Hello Ontbirders:
Yesterday afternoon cross-country skiing along the east side of the Rideau River in downtown Ottawa, I encountered a Northern Shrike about 50 feet up on the top of a bare tree. I was attracted by the sound of bird song which I didn't recognize. I have probably never heard a Northern Shrike singing in the Ottawa area, but this one kept it up for at least ten minutes flying several times to sit high up in neighbouring trees. It then flew up river and I lost it. I returned home and listened to the Northern Shrike song on a tape to confirm the song. Good birding Peter Hall Directions: The bird was on the biking tail (used in winter by cross-country skiiers) on the east side of the Rideau River several kilometers north of Bank Street in a wooded area backed on by open fields on the west side of Riverside Drive. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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