Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
September 12, 2019 The first real rarity of the fall showed up at Ottawa Beach on the 7th, a sub-adult LONG-TAILED JAEGER. It was there for a few hours, then headed east about 2.30 and was not re-found. This is the first sighting of this species in the region for a number of years. A close second for the week was an adult male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, seen from the 2nd island at Shirley’s Bay on the 12th. Somewhat cooler weather and northerly winds early in the week brought a steady stream of migrant SONGBIRDS, but some days were quiet. A few species have left for the year but most are still around. In the next few weeks, many birds will be seen for the last time this season. WATERBIRD numbers and variety have made only modest changes but SHOREBIRDS remain steady and good. Among the WATERBIRDS, two early ones were a RED-NECKED GREBE at Andrew Haydon Park on the 10th and a BUFFLEHEAD at the Giroux Road Ponds on the 7th . Again this week SHOREBIRDS were the big draw. Andrew Haydon Park (east) continues to be the prime spot. There is in fact good habitat from Andrew Haydon Park west to Britannia pier, but the area around Graham Creek is best, and the birds have become used to well-behaved humans. This week, 17 species of SHOREBIRD have been seen in this area. A LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was a bit farther east near Scrivens on the 12th. The RED-NECKED PHALAROPE(S), here as late as the 11th, were unusual for staying so long in one spot. RUDDY TURNSTONE (10-12th), BAIRD’S and STILT SANDPIPERS were 3 other less-common ones in the area. Barring heavy rain, this area will remain good for some time. As is to be expected, with the extensive habitat and variable weather conditions, the mix of SHOREBIRDS is in a state of constant flux, so the area merits regular checking. Aside from here, 2 other species have been seen, including an AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER on Twin Elm Road on the 8th. Shirley’s Bay, by contrast, has only been OK for SHOREBIRDS, with a scant selection at other spots like Parc Brébeuf. FLYCATCHERS are noticeably departing. There have been a few scattered sightings of the migrants, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Mer Bleue on the 8th) and YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS. A late WILLOW FLYCATCHER was at Britannia on the 6th, and a late EASTERN KINGBIRD was on Greenbelt Trail 10 near Shirley’s Bay on the 11-12th, with 4 on the 11 at Chapman Mills. All 4 regular VIREOS are being seen in multiple locations. A CAROLINA WREN was at Petrie Island on the 7th, continuing since the 31st. There was also one in Britannia as of the 10th. The fall SONGBIRDS are starting to arrive. AMERICAN PIPITS have been seen a number of times this week. BROAD-WINGED HAWK migration is well underway. A CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW was in Britannia on the 7th, and an EASTERN TOWHEE was at the Lime Kiln Trail on the 10th. Finally, concerning the WARBLERS, the first ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS of the fall were at the Deschênes Rapids on the 7th and on Greenbelt Trail 10 near Shirley’s Bay on the 9th. 24 species have been seen in the region this week. 10-15 species have been seen per trip at better places and times. Britannia was particularly good on the 6th with 18 species of WARBLER and on 7th with a remarkable 21! However, some days and places have been a lot quieter; there were only 7 species on the 7th at Petrie Island. *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. 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