Likely it was quiet due to the extended stretch of warm to hot and mostly dry weather, unsuitable both for migration and for migrants to drop in and stay a while. Concerning SHOREBIRDS, low water levels have meant considerable habitat at along the river, particularly at Shirley’s Bay, although mostly only the common species have been present. A STILT SANDPIPER was there on the 27th. During the week some habitat was visible on the Petrie Island Causeway: there were 18 birds of 5 species on the 30th. Although little has been seen, there would certainly be habitat on the Ottawa River west of Britannia. The Almonte Lagoons had 10 birds of 3 species on the 31st. Generally there is still good variety around but little unexpected. 140 plus species have been seen in the region, including 6 (species of) SWALLOWS, 8 FLYCATCHERS, 9 SPARROWS and 18 WARBLERS. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at the Fletcher Wildlife garden on the 31st was the only real surprise, likely a very early migrant. RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were in Constance Bay as of the 31st, and SEDGE WRENS were on Torbolton Ridge Road on the 31st. *Reminder regarding access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway:* DND has advised extra caution as the causeway is in rough shape. They have also requested that if any garbage can be removed it would be appreciated. To access this site, you must be on the access list, and you must call Range Control (613-991-5740) for permission, state that you are an OFNC member and give your name. Finally, you must call again when you have left the area. DND would also like to be informed if you see anyone on the property who should not be there, such as boats in the bay or people fishing on the causeway. They are trespassing and DND will deal with the situation. The OFNC has provided DND with a list of OFNC members who HAVE SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED access. DND will check, so make sure that your membership is up to date and that you have requested that the OFNC put you on the access list. This list has already been sent to DND this spring and will be updated occasionally. To get on the next access list, please contact members...@ofnc.ca. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community. Good birding. _______________________________________________ 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
