The now annual OFO field trip to the Renfrew Lake District attracted eight participants from across eastern Ontario: Arnprior, Metcalf, Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth were all represented. Rolling the dice, we started at Lake Dore, where calm waters allowed for excellent if distant viewing of numerous Common Loons and Bonaparte's Gull, along with a few grebes. While there we heard what sounded at first like distant thunder. Eventually we realized that it was an artillery barrage from the Petawawa forces base, some 40km distant! The wind picked up thereafter and stops at the Pembroke Marina and Westmeath Provincial Park, despite excellent shorebird habitat at both, and good sparrow habitat at the latter, were disappointing. Redemption arrived at Lapasse where participants were treated to the spectacular sight and sounds of a massive Sandhill Crane flock, counted at 424. A brief sunny interlude at Westmeath convinced a few butterflies and dragonflies to take to the wing, the highlight being cracking views of an Elusive Clubtail eating an unfortunate bug, a scarce and, as the name suggests, elusive dragonfly. _______________________________________________ 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
