Hi Ontbirders: Several Baird's Sandpipers have been seen in the Andrew Haydon Park area for several days now (seen off and on). Late last week about 6 Sanderling were in the same area for a couple of days (seen off and on). On a particularly windy day last week, I saw 10 Semi-Palmated Plovers grouped together and a flock of 24 shorebirds later in the afternoon the same day (mix of semi-palmated plover and sandpipers, least....). Yesterday I walked up to 5 semi-palmated plovers at the same location. They were not moving so I assumed a raptor may have been spotted just before I got there. The day before while observing some shorebirds, they all took off suddenly. I turned around just in time to see a large hawk flying away (not a Merlin). An Osprey was seen fishing in the Ottawa River just off the same location.
At the Hilda Road feeders I have seen White-Throated Sparrows for the past month or so (upwards of 6). Also seen are Brown Thrasher, Black and White warbler, Redstart, Pewee, Bluejays, Merlin and Coopers Hawk (found it perched right in the middle of the tree the feeders hang on). However, the most famous resident there is not a bird but a very rare Black Chipmunk. From talking to people there, it's likely been seen at the location since very early the year. One person mentioned there may be 2 although I dismissed it initially given how rare it is. Besides, I have never seen 2 at the same time. The black chipmunk seldom comes out to the feedrs but can be found about 10 to 20 yards further down the road on the left side. Place some peanuts there next to the grass in the opening and that will usually bring it out. So, if the feeders are on your right, the black chipmunk is on the left about 15 yards down. Enjoy. Story on the Black Chipmunk can be read on the OttawaCitizen website in the link below: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/black+chipmunk+once+lifetime+find/3431171/story.html W. Hum. Directions: Andrew Haydon Park can be reached by heading west on Carling (look for the entrance signs to the park...there are 2 entrances). Construction in the area so drive slowly. To go to the Hilda Road feeders, go past Andrew Haydon Park on Carling and keep heading west. After Moodie Drive, Carling will narrow to one lane. Turn right on Rifle Road. Head down toward the river and turn right on Lois. Turn left on Hilda to the feeders. _______________________________________________ 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/
