Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
August 15, 2019 It was yet another fairly quiet week in the region, with no major highlights. A few firsts of the fall did indicate that migration was in progress. Temperatures continued to be seasonal, with scattered showers on a regular basis but no great accumulation, and no weather system big enough to bring birds down. SHOREBIRD habitat continues to be excellent at Shirley’s Bay and elsewhere on the Ottawa River through to Petrie Island. The levels are low enough to get some exposure on the Quebec side as well. Unfortunately, the flats and shore are hosting mostly only modest numbers of common species. Still, these areas warrant checking regularly because things can change rapidly. For example, Shirley’s Bay did perk up a bit on the 15th, as noted below. A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE continued at the Richmond CA until the 10th. Regionally, 15 Species of SHOREBIRDS were seen this week, but many were only seen briefly. Here is what was seen in some of the areas on the 13th: 1. Shirley’s Bay had 85 birds of 6 species, including a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. On the 15th there were 120 birds of 9 species including 5 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and 3 BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS. 2. Almonte had 15 birds of 6 species, all common. 3. Petrie Island had 34 birds of 7 species, all common. 4. Andrew Haydon Park had 6 birds of 4 species, including a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. A STILT SANDPIPER was there on the 12th. Up to 3 LEAST BITTERNS continue at Constance Creek at Thomas Dolan as late as the 15th. SONGBIRD migration continues to be minimal, somewhat surprising given the season. Britannia could only come up with 6 species of WARBLER on the 12th, while most areas are just seeing the residents. An all-day search of Rideau River PP did produce 12 species of WARBLER, so clearly at least some birds are coming through. There was a CAROLINA WREN at Britannia on the 12th. Also of interest was a DARK-EYED JUNCO at Shirley’s Bay on the 11th, which is early this far south (they nest in the northern part of the region). A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER in the Carp Hills near Dunrobin on the 11th was likely the local nester. A few other migrants included a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER at the Deschenes Rapids on the 10th (also with 7 species of WARBLER), and Jack Pine Trail had an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER on the 13th. *Reminder regarding access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway:* DND has advised extra caution as the causeway is in rough shape. They have also requested that if any garbage can be removed it would be appreciated. To access this site, you must be on the access list, and you must call Range Control (613-991-5740) for permission, state that you are an OFNC member and give your name. Finally, you must call again when you have left the area. DND would also like to be informed if you see anyone on the property who should not be there, such as boats in the bay or people fishing on the causeway. They are trespassing and DND will deal with the situation. The OFNC has provided DND with a list of OFNC members who HAVE SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED access. DND will check, so make sure that your membership is up to date and that you have requested that the OFNC put you on the access list. This list has already been sent to DND this spring and will be updated occasionally. To get on the next access list, please contact members...@ofnc.ca. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community. Good birding. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
