Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca
January 24, 2019 The star of the winter, a GYRFALCON, has been seen regularly off Britannia point eating MALLARDS on the ice, most recently on the 21st. Unfortunately there have also been sightings of people walking onto the ice to approach this bird. We urge anyone contemplating doing this to refrain. This is a very dangerous practice as the ice can be unpredictably thin due to the turbulent water nearby. It is also a violation of the birding code of conduct and will almost certainly cause the bird to flush, meaning that others may miss seeing it. The weather was brutal this week, very cold and snowy except for one day with freezing rain. Sightings have been fewer as the weather has hampered people getting out, and has made it tough for all the birds, let alone the lingering ones. It is surprising that anything is still around! A few of the lingering DUCKS are still here. Somewhat surprising is that the GADWALL showed up at Britannia on the 22nd after a long absence. At Billings Bridge there were 2 WOOD DUCKS, an AMERICAN WIGEON and a HOODED MERGANSER on the 23rd. A LESSER SCAUP was in Carleton Place on the 23rd. The GREAT BLUE HERON was still on Maritime way on the 23rd, despite horrid conditions. A few days earlier it was seen eating a goldfish, so some food is available, slim pickings though it may be. The BELTED KINGFISHER was last seen there on the 19th. The RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER still at the Hilda Road feeders on the 22nd, and one was also at the Reveler Recreational Trails on the 22nd. A NORTHERN FLICKER continues near Chapman Mills as of the 24th. Very few ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS are around. One was west of Masson on the 22nd, and one was on West Hunt Club on the 19th. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK, uncommon as always, was on Magladry Road on the 20th. The ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was still at the Dolman Ridge feeders on the 22nd. A very large flock of 1000 SNOW BUNTINGS was east of Russell on the 17th. A HOARY REDPOLL was at the Hilda road feeders on the 22nd, and another was at Trail Road on the 19th along with a continuing FIELD SPARROW. 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
