Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
July 26, 2018 A major rarity ended, at least temporarily, the summer doldrums. A RED KNOT, not seen in the region for 10 years, was flying along the Ottawa River on the 22nd and it landed at Shirley’s Bay, where it was seen for most of the day. If that were not enough, 2 WHIMBRELS and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were also there, although the WHIMBRELS touched down for less than an hour. This week there was major enhancement of the quantities and variety of SHOREBIRDS, until the rains came. Shirley’s Bay habitat was still ideal as of the 22nd, when there were nearly 200 birds of up to 10 species, over 130 of which were a flock of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. On the 23rd there were nearly 400 birds of 8 species, with nearly 300 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. Other uncommon species there this week included BAIRD’S SANDPIPER on the 23rd and 4 STILT SANDPIPERS on the 24th. For the next several weeks, this spot will merit regular inspection, as the water levels decline (we hope). A weather change on the 22nd brought blustery winds and some rain. It was likely this that brought the SHOREBIRD fallout at Shirley’s Bay on the 22nd. Heavy rain on the 23rd and especially the 25th has eliminated most of the river habitat for a little while. Other areas with SHOREBIRDS included: 1. Crysler has good habitat as of the 25th, but only 35 birds of 4 species, mostly a flock of unidentified PEEPS. 2. Embrun has some good habitat. On the 21st there were about 60 birds of 7 species. On the 25th there were 200 birds of 10 species including WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. 3. Petrie Island (west of the causeway) had good habitat with up to 40 birds of 5 species on the 22nd. Of course the rains have eliminated this habitat. 4. A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was reported at the Giroux Road ponds on the 24th. 5. The Ottawa River shore (in Ontario) has a lot of really good habitat. There were about 50 birds of 7 species at Ottawa Beach on the 25th . Also there was a RUDDY TURNSTONE on the 22nd and 3 on the 25th. A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was there on the 24th. Up to 23 SANDERLINGS have been seen from here to Shirley’s Bay until the 25th. SANDERLINGS have been seen elsewhere, including Constance Bay, Embrun and Barnsdale Road. 6. Parc Brébeuf had 30 birds of 4 species on the 24th. Finally a few SHOREBIRDS in Gatineau! 7. Almonte had 35 birds of 6 species on the 24th. The low water on the Ottawa River had also resulted in good sightings of marsh birds when they make forays to the shallow water/ mud flats near the edge of the marsh. Both Shirley’s bay and Petrie Island have been good for RAILS and COMMON GALLINULE. 2 LEAST BITTERNS were showing well at Petrie Island until the 21st. 2 LEAST BITTERNS were at Baie McLaurin on the 20th. Aside from SHOREBIRDS, there has been little to report. Some noteworthy sightings included: 1. A female NORTHERN PINTAIL was at Shirley’s bay on the 21st-22nd. 2. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Deschê 3. nes on the 21st. 4. Small numbers of CASPIAN TERNS are at Shirley’s Bay almost every day. 5. 1 BLACK TERN at Petrie Island on the 24th. 6. 3 continuing SANDHILL CRANES were on March Road as late as the 23rd. 7. On the 25th, 2 UPLAND SANDPIPERS were in Constance Bay along with 120 BOBOLINKS, a very high number. There are some significant signs of migration. SWALLOWS have started to flock, and SONGBIRDS have started to disperse from their nesting grounds. Now is a good time to start checking the migrant traps. 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. *Reminder regarding access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway:* DND has amended our access procedure. 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. 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
