[Ontbirds] Kemptville (Ottawa District) - Summer Tanager
Happy Spring Everyone I just received information about a first spring male SUMMER TANAGER. The bird came twice yesterday (Friday) to a suet feeder in the Kemptville area. It appears to be very skittish. Although it hasn't yet been seen this morning, the bird could potentially be anywhere in the area. This area is within the 50Km Ottawa district. From Hwy 416 south, exit west to Kemptville on Hwy 43. After the second roundabout, turn south on Sommerville Road (left). Then turn south on County Road 18 (right). The address is 2432 County Rd. 18 It is about 1/2 a km. past Sommerville Rd on the south side. Look for a brick bungalow, with brick lamp posts near the road. The property owners are birder friendly, and very excited. However, they ask that you PLEASE keep the lane way open. Good Luck Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ 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/
[Ontbirds] OFO Field Trip - Dusk Birding Along the Ottawa River (Friday, Oct. 28)
Hello Ontbirders On Friday afternoon, twenty enthusiastic birders gathered at Andrew Haydon Park for OFO’s “Dusk Birding along the Ottawa River”. After a spectacular week of stellar birding, mainly east of the Deschenes Rapids, expectations were high that the river would continue to reveal mega-rarities. We stayed mainly along the shores of the western side of Lac Deschenes. However, a cold west wind and high water levels made viewing conditions bitter and challenging resulting in low diversity. Regardless, everyone had an excellent time, often getting close-up views of uncommon species. Those that stayed to the end were treated to an enchanting show of large flocks arriving for their evening roost, their aerobatic flights draped against a clear vermillion sky. Other highlights included a juvenile Brant, a female Northern Shoveler, 2 juvenile Greater Snow Geese, 11 Red-necked Grebes, all three species of scoter, and several individuals small flocks of Long-tailed Ducks. For photographers, one very accommodating Long-tailed Duck, and a cooperative Wilson’s Snipe, provided some pleasant diversion. Good Birding Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ 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/
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/Gatineau - Parasitic Jaeger
Hello Ontbirders The alert placed yesterday of a Pomarine Jaeger at Bate Island should be amended to Parasitic Jaeger. After carefully studying photos, the bird is determined to be an intermediate morph juvenile Parasitic Jaeger. Close observation and studying clear photos revealed a fairly thin bill, pointy central rectricies, buffy chevrons on the primary tips, and an overall slight build. Although the bird wasn't present at 5:00pm yesterday (Thursday) evening, hopefully it's still somewhere in the area, and faring well. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://www.neilyworld.com/neilyworld/orwo7.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ 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/
[Ontbirds] Plegadis Ibis - Ottawa (Britannia)
Good Morning Ontbirders At exactly 6:00am this morning, from my Ambleside balcony, Nina Stavlund and myself saw a plegadis Ibis make a brief appearance at the mouth of the sewage outlet, east of Britannia, and west of Deschenes lookout! The view was too short and too far to confirm facial characters or leg colour. However, the silhouette was distinctive. It was feeding in the open, along the vegetated flood plain (there were 4 Great Egrets there yesterday). It is highly probable that this was Ben's White-faced Ibis! It's unclear where the ibis is right now. But, we didn't see it fly away. So it may still be present. Views of the area can be made by walking the Ottawa River parkway (bike path) east of Britannia. The area can also be seen from Britannia point, east of the filtration plant. Unfortunately, I wont have time to go down there until this afternoon, and would appreciate hearing from those that might venture out there this morning. Directions courtesy of Neily World: Deschenes Rapids - http://www.neilyworld.com/neilyworld/orwo9.htm Britannia - http://www.neilyworld.com/neilyworld/orwo10.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ 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/
[Ontbirds] OFO trip - Ottawa River at Dusk, Oct 29
Hello Ontbirders Brisk 20 kilometre winds from the northwest couldn't stop 12 hardy birders from enjoying an afternoon of birding along the Ottawa River. Seven degree Celsius temperatures, and a nasty windchill, made this feel more like a Christmas Count - NOT the southern Cave Swallow weather we were hoping for. We started at Andrew Haydon Park East moving quickly to the western side, avoiding a group of windsurfers. The park seemed surprisingly slow until we heard a flyover of Bohemian Waxwings. We watched the flock of about 80 birds disappear over a row of spruce. The choppy river white-caps made it difficult to observe things on the water. However, 3 American Coots, still uncommon in these parts, provided some excitement. Anticipating northern birds, we ventured out to Dick Bell Park. As we started along the breakwater, seven Snow Buntings landed among the nearby rocks giving everyone excellent views. A mixed flock of Mallards and Pintails flew by. An American Pipit also flew overhead. Plus several more-common species were observed here. Upon our return, a very tame Snow Bunting posed for photos. Our next stop was Shirley's Bay where we observed at least 7 Red-necked Grebes, and one Horned Grebe. A young light morph Rough-legged Hawk put in a great performance as it flew by the boat launch. At the Hilde Road feeders, we had 2 male Northern Cardinals, and a host of common species. The highlight was a cooperative adult Northern Shrike. With winds persisting, we headed back to Andrew Haydon Park. Those that stuck around to the end enjoyed a few thousand Canada Geese coming in to roost. Compared to years past, the bird diversity and overall numbers are low along this part of the river. The high winds and low temperatures also made for difficult birding. Regardless, we had a few highlights, some participants got life-birds, and we had a lot of fun. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Quyon, Quebec (Ottawa District) - McGown's Longspur
Reporting on behalf of John Dubois. A female plumage McGown's Longspur was observed yesterday morning in a field off Hwy 148 just east of Quyon. This is within the Ottawa district! The bird was described extremely well, including the dark inverted T on a white tail, facial pattern and unstreaked breast. It was alone. However, there were many pipits nearby, plus 2 Lapland Longspurs, 3 White-rumped Sandpipers and a Dunlin. Directions: From Aylmer, Quebec take Hwy 148 west towards Quyon. After the signs for Mountainview Sod Farms on your right, and the overpass, take Hammond Rd. right (north). The bird was in the muddy field at this corner. The sod farms are private property. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL! This is near the same area where the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was recently seen. Unfortunately, the bird was not relocated yesterday afternoon. However, there is a lot of habitat to cover in this area. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Sabine's Gull - Lac Deschenes, Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders. I'm currently looking at a juvenile Sabine's Gull flying with 9 Bonaparte's Gulls, immediately east of the Deschene's Rapids in Ottawa. Although I'm viewing it from my balcony, you should be able to clearly see it from Britannia Point, or the Quebec side. The bird wasn't visible until about 10:30am, when it appeared to join the Bonaparte's Gulls that have been present all morning. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - Fundraiser for Wild Bird Care Centre
This message has been approved by Ontbirds Tony Beck is holding a fundraiser for Ottawa's Wild Bird Care Centre. His presentation, The Birds Of Canada - Part 1, will take place Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Ottawa Masonic Lodge at 2140 Walkley Rd. All proceeds will go to the centre. As well, Nikon Canada is donating a pair of Nikon 10 X 42 Monarch Binoculars to be raffled at the presentation with proceeds going to the centre. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - another Ross's Goose
Hello Again Ontbirders Yet another adult Ross's Goose was found today. This time, it was with a large flock of Canada Geese, along Milton Road, in the field west of the bridge over Bear Brook. A scope will likely be necessary. It might also require patience since during our observation, it was mostly feeding with it's head down in the vegetation. And, it would occasionally disappear amongst the larger Canadas. The bird was still present at 1:30pm Also seen flying overhead was a juvenile Golden Eagle, and 2 small flocks of Brant. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/larry.ne...@rogers.com/merblu8.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - Ross's Goose
Hello Ontbirders Between 5:00 and 5:30pm this evening, at the main Moodie Drive Quarry Pond, there was an adult Ross's Goose in close proximity with 3 adult and 1 juvenile Snow Geese. At about 6:15pm, three Long-billed Dowitchers vocalized during a fly-by. Note that hunters are active in the cedar woodlot on the opposite side of Moodie Drive (west side) Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/larry.ne...@rogers.com/stony8.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] American White Pelican - Golden Lake
Hello Ontbirders I've just received credible information about an American White Pelican on Golden Lake observed on Sunday, from 4:30pm to 8:30pm. The unmistakable bird was described extremely well, including the adult dusky crown feathers, etc. It was observed resting, and later preening, at the shoal near Hoffman's Point on the east side of the lake. The observation was made from the south shore of Golden Lake, from a cottage on Rocky Point Road. The bird was along the shoal in shallow water approximately 100 meters out from the cottage. It was NOT present this morning. The observers are cottage owners and are extremely concerned with an influx of birders. Although it should go without saying, I expect all interested birders to be sensitive to private property, speed limits, etc. Jim Bryce (the observer/cottage owner) suggests that any interested birders visiting the area, and wishing to view the location from Rocky Point Road, do so only from his property - 396 Rocky Point Drive. Please do NOT trespass on other cottage properties. Directions from the village of Golden Lake: * Go west on Kokomis (Hwy 70) about 3 km * Turn right onto Hoffman, and go about 1 km * Turn right on Zadow * Keep right when the road forks * Continue past the hairpin curve to #396 Rocky Point Good Luck Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Geese, etc.
Happy Spring Migration Ontbirders Although migrating songbirds have occupyied much of my efforts recently, I was thrilled this evening to find 5 goose species at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds. The main quarry pond off Moodie Drive continues with it's legendary birding. The sun set on a beautiful red western horizon as the calm air provided excellent viewing conditions over the pond. The highlight was an adult Ross's Goose and an adult Greater White- fronted Goose. Three Cackling Geese were also present, as were three Snow Geese - all amongst the thousands of Canadas. Northern Pintail, Common Merganser, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and Ruddy Duck were well represented. The diversity was rounded off with smaller numbers of Gadwall, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot. All observations were made after 7:45pm, from the gate off Moodie Drive, looking east over the main pond. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/larry.ne...@rogers.com/stony8.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] The passing of Kathy Nihei
This message has been approved by Mark Cranford, Ontbirds Coordinator. I regret to inform the birding community of the passing of Cathy Nihei, founder and director of the Wild Bird Care Centre in Ottawa. She died at her home on Thursday as a result of illness. Funeral services will be private. However, a public memorial will be announced in the near future. It will likely take place at the Wild Bird Care Center on Moodie Drive. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Thayer's Gull, etc.
Hello Ontbirders I just got in from a quick morning trip to a bitterly cold Andrew Haydon Park. A first cycle Thayer's Gull was resting on the west pond with a group of other gulls, including two adult Lesser Black-backed, a first cycle Iceland and two Glaucous (one first and one second cycle). Also present was an adult Bald Eagle, an immature Snowy Owl and 4 Snow Geese. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo14.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Northern Hawk Owl, etc. - Quebec/Ottawa District
Ho Ho Ho Ontbirders This morning, I took a British client into a true Canadian winter wonderland. Several snow squalls created a post-card landscape throughout the hills of Quebec's Outaouais Region, just north of Ottawa. The highlight was a Northern Hawk Owl along Hwy 366, in the Masham area, about a kilometre west of the intersection with the Ramsey Lake Road - the road that cuts through Gatineau Park from the village of Eardley (Chemin Eardley). In the park, along the Ramsey Lake Road, there were several small flocks of White-winged Crossbills and a flock of 35 Bohemian Waxwings. Along the Lac-de-Loup Road, I was able to squeak-in a Barred Owl. An unexpected surprise was a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk hunting through a ravine along the north side of the Steele Line, between the Lac-de-Loup Road and the S curve, . Also present nearby were 2 Bald Eagles. For Ottawa listers, these birds are all within the Ottawa District (except the Barred Owl). Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Eastern Ontario - Greater Snow Geese
Hello Ontbirders This morning, in the open agricultural fields immediately south of Hwy 417, east of Casselman, there were more than 18,000 Greater Snow Geese. Shortly after dawn, they flew from the southeast, coming down to form several large flocks in the fields between intersections with Hwy 138 and 20 Scanning carefully through a stationary flock of about 7000, I was only able to find 11 Blue Morph. Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Red-throated Loons, Lesser Snow Geese
Happy Halloween Ontbirders There was nothing frightening about the weather this morning. Such a contrast to the spooky winter-like conditions from a couple of days ago. Besides being eerily calm and comfortable, conditions were ideal for observing birds along the Ottawa River. Around 8:30am this morning, from Andrew Haydon Park, there were 5 Red- throated Loons on Lac Deschenes - all in adult winter or first-year plumage. Other interesting birds included 1 Brant, 3 Black Scoter, 3 Long- tailed Ducks, 2 Common Loons, 2 adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls and one first cycle Iceland Gull. At the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds around noon, there were 21 Lesser Snow Geese, and three adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The goulish 2nd year Bald Eagle continues to patrol the area, terrorizing the gulls. Returning here later in the afternoon, the Snow Geese numbers increased to 29, including 20 blue morphs. Around 4:30pm, they took off in a westerly direction. Directions to Andrew Haydon Park courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo14.htm Directions to Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - Hudsonian Godwit, Golden Eagle, Lapland Longspur, Redpolls, etc.
Ouch!!! Is it ever wintery out there! After yesterday's snowstorm, strong winds from the west continued throughout the entire day - perfect conditions for pushing birds through the Ottawa Valley. Many of today's interesting bird observations were rapid fly-bys. Although I missed the Purple Sandpiper, there were plenty of other rewards to compensate. At Ottawa Beach/Andrew Haydon Park there were two juvenile Golden Eagles, one female Long-tailed Duck, one Brant, and a juvenile Sanderling. On the sandspit at Ottawa Beach there were 12 American Pipits. At the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, there was one Hudsonian Godwit of an undetermined age. It was observed flying low over the pond, then returning to fly low over the road. It continued in a determined southwesterly direction, out of sight. A flock of about 150 redpolls and a flock of about 60 Pine Siskins swirled over the Cedar Woodlot across the road from the gate. I returned later this evening. But, nothing unusual was observed except a juvenile Peregrine Falcon, showing characters of the Tundrius race. Along Akins Road, near the corner of Eagleson, there were large numbers of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. Also present were smaller numbers of American Pipits, and two Lapland Longspurs. The birds were spread out over the large cut field. However, many could be observed around a large manure pile on the north side of Akins. This evening, many of these birds (including one Lapland Longspur) were observed with the Canada Geese along Eagleson Road, southeast of Brownlee. Directions to Andrew Haydon Park courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo14.htm Directions to Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Directions to Akins Road courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony4.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - White-fronted Goose, Cackling Geese, Lapland Longspur, Golden Plover, etc.
Hello Ontbirders We had an excellent day after some miserable weather yesterday. It started early at Ottawa Beach (Andrew Haydon Park east) with a relatively tight flock of 11 Cackling Geese mixed with the Canadas. Also present was a Blue Goose. A flyover of a single adult winter Bonaparte's Gull was mildly interesting. When we returned at noon, there was an adult Greater White-fronted Goose in with the Canadas. In a harvested farm field along Akins Road there was a tight flock of 42 American Golden Plovers. Along Brownlee Road, we had a flock of 6 Lapland Longspurs. In this general area there were several small flocks of Horned Larks, American Pipits, a flock of about 150 Snow Buntings, 5 various plumaged Rough-legged Hawks and a male Northern Harrier. Directions to Ottawa Beach courtesy of Neily World: http:// ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo13.htm Directions to Akins, Brownlee courtesy of Neily World: http:// ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony4.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Long-billed Dowitcher, Snowy Owl, etc.
Hello again Ontbirders. The good weather we enjoyed this morning was short lived with rains starting again this evening. However, a couple of quick checks late this afternoon at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds produced a few interesting sightings. There were no hunters nearby, and thousands of geese came in low, providing a delightful late evening flight of waterfowl. Duck diversity continues with good numbers of several species including Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck and Hooded Merganser. Smaller numbers include Green-winged Teal, Common Goldeneye, both Scaup, and both larger Mergansers. A single female Black Scoter was of interest. The Long-billed Dowitcher is still present, hanging out with 3 Greater Yellowlegs. A juvenile Snowy Owl was in the field opposite the Moodie Drive gate. As light diminished, it flew west, flushing the gulls feeding in the field. Directions to the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa (Quebec side) - Little Blue Heron, Tundra Swans
Hello Ontbirders The juvenile Little Blue Heron, first spotted by Bob Cermak this morning from Petrie Island, was relocated this afternoon on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. It was tucked way back along the northeastern edge of Petite baie Clement. From Hwy 148, follow the signs in the village of Angers. We drove down to the board-map and followed the left trail to the parking area. We walked almost to the end, where we were able to get excellent scope views by looking back in a northeast direction. The bird occasionally disappeared into the reeds. However, for the most part, it was actively feeding along the marsh edge. Note that this area is very active during hunting season!!! Also, the roads and trails are fairly muddy in some places, and full of serious pot holes. Proceed with caution. The two juvenile Tundra Swans were on the Ottawa River, visible from Petrie Island beach (Ontario), and also from the river's edge at Maris aux Grenouillettes (Quebec). More directions/information to Petite baie Clement (current location of Little Blue Heron) courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/oreq9.htm Directions to Petrie Island courtesy Neily World: http:// ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/oreo9.htm Directions to Maris aux Grenouillettes courtesy Neily World: http:// ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/oreq8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - Long-billed Dowitcher, Cackling Goose, Brant, etc.
Happy Minority Government Ontbirders The Long-billed Dowitcher was still at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds Wednesday morning. Also present was an adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. Later in the afternoon there were lots of gulls, ducks and geese including one Cackling Goose and one Brant. At Lac Deschenes on Wednesday morning, there were 47 Brant, 3 Red- necked Grebes, 3 Horned Grebes, 2 adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 10 Long-tailed Ducks, 6 Surf Scoter, and several small flocks of White-winged Scoter (about 70 scoter altogether). These birds were observed from Andrew Haydon Park and Grandview Road. Directions to Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Please Note new information!!! Directions to Andrew Haydon Park courtesy of Neily World: http:// ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo14.htm Directions to Grandview Road courtesy of Neily World: http:// ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo17.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Long-billed Dowitcher, etc.
Happy Thanksgiving Ontbirders This morning, at the Burnside Quarry Ponds, we had a juvenile Long- billed Dowitcher. Other shorebirds included 3 Greater Yellowlegs, 5 Dunlin and a Sanderling. Just before leaving, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull came in with some Herring Gulls. And, an immature Bald Eagle (probable 2nd year - speckled belly, white crown) perched in the distance. Important Note: Contrary to previous information, although today is a holiday, and there is no quarry-work-activity in progress, security advises that people must still stay outside of the fence line. Note also that hunters are active in the adjacent farm field and cedar woodlot. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa (Britannia) - fall migrants, juv. Goshawk
Hello Ontbirders Excellent birding continued this morning at the Britannia Conservation Area with good diversity, especially in several active feeding flocks of songbirds. Although the forest and adjacent scrub was still pretty good, most activity was in the riparian growth along the river. In a little over three hours we managed to tally 16 species of warbler: Tennessee Nashville Yellow Chestnut-sided Magnolia Cape May Black-throated Blue Black-throated Green Yellow-rumped Blackburnian Pine Bay-breasted Blackpoll Black and White American Redstart Other songbirds (just to name a few) include Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Brown Thrasher, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and White-throated Sparrow. Cedar Waxwings were abundant. A few raptors began appearing later in the morning including a juvenile Goshawk. For the most part the bird preferred to stay under cover in the main woodlot. Although the crows chase any large raptor that dares reveal itself, their mobbing activities might help you locate the Goshawk. Other raptors included Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk. Directions Courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo10.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - Caspian Tern, Baird's Sandpiper, assorted BIG white birds, etc.
Hello Ontbirders The Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds continue to thrill Ottawa area birders with excellent diversity, impressive numbers and entertaining wildlife drama. Along with the pelican and egret this evening there was an adult Caspian Tern, 14 Bonaparte's Gulls, at least 20 Black Terns, 2 juvenile Black-crowned Night-Herons and a juvenile Peregrine Falcon. Some of these birds were present this morning, including an American Kestrel taking several swipes at the Peregrine. Hi-speed, aerobatic chases ensued - a genuine David and Goliath scenario. (The Caspian Tern may have been too distant to see colour bands) Around 9:30am this morning, there were two Baird's Sandpipers with several yellowlegs, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers at the pond off March Valley Road, south of Klondike, beside the golf course, across from the skeet shooting range. Adding to Wilson Hum's message from Friday - the funny incident he missed was of a Double-crested Cormorant jumping onto the back of the pelican and balancing there for a few seconds - if only a video camera was rolling. Directions courtesy Neily World Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm March Valley Road: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ orwo24.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Am. White Pelican still present!
Hello Ontbirders After an absence of more than 24 hours, the white pelican was relocated at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds. This evening, about 7:45pm, Dave Moore and Langis Sirois found the bird resting in the extreme southwest corner of the main pond. They viewed the bird from Trail Road. Using a scope, look southwest from the unpaved part of Trail Road, beyond the large incinerator, at the gate with concrete slabs beside it. (See Larry Neily's map in the link below). The bird was hidden from the main Moodie Drive viewing area. Among the many other excellent birds present this evening were one juvenile Peregrine Falcon, one immature (white-bellied) Bald Eagle, at least seven migrating Common Nighthawks, four Black-crowned Night- Herons and a fly-by of one American Golden Plover. No sign of any kittiwakes. Warning: This site is private property and is an active quarry. Because of liability concerns the pit operators do not allow access during working hours. Trucks and machinery operate here on workdays, so please don't block the roads into the quarry. At such times, limited birding can be accomplished from the roadside, which overlooks the pond, especially with a good scope. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Eastern Ontario - Baillie Birdathon - American Golden Plover, Mute Swan, Red Crossbill
Hello Ontbirders With friends Heather Pickard, Susan Goods and Rick Collins, I just completed this year's Innes Point Ballie Birdathon. Hampered by winds, cool temperatures and intermittent rain, we still managed 145 species including some entertaining highlights. We started at 5:00 pm on Sunday afternoon going until dusk in Ottawa's west end. The highlight was a distant immature Glaucous Gull (first/second cycle) at the Moodie Drive Quarry Pond. We then had a rest, returning to the field for 3:30 am Monday morning as hundreds of Swainson's Thrushes were heard calling over Ottawa's night sky. In the Munster area, we picked up several nocturnal species including Saw-whet Owl and Whip-poor-will. Dawn in Larose Forest was unexpectedly quiet. A few nice surprises were Evening Grosbeak and a flock of 25 silent Red Crossbills feeding in the top of a spruce. Their bills appeared relatively slender. Although songbirds were eerily silent, we managed to pick up 18 species of warbler including: 3 Cape May, 3 Blackpoll and one Tennessee. One Red-shouldered Hawk was heard calling just west of the forest. We arrived at the Alfred Lagoons after a heavy downpour. This turned out to be our most productive spot with good numbers of waterfowl, and hundreds of shorebirds, most advanced into near-full breeding plumage. The highlights were a juvenile Mute Swan (still rare away from St. Lawrence River), and an American Golden Plover (rare in spring) accompanying 11 Black-bellies in the plowed field beside the lagoons. Other shorebirds included Short-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope. We worked hard for the remainder of the day fitting in things like Lincoln's Sparrow at Alfred Bog, Yellow Palm Warbler at Mer Bleue and Grasshopper Sparrow behind the International Airport. We ended 5:00 pm Monday at Britannia just as the sun was coming out. Directions to specific locations mentioned above can be found at Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/birding.htm Thanks to all who pledged in support of Innes Point. Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Snow Geese - Eastern Ontario
Hello Ontbirders This morning, between 10:30am and 10:45am, at Cobbs Lake, east of Bourget, south of Russel Road we observed a flock of approximately 14,000 snow geese - a mix of both Greater and Lesser. We watched thousands-of-birds (including one Cackling Goose) fly in from the north to join a large flock already settled in the field. Two impressive flights of about 4000 birds total were the distinctive salt pepper of Lesser Snow Geese. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/flooding8.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Quebec - Ottawa District: Northern Harrier, Hoary Redpoll, Bald Eagle, etc.
Hello Ontbirders and Ottawa Winter Listers This morning was cold with periods of blowing snow. However, we had a very productive day in the Northwest sector of the Ottawa District (Quebec). It started with a concentrated flock of about 400 Bohemian Waxwings along Chemin Terry Fox (between Pink Road and Hwy 148). We then encountered a flock of about 120 redpolls, included a Hoary Redpoll, coming to a feeder at the first house along Chemin de la Riviere near the corner with Hwy 148. An adult female Northern Harrier was observed perched on a fence post, then hunting, in the farm fields east of Chemin Papineau (between Chemin Cregheur and Chemin des Peres-Dominicains - south of Luskville). We counted at least 10 Bald Eagles (various ages) in the general vicinity of Eardley and the Eardley-Masham Road below the escarpment. Most were observed around a carcass in a field north of Hwy 148, approximately 3 kms east of the corner of Eardley-Masham Road and Hwy 148. Directions: To reach all these areas, cross the Ottawa River via any of our bridges. Take Hwy 148 west - northwest beyond Aylmer/Gatineau and continue to the above locations. Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Two Northern Mockingbirds (different locations) - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders We had a double-mockingbird day today . 1) Following detailed directions from Paul Matthews, we located our first mockingbird (previously reported) along the railway line between Merivale Woodroffe, Parkside Nestow (Crestview/Tanglewood area). Accessing the greenspace from Parkside (Crestview - north of tracks), we found it perched in a small deciduous tree beside the cedar hedge at the very end of the trail. It was visible (off on) for well over twenty minutes before flying into the scrub of the greenspace. Directions in part courtesy of Paul Matthews: Travelling south on Merivale Road, turn right (west) on Viewmount Drive. Continue to Parkside Crescent and turn left. Park on the road near 26 Parkside, across from where the trail starts. Take the path straight across the field. Towards the south end it forks: take the right-hand fork. Then, a few metres further on, go left along the fence line till you find the gap on your right (south) that leads up onto the tracks. The bird was right there, on the residential side of the tracks. 2) We were able to relocate a second Northern Mockingbird in the area of Island Park, thanks to a lead provided by Barb Robertson (she saw it on Monday Jan. 7, and Tuesday Jan 8). Barb reports that the bird was feeding on berries along the transitway between Scott Street and Premier Ave., near the corner of Carleton. We located the bird today moving between the residential area and the transitway near the corner of Premier and Northwestern Ave. It was very cooperative. Directions from Tunney's Pasture: Travel west on Scott Street to Carleton Ave. Turn right (north). Park along the road near the corner of Carleton and Premier. Search the general area of the transitway, especially along the east end of Premier. Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Red-breasted Merganser, Harlequin, Barrow's, etc. - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders and Ottawa Winter Listers. It seems that waterfowl continue to shuffle about on our river systems. Today, at Remic Rapid's, the female Harlequin Duck was with the goldeneye, actively feeding in the rapids close to the Ontario side. Also present were the male Barrow's and a female Red-breasted Merganser (a good winter bird for Ottawa). Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo6.htm Note: because of winter barricade, we parked at Tunney's Pature and walked over to the rapids lookout. From Bate Island, we found the female Barrow's Goldeneye and the male hybrid Barrow's X Common Goldeneye. Also present was an adult Cooper's Hawk and a second winter Glaucous Gull. Others reported seeing the female Long-tailed Duck from the bridge. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo7.htm From the Britannia Yacht Club, and also from the ridge, we found one adult male and one female Buffelheads. They were very close to the Quebec side. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo10.htm At the Arboretum, just north of the Traffic Circle, there were in excess of 50 Pine Grosbeaks feeding on crabapple. Also present was an American Robin. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/rideauw7.htm And, to top off the day, we easily found the Townsend's Solitaire feeding on juniper berries at the corner of the house (#7 Millbrook Cr.) Directions courtesy of Neily World's 2008 Rare Bird Alerts page: From Fletcher Wildlife Gardens, take Prince of Wales Drive south to Meadowlands Drive. Turn right (west) on Meadowlands and continue to Deer Park Road (one block past Fisher Avenue). Turn right on Deer Park Road. Steve MacLean/Long Park is on the corner of Meadowlands and Deer Park. Millbrook Crescent is 0.5 km north on Deer Park. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Ottawa - Townsend's Solitaire, Ring-necked Duck, Hoary Redpoll, Lesser Black-backed Gull, etc. etc. etc.
Hello Ontbirders and Ottawa Winter Listers We had a spectacular day with several excellent birds, especially for Ottawa winter listers. Birds continue to move into the area while others are developing routines. This is how the day unfolded: 1) early this morning, a female exilipes Hoary Redpoll was at the Hilda Road feeder. 2) hundreds of Bohemian Waxwings continue to line the scrub along Rifle Road. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo20.htm ___ 3) the Red-shouldered Hawk was observed between Gourlay Lane and Old Carp Road. 4) about 25 Evening Grosbeaks were in the vicinity of the corner of Huntmar and Old Carp Road Directions in part courtesy of Bruce Dilabio: From Ottawa travel westbound on Hwy. 417 to the March Rd./Eagleson Road and exit right onto March Rd. Follow March Road past Dunrobin Road and continue west to Huntmar Road. Turn left and follow south to Old Carp Road. Turn right to Gourlay Lane. The hawk was active and calling in the general area behind the old ruins off Gourlay Lane. ___ 5) a Barred Owl was along March Valley Road, just north of Klondike. It was on the firing range side of the fence, near the creek where the woods are on both sides of the road. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo24.htm ___ 6) 8 Horned Larks were picking grit along Rushmore Road, about half way between Eagleson and Richmond. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony5.htm ___ 7) a male American Kestrel (a scarce bird this winter) was mobbing a Red-tailed Hawk near the corner of Fallowfield and Prince of Wales. Directions: From Fletcher Wildlife Gardens, travel south on Prince of Wales Drive (Hwy 16 - Prescott Hwy) to Fallowfield Road. The birds were on the hydro pylon on the south side of Fallowfield. ___ 8) we found the Townsend's Solitaire at Millbrooke Cr. around 2:00pm - it appears to favour perching in a tall willow in front of #9, coming down to feed on juniper berries at the corner of #7. After vanishing on one occasion, it returned from an area across the street where there were several crab apple trees. Directions courtesy Paul Matthews: Millbrook is off Deer Park Rd which in turn is off Meadowlands (north side), just west of the Fisher intersection. ___ 9) from Bate Island, we observed an adult male Barrow's Goldeneye, an adult male Bufflehead, an immature male Ring-necked Duck 10) also from Bate Island - about 700 gulls in an assortment of plumages, including Iceland, Glaucous and one adult Lesser Black- backed Gull. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo7.htm Happy Holidays Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Townsend's Solitaire - Parkwood Hills, Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders I just received photos of a Townsend's Solitaire taken by Francine Streeting on December 21. She took them at Steve MacLean/Long Park in Parkwood Hills, near the corner of Meadowlands and Fisher. To the best of my knowledge, the bird has not been relocated. However, the bird could easily still be around the neighborhood. Directions: From Fletcher Wildlife Gardens, take Prince of Wales Dr. South to Meadowlands Dr. Turn right (west) on Meadowlands Dr. Continue to Deer Park Road (one block past Fisher Av.) Turn right on Deer Park Road. Steve MacLean/Long Park is on the corner of Meadowlands and Deer Park. Good Luck And, all the best in 2008 May it be a birdy year. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Northern Gannet - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders I just got off the phone with Bob Cermak. At 11:01 this morning, he observed a first year Northern Gannet fly low over Ottawa Beach. It continued in a westerly direction. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo13.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Northern Gannet (again) - Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, Ottawa
Whew... I just got off the phone with Bob Cermak (1:50pm). He has a Northern Gannet at the Moodie Drive Quarry Pond (same bird as previous?). See you there. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Golden Eagles, Tundra Swan - Ottawa West
Hello Ontbirders Following up on a tip from Rick Collins who alerted me to an adult Tundra Swan he observed yesterday at the Richmond Lagoons, I was able to relocate the bird this morning on the middle cell, at about 7:40am. The bird was still there when I left. However, it was absent when I returned at about 10:00am. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/marlboro1.htm At around 11:00am, two adult Golden Eagles soared over the corner of Cambrian Road and Moodie Drive, near the Trail Road Dump. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony9.htm Cheerio Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]adult California Gull - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders This afternoon, at 3:50pm, the adult nonbreeding California Gull was relocated at the Moodie Drive Quarry Pond. It was present up to about 4:00pm when it flew north with the other gulls. Under ideal viewing conditions, I was able to see all the characters reported previously. Only this time, I could clearly see the red gonys spot behind the dark ring. All other plumage is of a full nonbreeding adult, including completely white tail, etc. The bird was in the same general area as Tuesday afternoon - on the water with a long row of other gulls near the center of the main pond. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 416 take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). If southbound, a 0.4 km offramp dumps onto Fallowfield, where you will turn right or west. If northbound, the 0.4 km offramp brings you to Fallowfield, where you will turn left or west onto it and in 0.5 km join the southbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Fallowfield Road west for an additional 0.4 km to reach Moodie Drive. Turn left or southeast onto Moodie Drive and go 5.3 km, passing Cambrian Road to reach the quarries (second gate on the left). Park along the side of the road without blocking the access. Warning: This site is private property and is an active quarry. Because of liability concerns the pit operators do not allow access during working hours. Trucks and machinery operate here on workdays, so please don't block the roads into the quarry. At such times, limited birding can be accomplished from the roadside, which overlooks the pond, especially with a good scope. Note also that there were hunters there this evening, stationed behind the cedar woodlot on the west side of Moodie. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]adult California Gull - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders This afternoon, between 4:20 and 4:35, at the Quarry Ponds off Moodie Drive (main pond), I observed what I'm almost certain is an adult nonbreeding California Gull. The bird was sitting on the water at a distance with other gulls, mainly Herring. I was able to do side-by-side comparison of size, shape, mantle- colour, etc., with both adult Herring and adult Ring-billed. The bird's size was between the two for-mentioned species. And, the mantle was just slightly darker, regardless of the bird's angle. The tertial step was thick (considerably thicker than Ring-billed). The primary tips had extensive dark on both upper lower sides, with bright mirrors on the outer two primaries. The head had dark streaks mainly on the nape. The eye was dark (comparison made to Herring). And, the long straight bill had a dark ring, similar to Ring-billed Gull. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to confirm any red on the bill, or any sense of leg colour other than pale. I last saw the bird fly with other gulls toward the ponds deeper inside the quarry property. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 416 take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). If southbound, a 0.4 km offramp dumps onto Fallowfield, where you will turn right or west. If northbound, the 0.4 km offramp brings you to Fallowfield, where you will turn left or west onto it and in 0.5 km join the southbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Fallowfield Road west for an additional 0.4 km to reach Moodie Drive. Turn left or southeast onto Moodie Drive and go 5.3 km, passing Cambrian Road to reach the quarries (second gate on the left). Park along the side of the road without blocking the access. Warning: This site is private property and is an active quarry. Because of liability concerns the pit operators do not allow access during working hours. Trucks and machinery operate here on workdays, so please don't block the roads into the quarry. At such times, limited birding can be accomplished from the roadside, which overlooks the pond, especially with a good scope. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Sandhill Cranes - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders There were at least 75 Sandhill Cranes along Milton Road this morning. A group of 71 came together into a harvested corn field northwest of Perrault. A single bird flew east over Milton Road. And, a family group of 3 continues to feed in the field just east of the bridge over Bear Brook. Directions Courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Sandhill Cranes, Cackling Geese, etc - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders With pleasant temperatures and calm winds we birded areas east of Ottawa this morning. At least 54 Sandhill Cranes were observed between Frank Kenny Road and Mer Bleue. Although small flocks of 3, 4 or 5 individuals each (likely family groups) kept flying from field to field, they finally came together into 2 main areas: 1) west of Milton Road, north of Perrault (25 and 3) 2) east west of the corner of Trim and McFadden (10, 13 and 3) American Pipits, Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers were fairly visible throughout the morning. Also one dark morph Rough-legged Hawk was hunting near Trim and Wall Roads. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu8.htm With continued unseasonably warm and calm conditions, I birded the Ottawa Beach area this evening. Although most of the scoters from yesterday evening had vanished (200 + Black Scoters and 150+ White-winged Scoters - mostly adult drakes) There were still 16 Surf Scoter, 18 White-winged Scoter and 2 Black Scoter, all together and close to shore (including one adult drake each of Black and Surf). At least 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present. 3 Cackling Geese came in with a small group of Canadas at about 5:30pm - besides obvious small size, look for short necks, short bill and a slightly paler appearance. The three stayed close together throughout my observation. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo13.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Eared Grebes, Sandhill Cranes - Eastern Ontario
Hello Ontbirders It was cold and wet this afternoon. But, I ventured out anyway. There were 19 Sandhill Cranes (including 3 juveniles) along the west side of Milton Rd. Upon my arrival, there was a flock of 13 (2 juveniles), across from the dog kennel, and two other flocks of 3 each (one with a juvenile), in the field northwest of the kennel. During the observation, 8 individuals broke away from the 13 and mixed with the others. Like previous years, I expect these numbers to increase as the season progresses. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu7.htm From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 96 (Boundary Road). Proceed 2.0 km NNW on Boundary Road to Russell Road (Regional 26). Turn right or ESE onto Russell and drive 3.5 km to Milton Road (Regional 31). Turn left or NNW on Milton Road. The cranes are usually in the fields northwest of Perrault. At the Alfred Lagoons, we were very fortunate to see all 6 Eared Grebes at various places around the east cell. The observation was made from the viewing tower. They are very active and usually spread out. It took about a half hour of observing before we saw all six birds when groups of four and two came together, each group at opposite ends of the lagoon. Of course, it was wet and miserable throughout the observation - But what a reward. I wish to thank Jacques Bouvier for providing helpful information. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/alfred.htm From the Alfred Bog boardwalk, turn right or ENE onto Concession 11 Road and follow it as it turns north, then NNW. Continue for 1.5 km until it reaches Concession 10 Road, then turn right or ENE onto it and drive 2.0 km to Peat Moss Road. Turn left or NNW onto it and go about 3 km to the lagoons. They are on the right or east side of the road. Look for the viewing tower. NEW ACCESS: The Township council of Alfred and Plantagenet have constructed an elevated viewing platform for birders at the north end of the lagoon. This tower provides an excellent view and is free. To actually get inside, new access procedures were put in place in May 2005, when a birder's gate with combination lock was installed. Birders must purchase a $20 annual permit to access the lagoons. This new seasonal permit allows access to the lagoons anytime from early spring to late fall, 7 days a week, and from dawn to dusk without needing to be accompanied by the by-law officer. Groups will need a $20 permit for the day. To find out when and where you can purchase your annual permit please phone Richard Villeneuve, Township of Alfred and Plantagenet, at (613) 679-2292. Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Greater White-fronted Goose, etc - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders I've just received two independent messages about a Greater White- fronted Goose at Andrew Hayden Park. Wayne Millar provided excellent photos showing a full adult. He advises the bird was in the first pond at about 2:00pm this afternoon. Ann Gibson advises she saw it this evening. I know where I'll be first thing tomorrow morning. Also, the juvenile Sabine's Gull was still in the same spot this evening (6:45pm) - east of Deschenes Rapids. From Britannia Yacht Club this evening, besides the Sabine's Gull, I was able to find at least 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in various plumages - no juveniles or first year birds. The birds were spread out, sitting with other gulls on the exposed rocks in the rapids. I wonder if there are more since I could only study about half of the birds resting here, and evening light was low with a warm cast. At the quarry ponds off Moodie Drive, 6 Greater Snow Geese came in at about 7:30pm. Also present were 2 American Coots and a good assortment of ducks. Directions courtesy Neily World Andrew Hayden Park: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ orwo14.htm Deschenes Rapids: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ orwo11.htm (note that there is a lot of road construction in Britannia) Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Long-tailed Jaeger, Caspian Tern
Hello Ontbirders The jaeger is performing beautifully for birders this morning, between Britannia Park and Dick Bell Park. It's been harassing gulls, terns and others (including Great Blue Heron), sometimes observed from very close range. It also briefly chased a Caspian Tern (still an uncommon bird in Ottawa). DIRECTIONS courtesy Larry Neily: http://ca.geocities.com/larry.neily AT rogers.com/birding.htm Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds]Whooping Crane - Ottawa
This morning, George and Helen Spearman found a banded Whooping Crane off Timm Road, 3 fields west of Moodie Drive in Nepean. I observed the bird at about 10:00 am near the hydro pylons on the north side of the road. The banded and radio-tracked bird belongs to Operation Migration http://www.operationmigration.org/index.html , part of the population being introduced into a migratory route between Wisconsin and Florida. Staff at Operation Migration are VERY concerned about birder/ photographer harassment and issue the following guidelines: Please remember to keep 500 to 600 feet distant – about the length of two football fields away. Do not attempt to feed them or call to them. I trust all interested observers will respect these guidelines. Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds] Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose - Southwest of Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders This morning, at about 11:00am, there was a Greater White-fronted Goose, and a Cackling Goose on the north side of Brownlee Road, between Shea and Eagleson. Both birds were in with Canadas, and very close to the Brownlee curb. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony4.htm Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds]OFO field trip Jan 28/07 - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders 12 participants braved the winter to attend the OFO Ottawa Area Field Trip on Jan 28. Despite the cold, we had beautiful blue skies and calm conditions throughout the day. The lovely winter-wonderland scenario was augmented by freshly fallen snow from the previous night, and a touch of morning hoar frost. Birding activity was generally quiet and typically winter-like. Regardless, the day was entertaining with some good birds and lots of wildlife clues in the snow. While waiting for the last participants at the meeting spot off Carling Ave, a lone first winter Ring-billed Gull circled the parking lot. Although this is a very rare species for late January in Ottawa, it proved to be a hard sell. Winter specialties seemed to be on everyone's mind. Our first stop was at the Hilda Road feeding station in Shirleys Bay. Here, we were treated to a dozen Cedar Waxwings feeding on buckthorn. Several Blue Jays and chickadees patrolled the area while American Tree Sparrows fed on the ground. Along March Valley Road, we got scope views of a dark morph Rough- legged Hawk and a distant adult Red-tailed Hawk. A few lucky people at the head of the group got to see a Fisher run across the road. At the Ottawa Duck Club feeding station we added 5 Wild Turkeys, 3 Mourning Doves, 4 White-breasted Nuthatches and a Porcupine. Kerwin Road was surprisingly quiet. Although conditions were ideal for hearing subtle sounds, bird activity was relatively low. Ravens were making various vocalizations at a distance while Blue Jays were particularly chatty. Black-capped chickadees, Hairy Woodpecker, Downey Woodpecker and Red-breasted Nuthatches were mildly active along the trail. However, without question, the highlight was several White-winged Crossbills at close range feeding in the tops of Spruce Trees, with several males singing. We finished just before noon. However, six of us continued again after lunch. We started at Bayshore to see the overwintering drake Wood Duck and male Belted Kingfisher. The Wood Duck put on a great performance for the camera. After that, we returned to Kerwin Road with hopes of more northern specialties. En-route, we saw a Common Raven flying low over Terry Fox Drive with a (probable) Meadow Vole in its beak. At Kerwin Road, we didn't add anything new to the day's list. However we were treated to more White-winged Crossbills, including males in aerial display first year male plumages. Also highly entertaining were pairs of Common Ravens engaged in aerobatic bonding/courtship flights. We ended the day with 24 bird species - a reasonable field trip total for the Ottawa area in late January, especially considering the limited habitat we explored. 1 - Wood Duck 8 - American Black Duck 20 - Mallard (6 - Black/Mallard Hybrid) 1 - Red-tailed Hawk 1 - Rough-legged Hawk 5 - Wild Turkey 1 - Ring-billed Gull 9 - Rock Dove 3 - Mourning Dove 1 - Belted Kingfisher 3 - Downey Woodpecker 7 - Hairy Woodpecker 15 - Blue Jay 8 - American Crow 11 - Common Raven 19 - Black-capped Chickadee 4 - Red-breasted Nuthatch 4 - White-breasted Nuthatch 2 - European Starling 12 - Cedar Waxwing 14 - American Tree Sparrow 24 - White-winged Crossbill 3 - American Goldfinch 8 - House Sparrow Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds]Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders and Ottawa Winter Listers There's a drake Wood Duck and a male Belted Kingfisher in the area of Bayshore. The two birds were along Graham Creek behind the Recreational Centre/ Police Station/Minto Sales Office. The birds were seen from the foot bridge over the creek, next to the Queensway. It's possible that these birds are patrolling the creek and might be occasionally viewed from Andrew Hayden Park. Directions: 1) From Carling Ave., turn south on Bayshore Drive. Turn right (west) on Woodridge Cr., and follow it all the way around to the Recreational Centre/Police Station/Minto Sales Office. Park in the free parking of the Recreational Centre. Look for the large foot bridge over the creek, in the direction of the Queensway. 2) From Queensway Westbound, take the Bayshore exit, turn left on Woodridge Cr. and continue per above. 3) From Queensway Eastbound, take Holly Acres exit. Turn left (north) on Holly Acres Road to Carling Ave. Turn right (east) and go to the first set of lights - Bayshore Drive. Follow as per above. Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds]Snowy Owls, raptors - Eastern Ontario
Hello Ontbirders There was a surge in raptor activity this morning east of Ottawa. It started at about 7:40am with two Rough-legged Hawks flying south over the Ottawa River at Petrie Island. Throughout the day, driving backroads between Orleans and St Isidore we had the following 14 Rough-legged Hawks, 3 Northern Harriers 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks 2 Red-tailed Hawks 1 Northern Shrike 7 Snowy Owls All Snowy Owls were observed sitting on the ground. 1 Snowy Owl was along Frank Kenny Road just south of French Hill Road. 6 Snowy Owls were in the area where Jacques Bouvier has been providing recent reports. Including the 2 adult males and 4 individuals of varying darker plumage. The 2 males, and 2 darker birds were loosely together near the 90 degree turn where St Rose Rd. meets Conc. 21 2 other darker owls were observed along Cons. 19 - one near the corner with Desnoyers Rd. the other just east of St Rose Rd. Directions to the Frank Kenny Snowy Owl courtesy of Neily World http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu16.htm Directions to the St. Rose Snowy Owls courtesy of Jacques Bouvier From Hwy 417 east of Casselman take exit 58 and proceed north on Cty Rd 8 for about 1 km until you come to Concession 20 Rd in the middle of the long curve. Turn right (east) on Concession 20 Rd. which is between and Conc Rd 19 (north) and Conc Rd 21 (south). Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds]Green-winged Teal
Hello Ontbirders, and especially Ottawa Winter Listers There is a drake Green-winged Teal (carolinensis) coming to a feeder beside a town home complex parking lot, in the South Keys area of Ottawa. The bird associates closely with Blacks Mallards. It was observed swimming in Saw Mill Creek, occasionally coming up to the feeding station at the edge of the parking lot. Directions: From Bank Street south, past Walkley Road, immediately after the railway overpass, turn left (east) on Johnston Road. Turn immediately right at Southgate Road. Continue to the second lane on the right and go to the visitors parking at the very end. The bird was observed today right at the edge of the parking lot. From Bank Street North, just past Hunt Club, turn right (east) on Johnston. Continue as per above. Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds]Tundra Swans - Ottawa
Merry Christmas Ontbirders I was treated to a white Christmas in the form of 4 Tundra Swans, 2 adults and 2 juveniles (likely a family). This is still a good bird for Ottawa, especially this late in the year. The birds were on the ice at the south end of the Quarry Ponds off Moodie Drive. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Ho Ho Ho Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony
[Ontbirds]gulls, geese and cranes - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders Thanks to big trucks and continuous drizzle, roadside birding was a soggy endeavour this afternoon. Regardless, several birds were close enough to the road to observe reasonably well. The most productive spot was at the corner of Brophy and Moodie, in particular the northeast field. Present here were 2 Cackling Geese, 1 Greater White-fronted Goose, 1 first winter Iceland Gull and 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls including 4 winter adults and 1 first winter. There was 1 Cackling Goose in a corn field on the north side of Bankfield, east of Hwy 416, very near the intersection with Hwy 73. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony7.htm There was 1 more Cackling Goose along Rideau Road between Spratt and Limebank. Directions taken (in part) from Neily World: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 121A (Bronson Avenue). Go SSE on Bronson for 3.6 km, crossing the Rideau River on the Dunbar Bridge and going over Riverside Drive, before bearing right to take the Brookfield Road exit. In 0.1 km merge right onto Brookfield Road and drive 0.5 km to Riverside Drive. Turn left onto Riverside Drive and go 5.9 km to Limebank Road on the left. Turn left or SSE onto Limebank and drive 0.8 km to Tom Roberts Avenue. Continue along Limebank Road, past Leitrim, past Earl Armstrong, all the way to Rideau Road and turn right (west). At 2:30 pm, all 74 Sandhill Cranes were together in the plowed field west of Milton Road, south of Smith. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu8.htm By 3:20 pm many geese had already accumulated at the Quarry Ponds off Moodie Drive with many more arriving. A quick scan produced 11 Ruddy Ducks, and 8 Snow Geese (likely 2 families - 3 Greater with 1 juvenile 5 Lesser Blue with 3 juveniles). Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tue Nov 14 18:13:51 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from taiga.com (mail.taiga.com [204.11.32.182]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 8B015639F5 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Tue, 14 Nov 2006 18:13:50 -0500 (EST) Received: (qmail 14422 invoked by uid 30); 14 Nov 2006 23:02:30 - Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ontbirds@hwcn.org From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 14 Nov 2006 18:11:30 -0400 Subject: [Ontbirds]HSR: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch (12 Nov 2006) 808 Raptors X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-List-Received-Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 23:13:51 - Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2006 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 3807 25429 Osprey 1 4277 Bald Eagle 3 20347 Northern Harrier33225 1905 Sharp-shinned Hawk 29255 14848 Cooper's Hawk 18 75606 Northern Goshawk 0 8 47 Red-shouldered Hawk 19403847 Broad-winged Hawk0 0 43083 Red-tailed Hawk679 2139 4184 Rough-legged Hawk 10 22 37 Golden Eagle11 59109 American Kestrel 0 8 5076 Merlin 2 10236 Peregrine Falcon 0 0101 Unknown16 51 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 808 4051 97185 -- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Colin Horstead Observers:Alf Rider, Derek Lyon, Don Taylor, Eric Single, Jason McGuire, Jennifer Lyon, Shay Redmond, Su Ross-Redmond Visitors: Lots of visitors out to the Cliff today...thanks to everyone for helping out...Karen Padburg and Russ Airey from Windsor (regulars at Holiday Beach HW), Remi and Rhoda Van horik from London, Bill Bradfield, Janice Herman, Paul and Karen Thomas, Gwen and Dennis Lewington and Mark Cunningham. Also quite a few of the regular counters out...Jen and Derek, Eric, Su and Shay, Don, Alf and Jason. Weather: Light NE
[Ontbirds]Red-throated Loons, Brant - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders A nice movement of loons appears to be passing through Ottawa. This morning, at 7:45am, observing from Dick Bell Park, there was a tight flock of about 35 Red-throated Loons on Lac Deschenes. At about 8:35am, the flock flew south over Graham Bay. While the birds were in the air, I counted 44. About 50+ Common Loons were spread out over Lac Deschenes with one flock reaching 22. There were still 4 Brant (3 juveniles) at the base of the Breakwater at Dick Bell Park. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo15.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mon Nov 13 12:14:04 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from smail1.lycosmail.lycos.com (bos-mail-smail2.bos.lycos.com [209.202.208.42]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 4A9A46349A for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:14:04 -0500 (EST) Received: from bos-mail-wwl11.lycosmail.com (bos-mail-wwl11b.bos.lycos.com [10.124.64.91])kADH1sLE005836;Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:01:54 -0500 Received: (from [EMAIL PROTECTED]) by bos-mail-wwl11.lycosmail.com (8.12.9/8.9.1) id kADHEThC020314 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Tue, 14 Nov 2006 02:14:29 +0900 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-Originating-IP: [69.156.155.88] From: denys and sharon gardiner [EMAIL PROTECTED] Organization: Lycos. Inc. To: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailer: Daum Web Mailer 1.1 Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:14:28 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Errors-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Hanmail-Attr: fc=1 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 X-Content-Filtered-By: Mailman/MimeDel 2.1.1 Subject: [Ontbirds]Bruce Duncan's Funeral X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 17:14:05 - ontbirds: The Brantford newspaper had an article in it respecting Bruce including a photograph. It gave the following information: Visitation at the Wm. Kipp Funeral Home on Grand River Street North in Paris: today from 7 pm to 9 pm Tuesday from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm Funeral will be held in the Kipp chapel Wednesday at 2 pm Denys Gardiner Brantford _ Lycos Cinema : Catch up with your friends and see free movies online - watch, chat connect now [1]http://cinema.lycos.com References 1. http://cinema.lycos.com/?if_Event=mail From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mon Nov 13 12:27:38 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from web90606.mail.mud.yahoo.com (web90606.mail.mud.yahoo.com [216.252.100.189]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with SMTP id C69A363475 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:27:37 -0500 (EST) Received: (qmail 51616 invoked by uid 60001); 13 Nov 2006 17:27:38 - DomainKey-Signature: a=rsa-sha1; q=dns; c=nofws; s=s1024; d=yahoo.com; h=Message-ID:Received:Date:From:Subject:To:In-Reply-To:MIME-Version:Content-Type:Content-Transfer-Encoding; b=gBnGrXCVGsZ8WTv7DmYME7H/8mVh1mwi05ivOp1XKjawuPHBeaESM7iE1iVO+sFQifGbOSsZpRme9+gnB1LLIFODnv1LsC6xcMH/42ICX8dh9UjqS7h0r0ZRX2mfP4w+wpYt/guxS7IjZfPgDJQxsTs8dHQm2wkrNb2xNWt6mNk= ; Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: from [129.100.1.87] by web90606.mail.mud.yahoo.com via HTTP; Mon, 13 Nov 2006 09:27:38 PST Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 09:27:38 -0800 (PST) From: E. Smout [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Ontbirds]Bruce Duncan's Funeral To: ontbirds ontbirds@hwcn.org In-Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 17:27:38 - There is an article online too at http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=271007catname=Local+Newsclassif=News+%2D+Local Ellen Smout London, Ontario Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mon Nov 13 12:29:25 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from mintaka.bfree.on.ca (mail.bfree.on.ca [66.207.115.243]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id F3FD563485 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:29:24 -0500 (EST) Received: from [66.207.116.12] (helo=D8FH3W11) by mintaka.bfree.on.ca with smtp (Exim 4.60 #1 (Debian)) id 1GjfcV-0005ay-6F for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:29:19 -0500 From: Chris Thorpe [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Ontbirds ontbirds@hwcn.org Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:29:18 -0500 Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content
[Ontbirds]Red Crossbill - Amherst Island
Hello Ontbirders. Thanks to some great weather, and cooperative birds, we had a fantastic day birding around Kingston and Amherst Island. In addition to many of the great birds mentioned in various posts from today, we had a female Red Crossbill in the Owl Woods. It was working the tops of the spruce trees, while avoiding the more common cedar and Jack Pine. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/amherst.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Lapland Longspur, various geese, etc. - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders It was a bit cooler and breezier today. But, it seems the birds are still arriving. This morning at Andrew Hayden Park, most of the usual characters were still there with increased numbers of Canada Geese and gulls. Most interesting was one Brant feeding with the canadas on the lawn between the bandstand and the playground. Also, one Purple Finch flew overhead. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo14.htm In a grassy field north of Brophy Road, (behind #4700) an interesting mix of geese foraged with 3 Clydesdale Horses. They included 1 Greater White-fronted Goose and 31 Snow Geese. The mix of Snow Geese included only 2 Greater and 1 juvenile White-morph Lesser. The remaining 28 were all Blue Morph Lesser including 6 juveniles. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony7.htm In a harvested field east of the corner of Eagleson and Akins (south of Fallowfield) a flock of about 400 Horned Larks included small numbers of Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspurs. The birds typically caused much frustration as they swirled into the air, back down, only to disappear into the furrows. Although I only cast my eyes on three longspurs, when they took to the air I could hear several calling - persistence perseverance helps. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony4.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tue Nov 7 15:51:34 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from smtp102.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com (smtp102.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com [206.190.36.80])by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with SMTP id 5C6DD63A54 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Tue, 7 Nov 2006 15:51:34 -0500 (EST) Received: (qmail 66573 invoked from network); 7 Nov 2006 20:51:34 - DomainKey-Signature: a=rsa-sha1; q=dns; c=nofws; s=s1024; d=rogers.com; h=Received:Message-Id:X-Mailer:Date:To:From:Subject:Mime-Version:Content-Type; b=MXEAOXCiZvTOoNkdKUKLd88Ca/FQV39kuHo8GMRJiub5YBtBQaLvSrPwT29y9lVuiNqrZydMzxC5ph+KAB/qaPxK4+pgfN19CSZBydlNzRznJ6OJxwOuDhhlcELu0ZhawCgqXiqv4ZBtxSVwJ1UgKZcsiVAzjemwkAEywRkqFNg= ; Received: from unknown (HELO Bruce.rogers.com) ([EMAIL PROTECTED]@207.164.233.48 with login) by smtp102.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com with SMTP; 7 Nov 2006 20:51:34 - Message-Id: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 7.0.1.0 Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:51:37 -0500 To: ontbirds@hwcn.org From: Bruce Wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable X-Content-Filtered-By: Mailman/MimeDel 2.1.1 Subject: [Ontbirds] X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:51:35 - This article was in the Windsor Star. I thought=20 it would be of interest to this group. Point Pelee wind turbine proposal axed Brian Cross Windsor Star Tuesday, October 31, 2006 LEAMINGTON - A surge of opposition has diverted a=20 plan to put wind-powered turbines on the Point Pelee peninsula. Boris Vondrus of Advantis Energy confirmed on=20 Monday his company will respect the wishes=20 expressed quite passionately at a Saturday night=20 public meeting and look for a more bird-friendly=20 location for the turbines. We think we can find=20 a solution a lot of people will be positively pleased with. His Toronto-based company set up the meeting=20 Saturday to present its 10-megawatt project=20 employing four tall turbines erected between=20 Mersea Road B and C, a couple of kilometres north of Point Pelee National= Park. More than 50 people showed up. We told him it's a terrible plan for wind=20 turbines, and he backed off it right away, we're=20 quite impressed with his integrity, said Mike=20 Malone, the owner of Pelee Wings Nature Store. He=20 said most environmental people are opposed to the=20 project going anywhere on that Pelee peninsula,=20 stretching between Wheatley Harbour and Leamington Harbour. There's this tremendous movement of birds back=20 and forth outside of the park, said Malone, who=20 said he was impressed with Vondrus's response. To a lot of us, it's really good news. We have=20 an ethical developer here who seeks out the opinion of the people. Vondrus said his company will look for a new site=20 where the wind load is strong enough to make the=20 project, costing $16 million to $18 million, feasible. A much larger plan to put 119 wind turbines in=20 Lake Erie west of Point Pelee, one kilometre from=20 shore, resulted in a massive protest in=20 Leamington and Kingsville. Last month, Minister=20 of Natural Resources David Ramsay announced he=20 would not allow the bed of Lake Erie -- all of it=20 on the Canadian side
[Ontbirds]American Golden Plover, Snow Goose - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders This evening, immediately after the heavy downpour and amazing display of lightning, I went to the area around the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds. At about 6:00pm, there were thousands of geese and mallards feeding in the surrounding farm fields. At the corner of Twin Elm and Barnsdale, there was a single Greater Snow Goose with about 450 Canadas and a lone Wild Turkey. At the main Quarry pond, off Moodie, the waterfowl numbers were similar to yesterday, with the addition of 6 Northern Pintail. The three Great Egrets were all visible at 6:40pm. Most interesting was a flyover of an American Golden Plover - age uncertain. The bird continually called as it gained altitude. I didn't notice any black on the belly. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Twin Elm runs west in parallel to Moodie Drive. Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Great Egrets, waterfowl - Ottawa
Hello again Ontbirders This evening, at the Quarry Ponds off Moodie Drive, there was an increase in waterfowl activity. Amongst the 12 species of waterfowl were the following: 36 Ring-necked Ducks 21 Ruddy Ducks 16 American Wigeon 12 Gadwall 3 Northern Shoveler 3 Lesser Scaup At about 7:00pm, two Great Egrets came into the northeast end of the main pond. At about 7:10pm, they both flew low to the south, joined by a third Great Egret that was hidden in the southeast pond. All three birds continued south, and disappeared behind the tree line. They all appeared unbanded. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Bald Eagle, Great Egret, migrants, etc - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders. We had a very productive morning birding from Ottawa Beach, to Shirley's Bay. Shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl numbers were good, indicating some movement. Most of the interesting species were along the Dyke at Shirley's Bay. However, the riparian growth at Ottawa Beach had several sparrows and warblers. Hilda and Lois roads in the Cottage area of Shirley's Bay was also productive. The highlights included the following: 1 Great Egret 1 Bald Eagle (subadult - Basic IV) different from the eagles observed there last week. 1 juvenile Baird's Sandpiper 2 adult Dunlin 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher Warbler numbers were down significantly compared to last week. But, we did manage 12 species including Mourning Warbler and Wilson's Warbler Directions to Shirley's Bay Dyke courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo13.htm Directions to Shirley's Bay Cottage area courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo21.htm Directions to Ottawa Beach courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo13.htm Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wed Sep 6 21:52:22 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from taiga.com (mail.taiga.com [204.11.32.182]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 5313C63DE6 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Wed, 6 Sep 2006 21:52:22 -0400 (EDT) Received: (qmail 31124 invoked by uid 30); 7 Sep 2006 01:48:59 - Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ontbirds@hwcn.org From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 06 Sep 2006 21:09:59 -0400 Subject: [Ontbirds]HSR: Holiday Beach (06 Sep 2006) 11 Raptors X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-List-Received-Date: Thu, 07 Sep 2006 01:52:22 - Holiday Beach Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 06, 2006 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 6 6 Bald Eagle 0 4 4 Northern Harrier 1 37 37 Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 45 45 Cooper's Hawk0 1 1 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk1 39 39 Red-tailed Hawk 0 13 13 Rough-legged Hawk0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 5 54 54 Merlin 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Total: 11200200 -- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter: Betty Learmouth Observers:Fred Urie Visitors: Visitors are reminded that this weekend is the first weekend of the Holiday Beach Festival of Hawks with a wide range of activities from guided hawk watching on the tower to raptor, passerine and monarch talks at the festival tent site. Activities from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pelee Wings Nature Store will have a display of books, clothing and binoculars. Food will be available and displays will be on view in the classroom. Weather: Winds today were light from the West and Southwest with some cloud, then clearing with warm temperatures. An afternoon thunderstorm in the area about 4:00 p.m. generated several tornadoes just a few miles east of the hawk tower. Raptor Observations: A light migration today with just five raptor species observed. An Osprey was observed perched and soaring over the Lake Erie shoreline but not included in the day's count. Non-raptor Observations: Over fifty species of waterfowl, shorebirds and passerines were observed during the first two hours of the watch. Of note were a variety of warbler species seen in the willows next to the hawk tower. Report submitted by Betty Learmouth ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/
[Ontbirds]Bald Eagle, raptors migrants - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders Birding was fairly good at Shirley's Bay this morning. From the boat launch parking lot, continuing along the dyke to the first island, and return, I tallied 16 species of warbler - all expected species. The water levels are slightly high making shorebird numbers low. However, several raptors put in great performances. An adult Red-tailed Hawk kept dive-bombing a juvenile Northern Harrier. A Merlin took out an unsuspecting Semipalmated Plover. It then struggled to keep airborne as it flew off with its prey. Also present were Turkey Vulture, American Kestrel and a juvenile Cooper's Hawk Most interesting were three Bald Eagles - two juveniles, and one immature, likely a Basic II. One juvenile responded well to squeaking and came extremely close overhead. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo22.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Olive-sided Flycatcher and other migrants - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders The Britannia Conservation Area is sizzling right now. This morning, several birders were treated to a flurry of warbler movement, especially along the ridge at Britannia. I personally tallied 16 species, while missing 3 species reported by other birders (total 19). I observed: Nashville, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Palm, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Black White, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's. Reported by others: Canada, Tennessee, Black-throated Blue. Also present were 4 species of vireo including 2 Philadelphia, and 2 Blue-headed. Several other species of common migrant were present. Some in good numbers. An adult Red-shouldered Hawk was also interesting. From about 12:30pm until I left (approx. 1:00pm) a very cooperative Olive-sided Flycatcher perched in the tall dead tree near the east side of the ridge. Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo10.htm Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Great Egret, waterfowl - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders This evening, in the largest pond of the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, there was a non-breeding plumaged Great Egret. The bird was easily viewed from the roadside. Also present were the following: 5 Ruddy Ducks 3 American Wigeon 3 Ring-necked Ducks 1 female Gadwall with 8 recently fledged chicks 1 adult Bonapartes Gull 29 Pied-billed Grebes, mostly adults (4 adults are still sitting on nests). Note that this quarry is private property. Directions and information courtesy of NeilyWorld: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Least Bittern, shorebirds, etc. - Ottawa East
Hello Ontbirders Several interesting sightings this morning in areas east of Ottawa. Petrie Island At the marsh on the west side of the Trim Road causeway there was: * 1 Least Bittern * 2 adult Sora * 2 adult Black Terns Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/oreo9.htm Dignard Constructed Wetland In the manure pile, and the two smallest west cells, there were: * 3 Solitary Sandpipers * 2 Semipalmated Sandpipers * 25 Least Sandpipers * A Horned Lark, and families of Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer were also present. Directions: From Hwy 417 go south on Hwy 28 to Route 300. The wetland is on farm property at the southeast corner of Route 300 and Hwy 28 (Northwest of Embrun). Route 300 turns left only (northeast) of Hwy 28. Look for the large Dignard Constructed Wetland sign on your right hand side. The South Nation Conservation request that birders park on the side of the road, and respect the farm's private property. For more information visit: http://demonstrationsitesonline.com/siteinfo/ssite47.htm Embrun Sewage Lagoons In the upper cells there were several ducks including: * 1 male Redhead * 2 male and 1 female Ruddy Ducks * Flying overhead was a Semipalmated Plover. * In the plowed field on the southeast side of the lagoons were 14 Upland Sandpipers. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/sewage4.htm Cheerio Good Luck Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thu Jul 20 17:15:37 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from tomts40-srv.bellnexxia.net (unknown [209.226.175.97]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id DCE81638CF for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Thu, 20 Jul 2006 17:15:36 -0400 (EDT) Received: from jean-bapu1sw48i.sympatico.ca ([69.158.98.159]) by tomts40-srv.bellnexxia.netESMTP [EMAIL PROTECTED] for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Thu, 20 Jul 2006 17:15:36 -0400 Message-Id: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 5.2.1 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2006 17:15:59 -0400 To: ontbirds@hwcn.org From: Jean Iron [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Subject: [Ontbirds]Shorebirds at Holland Landing Sewage Lagoons X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2006 21:15:37 - I birded the lagoons for 1.5 hours this morning before noon. I had many of the species reported yesterday by Dave Wornington with a few changes in numbers. These lagoons remind me of the Port Perry Nonquon Sewage Lagoons in their former glory days before they were improved for waste water treatment. It's just a matter of time until the Holland Landing Lagoons produce rare shorebirds given the excellent habitat there now. In fact this is the best time to look for mega rarities from the Old World such as adult Little Stint and adult Spotted Redshank and other adult shorebirds which are still mostly in alternate (breeding) plumage now. Today's birds at Holland Landing Sewage Lagoons included: Short-billed Dowitcher: One adult. Dave reported a brightly plumaged individual yesterday. Today it was still there I presume. It's a good example of the 'hendersoni' subspecies in alternate plumage which breeds west of Hudson Bay to northeastern British Columbia. It is by far the commoner of the two subspecies (griseus and hendersoni) in southern Ontario, particularly for southbound migrants. The two subspecies are best illustrated in the 3rd and 4th editions of the National Geographic Field Guide. These editions of the NGG also best show the differences between Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers. Adult Long-billed are very rare here in late July and August into September). First juvenile Short-billed expected during first week of August. First juvenile Long-billed expected about mid-September, but I saw one the last day of August years ago. 81 Least Sandpipers: These included two fresh juveniles which were my first of the year. The percentage of juveniles will increase daily. The reddish juveniles contrast well among the worn darker adults. Semipalmated Sandpiper: Only one! Adult numbers seem very low so far this year. First juveniles expected about 1 August or a little earlier. 19 Lesser Yellowlegs: all adults in worn alternate plumage showing early stages of prebasic body molt with contrasting new grey basic (winter) feathers scattered above. Expect to see brand new spangled juveniles any day now. They stick out among the worn and patchy adults. 10 Solitary Sandpipers: All adults in worn alternate plumage with most the white feather tips worn off. First juveniles expected in a week to 10 days. These juveniles with numerous buffy-white spots above will contrast with the worn adults, which have lost much
[Ontbirds]Snowy Egret - Ottawa (Kanata)
Hello again Ontbirders Following up on a rare bird alert issued by the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club this afternoon. I relocated the Snowy Egret originally reported from the Marshes Golf Course off Terry Fox Drive west of the Brook Street Hotel, and north of the Alcatel office building. I found the bird at about 7:35pm perched in a dead tree between two ponds on the east side of the Alcatel Building (off Terry Fox, near March Road). After coming down to feed for a short period, at 7:50pm, it flew east, out of sight, toward Shirley's Bay and the Ottawa River. Link to directions (courtesy of Neily World): http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo23.htm Good Luck Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Louisiana Waterthrush, etc. - Ottawa area
Hello Ontbirders Its been a cool weekend with mixed birding activity. The Louisiana Waterthrush was very elusive this morning. I made 3 observations between 7:15 and 9:30 am, twice below the falls, once above the falls. In contrast to previous days, it never sang. However, it occasionally went into fits of persistent calling. On two occasions it was seen associating within close proximity of another waterthrush. Unfortunately, I was unable to determine the second bird's identity with any certainty. We returned to the site at 11:30 am where several people were waiting for the bird. They indicated they had been waiting for a while, without success. A cooperative Barred Owl was also observed here first thing this morning. To get to the Waterfall Trail: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/gatpks5.htm (all directions in this message are courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/birdguide.htm) Yesterday, around Ottawa, I had a wet start, and a cold night. The following birds are of interest: One Upland Sandpiper along Milton Road, near corner of Smith Road on Saturday morning to get to Milton Road: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu7.htm One Gray Partridge along Regimbald Road near corner of Dunning Road on Saturday morning To get to Dunning Road: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu13.htm One adult Greater Snow Goose and six Ruddy Ducks (including 2 females) at the quarry ponds off Moodie Drive (large pond) on Saturday evening. A Cackling Goose was present on Friday evening To get to the quarry ponds: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Wilson's Snipe, American Woodcock, American Bittern, Sora Virginia Rails at Richmond Lagoons on Saturday night To get to the lagoons: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/marlboro1.htm 2 Wilson's Snipe, 3 American Woodcock, 1 Virginia Rail, 1 Barred Owl and 3 Northern Saw-whet Owls were heard along Kettles Road, west of Richmond on Saturday Night Most interesting was observing a passing train trigger a unified chorus of Coyotes, local dogs, Barred Owl and Saw-whet Owl. To get to Kettles Road: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/marlboro34.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sun May 7 16:33:36 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from hotmail.com (bay108-f26.bay108.hotmail.com [65.54.162.36]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 8367C634BF for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sun, 7 May 2006 16:33:20 -0400 (EDT) Received: from mail pickup service by hotmail.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Sun, 7 May 2006 13:33:20 -0700 Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: from 65.54.162.200 by by108fd.bay108.hotmail.msn.com with HTTP; Sun, 07 May 2006 20:33:19 GMT X-Originating-IP: [69.194.247.107] X-Originating-Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: brendan o'sullivan [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Date: Sun, 07 May 2006 16:33:19 -0400 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed X-OriginalArrivalTime: 07 May 2006 20:33:20.0467 (UTC) FILETIME=[7AACEA30:01C67215] Subject: [Ontbirds]Yellow Rail, Carden Alvar X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Sun, 07 May 2006 20:33:36 - I heard a Yellow Rail at the Sedge Marsh on Wylie Road this morning. The bird was very close to the road on the west side north of the bridge about 25 m from where the marsh ends and the trees begin. Needless to say, despite its proximity, I never saw it. Directions: From Toronto: Take Hwy. 404 north to Davis Ave. (exit 51). Go east on Davis Ave. , then left onto Hwy 48 north. Follow this road until it meets Hwy. 12. Go left (north) onto Hwy. 12 and continue for about 12.5 Km to County Road 48. Go right (east) here to Kirkfield. At the main intersection of the village turn left (north) onto County Road 6. After about 4 Km turn right (east ) onto McNamee Road where County Road 6 turns sharply to the left. Almost immediately turn left onto Wylie Road. The Sedge Marsh is about 5 Km down this road. There is a small parking area on the left just before the bridge. Regards Brendan O'Sullivan Mississauga _ Designer Mail isn't just fun to send, it's fun to receive. Use special stationery, fonts and colors. http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-capage=byoa/premxAPID=1994DI=1034SU=http://hotmail.com/encaHL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines Start enjoying all the benefits of MSN® Premium right now and get the first two months FREE*.
[Ontbirds]Greater White-fronted Goose
Hello Ontbirders I had a pleasant day birding today, mainly in the west end of Ottawa. Everything observed was expected. But, some new ones for me this year included: Eastern Kingbird, American Pipit, Black White Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Northern Waterthrush and Common Yellowthroat. My most interesting observation was the adult Greater White-fronted Goose, still using the Quarry Ponds off Moodie Drive. It came into the large pond at 8:40 pm this evening. For directions go to: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/stony8.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Innes Point Ottawa, etc.
Hello Ontbirders I've just received word from Brian Dalzell (BIC) that John Cartwright observed a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on Friday Apr 28, 11:30 am, at the Innes Point Bird Observatory, near Shirley's Bay. The bird was not caught or banded. Unfortunately access to Innes Point is restricted to bird banding volunteers and military personnel. In other news: This morning at Britannia Conservation area, birding was relatively slow. Only 2 warbler species were observed - Yellow-rumped and Pine. Other interesting birds included Blue-headed Vireo, Brown Thrasher and a displaying Cooper's Hawk. On the river, west of the Yacht Club, there was one immature male Long-tailed Duck. The Great Horned Owl Family is still attracting much attention. Directions to Britannia courtesy of Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/birding.htm From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 0.8 km from here to Richmond Road. Turn right or northeast onto Richmond and go 0.5 km, crossing Carling Avenue, to Poulin Avenue. Turn left or north onto Poulin and go 0.6 km to where a right only turn puts you on Howe Street. Follow Howe west 0.2 km to Britannia Road. Turn right or north onto Britannia Road and proceed 0.8 km to Cassels Street. Turn right or east onto Cassels and go 0.4 km to a small parking area on the left at the Britannia Conservation Area. Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sat Apr 29 21:49:16 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from fish2.hurontel.on.ca (fish2.hurontel.on.ca [216.46.129.163]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id B2EFA63CF2 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 29 Apr 2006 21:49:00 -0400 (EDT) Received: from esprit (ipgateway.quadro.net [216.46.130.231]) by fish2.hurontel.on.ca (Spam Firewall) with SMTP id 8E7E411C4E4 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 29 Apr 2006 21:49:00 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: mtryan [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ontbirds@hwcn.org References: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Ontbirds]Snowy Owl North of Strathroy Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 21:49:06 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2900.2869 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.2869 X-Virus-Scanned: by Spam/Virus Firewall at hurontel.on.ca X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 01:49:16 - We saw one Snowy Owl at 6:30 last evening, in the general location reported earlier. We found it sitting on top of a lamp post at the NE corner of Hwy 81 and Hwy 22, North of Strathroy. Marcus, Theresa, and Charlie Ryan From London: Exit off Highway 402 at Highway 81 (also known as Centre Street). This is the Strathroy exit. Go north on Highway 81 to the lights at the intersection of Highway 81 and Highway 22. - Original Message - From: Anita Granger Beazley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 9:04 PM Subject: [Ontbirds]Snowy Owl North of Strathroy We were able to locate one Snowy Owl at 8:30 this evening, in the general location reported by Dave Skinner yesterday. It was heavily barred. We found it sitting on top of the brown salt shed at the NE corner of Hwy 81 and Hwy 22, North of Strathroy. After about 10 minutes, it flew about 100 yards south to the top of a hydro pole near Hwy 81. Directions as per Dave Skinner's posting: From London: Exit off Highway 402 at Highway 81 (also known as Centre Street). This is the Strathroy exit. Go north on Highway 81 to the lights at the intersection of Highway 81 and Highway 22. Rick Anita Beazley Ilderton, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Ross's Goose - south of Ottawa
Happy Spring Migration Ontbirders Between 8:00 am to 8:30 am there was a single Ross’s Goose in with about 4000 Canada Geese at Petersen’s Sod Farm, along Snake Island Road and Manotick Station Road (northeast of this corner). It was still there when I left. The bird easily disappears as it walks through the dips of the rolling sod field. Patience may be required. It may also help to view from different vantage points. The location is South of Ottawa, along Hwy 6 (Snake Island Road), between the Rideau River (River Road/Hwy 19) and Bank Street (Hwy 31) It is immediately west of Prescott Road (Hwy 25) If you travel south on Bank Street, turn west (right) on Hwy 6 until you see the large sod field right after Prescott Road (Hwy 25). If you travel south on River Road (Hwy 19) turn east on Hwy 6 (two left turns). In other news this morning, there is a Ringed Turtle Dove in the village of Russel. It is smaller than a Eurasian Collared Dove and has very little contrast in its plumage. It has many characters suggesting domestic origin. Please contact me if you’d like directions. Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Great Gray Owl - East of Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders We had an excelllent day today, finding a number of our local specialties, including the Yellow-headed Blackbird, Boreal Chickadee, Brown-headed Cowbird and young Cooper's Hawk of Forest Hill. We also had 3 Snowy Owls, 3 Northern Shrikes a Rough-legged Hawk, White-winged Crossbill and Hooded Merganser in various locations. The bird of the day however, was a Great Gray Owl off Route 300 east of Limoges. It was on the property of #1576. We spoke with the owner and she advises that the bird has been there for more than a week. She sees it most frequently beside the road after dawn, and again in late afternoon. Great Gray Owl - Directions from Ottawa: Hwy 417 east, take exit 79. Turn left (north) on Hwy 5. Turn right on Route 300 (east - shortly after the 417 overpass). Continue down Route 300 to #1576. There is a Pine plantation on the left (north) and an open field on the right. Good Luck Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Hermit Thrush - Kanata
Hello Ontbirders and Ottawa Winter Listers A Hermit Thrush is visiting the property of Brian and Christine Puttock, 131 Palomino Drive in Kanata. Although I've NOT seen the bird, I've received 5 photos confirming identification. Its been there for the past 12 days and seems relatively fit. Palomino Drive borders on Greenbelt. The Puttocks welcome birders. Directions: From Hwy 417, turn south on Eagleson Continue past Robertson Palomino Drive is your first left. Good Luck Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Yellow-headed Blackbird east of Ottawa
Happy New Year Ontbirders There is an adult male Yellow-headed Blackbird coming to the property of #23 Manitou Street in the community of Forest Park, south of Limoges. This area is within the Ottawa 50K District. The bird is in basic/winter plumage, looking just like a breeding adult except for having a darker crown and nape. While there this afternoon, I also saw a Common Grackle, 2 Red-winged Blackbirds and a Boreal Chickadee! I've been advised by the property owner that, for the past week and a half, the YHBL has loosely followed a routine of coming into the feeding station in the morning, then again in late afternoon. It appears to associate with a group of European Starlings. But, sometimes comes to the feeder alone. It often perches on top of a tall deciduous tree in the back yard. Forest Park is a relatively new community of 4 long, dead-end streets, bordering on a large woodlot next to the Castor River. The homes have relatively open properties with large yards. There are many feeders in the area, so there is plenty to check. However, late this afternoon it spent a good deal of time at the feeder in the back of #23. Directions from Ottawa: East on Hwy 417 to Exit #79 (Hwy #5, Limoges Road). Turn right (south) on Limoges Road to Route 500 (there is a Petro Canada Station at this corner). Turn left (east) on Route 500 past Cambridge School. Continue to the 4th street past the school. This is Manitou Street - turn right here and park on the road in front of #23. Please respect the property owners wishes and do NOT clog the laneway. And, do not go beyond the trailer at the side of the house. This is probably your best view point anyway. Good Luck Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Hawk Owl, etc. - East of Ottawa
Hi Ontbirders At about 8:30 this morning we had a Northern Hawk Owl near the intersection of Innes Road and Frank Kenny Road. The bird was first seen perched in a tree east of Frank Kenny Road and stayed there for the duration of our observation. When we returned at noon, the bird was in the next field east of this spot. Also this morning, we spotted eleven Gray Partridge along Wall Road, west of Trim Road, and west of the S curve. Although viewing conditions were poor in the blowing snow, we found the farm fields east of Cassleman to be fairly productive. A dark Snowy Owl (different than the male found originally by Jacques Bouvier last week, also present last Wednesday) was near the corner of Concession 20 and Hwy 8. Many flocks of Snow Buntings were feeding in the fields and on the roads. A few smaller flocks of Horned Larks were also present. Most interesting however, one American Pipit was heard and one Lapland Longspur was seen, the later in with Snow Buntings. Two Pine Grosbeaks were observed on top of a conifer beside a farm house surrounded by wide open fields. Directions for Northern Hawk Owl and Gray Partridge (courtesy in part by NeilyWorld http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/birding.htm ): From Ottawa, Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 113, bear left to get onto Regional Road 174 or old Highway 17. Proceed 13.6 km northeast on 174 to Trim Road (Regional 57). Turn right or SSE onto Trim and drive 3.7 km to Innes Road (Regional 30). Turn left or ENE on Innes then right on Frank Kenny Road. The owl was in the east field just south of the snake bend. To locate the Gray Partridge, continue South on Frank Kenny, turn right (West) on Wall Road and continue past Trim Road. The partridge were in a field just past the snake bend on Wall Road. Directions to the Snowy Owl and Lapland Longspur (courtesy in part by Jacques Bouvier) From Hwy 417 east of Casselman take exit 58 and proceed north on Cty Rd 8 for about 1 km until you come to Concession 20 in the middle of the long curve. Turn right (east) on Concession 20. The owl seen today was on the sixth utility pole along Concession 20 (On Wednesday, a Snowy Owl was seen along Concession 19 running parallel north of Conc. 20). To find the Lapland Longspur, continue east along concession 20 to St. Rose Road. Turn right on St. Rose, and continue north. The flock of Snow Buntings with the longspur were two fields south of the corner of St. Rose and Hwy 3. Good Luck and Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sat Nov 26 14:51:38 2005 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from web88009.mail.re2.yahoo.com (web88009.mail.re2.yahoo.com [206.190.37.196]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with SMTP id C17FC63A88 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 26 Nov 2005 14:51:37 -0500 (EST) Received: (qmail 59287 invoked by uid 60001); 26 Nov 2005 20:02:18 - DomainKey-Signature: a=rsa-sha1; q=dns; c=nofws; s=s1024; d=rogers.com; h=Message-ID:Received:Date:From:Subject:To:Cc:MIME-Version:Content-Type:Content-Transfer-Encoding; b=ypgmCD1PirqwiIA2sgAs7SAL2OK9+WL6cAiFVkrUK1p8CLfWHVNom7kP4JsbeBlDXcUBwrTgchZBkMrY6m3QnmKKG0UEqQMXuTgqfjSQb0NLy9vL1ylo5weLrPzaxVcs/E+w4m4K7SdOtlnlb58Ej1x0z6JpWIw/WONfVcIWuIo= ; Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: from [70.29.34.81] by web88009.mail.re2.yahoo.com via HTTP; Sat, 26 Nov 2005 15:02:18 EST Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2005 15:02:18 -0500 (EST) From: RON FLEMING [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: OFO Bird Sightings ontbirds@hwcn.org MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-Content-Filtered-By: Mailman/MimeDel 2.1.1 cc: Keith Dunn [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: Nancy Colefield [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: Kevin Shackleton [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: Mike Van den Tillaart [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Ontbirds] Rough-legs, N. Harriers, S. Buntings, Fox Sparrow - Keswick X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2005 19:51:38 - Mike Van den Tillaart and I spent a two hours hiking around the snowmobile trails by the Ravenshoe flats in southwest Keswick this morning. The temperature was pleasant and the usually malevolent wind was content to merely blow big snowflakes lazily past us. We did NOT turn up either of the two Snowy Owls seen here last Sunday (Keith Christopher Dunn's 9:30 a.m. bird turned out to be a subadult male while my sighting at noon was of a pure white adult), but we were treated to excellent views of 2 juvenile NORTHERN HARRIERS, 5 light-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, several flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS totalling no less than 200 birds, a few smaller flocks of HORNED LARKS (approx. 20 in all), and - most surprisingly - a single FOX SPARROW that flitted into view and perched nicely for us
[Ontbirds]Varied Thrush window strike - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders I'm saddened to report that I've just received a carcass of a male Varied Thrush. The bird's demise was the result of a window strike at the home of Alfons Bach, 25 Parker Ave, in the Crestview area (Ottawa west - near the corner of Norice and Woodroffe). It was originally found around December 21/04 The house windows are fitted with several raptor decals. Unfortunately, they didn't work this time. The bird will be delivered to the Museum of Nature in Aylmer. Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 (613)-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/
[Ontbirds]Lots of Owls - Eastern Ontario
I Spent the last two days on Amherst Island. We left early today and drove back to Ottawa just in time for a bit of dusk birding. Altogether, we had great success. Amherst Island, Monday Dec 27: * one Boreal Owl in the Owl Woods (thanks to the Scotts) * one Snowy Owl KFN property * three Short-eared Owls (1 on KFN property, and 2 more a few kilometres south of Stella) * two Northern Harriers (KFN property) * eight Rough-legged Hawks * six Red-tailed Hawks * one American Kestrel (Stella) * one Merlin (south shore) * two Northern Shrikes * five Red-winged Blackbirds (south shore) Amherst Island, Tuesday Dec 28: * one Snowy Owl (KFN property) * one Saw-Whet Owl (Owl Woods) * three Long-eared Owls (including two very tame birds in the Owl Woods) * one Northern Shrike (east of Stella) * three Rough-legged Hawks Ottawa, Tuesday Dec 28: * five Great Gray Owls mainly along March Valley Road. Happy New Year Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions courtesy Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birdguide.htm To Amherst Island: Amherst Island is approximately 2.5 hours south of Ottawa and 16 km west of Kingston, Ontario. Take Highway 417 from Ottawa west to Highway 416 (exit 132). Follow 416 SSE 80 km to Highway 401. Turn right onto 401 and go 128 km to exit 593. Exit south on County Road #4 (formerly Highway 133) and proceed 9 km to Millhaven on Lake Ontario. Turn right or west on Hwy 33 (Bath Road), watch for the ferry dock in 200 metres. A round-trip on the ferry costs $5.00. It leaves every hour on the half-hour from 7:30 AM onward. The first ferry in the morning is an exception leaving ten minutes earlier than thereafter, at 6:20 AM. To March Road: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 138 (Eagleson/March Roads). If travelling west, the 0.6 km offramp sends you right or north onto March Road. If driving east, a 0.4 km offramp brings you to Eagleson Road, where you will turn left or north onto it and in 0.5 km join the westbound offramp traffic on March Road (it changed names as you went under the overpass). Both groups will now follow March Road north 1.0 km to Herzberg Road. Turn right or north on Herzberg. As March Road bends to the left you actually end up going the same direction you were before the turnoff. Follow Herzberg north for 1.3 km, where it crosses what's left of Sandhill Road and the railway tracks and becomes Fourth Line Road, recently renamed March Valley Road. From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tue Dec 28 19:46:41 2004 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from smtp100.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com (smtp100.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com [206.190.36.78])by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with SMTP id 18A039F422 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Tue, 28 Dec 2004 19:46:41 -0500 (EST) Received: from unknown (HELO downstairs) ([EMAIL PROTECTED] with login) by smtp100.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com with SMTP; 29 Dec 2004 00:47:24 - Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Ian Cannell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Ontbirds ontbirds@hwcn.org Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 19:47:34 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2800.1158 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2800.1165 Subject: [Ontbirds]EIGHT GREAT GRAY OWLS NEAR ORILLIA. X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list Reply-To: Ian Cannell [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-List-Received-Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:46:41 - Following the great start to the day at Halls Road (posted earlier for me by my son, Andrew), Jay Peterson and I travelled on to the Orillia area to try for the Great Grays reported by Bob Bowles. We were successful! We saw a minimum of eight plus two more at the end of the day that were within 1000 metres of two that we'd seen in the morning. So, together with the one we'd seen at Halls Road we saw 9 to 11 Great Grays on the day. I got what I wanted for Xmas. All but one of these owls were on either the 7th or 8th Concession of Ramara. The other one was on Woodland Avenue. Thanks, Bob, for the info. and directions (repeated below). Two of the owls were seen at about noon, the rest at about 4pm. Take hwy 12 east from Orillia to Mulhy Point Road and turn right then follow this road to the end at conc. 8 then turn left. Woodland Avenue is just south of Orillia. Also seen in the general vicinity were: Two flocks of Snow Buntings; about 200 in one and 25 in the other. Two roosts of Turkeys; 15 in one and four in the other. The latter were perched about 50 metres up in the top of some trees, more like Turkey Vultures than Wild Turkeys. Several N. Shrikes. Another Dark Phase Rough-legged Hawk (i.e. in addition to the one we'd seen on Halls Road). Ian Cannell Concord, Ontario.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Snowy Owl
Hello Ontbirders This morning, on Lac des Chenes, a Snowy Owl was observed perched on a distant floating platform across from Aylmer, Que. The best views were from the breakwater of Dick Bell Park, west of Andrew Haydon Park. Also, an immature Northern Shrike was observed hunting a (Tree?) sparrow. In a dramatic and spirited chase, the two twisted and turned through the trees of Andrew Haydon Park, eventually disappearing across Carling Ave. I assume the shrike was unsuccessful since it reappeared near the sandspit only a couple of minutes after. I'm keeping my eye out for impaled songbirds. Cheerio Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or west on Carling and go 2.0 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Andrew Haydon Park on the right or north. Turn right into the lot.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa District - Tufted Titmouse
Hello Ontbirders A Tufted Titmouse has been coming to a feeder in the village of Hallville, South of Ottawa (within the Ottawa 50K). Although I did not see it this afternoon, Lorna Suffel, the property owner, has just advised me, it returned at 4:00pm. She says its been fairly regular throughout the day for the last 3 weeks. It seems to prefer a suet log containing a mixture of lard, dog food and peanuts. Its coming to the back yard of 1676 Christina Cr. The Suffels are a shy elderly couple, but friendly. They agree to tolerate birder traffic into their back yard. However, they ask that visitors enter the yard by the east (right) side of the house, and that its best to stay near the pines in the back. Cheerio Tony Directions: *Take Hwy 416 south. *At Kemptville, take Hwy 43 east for approximately 10 kms. *Turn left onto Kerrs Ridge Rd and go one block. *Turn left onto Regional Rd One. *Shortly after turn left onto St. Johns Rd. *Turn right onto Christina Cr. (1676 Christina Cr.) *Park on the road and walk into the back yard as per above.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Vega Gull, Cackling Goose, Great Gray Owl
Hello Ontbirders This morning, on the sand spit of Andrew Haydon Park East, there was an adult winter Vega Gull (Larus vegae or Larus argentatus vegae - take your pick). The bird was observed from relatively close range, from various angles, in good overcast lighting, for several minutes. *The bird was significantly darker backed than surrounding Herrings. But, much lighter than a nearby Lesser Black-backed. *A fairly big gull, just slightly larger than Herring. *Eye was slightly darker than Herring. *Bill was shorter than average Herring. *Dusky streaks on nape and crown were less than average Herring. *White tertial crescent was identical thickness to Herring. *Leg colour was difficult to observe due to surrounding birds. However, brief views indicate little, or no, difference compared to Herring. *It appeared to have only one white mirror on primary tips. Other birds present included one blue morph Snow Goose (Greater) and one Cackling Goose. In other news... I just received a belated report (well observed from close range Sunday evening) of a Great Gray Owl located on a residence 10 kms west of Almonte (outside the Ottawa 50K district). If the bird returns, I'll try to get specific directions. Cheerio Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions to Andrew Haydon Park courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or west on Carling and go 2.0 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Andrew Haydon Park on the right or north. Turn right into the lot.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Cackling Geese
Hello Ontbirders Delightfully pleasant conditions this evening at Andrew Haydon Park provided great viewing conditions. Unfortunately there were very few exciting birds. At 4:00pm, most of the diving fowl were absent with only 4 Lesser Scaup, 2 Greater Scaup, 2 Long-tailed Ducks and 1 White-winged Scoter. Common Goldeneye were the exception with several small flocks in the deeper water. Other mildly interesting birds were 1 first winter Iceland and a male Belted Kingfisher. Most exciting was a relatively tight flock of 9 Richardson's Cackling Geese in with the Canadas. They were observed for approximately 10 minutes swimming together near the mouth of Graham Creek (east side of the main park). When observed in full profile, the shape size, particularly of the tiny head, neck and bill, were distinctive. Also noticeable was the slightly lighter back compared to the surrounding Canadas. Cheerio Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or west on Carling and go 2.0 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Andrew Hayden Park on the right or north. Turn right into the lot.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - redpolls
Hello Ontbirders Conditions were considerably more comfortable and calm this morning at Andrew Hayden Park. Water levels were down slightly exposing a bit more sandspit shoreline compared to yesterday. Present on the spit were one Black-bellied Plover one White-rumped Sandpiper, the later with damaged leg. In with the gulls was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. Waterfowl numbers have not changed significantly. However, many diving ducks continue to come in for close views. The adult Brant kept company with some Canada Geese today, while a juvenile was present at the mouth of Graham Creek. A couple of American Pipits and a couple of Snow Buntings flew south over the park. Most interesting however, was a flock of 22 redpolls flying eastward. Cheerio Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or west on Carling and go 2.0 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Andrew Hayden Park on the right or north. Turn right into the lot.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Sandhill Cranes, etc.
Hello Ontbirders Once again, 22 Sandhill Cranes were seen west of Milton Road. We were unable to see these elusive birds until they flew out of a field in a southerly direction. They came up in groups of 12, 2, 4 and 4. They flew low for a short distance, then disappeared into a field near the tree line, possibly into an irrigation ditch. Nearby, 7 Gray Partridge were seen running along the edge of a corn field along McFadden Road. Directions (in part) courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birdguide.htm Milton Road: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 96 (Boundary Road). Proceed 2.0 km NNW on Boundary Road to Russell Road (Regional 26). Turn right or ESE onto Russell and drive 3.5 km to Milton Road (Regional 31). Turn left or NNW on Milton. Historically, the cranes can be anywhere in the fields north of the bridge over Bear Brook. (about 2.0 km from Russell Road). However, today, all the cranes were seen flying on the west side of Milton Rd., from a vantage point approximately 1.5 km north of the bridge. McFadden Road: From Milton Road, go east on Perrault Road. Perrault elbows to the left onto Trim Road. Almost immediately after the elbow, turn right on McFadden Road. The partridge were seen on the south side, after the dog leg bend in the road.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Sandhill Cranes, Lapland Longspur, etc.
Hello Ontbirders A total of 22 Sandhill Cranes, (groups of 2, 4, 5 and 11) were observed in various spots along Milton road, all in the general vicinity southwest of the corners of Milton and Smith roads. On two separate occasions, a Lapland Longspur was heard calling above Smith Rd. At the pond along Moodie Drive, south of Trail Road, Canada Geese numbers continue to increase. This seems like a very dynamic spot with birds arriving continuously. Present among them today were 230 Snow Geese. Also, patrolling the pond was a juvenile tundrius Peregrine Falcon. Cheerio Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions (in part) courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birdguide.htm Milton Road: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 96 (Boundary Road). Proceed 2.0 km NNW on Boundary Road to Russell Road (Regional 26). Turn right or ESE onto Russell and drive 3.5 km to Milton Road (Regional 31). Turn left or NNW on Milton. Historically, the cranes can be anywhere in the fields north of the bridge over Bearbrook. (about 2.0 km from Russell Road). However, today, all the cranes were viewed much further north of this point. Moodie Drive Pond: From Highway 416 take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). If southbound, a 0.4 km offramp dumps onto Fallowfield, where you will turn right or west. If northbound, the 0.4 km offramp brings you to Fallowfield, where you will turn left or west onto it and in 0.5 km join the southbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Fallowfield Road west for an additional 0.4 km to reach Moodie Drive. Turn left or southeast onto Moodie Drive and go 5.3 km, passing Cambrian Road to reach the Burnside Pits (second gate on the left). Park along the side of the road without blocking the access. Warning: This site is private property and is an active quarry. Because of liability concerns the pit operators do not allow access during working hours. Trucks and machinery operate here on workdays, so please don't block the roads into the quarry. At such times, limited birding can be accomplished from the roadside, which overlooks the pond, especially with a good scope.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - R-t Loons, Long-tailed Duck, Brant, etc.
Hello Ontbirders We had a very pleasant evening at Andrew Hayden Park. Viewing conditions were excellent, and birds many. The river continues to rise as waterfowl and gull numbers steadily increase. The highlights include the following: 1 Red-throated Loon 50 Brant 14 Snow Geese (includes two Blue Morph and one white juvenile) 7 Surf Scoter (including one adult male close to shore) 2 female plumage Black Scoter A huge flock of Black Scoter was at a distance, between Andrew Hayden Park and Shirley's Bay - This is possibly the same group reported yesterday. From Shirley's Bay Boat Launch, the following highlights were observed: 2 Red-throated Loons 25 Long-tailed Ducks (mostly adult males in winter plumage) Good Birding Cheerio Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm Andrew Hayden Park: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or west on Carling and go 2.0 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Andrew Hayden Park on the right or north. Turn right into the lot. Shirley's Bay Boat Launch: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 134 (Moodie Drive). If travelling west, the 0.4 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Moodie. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Moodie Drive, where you will turn left or north onto it and in 0.5 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Moodie Drive north 1.3 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or northwest on Carling and go 2.2 km to Rifle (Range) Road. Turn right or north onto Rifle Road and travel 2.0 km to the boat launch parking lot.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Thayer's Gull, R-t Loon, etc.
Hello Ontbirders This Morning, at Andrew Hayden Park, birding was ideal. Several cooperative birds provided excellent views, partly due to calm comfortable conditions. The highlights include the following: 1 adult winter Thayer's Gull (mouth of Graham Creek) 1 first winter Iceland Gull (mouth of Graham Creek) 1 adult Brant (on the bike-path, beside the west pond, often with Ring-billed Gulls) Although the water level is fluctuating, there is still plenty of good shorebird habitat. However, only 3 Black-bellied Plovers, 2 Dunlin, and 1 Greater Yellowlegs were observed. Many diving ducks and geese continue to stage on Lac des Chenes (including 1 probable domestic/Canada hybrid) At Shirley's Bay boat launch, 1 juvenile Red-throated Loon provided fairly close views. Cheerio Tony Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or west on Carling and go 2.0 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Andrew Hayden Park on the right or north. Turn right into the lot.
[Ontbirds]Ottawa West - White-winged Scoter, etc.
Hello Ontbirders ...another good morning at Shirley's Bay. Most significant was an early, female plumaged, White-winged Scoter. Shorebirds are still putting in a good performance with similar numbers and diversity to last Friday (minus the Stilt Sand). The highlight was a juvenile Red Knot and, at least, 17 Baird's Sandpipers, all juvenile plumage. A juvenile Peregrine made a spirited flyby, causing much terror toward the prey species. This allowed us to easily count the concentrated flock of peeps frozen on the mudflats. The Great Egret was still present. At the base of the dyke, several songbirds were moving through. Most notable was a male Golden-winged Warbler. Cheerio Good Birding Tony Beck http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm Shirley's Bay: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 134 (Moodie Drive). If travelling west, the 0.4 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Moodie. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Moodie Drive, where you will turn left or north onto it and in 0.5 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Moodie Drive north 1.3 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or northwest on Carling and go 2.2 km to Rifle (Range) Road. Turn right or north onto Rifle Road and travel 2.0 km to the boat launch parking lot. Park here to visit this site on foot. Warning: Permission to access the dyke must be obtained by contacting the DND's Connaught Firing Range Control Office at (613) 991-5740 or the Range Warden at 991-5741. On weekends contact the Duty Officer at 724-8716. If the dyke is the primary goal of your day's birding, it would be wise to call ahead as there are no phones at the boat launch. Shooting is often in progress and some of the bullets could stray toward the dyke. Remember they are there because they need the practice. As far as I know no birders have been winged yet and the DND has enough trouble with PR that they will do everything they can to avoid it. Please don't enter the area without permission, and please abide by Range Control's instructions. They will tell you whether or not walking the dyke is allowed. If they say no, DO NOT ENTER!, you may be shot (you just never know how good the guy practising might be), or you may be corralled by the military police (MP's). Disregarding the DND's safety measures could also jeopardise all birder's access. However, that being said, it's usually okay to bird from the gate at the base of the dyke.
[Ontbirds]fall migrants Caspian Terns - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders As expected, my annual Canada Day quest for the first fall migrants has proved productive. At the Almonte Sewage Lagoons, among the many ducks, Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers, we found three adult Least Sandpipers and one adult Solitary Sandpiper. The best lagoon can be viewed from the road. However, it's drying up quickly. At the Burnside Pit, south of Trail Road, there were two adult Caspian Terns (mildly rare for Ottawa). Happy Fall...oops, I mean Summer. Tony Directions to Almonte Sewage Lagoons (in part, courtesy of Larry Neily): From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 155 (March Road or Regional Road 49). Turn onto March Road and follow it for 16.0 km through Almonte. The lagoons are on the right side, just past the crossroads of Hwy 49/16/15/29. Directions to Burnside Pit (courtesy of Larry Neily): From Highway 416 take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). If southbound, a 0.4 km offramp dumps onto Fallowfield, where you will turn right or west. If northbound, the 0.4 km offramp brings you to Fallowfield, where you will turn left or west onto it and in 0.5 km join the southbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Fallowfield Road west for an additional 0.4 km to reach Moodie Drive. Turn left or southeast onto Moodie Drive and go 5.3 km, passing Cambrian Road to reach the Burnside Pits (second gate on the left). Park along the side of the road without blocking the access. Warning: This site is private property and is an active quarry. The owners do not want birders to enter their property and interfer with operations. Trucks and machinery operate here on workdays. And please don't block the roads into the quarry. Birding can be accomplished from the roadside, which overlooks the pond, especially with a good scope.
[Ontbirds]Lazuli Bunting - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders The elusive Lazuli Bunting was visiting Derek Hasler's property again this morning. It was present from approximately 7:00 to 7:30am, occasionally singing and popping into view. On one occasion it sang for more than a minuite from an exposed perch in a neighbouring Scotch Pine providing spectacular scope views. It then disappeared for the duration of my stay (20 min.) I have just received an e-mail from Derek advising that it came to the feeder at 8:40. Also present at Descenes Rapids
[Ontbirds]male Lazuli Bunting - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders A male Lazuli Bunting was first seen today at approximately 6:00pm coming to the feeder of Derek Hasler. It was last seen at approximately 7:30pm. I have not seen the bird. However, I have carefully studied Derek's digital photos and am convinced this is a pure bred male Lazuli. Everything matches: small size, shape, dark lores, bunting-bill, paler lower mandible, brilliant turquoise head upperparts, the bold white wingbar pale greater covert tips, the brown breast and white undertail. The Haslers are concerned about birder traffic. But, are willing to allow birders to visit. Please respect their hospitality. The bird was seen coming to the feeder in their back yard. It can be viewed from the east side of the property. The address is 11 Cherrywood Drive in Bells Corners, Ottawa West. From Hwy 417 (Queensway), take Richmond Road West. Richmond becomes Robertson Road. Continue on Robertson Road. Turn left at the intersection where Richmond turns south off Robertson Road (look for Al's Steakhouse on the north side of the intersection). Go about two blocks. Turn left on Longwood Avenue. Continue to the end (Ridgefield Cr.). Turn right on Ridgefield. Take a left turn at the second road down (Cherrywood Drive). The house is on the left. Good Luck Tony
Black-headed Grosbeak - Pakenham
Hello Ontbirders There is a first winter male Black-headed Grosbeak coming to a feeder in the Pakenham area (south of Arnprior, west of Ottawa). The bird has been visiting for approximately a week, and was last observed this afternoon around 3:30pm The home is in a rural setting surrounded by a relatively thick cedar woodlot. The owners, Bob and Iris Jurmain, will tolerate birders. However, they are very concerned about several aspects of busy birder traffic. *The road, and their laneway are narrow, and can easily be congested with vehicles. *They have two very loud, large German Shepherds that might bark continuously, or behave erratically when strangers are about. *Iris is blind and concerned about having a crowd of strangers around. Bob, the owner, requests that he must be present if anyone is to visit. He advises that potential visitors call first to get directions, and set a time to visit. He can be reached at (613) 256-0160 Note to Ottawa birders: Although I'm not totally certain, I suspect this bird is outside the Ottawa 50K district by a tiny margin. Good Luck Good Birding Tony Beck http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Tony Beck [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
yellowlegs, etc. Ottawa area
Hello Ontbirders As expected on Canada Day, the first of the fall migrants have arrived in the Ottawa area. At the Almonte Sewage Lagoons, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 8 Greater Yellowlegs were feeding in the Southeastern most lagoon. Also of interest: At the Burnside Pit, a pair of Redhead were seen in the lagoon on the east side of Moodie Drive, south of Trail Road. Although the pair seemed inseparable, there was no sign of young. Four male Ruddy Ducks, close to Moodie Drive, were also amusing. To reach the Almonte Lagoons (in part, courtesy of the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists http://mvfn.ca/index.html ): From Hwy 417 West, turn East on Hwy 49. Continue through the town of Almonte, past the intersection with Hwy 29. Here, Hwy 49 becomes County Road 16, Wolf Grove Road. Continue West, one mile, to Ramsay Conc. 8. At this intersection you will find the heritage Auld Kirk church. Turn north, go about 200m and park alongside the road. You will see the sign on the main gate with an arrow to the trail entrance, about 20 m further. Hike to the tower overlooking the lagoons. Although the whole area is posted with no trespassing signs, birders are most welcome as long as they accept entrance at their own risk. A new sign stating so is posted on the main gate, across from the Auld Kirk Cemetery. To Reach Burnside Pit (courtesy of Larry Neily, http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birdguide.htm ) From Highway 416 southbound, take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). A 0.4 km offramp dumps onto Fallowfield, where you will turn right or west. Follow Fallowfield Road west for an additional 0.4 km to reach Moodie Drive. Turn left or southeast onto Moodie Drive and go 4.5 km, passing Cambrian Road to reach the Burnside Pits (second gate on the left). Park along the side of the road without blocking the access. NOTE: This site is private property and is an active quarry. The owners do not want birders to enter their property and interfere with operations. Trucks and machinery operate here on workdays. And please don't block the roads into the quarry. Birding can be accomplished from the roadside, which overlooks the pond, especially with a good scope. Have a productive summer Tony Beck http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Tony Beck [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Pacific Loon - Point Pelee, May 16
Hello Ontbirders I just got in from a great weekend in Pelee. This report is to support the observation made by Brett Ewald of Hilton, New York, of a breeding adult Pacific Loon seen on the morning of Friday, May 16th, at the tip of Point Pelee . To the best of my knowledge, Brett made his observation from the West beach, near the tip. At approximately 8:00am, while standing on the observation platform, scanning birds in the nearby water off the west point of the tip, with binoculars, I noticed a loon with a bulbous gray head, dark throat and dark body. The head was held perfectly horizontal (bill straight out). My immediate response was of an adult breeding Arctic/Pacific Loon type. The loon then dove. The duration of the observation was probably fractions of a second. With great anxiety, I alerted my group to relocate the loon. I frantically shouted out the bird's location, occasionally scanning with binoculars. I saw the Loon pop up once, but it dove before I was able to get my binoculars on it. Unfortunately, my concentration was averted as people directed me to Common Loons, Mergansers and Cormorants. In desperation, I looked around to see if any other groups or individuals were displaying the same excitement as myself. Unfortunately, even after several minutes, I could not relocate the bird. Nor could I see anyone in my proximity displaying the euphoric excitement of seeing a rare bird. I was convinced it was NOT a Common Loon. However, I was unable to persuade myself to completely rule out Red-throated Loon. Unfortunately, I can't remember the extent of the darkness on the face. I definitely did not see anything that could separate Pacific Loon from Arctic Loon. My observation was so incomplete, and under such poor conditions, that I doubted my ability to discern details properly in this case. Therefore, since the bird disappeared, I thought it best to forget the observation, and not alarm the birding community with vague details of such a significant rarity. I also feared being accused of Pelee Fever (None of you have ever suffered that. Have You?) However, later that afternoon, I was told about Brett's sighting, and thought that my information could help support his report. It should also be noted that Lloyd Paul has reported two first summer Pacific Loons from Prince Edward Point on Wednesday, May 14. ...catching my breath... Tony Tony Beck [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Painted Bunting - Ottawa (Ashton)
Hello Ontbirders An adult male Painted Bunting (reported by James Akers) was coming to a niger seed feeder at 421 Amberwood Road, near Ashton. It was first seen Monday May 12, then and all day May 13. Unfortunately, it has not yet been seen today as of this message (2:45pm). The bird was well documented by video. However, to the best of my knowledge, the Akers family have, so far, been the only lucky ones to see this dazzling bird. Directions: From Ottawa, Take Hwy 7 West. Turn left on Ashton Stn. Road. Continue straight through the village of Ashton. Turn right on 9th Line. Turn left on Cambellside Road. Turn left on Glenashton Road (T junction). Turn right at the first road, Dewar Side Road. Turn left at Amberwood Road (T junction). 421 is the 4th house on the right side, just before the bend. The house is in a heavily wooded area, and difficult to see from the road. The owner warns to Beware of Dog. Good Luck Tony Beck website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Tony Beck [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Tufted Duck - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders An adult male Tufted Duck (with relatively short, but distinctive tuft) was originally reported by Herve Tremblay at approx. 2:00pm today from Shirleys Bay, Ottawa (Nepean). It was relocated this evening by a group of us (Tom Hanrahan, Chris Traynor, Bev Scott, Chris Lewis, Phil Wright and others). The duck was with a small raft of Lesser Scaup on the river side (east) of the Dyke, about half way between the base and Haycock Island. To get to Shirleys Bay (Coutesy of the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club website): Travel west from Ottawa along Highway 417, exit at Moodie Drive (exit #134), and go north to Carling Avenue. Turn left and follow Carling for approximately 3 km, then turn right onto Range Road. Drive north to the parking lot and boat launch at the end of Range Road. VERY IMPORTANT Shirley's Bay dyke is on Department of National Defence property, and there is often shooting going on at the Connaught Firing Range. Permission to walk on the dyke must be obtained by contacting the Range Control Office at (613) 991-5740. Please do not enter the area without permission, and please abide by Range Control's rules about whether walking on the dyke is allowed. (It is usually okay to birdwatch from the gate at the base of the dyke. If you fail to comply with DND instructions, you will be responsible for denying all birders access to this great birding area and, at the same time, you will be putting yourself in danger. So please comply. Happy Spring Good Birding Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. (613) 828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Tony Beck [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
