Ottawa and area bird sightings to 11 December 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Looking for a Christmas Bird Count in the OFNC Study Area? See Christmas-Bird-Count-Calendar-2025-26-Revised.pdf for a list of local CBCs, dates and contact info.
Tufted Titmouse, Centretown, by Jamie Muise. Titmouse Winter continues in the OFNC Circle, although this co-operative individual is the first to be seen by many birders. It was discovered by the Centretown CBC team of Jamie, Autumn Jordan, and Sarah Dixon, a reminder that great birds are hiding out there unremarked, even in urban settings full of people. This photo seems typical of this individual, who seems to prefer grabbing the biggest nut it can find on each trip to the feeder.
Redpoll, Centretown, by Jamie Muise. Another downtown surprise for the CBC.
Lapland Longspur, Akins Rd, by Sanam Goudarzi. When longspurs are present in a flock of buntings, they are easy to spot, especially in fight – they pop out darker and grayer than the buntings. But up close, they are just as colorful.
Bohemian Waxwing, Britannia, by Gregory Zbitnew. Greg says Bohemian Waxwings aren’t common this year, but this was one of about 20 at Britannia this year. He likes how it appears to be looking on with great anticipation at the next juniper berry it will be eating. There are so many choices, it can’t decide on which one it will be.
Northern Shrike, Vars, by Erin Durant. That tip of a small branch posture is common to shrikes, making them easier to spot at the top of trees and shrubs. A distant softball on the top of a small tree? Look closer every time.
Bald Eagle (adult), Vars, by Erin Durant. Erin notes that the eagles are not usually seen in Vars, but they have been feeding on a large animal carcass, indicating that they have large patrol areas.
Bald eagle, immature, Vars, by Erin Durant. Perhaps a 3rd year bird? The dark feathers on the head will soon be replaced by white ones, while the white on the breast will be replaced by dark as it approaches adult plumage.
Pine Grosbeak, Crystal Beach green space, by Sheila Craig. Sheila says there is so much fruit there that it will take the birds a long time to devour it all.
American Coot (and female Mallard), Stittsville–Hickstead Storm Pond, by Sheila Craig. Open water makes for strange companions. This coot is diving for food on the bottom while the mallards dabble from the surface.
Western Meadowlark, Panmure Rd, by Maureen Mark. Note the ‘faded’ look to the back and low contrast head.
Western Meadowlark, Panmure Rd, by Sheila Craig. That yellow is so bright against the snow, but imagine how the bird blends into summer and fall grasses when it is where it is supposed to be.
Rough-legged Hawk, Shirley’s Bay, by Maureen Mark. A lovely light morph juvenile.
Wood Duck (1) Billings Bridge, Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Northern Pintail (1) Dec 09-11, Stittsville-Hickstead pond, Ottawa. Female. (1) Dec 11, Etang Grimes, Gatineau. (1) Dec 05, Aylmer, Baie Fraser, Gatineau.
American Coot (1) Dec 07-11, Stittsville-Hickstead pond, Ottawa
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Rideau River Western Pathway north of Hurdman Bridge, Ottawa. Check any suitable open river habitat – there are more out there.
Dunlin (1) Dec 06, Ottawa River Pathway A, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Dec 07-08, Stittsville–Hickstead Storm Pond, Ottawa,
Black-backed Woodpecker (1) Dec 01- 08, Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa.
Lapland Longspur (1-4) Technically not rare, but challenging to find some winters, 4 of them are very accommodating near the road after the snow. Lots of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings as well in the Akins, Brownlee, Rushmore area.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Fox Sparrow (1) Dec 06, rue du Plein-Air, Gatineau.
Lincoln’s Sparrow (1) Dec 05-08, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Owl Valley Dr, Ottawa. (1) Dec 10, Fernbank Road, Ottawa.
(1) Dec 06, Seguinbourg Rd, The Nation, Prescott and Russell.
Western Meadowlark (1) Dec 07-11, Panmure Road, Kinburn, Ottawa. Patience may be required. The 17th(?) Western Meadowlark in the OFNC study area, but the first in winter.
Orange-crowned Warbler (1) Dec 04, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 4 December 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A couple of late warblers. Lots of interesting late birds.
Pine Grosbeak, Fifth Line Rd, by Nina Stavlund. Munching away on buckthorn.
Bald Eagle, Rideau River PP, by Scott Haldane. In Sept. 2023, Scott set himself a goal to visit all 104 birding sites listed by the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club . He recently completed his quest at the Rideau River Provincial Park with a bald eagle.
Merlin, Mer Bleue, by Dahlia Ippolito. Merlins have made an impressive comeback in population, partly because of their ability to adapt to different habitats, including towns and cities, and apparently frozen bogs.
Hairy Woodpecker, Mer Bleue, by Dahlia Ippolito. How to safely id this bird with no Downy for size comparison? The relatively longer bill and the clean white tail feathers.
Black-backed Woodpecker, P11, by David Weldon. A trio – 2 males and a female were seen on the trails south of NCC Greenbelt P11. At least one of the males was drumming and David witnessed some aggressive interactions between the males.
Black-backed Woodpecker, P11, by David Weldon. One of those interactions where the males were aggressively flapping or raising their wings at one another.
Western Meadowlark, Panmure Road, by Brian Morin. Is this vagrant doomed? Not necessarily – meadowlarks are tough short-to-medium distance migrants, and may overwinter on the breeding grounds in mild conditions. Why is it here? Possibly a 90% degree migration map error.
Western Meadowlark, Panmure Road, by Brian Morin. Normally it’s challenging to separate Eastern and Western meadowlarks when no one is singing, but there don’t appear to be any Eastern Meadowlarks within hundreds of miles (according to eBird). Actual id traits include a yellow malar and the low contrast head.
Lincoln’s Sparrow, Mud Lake, by Steve Strauss. According to eBird, the only Lincoln Sparrow left in Canada (outside BC). But they are very sneaky, so ….
Tundra Swan (2) Nov 18-29, Petrie Island, Ottawa. Juveniles. Sometimes visible from the small parking just north of the bridge.
Wood Duck (1) Dec 02, Ottawa River Pathway Between Ogilvie Rd And Greens Creek, Ottawa. (2) Dec 02, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Dec 01, Billings Bridge, Ottawa.
Green-winged Teal (1) Nov 30, Dec 02, Rideau Canal–Black Rapids Lock, Ottawa,
Northern Pintail (1) Dec 03, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Dec 01, Rideau Canal Western Pathway, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye Dec 03, Deschenes Rapids Lookout, Ottawa. Rideau River Western Pathway north of Hurdman Bridge, Ottawa. Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa. Rideau Canal–Black Rapids Lock, Ottawa. Check any suitable open river habitat.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Dec 03, Last Mile Rd, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (3) Dec 01- 03, Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa. 2 males, 1 female. (1) Dec 04, Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1) Dec 02, Rockcliffe parkway between Ogilvie and green’s creek, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Dec 01, Rue de la Lobo, Gatineau.
Swainson’s Thrush (1) Dec 02, Remic Rapids Lookout, Ottawa,
Hermit Thrush (1) Dec 03, Britannia CA–Britannia Ridge, Ottawa. (1) Nov 30, Bel Air fields, Ottawa. (1) Nov 29, Rainbow cres, Ottawa.
Fox Sparrow (1) Dec 01, Forêt Boucher, Gatineau. (1) Dec 01, Parc Champlain, Gatineau. (1) Nov 30, Rue de Saint-Malo, Gatineau. (1) Nov 30, Lincoln Heights Rd, Ottawa,.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Dec 02, Rue Ratier, Gatineau. (2) Dec 04, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. Hanging out at the manure pile, where eventually something really rare is going to show up.
Red-winged Blackbird (1) Dec 02, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. (3) Dec 01, Fernbank Road, Ottawa. (1) Dec 04, Burnt Lands Rd, Ottawa.
Tennessee Warbler (1) Nov 30, Britannia, Ottawa.
Bay-breasted Warbler (1) Nov 30, Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa.
Looking for a Christmas Bird count near you? Find one at: Christmas Bird Count – Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 27 November 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Looks like a great Christmas Bird count season if all the winter finches stick around. How to find them? Look for trees and shrubs holding lots of fruit for grosbeaks, or birches and weedy fields for redpolls. What about more exotic fare? Some birding gurus point to the impending dropping temps around James Bay to push migrants and vagrants along the Ottawa River. Could be a good time for river watching. But when isn’t?
Leucistic Canada Goose, Mud lake, by Scott Haldane. Leucism affects feathers that grow out while the bird is stressed. It can be sparse like this case, or cover the entire bird. Light Leucism like this is unlikely to affect the bird much. But white feathers are weaker than dark ones, and large patches on the wings reduce the chances of survival.
Greater White-fronted Goose, Embrum, by Jon Ruddy. Where’s the white front? Absent on juveniles like this one.
Black-backed Woodpecker, Mer Bleue, by Steve Strauss. This is such a great example photo for the species. Typical woodpecker posture, braced off the branch by the stiff tail, three toes so unusual for birds, and that crazy tongue–so long it wraps around the brain at rest, and capable of penetrating deep into the tunnels left by wood-eating insects.
Tufted Titmouse, Carp, by David O’Neill. David had the thrilling experience of a pair of titmice at his feeder for a couple of hours, caching peanuts as if they planned to stick around. There have been several titmice reported in the region in the last month, but none has lingered.
Evening Grosbeak, Old Quarry, by Sanam Goudarzi. The winter finch invasion continues.
Pine Grosbeak, Carp, by David O’Neill. Many small flocks of both winter grosbeaks are scattered all over the region, wherever there is fruit left on trees. Don’t wait for January to seek them out – when the food is gone, so are they.
Ross’s Goose (1) Nov 25, Embrun Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.
Snow x Ross’s Goose (hybrid) (2) Nov 24-25, Embrun Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.
Greater White-fronted Goose (1) Nov 22, 25, Embrun Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell. (1) Nov 25, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (2) Nov 18-27, Petrie Island, Ottawa. Juveniles. Sometimes visible from the small parking just north of the bridge.
Wood Duck (1) Nov 24,Russell Lagoons, Prescott and Russel.
Northern Shoveler (2) Nov 25, Birchgove Rd, Sarsfield, Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Nov 05-23, Billings Bridge/Clifford Allen Island, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (2) Rideau River Western Pathway north of Hurdman Bridge, Ottawa. (1) Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Dow’s lake. ( (1) Nov 20, Champlain Park Woods, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Nov 24, Old Highway 17, Prescott and Russell. (1) Nov 22, Embrun Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Nov 27, Pinhey Sand Dunes, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1) Nov 25, Old Union Hall Road, Lanark. Probably just outside the OFNC circle, but further evidence of a big movement of Black-backs. (1) Nov 23, Stony Swamp (Sarsaparilla Trail), Ottawa. (1-2) Nov 19-22, Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1) Nov 21, Poulin Ave, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (2) Nov 21-22, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Swainson’s Thrush (1) Nov 26, Mississippi Riverwalk Trail, Lanark.
Hermit Thrush (1) Nov 23, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Fox Sparrow (1) Nov 21-23, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa. (1) Nov 22, Central Experimental Farm Arboretum, Ottawa. (2) Nov 22, Hawthorne Road, Ottawa. (1) Nov 21, Parc Queen, Gatineau. (1) Nov 21, Dewberry Trail, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Nov 16-22, Almonte–OVRT Almonte to Smart St., Lanark.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Nov 25, Owl Valley Dr, Ottawa. (1) Nov 24, Fernbank Road, Ottawa.
Eastern Towhee (1) Nov 25, Keyworth Avenue, Ottawa. (1) Nov 25, Patricia Ave, Ottawa.
Rusty Blackbird (1) Nov 23, Prescott-Russel Trail Link, Ottawa,
Orange-crowned Warbler (1) Nov 27, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 November 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Another, smaller Red-throated Loon flight of 13 at Shirley’s bay on Nov 20.
Barrow’s Goldeneye, Clifford Allen Island (just upriver from Billings Bridge), by Aaron Hywarren. The facial crescent looks very different from head on, but the white spots on a black black also id this bird. Common Goldeneye drakes have white backs with black lines, almost the inverse.
Harlequin Duck, Clifford Allen Island, by Aaron Hywarren. As is fairly common with first year birds, this drake was first reported as female-type. Why the ‘type’? Young males of many species are indistinguishable from females in the field before their breeding plumage starts to come in. Aaron notes that: The “spurs” are now obvious, the facial markings are coming in, and the “ear arcs” are starting to come in.
Black-backed Woodpeckers, Mer Bleue, by Igor Kabic. The male follows the female, his yellow cap barely visible.
Black-backed Woodpecker, Mer Bleue, by Igor Kabic. Igor caught the three-toed foot, a design this species shares with the American Three-toed Woodpecker.
Varied Thrush, Almonte, by Aaron Hywarren. Interesting that this bird is directly south of last winter’s bird. Same individual? Trick of geography?
Carolina Wren, Stonehedge Park, by Ian McConnachie. Our only non-migrating wren. Although a Winter Wren or two will over-winter every year, Carolinas don’t migrate at all.
American Goldfinch, Shirley’s Bay, by Janet McCullough. Eating Amur Maple seeds. Considered invasive in the Great lakes region, this ornamental is at least nourishing the finches.
Snow Geese, Embrum, by Janet McCullough. Snow Geese stage spring and fall in the agricultural lands south-east of the OFNC circle.
Ross’s Goose (4) Nov 15, Rte 200, Russell, Prescott and Russell.
Mute Swan (1) Nov 15, 19, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (2) Nov 18-19, Petrie Island (Causeway), Ottawa. Juveniles.
Harlequin Duck (1) Nov 05-20, Billings Bridge/Clifford Allen Island, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (2) Rideau River Western Pathway north of Hurdman Bridge, Ottawa. (2) Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (2) Dow’s lake. (2) Andrew Haydon Park.
Wilson’s Snipe (1) Nov 11-15, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Nov 15, Kars, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1-2) Nov 20, Pinhey Forest, Ottawa (presumably continuing). (2) Nov 19-20, Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa. Male & female hanging out together. (1) Nov 18, Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa. Possible in any spruce/pine forest in the region.
Blue-headed Vireo (1) Nov 14, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Nov 16-19, Almonte–OVRT Almonte to Smart St., Lanark.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (1) Nov 14, 18-19, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Nov 19, Brantwood Park, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 13 November 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
An exciting high count of 125 Red-throated Loons migrating along the river on Nov 11. Lots of late birds and winter finches. And two separate Tufted Titmice. What else is out there?
Northern Pintail (male), Andrew Haydon Park, by Steve Strauss. The males of the species–such as this one–are unmistakable. Blue, green, white, black and several shades of brown? This is a fancy bird. Mostly a migrant in our region, we can see individuals or small flocks any month of the year. But on the right week in the spring, the flooded farm fields of Eastern Ontario can host flocks of hundreds or even thousands.
Eastern Towhee (male), Brackenridge, by Ann Lambert. Another local breeder, but with a more demanding and limited habitat choice. One of the best places to hear and see them loudly and aggressively defend their territories is Burnt Lands Provincial Park in spring and summer. This is another tough bird that mostly migrates south, but can be seen any month of the year in Ottawa.
Baltimore Oriole (male), Bells Corners, by Juanita Sauve. Despite a well-deserved reputation for enjoying dark fruit, these members of the blackbird family eat mainly insects during their summers in Canada. Local breeders, look for their woven nests, usually hanging near water. Unlike the previous two species, Orioles are rare outside May-Sept.
Ross’s Goose (1) Oct 28-Nov 08, Bruce Pit, Ottawa. (1) Nov 08, Embrun Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.
Greater White-fronted Goose (1) Nov 13, Ottawa River Pathway (view of Britannia Bay), Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (2) Nov 11, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Nov 05-013, Billings Bridge/Clifford Allen Island, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Nov 12, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. (1) Nov 11, Dow’s Lake, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Nov 10, Porcupine Tr, Ottawa. (1) Nov 08, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Nov 09, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Wilson’s Snipe (1) Nov 11, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. (1) Nov 10, Moodie Drive, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Nov 11, Elmvale Acres, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1) Nov 10, Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa.
Tufted Titmouse (1) Nov 13, North Gower. (1) Nov 10, Gilmour Street, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Nov 06-13, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa. (1) Nov 08, Derreen Ave, Ottawa. (1) Nov 08, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Nov 08, Parc Guillot & Marais Lamoureux, Gatineau.
Eastern Towhee (1) Nov 12, Woodlawn, Ottawa.
Baltimore Oriole (1) Nov 13, Oberon Street, Bell’s Corners, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 November 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
More scattered reports of winter finches. Lots of great waterfowl around.
Northern Shrike, Bruce Pit, by Margaret Kenny. Loggerhead Shrikes breed in small numbers in Ontario. But in the fall they migrate south, and their northern neighbour, the Northern Shrike sub-lets their territories for the fall and winter.
Harlequin Duck, Billing’s Bridge, by Margaret Kenny. Harlequins are neither supposed to breed nor winter around here, but one spent the summer in the rapids near Chelsea and now this one feeding in the rapids just upriver from Billings Bridge. When not diving, look for it hiding along the shore. In both rivers and on the coast, Harlequins take the roughest niches. Consequently, most adults live with multiple healed fractures (allaboutbirds.org).
Red-throated Loon, Brewer Park, by Igor Rogi. Some years, we see only a handful of this small loon. Other years weather creates fallout conditions such as on Tuesday Nov 11 when hundreds were seen migrating through. But instead of just flying through, this bird stopped to rest or refuel, giving unusually great views.
Northern Mockingbird, Nepean, Trailcam. How kind of Derek’s trail cam to record this mocker sneak into Derek’s backyard birdbath while he was in the front doing yardwork. Can Derek eBird this sighting? No, eBird protocol requires a human observer.
Pine Grosbeak, Pine Grove, by Derek Dunnett. The winter finches have landed. Several flocks of Pine Grosbeaks have been reported this week. Some evening Grosbeaks, redpolls, and Bohemian Waxwings as well. For the grosbeaks and waxwings, look for trees still bearing fruit or berries like these Canada Holly. The extensive russet color IDs this as a first-year male.
Ross’s Goose (1) Oct 28-Nov 06, Bruce Pit, Ottawa. Intermittent.
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid) (2) Oct 29, Russell Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.
Trumpeter Swan (4) Nov 06, Torwood Armitage, Ottawa.
Blue-winged Teal (1) Nov 01, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Nov 05-06, Billings Bridge/Clifford Allen Island, Ottawa
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1-3) Nov 03-06, Dow’s Lake, Ottawa. (1) Nov 01-03, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa
Pied-billed Grebe (1) Nov 05, Avalon (stormwater pond), Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Nov 01, NCC Trail 24, Ottawa.
Wilson’s Snipe (1) Nov 04, Champlain Street Marsh, Ottawa. (1) Nov 03, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.
Least Sandpiper (1) Nov 01, RN du Marais-Trépanier, Gatineau.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1) Nov 02, Parc de la Gatineau–Vallée Meech, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Nov 01, Pine Grove Forestry Trail, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Nov 06, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Oct 30, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Northern Mockingbird (1) Oct 29, Nov 02, Bloomsbury Cr, Ottawa.
American Redstart (1) Nov 04, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1) Nov 06, Trails North Of Stony Swamp, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 16 October 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Snow Goose season starts with a flock of 1500 in Embrum on Tuesday. Many more to come. Keep an eye (or ear) open for Pine Siskins and both Grosbeaks. Fox Sparrows in every hedge and trail edge this week.
Fox Sparrow, Sarsaparilla Trail, by Sanam Goudarzi. Fox sparrows are easily ID’ed thanks to all the red, the huge size, and those chevon marks on the breat and flanks. How big are they? Longer and heavier than a Hermit Thrush.
Fox Sparrow, Beaver Trail, by Steve Strauss. Fox sparrows have many subspecies and even subspecies groups. We only see the red subspecies group.
Blue Jay, Carp, by David O’Neill. A stunning example of avian keratin disorder (AKD), and also just how good corvids are at surviving despite challenges. David was advised by the wild Bird Care Centre that if the bird appears healthy, the best thing is to leave it be. AKD was first reported in Alaska in the 90’s and has since spread widely.
Sandhill Cranes, Pleasant Valley, by Steve Strauss.
Sandhill Crane, Pleasant Valley, by Steve Strauss. Sandhills are big birds, and their energic dances can be seen from a great distance. They dance during mating season, but also outside it, presumably as part of bonding.
White-winged Crossbill, North of Casslman, by Erik Pohanka. Unlike in most songbirds, juveniles like this can appear any time of year. Instead of the seasons, these nomads start breeding when they find the right sources of food.
Ross’s Goose (1) Oct 28-30, Bruce Pit, Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (4) Oct 26, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa. (6) Oct 25, Torwood Armitage, Ottawa. (6) Oct 23, Parc de la Gatineau–Lac Carman, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Blue-winged Teal (2) Oct 24-25, Andrew Haydon Park-Dick Bell Park, Ottawa.
Common Gallinule (1) Oct 26, RN du Marais-Trépanier, Gatineau.
Red-throated Loon (1) Oct 21, Baie Simard, Gatineau.
Spotted Sandpiper (1) Oct 22, Jay Street Lookout, Ottawa.
Osprey (1) Oct 25, Mississippi River, Ontario, Lanark.
Golden Eagle (1) Oct 25, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa. (1) Oct 29, Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1) Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy), Ottawa. (1) Oct 25, La cour de Guy, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. Presumably more in the region.
White-eyed Vireo (1) Oct 24-25, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. (1) Oct 25, Shirley’s bay, Ottawa. Three in a year is unprecedented in Ottawa.
Blue-headed Vireo (1) Oct 25, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. (2) Oct 23, Frank Ryan & Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa. (1) Oct 23, Pioneer Plains Park, Ottawa.
(1) Oct 23, Maple Grove Trails, Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Oct 28, Sampson Private, Ottawa.
Harris’s Sparrow (1) Oct 26, undisclosed private location, Ottawa.
Bobolink (1) Oct 29, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Tennessee Warbler (1) Oct 25, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Oct 23, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Nashville Warbler (1) Oc24, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Pine Warbler (1) Oct 21, Piste cyc. Sentier des Voyageurs–Pont Champlain<->Parc des Rapides-Deschênes, Gatineau.
Black-throated Green Warbler (1) Oct 25, Frank Ryan & Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa. Continuing female.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 16 October 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Green Heron (juvenile), Britannia CA, by Tony Beck.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Ottawa Greenbelt, Steve Strauss.
Wood Duck, Mud Lake, by Nina Stavlund. After their summer subtlety, ducks are transforming into their brilliant breeding colors now. The eggs won’t be laid until next spring, but much of the courting takes place over the winter.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Andrew Haydon Park, by Tony Beck.
Northern Waterthrush, Jock River, by Steve Strauss. Taken a couple of weeks ago.
Rusty Blackbird, Bruce Pit, by Catherine Lawersence. A better than average view of this skulky species. Want to practice your blackbird id? Head to Bruce Pit in the fall. Sometimes thousands of birds fly in at the end of the day. And who knows, someday there might be a Yellow-headed Blackbird, probably in some really challenging plumage.
White-crowned Sparrow (juvenile), by Vicky Deschamps. Where’s the white? This is a young bird, born this summer, on its first migration south. We see this plumage where the stripes are red-brown instead of white only for a month each fall.
White-crowned Sparrow(adult), March Valley Rd, by Nina Stavlund. This crisp plumage is far more common and recognizable, and we see it twice a year during both migrations.
Hermit Thrush, Ottawa, by Richie Allen. This is a forest bird – what is it doing in an urban yard? Proving the value of a water feature to migrating birds and non-migrating naturalists. Many species that won’t come to a feeder will stop for water, especially moving water.
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid) (1) Oct 12, Russell — Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Oct 14, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Oct 13, Club de ski Nakkertok Nordic-Nordique, Gatineau.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Oct 11, Bate Island, Ottawa.
Spotted Sandpiper (1) Oct 14-15, Remic Rapids Lookout, Ottawa. (1) Oct 14, Bate Island, Ottawa.
Solitary Sandpiper (1) Oct 10-14, Richmond – town SW, Ottawa.
Green Heron (1) Oct 10-11, Findlay Creek stormwater finishing ponds, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Oct 15, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (2) Sep 22-at least Oct 16, Pinhey forest south of Slack Road, Ottawa. (1) Oct 12-13, Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy), Ottawa. (1) Oct 11, Birchgove Rd, Sarsfield, Ottawa. (1) Oct 12, Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa. Basically everywhere. One is watching you now.
Red-eyed Vireo (1) Oct 11, Stanley Park, Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Oct 15, Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau. (1) Oct 14, Rockcliffe Airport, Ottawa. (2) Oct 14, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Brown Thrasher (1) Oct 16, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Northern Mockingbird (1) Oct 11, Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy), Ottawa.
Veery (1) Oct 11, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.
Gray-cheeked Thrush (1) Oct 13, Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.
Swainson’s Thrush (2) Oct 16, Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy), Ottawa.
Evening Grosbeak (2) Oct 13, Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy), Ottawa.
Nelson’s Sparrow (1) Oct 13-14, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark. (3) Oct 11, Constance Creek Mouth, Ottawa.
Snow Bunting (1) Oct 14, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
Tennessee Warbler (1) Oct 12-15, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Oct 12, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa. (1) Oct 11, Stanley Park, Ottawa. (1) Oct 11, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Nashville Warbler (1) Oct 15, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Common Yellowthroat (1) Oct 13, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. (1) Oct 12, Aéroport exécutif Gatineau-Ottawa, Gatineau. (1) Oct 11, Bassin de rétention du Plateau, Gatineau.
Black-throated Green Warbler (1) Oct 15, Frank Ryan & Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa.
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1) Oct 11, Parc de la Gatineau–Lac Meech, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 2 October 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Weird waterfowl season starts off with some interesting hybrids. Nelson Sparrows are back at the usual fall stopover. Many reports of Brant along the river this week. The Black-backed Woodpecker happening continues with continuing and new birds, as part of a broader moverment in the province (and beyond?) .
Black-backed Woodpecker, Pinhey Sand Dunes woods, by Sanam Goudarzi. A pair has been hanging around this under-birded greenspace. This photo clearly shows the namesake black back.
Nashville Warbler, Fletcher, by Gillian Wright. Goldenrod fields, especially at this location, are a great place to find late season warblers such as Nashville and Orange-crowned Warblers.
Peregrine Falcon, Britannia CA, by Rick Collins. The prey is an unfortunate Blue Jay.
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright.
Black-bellied Plover, Ottawa Beach, by Catherine Lawrence.
Horned Lark, Ottawa Beach, by Catherine Lawrence. We associate larks and pipits with the plowed field east and south of Ottawa, but in fall migration, either can be found on the south side of rivers and lakes.
Dunlin, Ottawa Beach, by Catherine Lawrence.
Blue-headed Vireo, Vars, by Erin Durant. A bird with the courage to mix yellow, green and blue, and look good wearing it.
Black-throated Blue Warbler (female), Sheila McKee, by Sanam Goudarzi. How to id a BTBW female traveling solo? Especially if you cannot see the tell-tail white spot at the base of the primaries (the handkerchief)? Gray on off-white or yellow is a start. What about the subtle facial markings? The very thin line over the eye and the eye arc only at the bottom of the eye.
Black-throated Blue Warbler (female), Mud Lake, by Gillian Wright. A much easier id with the diagnostic handkerchief. But the facial markings are just as clear. A good lesson on not relying on a single field mark.
Bald eagle, Vars, by Erin Durant.
Killdeer, Andrew Haydon Park, by Erin Durant. The tail flash is a territorial display. This is my section of the beach. Back off.
Tennessee Warbler, Britannia CA, by Rick Collins.
Snow x Ross’s Goose (hybrid) (1) Sep 27, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
Graylag x Canada Goose (hybrid) (1) Sep 28, Allbirch Rd, Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Sep 27, Club de ski Nakkertok Nordic-Nordique, Gatineau.
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) (1) Sep 28, Allbirch Rd, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Oct 01, Remic Rapids and Champlain Bridge area, Ottawa.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1) Sep 30, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Sep 28, Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau.
Baird’s Sandpiper (1) Sep 23, Andrew Haydon Park east (formerly Ottawa Beach), Ottawa. (1) Sep 24, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1) Oct 02, Birchgove Rd, Sarsfield, Ottawa. (1) Sep 22-Oct 02, Phiney forest south of Slack Road, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1) Sep 28, James St, Ottawa.
Great Crested Flycatcher (1) Sep 28, Jack Pine Trail, Ottawa. (1) Sep 26, Petrie Island, Ottawa.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) Sep 28, Frank Ryan & Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa.
Pine Grosbeak (1) Oct 01, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Fox Sparrow (3) Oct 01, Ramsayville Road, Ottawa. (2) Sep 30, Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa. (1) Sep 27-29, Brantwood Park, Ottawa.
Nelson’s Sparrow (2-4) Sep 28-Oct 02, Mouth of Constance Creek, Ottawa. “To access this site, please park at the public access at Baillie and Sand Bay streets. Walk down the beach to the river mouth and please keep to the single deer track to avoid trampling the habitat.”
Eastern Towhee (1) Sep 30, Burnt Lands Provincial Park, Ottawa. (1) Oct 02, Heaphy Road, Ottawa.
Black-and-white Warbler (1) Sep 28, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Bay-breasted Warbler (1) Sep 25, Baie Simard, Gatineau.
Blackburnian Warbler (1) Sep 30, Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa.
Yellow-throated Warbler (1) Sep 25-26, Pont Champlain, Gatineau (Aylmer), Gatineau.
Ottawa and area bird sightings for the first week of September 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
With the final year of data collection for Atlas-3 coming to an end, it’s your last chance to enter any eBird checklists completed during the Atlas-3 period (2021 – 2025). If you’re an eBirder and would like your observations to have a meaningful impact on bird conservation in Ontario, here’s a challenge for you: import any eBird checklist (from observations during Atlas-3: 2021 to 2025) into the Atlas during the month of September for a chance to win a pair of Vortex binoculars. Each checklist you import is an entry into the draw! For details on how to import an eBird checklist into the Atlas, visit: https://www.birdsontario.org/ebird/
American pipit, Ottawa River, just east of the Champlain Bridge, by Catherine Lawrence. Easily confused with Robins, for those who don’t bird every bird, Pipits have thier own subtle beauty. We only see them in the spring and fall on migration, usually along shorelines and in plowed fields.
Virginia Rail, Berry Side Rd., by Steve Strauss. Steve captured this awesome shot in the rain, a great reminder that rain is no reason to stay home. Rain can bring canopy birds lower making them easier to see, or make birds less likely to hear you, or even cause rarer migrants to come to ground for the duration of the rain.
Solitary Sandpiper, Richard Kohl, Pine Grove. The Solitary Sandpiper is only really confused with the Spotted, as they use the same habitat and both bob up and down. that said, the Solitary bobs from the head and the Spotted bobs from the tail. The eye ring is a Solitary Feature as well. The Spotted has an eye stripe instead. Spots are less helpful as the Spotted loses its spots in some plumages.
Franklin’s Gull, Ottawa, by Aaron Hywarren. This long-staying hooded gull is easily id’ed by the thick eye arcs, and its tendency to show up the day after Derek leaves for his vacation, and disappear the day before he returns.
American Bittern, Ottawa, by Steve Strauss. This shot captures how well the bird’s plumage works as camouflage in the vertical shadows of a wetland.
Pied Billed Grebe, by Gillian Wright. Glad to see this juvenile survives.
Pied Billed Grebe (juvenile), by Gillian Wright.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Fletcher, by Christopher Clunas. Another bird that we only see on migration. Lots of flycatchers and warblers show some yellow in the fall. They can also sound a lot alike, but the Yellow-bellied has at least one distinctive call to alert you to its presence: a short clear rising whistle of “tu-wee!”
Philadelphia Vireo, by Aaron Hywarren.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 21 August 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
The five-year Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is wrapping up, but there is still time to submit your observations – from as far back as 2021 – to the Atlas. Please consider converting your eBird reports or those outings to capture bird photographs into a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts. Almost every bird you encounter can be easily added to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, a once in a generation province-wide community-science effort.
Data submission deadline is 31 August. For more information on how to be a part of the community of more than 270 local observers who have contributed their observations to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, please visit www.birdsontario.org or contact the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Pileated Woodpecker, Blackburn Hamlet, by Hans Lankamp. Hans shares that the feeder he modified for suet draws this family, as well as Downy and hairy Woodpeckers.
Stilt Sandpiper, Carleton Place stormwater pond, by Sanam Goudarzi. This species is usually much harder to see around here. This long-staying pair is really generous with their time.
Redhead (male in eclipse), Carleton Place stormwater pond, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (immature male), Beaver trail, by Steve Strauss.
Least Sandpiper, Andrew Haydon, Igor Rogi. Note the yellow legs, which can appear dark in the glare of a sunny shoreline. They are distinctive on the small peeps when visible.
Pied-billed Grebe, Ottawa, by Gillian Wright. Gillian was pleased to discover that all six chicks are still around and growing rapidly (compare to last week’s photos).
Least Bittern (adult male), Renfrew County, by Steve Strauss.
Least Bittern (juvenile), Renfrew County, by Steve Strauss. 100% muppet. #youcanatlasthat
Please consider converting your eBird reports or those outings to capture bird photographs – from as far back as 2021 – into a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts through the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. #youcanatlasthat anywhere in Ontario via the NatureCounts app, the Atlas website, or by taking 90 seconds to import an eBird checklist.
Trumpeter Swan (6) Aug 21, Beavertail Rd (South End), Stittsville, Ottawa. (1) Aug 15, Ottawa River P27, Ottawa.
Lesser Scaup (1) Aug 15, Britannia Park (pier), Ottawa.
Common Nighthawk – migrating through the region this week.
Redhead (1) Aug 09-21, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark. Eclipse male, a rarely seen plumage here.Baird’s Sandpiper (1) Aug 21, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. (2) Aug 11-14, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa. (1) Aug 05-15, Carleton Place storm pond-Hwy 7, Lanark.
Red-necked Phalarope (2) Aug 20, Petrie Island (Causeway), Ottawa. (1) Aug 15, St. Albert Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1) Aug 20, Dick Bell Park, Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
Least Bittern Petrie Island (Causeway), Ottawa. Continuing family. (1) Aug 18-19, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1-2) Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.
Philadelphia Vireo (2) Aug 15-16, Dolman Ridge Road, Ottawa.
Black-billed Magpie (1) late report of an Aug 04 observation, with photo, Watt’s Creek pathway, Ottawa.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) Aug 15, Stittsville – Poole Creek, Ottawa,
Pine Siskin (1) Aug 20, Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 7 August 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Pied-billed Grebe, Ottawa, by Gillian Wright. Gillian watched this family over a couple of weeks (from an appropriate distance). She watched them lay about 10 eggs, chicks hatch, a mink take a couple of chicks, and finally the adults give up on the nest with the six surviving chicks. The adults built 2 more nests but did not lay any more eggs. This is the original nest. The adult male arrived at the nest with 4 chicks on its back, but they fell off as it waddled up. Note how far back the legs are situated on this bird, leading to the species’ awkwardness on land. #YouCanAtlasThat
Pied-billed Grebe, Ottawa, by Gillian Wright. Adult male with 6 chicks on his back (5 showing). Unlike most ducks where the female does all the work, grebes raise chicks as a team.
The female (left) caught a crayfish, and brought it to the larger male (right) who was carrying the chicks on his back. The male held the crayfish for her, and she tore small pieces off and fed them to the young.
Trumpeter Swan (adult) and Redhead (adult male in eclipse), Carleton Place storm pond, by Maureen Mark. Nicely illustrates the stunning difference in size between ducks and swans.
Red-necked Phalarope (with Mallard for scale), Nepean Creek, by Tom Devecseri. Now imagine the phalarope in front of the swan…
Stilt Sandpipers, Carleton Place storm pond, by Maureen Mark. The almost completely submerged head is typical of this species. Spend time watching shorebirds and the way they separate themselves into niches (of water depth) to exploit their variety of bill and leg shapes and lengths. It eventually becomes possible to id many distant birds by behavior.
Stilt Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, and a photobomb by a sneaky Virginia Rail, Carleton Place storm pond, by Janet McCullough.
Least Bittern (adult male), Petrie Island, by Gregory Zbitnew. This species is normally hard to see, but with 4 hungry young, the hard-working parents are more observable than before the chicks hatched.
Greater Yellowlegs, Carleton Place storm pond, by Maureen Mark. Maureen reports that this Greater Yellowlegs was persistent. It kept dropping the frog and picking it back up until it finally got a good grip and swallowed it.
Red-necked Phalarope, Nepean Creek, by Tom Devecseri. This species has a charming habit of spinning in place as it feeds.
Baird’s Sandpiper, Carleton Place storm pond, by Janet McCullough. The easiest way to distinguish a Baird’s from the more common semipalmated sandpiper is to notice how the folded wingtips extend well beyond the white tail feathers.
Please consider converting your eBird reports or those outings to capture incredible bird photographs into valuable Atlas data. #youcanatlasthat anywhere in Ontario via the NatureCounts app, the Atlas website, or by taking 90 seconds to import an eBird checklist
Redhead (1) Aug 07, Carleton Place storm pond-Hwy 7, Lanark. Eclipse adult male, not a plumage most local observers get to see.
Red-necked Phalarope (1) Aug 04-05, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Baird’s Sandpiper (1) Aug 05-07, Carleton Place storm pond-Hwy 7, Lanark.
White-rumped Sandpiper (1) Aug 04, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Stilt Sandpiper (2) Aug 04-07, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1) Aug 04, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
Least Bittern (2-6) Ottawa–Petrie Island (Causeway), Ottawa. Continuing family. (1) Aug 04, Prescott Russell Trail, Ottawa (near Mer-Bleue Rd). (1)Aug 03, Rideau River – Black Rapids – Long Island lock, Ottawa. (1) Aug 03, Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa. (1) Aug 03, Stittsville–Trans Canada Trail, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1) Aug 05, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa. (1) Aug 05, Ottawa River P27 (Green’s Creek), Ottawa. (1) Aug 02, Champlain Street Marsh, Ottawa.
Philadelphia Vireo (1) Aug 04, Lett St, Ottawa CA-ON, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: Though this is the final summer to participate in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, there is still plenty of breeding bird evidence to be found, and many opportunities to enhance the breeding evidence of common species across Eastern Ontario. That bird you only see or hear can still be atlassed as a possible breeding bird, but if you see it carrying food or tending young, that will confirm the presence of a breeding bird. Every bird counts!
Please consider converting your eBird reports or those outings to capture incredible bird photographs into valuable Atlas data. As the summer progresses, it doesn’t matter if you are walking the dog at home, visiting your friend’s cottage, or enjoying a break in a favourite Provincial Park: almost every bird you encounter can be easily added to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, a once in a generation province-wide community-science effort.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 31 July 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Though this is the final summer to participate in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, there is still plenty of breeding bird evidence to be found, and many opportunities to enhance the breeding evidence of common species across Eastern Ontario. That bird you only see or hear can still be atlassed as a possible breeding bird, but if you see it carrying food or tending young, that will confirm the presence of a breeding bird. Every bird counts!
Please consider converting your eBird reports or those outings to capture incredible bird photographs into valuable Atlas data. As the summer progresses, it doesn’t matter if you are walking the dog at home, visiting your friend’s cottage, or enjoying a break in a favourite Provincial Park: almost every bird you encounter can be easily added to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, a once in a generation province-wide community-science effort.
For more information on how to be a part of the community of more than 270 local observers who have contributed their observations to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, please visit www.birdsontario.org or contact the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Least Bittern (adult female), Petrie Island causeway, by Jon Ruddy. This family of six micro herons has set up shop near the causeway, and the parents at least are easy to see. Right now the chicks are straw-coloured muppets and watching them climb from reed to reed is amazing.
Cooper’s Hawk (immature), Ryan Farm area, by Garnet Smith. Want to attract birds to your yard without the mess of feeders? A water feature, with or without moving water, will attract many species that will never come to a feeder, especially on migration. We’ve been hearing from folks with bird baths that a wide mix of warblers are dropping by this week as they move south.
Stilt Sandpiper, Carleton Place, by Steve Strauss. Looks like a small yellowlegs (and is part of the same family), but note the faint cap, slightly drooping bill, and rusty cheek patch. A great bird, but easily overlooked in a flock of Lesser Yellowlegs.
Least Bittern (fledglings), Petrie Island causeway, by Janet McCullough. Today’s super zoom cameras offer the chance to see shy species like this without disturbance, and therefore watch their natural behaviour.
Song Sparrow (juvenile), Lime Kiln, by Derek Dunnett. The yellow gape at the base of the bill, and the very uncautious behavior of this bird mark it as immature. #YouCanAtlasThat
#youcanatlasthat anywhere in Ontario via the NatureCounts app, the Atlas website, or by taking 90 seconds to import an eBird checklist.
Trumpeter Swan (2) Jul 28, Kinburn old rail trail, Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Jul 29, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. Continuing.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1) Jul 28, Ottawa River P27 (Green’s Creek), Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Philadelphia Vireo (1) Jul 25-31, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa. (2) Jul 26, Extrémité Ch. de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Sedge Wren (1-3) Jul 26, Torbolton Ridge Road, Ottawa.
Tennessee Warbler (1) Jul 31, Britannia CA – Mud Lake, Ottawa. (1) Jul 28, Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa. (1) Jul 28, Devine Rd, Ottawa.
Cape May Warbler (1) Jul 27, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa.
Northern Parula – Everywhere.
Bay-breasted Warbler (2) Jul 26, Champlain Street Marsh, Ottawa.
Lincoln’s Sparrow (1) Jul 31, Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa. Locally rare in July, it breeds annually in the bog.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 24 July 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Though this is the final summer to participate in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, there is still plenty of breeding bird evidence to be found, and many opportunities to enhance the breeding evidence of common species across Eastern Ontario. That bird you only see or hear can still be atlassed as a possible breeding bird, but if you see it carrying food or tending young, that will confirm the presence of a breeding bird. Every bird counts!
Please consider converting your eBird reports or those outings to capture incredible bird photographs into valuable Atlas data. As the summer progresses, it doesn’t matter if you are walking the dog at home, visiting your friend’s cottage, or enjoying a break in a favourite Provincial Park: almost every bird you encounter can be easily added to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, a once in a generation province-wide community-science effort.
For more information on how to be a part of the community of more than 270 local observers who have contributed their observations to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, please visit www.birdsontario.org or contact the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Blackburnian Warbler, Larose Forest, by Erin Durant.
Nashville Warbler, Larose Forest, by Erin Durant.
Common Loon, Clyde River, by Janet McCullough. #YouCanAtlasThat
Broad-winged Hawk, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright.
Gadwalls, Diamond Jubilee, by Gillian Wright. #YouCanAtlasThat
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blakeney Rapids, by Nui Esser. A young male starting to show some adult throat color. #YouCanAtlasThat
Red-winged Blackbird (adult female), Mississippi River, by Larry Penn. Carrying food!? #YouCanAtlasThat
Belted Kingfisher, Mississippi River, by Larry Penn.
Tennessee Warbler, Larose Forest, by Erin Durant. A rare July record for this species that mostly breeds north of us.
Rock Pigeon, Ottawa, by Kim W. Feathered feet? While this trait is encouraged by some breeders, it pops up in wild populations as well.
Great Blue Heron, Mississippi River, by Larry Penn.
It is not too late to join one of Ontario’s largest community science projects by adding your observations to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. #youcanatlasthat anywhere in Ontario via the NatureCounts app, the Atlas website, or by taking 90 seconds to import an eBird checklist.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Jul 18, Club de ski Nakkertok Nordic-Nordique, Gatineau.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1) Jul 18, Richmond–Fox Run stormwater ponds, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (4) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1) Jul 12, Mill of Kintail CA, Lanark.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) Jul 16, sentier de ski nakkertok, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Jul 15, Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa.
Sedge Wren (1-3) Jul 24, Torbolton Ridge Road, Ottawa.
Tennessee Warbler (1) Jul 21-23, Devine Rd, Ottawa.
Northern Parula – technically rare for the week, they are everywhere, building in numbers over the last couple of weeks.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 17 July 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Mourning Warbler (adult male), Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. Gillian noticed him watching over his mate. Pair in habitat? #YouCanAtlasThat
Eastern Towhee (male), Burnt lands, by Steve Strauss. Singing is enough for possible breeding evidence.
Semipalmated Sandpiper, Carleton Place, by Steve Strauss. This northern coast breeder will not be counted in our local atlas tallies, although many will be counted along James Bay.
Black-billed Cuckoo, near Foresters Falls, by Aaron Hywarren. Another pair in habitat? You know what to do. #YouCanAtlasThat.
Bonaparte’s Gull, Shirley’s Bay, by Aaron Hywarren.
Caspian Tern, Shirley’s Bay, by Aaron Hywarren.
Mourning Warbler (fledgling), Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. A fledgling is confirmed breeding! #YouCanAtlasThat
Rock Pigeon, Ferguson Falls, by Janet McCullough. That mildly frightening shape on the right is a rarely seen pigeon nestling. #YouCanAtlasThat
Eastern Kingbird, Stittsville, by Derek Dunnett. The parent(on the right, with the long tail) has just stuffed a too large dragonfly into the hidden fledgling. So immediately the parent was beset by two more fledglings. Feeding young?! #YouCanAtlasThat
Count Me in. Or at least my data.
Harlequin Duck (1) Jul 12, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1) Jul 12, Mill of Kintail CA, Lanark.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) Jul 16, sentier de ski nakkertok, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Jul 15, Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa.
Sedge Wren (1) Jul 15, Torbolton Ridge Road, Ottawa.
Northern Parula (2) Jul 17, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa. (1) Jul 15, Stittsville–Trans Canada Trail, Ottawa. (1) Jul 11, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 10 July 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
This is the final summer to participate in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: a once in a generation community science opportunity to share your bird observations that will help shape provincial conservation strategies and policies for years to come. Atlassing is also a great way to improve your birding skills and explore new birding locations.
Though peak breeding season concludes today (Thursday 10 July) you can still add species and upgrade breeding evidence after July 10. All your observations are both valuable and welcome: even that bird you only see or hear counts as a possible breeding bird. Is it carrying food or tending young? That confirms a breeding bird.
To participate, visit www.ontariobirds.org or contact Aaron Hywarren, the Ottawa Region Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Veery (fledgling), Pine grove, by Catherine Lawrence. A thrush. #YouCanAtlasThat
Northern Waterthrush, Pine grove, by Catherine Lawrence. Pine grove is an excellent spot for breeding warblers, especially those that like to be near water such as this Waterthrush. Not a thrush.
Winter Wren (fledgling), Pine grove, by Catherine Lawrence. #YouCanAtlasThat
Eastern Kingbird, Tay River, by Janet McCullough. Parent on left feeding a fledgling on the right. #YouCanAtlasThat
Willow Flycatcher (fledgling), Diamond Jubilee, by Gillian Wright. #YouCanAtlasThat
Red-winged Blackbird, Beaver Trail, by Janet McCullough.
Great Crested Flycatcher (fledgling), Sarsaparilla Trail, by Janet McCullough. #YouCanAtlasThat What visible clue is shared by all the fledglings in this week’s report? And not shared by the adults this week?
Green Heron, Nepean Pond, by Catherine Lawrence.
Brant (1) Jul 05, – Chaudière Island, Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Jul 05, 2025- Kinburn old rail trail, Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Jul 03, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1) Jul 07, Stonecrest and Harry MacKay Rd, Ottawa.
Greater Yellowlegs (1) Jul 08, Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark. Continuing.
Least Sandpiper (1) Jul 09, Marais des Laîches, Gatineau.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (1) Jul 07, Findlay Creek Wetland, Ottawa. Not refound despite some searching, but lots of territory there.
Brown Pelican (1) Jul 08, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark. (1) Jul 07, Quyon ferry on the Ontario side of the river, Ottawa. First ever Ottawa record.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Jul 08, Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1) Jul 03, Borden Rd. Glen Isle, Lanark.
Northern Parula (1) Jul 10, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. (1) Jul 09, McLaren’s Landing, Ottawa. (1) Jul 08, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 3 July 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
With only a week remaining in peak breeding season, don’t underestimate the value of your observations to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: even that bird you only see or hear counts as a possible breeding bird. Is it carrying food or tending young? That confirms a breeding bird.
Atlassing is a great way to improve your birding skills while contributing to a once in a generation community science opportunity to help shape provincial conservation strategies and policies for years to come.
To participate, visit www.ontariobirds.org or contact Aaron Hywarren, the Ottawa Region Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Trumpeter Swans, Wolfgrove Road, by Jim Robertson. This was a couple of weeks ago, so the cygnets will be larger now. #YouCanAtlasThat
Canada warbler, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. Gillian has observed this individual a few days in a row. He never sang but chirped loudly, moving along the trail when you see him. Presumably moving you away from chicks.
Yellow Warblers, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. Fledglings will often flutter their wings to solicit food from an adult. #YouCanAtlasThat
American Robin, Renfrew County, by Aaron Hywarren. When you see a songbird carrying food, especially multiple items, without stopping to devour them, that’s suggestive of a parent with hungry young. #YouCanAtlasThat
Sandhill Crane (adult with two colts), by Aaron Hywarren. #YouCanAtlasThat
Common Gallinule, Ross Marsh Road, by Aaron Hywarren. #YouCanAtlasThat
Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Prescott-Russel, by Aaron Hywarren. Fledgling on the left, adult on the right. Other than the bill, this fledgling looks much like the parent, unlike the Yellow Warbler fledgling above. #YouCanAtlasThat
Brant (1) Jul 02, Westboro Beach, Ottawa. Our errant goose was also seen: Jul 02, Britannia Park (pier), Ottawa. Jun 27, Remic Rapids Lookout, Ottawa. Jun 26, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Jul 02, sentier de ski nakkertok, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Jun 28, Thomas Dolan Fifth Line Rd, Ottawa.
Red-breasted Merganser (2) Jun 26, Riverain Park, Ottawa.
Greater Yellowlegs (1) Jul 02, Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Caspian Tern (1) Jun 30, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1) Jul 01, Borden Rd, Mississippi Mills, Lanark.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 26 June 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
With two weeks remaining in the peak breeding season, the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is entering its final stages. Atlas HQ would like to encourage birders in the Ottawa area to urgently help neighbouring regions – particularly Silver Lake (Perth) and Leeds & Grenville – achieve their minimum Atlas targets. These areas are only a short drive from Ottawa and will afford birders the opportunity to explore different birding locations: a great way to improve your birding skills.
Don’t underestimate the value of your observations to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: even that bird you only see or hear counts. The Atlas is your once in a generation community science opportunity to help shape provincial conservation strategies and policies for years to come.
If you can spare a bit of time to help out in neighbouring Atlas regions, please visit https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1a-lU1dlNVmw0i7MI4CkRLwmQaUX_GxI&usp=sharing or contact Aaron Hywarren, the Ottawa Region Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Belted Kingfishers, Russell, by Erin Durant. Erin observed the adults feed the young and the young try some unsuccessful dives. The young look like adult females but zoom in and notice the yellow(ish) gape at the base of the bill, common to young on many species. #YouCanAtlasThat.
Broad-winged Hawk, Vars near Larose forest, by Erin Durant. In flight the dark outline of the wings and the single strong white tail band are great id features.
Broad-winged Hawk, Vars near Larose forest, by Erin Durant. Perched, the white tail stripe is still visible from the front. Unlike some species that hunt mostly on the wing, Broad-winged hawks mostly hunt from perches, spotting their small prey items before swooping down.
Eastern Bluebird (fledgling), Gatineau Park, by Margaret Kenny. The fledgling stage is a natural part of the life cycle of songbirds. The bird leaves the nest, but is still receiving parental care. Ethical birding means not disturbing nests or fledglings. Fortunately modern optics (cameras, scopes and binoculars) permit observation without disturbance. #YouCanAtlasThat.
Black-billed Cuckoo, Gatineau Park, by Margaret Kenny. Margaret observed this adult carrying food instead of eating it, a strong indication of breeding. The bird had a hidden nest in a shrub just a few feet off the ground. How do Cuckoos survive eating spiny caterpillars (shunned by many songbirds)? They periodically shed their stomach lining like a pellet, carrying away the spines. #YouCanAtlasThat.
Tree Swallows, Tay Towpath near Perth, by Scott Haldane. That gaping yellow mouth in the darkness of the cavity is no accident. It provides the parent a target and triggers an instinctive need to feed it. #YouCanAtlasThat.
American Redstart, Mud Lake, by Scott Haldane. Many species’ migration and hatching is timed to the mass emergence of aquatic insects like this. Carrying food, so #YouCanAtlasThat.
American Redstart, Mud Lake, by Scott Haldane. The parents’ view of nestlings is the same for Redstarts as for the Swallows: a giant demanding yellow gaping mouth that must be filled at any cost. #YouCanAtlasThat. How do you ethically photograph a nest? Not getting too close or stressing the parents is obvious. Not cutting away branches for a better shot, which would not occur to most of us, but there have been instances in the last few years. Exposing the nest increases the risk of predation. The nest is hidden for a reason. Walking up to the nest when the parent is away seems harmless, but foxes, coyotes and other predators will follow the scent of humans walking through their territory, so don’t lead them to a nest. It all boils down to keeping a safe distance. And sometimes it means sacrificing the perfect shot for a lesser one.
Brant (1) Jun 18-26, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. This bird has been around various parts of Lac Deschênes for weeks. E.g. (1) Jun 22, Bate Island, Ottawa. (1) Jun 20, Rue Jacques-Cartier, Gatineau. Probably all one bird.
Mute Swan (1) Jun 23, Marais des Laîches, Gatineau.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Jun 26, Kinburn old rail trail, Ottawa. (1) Jun 21, sentier de ski nakkertok, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Jun 21, Railbed south of Stonecrest Rd, Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Jun 25, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. Long continuing bird.
White-winged Scoter (1) Jun 21, Torwood Armitage, Ottawa. Has been there for two weeks.
Black Scoter (1) Jun 15-22, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa. This is a rarely seen (in Ottawa) 2nd year male.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1) Jun 26, Rue du Vertige, Cantley, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Jun 24, Ch Carnochan, Chelsea, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Bonaparte’s Gull (1) Jun 21-24, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Jun 24, Lake Park, Lanark.
Caspian Tern (2) Jun 26, Lemieux Island, Ottawa. (1) Jun 26, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa. (1) Jun 22, Nesbitt Street at Ottawa River, Ottawa. (1) Jun 22, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Jun 21, Andrew Haydon.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Jun 25, Rue Boyer, Gatineau.
American White Pelican (1) Jun 26, Lemieux Island, Ottawa. Flew upriver so keep an eye out. (2) Jun 24, Spring Street, Mississippi Mills, Lanark.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) , Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa. Still singing the Blue-headed Song. Sometimes gives burry notes more like a yellow-throated.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1) Jun 20, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, Ontario. Near Canadensis Botanical Garden.
Tennessee Warbler (1) Jun 24, Beacon Hill North-general area, Ottawa. (1) Jun 22, Carling Avenue, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 June 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A relaxed week with some longer-staying minor rarities.
Least Bittern (adult female), Petrie Island, by Sherry Nigro. Sherry observed this pair in breeding habitat. #YouCanAtlasThat, and she did!
Least Bittern (adult male), Petrie Island, by Sherry Nigro. These truly tiny bitterns hunt grasping reeds above the water, so they surprisingly prefer deeper water habitat than their much larger American Bittern cousins.
Upland Sandpiper, Panmure Road and Dwyer Hill, by Catherine Lawrence. Persistence paid off for Catherine as she finally captured this atypical shorebird.
Grasshopper Sparrow, Burnt Lands, by Catherine Lawrence.
Blue-winged Teal, Diamond Jubilee Park, by Ielca Torok. Showing off the eponymous blue wings.
Blue-winged Teal (adult male), Diamond Jubilee Park, by Ielca Torok. A more typical view of this bird, blue hidden away.
Black-crowned Night Heron (immature), Diamond Jubilee Park, by Ielca Torok. Unlike many bird species that specialize, night herons are true opportunists, eating whatever is easiest in any location. 100% fish? 100% aquatic invertebrates? 100% mammals? A little cannibalism? Why not? And isn’t that bill much bigger than it seems closed? And scarier after the cannibalism talk? Can you atlas that? Not only is it early for this year’s young to have fledged, but since it takes 2-3 years to reach adult plumage in this large species, this immature isn’t necessarily evidence of local breeding.
Scarlet Tanager (adult male), Jack Pine, by Sanam Goudarzi. Confused by a shorter, softer, less burry tanager song? It turns out that the female sings like that.
Alder Flycatcher, Jack Pine, by Sanam Goudarzi. Best id’d by call, an enthusiastic ‘free beer!’
Common Gallinule, Petrie Island, by Sanam Goudarzi. It could be mistaken for a duck, but it’s a member of the rail family, just one that spends more time in the swimming hole than the other cousins. Its rail side is more obvious if you are fortunate enough to see it walking around with its long rail-like toes.
Eastern Towhee (adult male), Burnt Lands, by Janet McCullough.
Brant (1) Jun 18-19, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Jun19, sentier de ski nakkertok, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Greater Scaup (1) Jun 18, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa
Lesser Scaup (1) Jun 17, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa,
White-winged Scoter (1) Jun 13, Torwood Armitage, Ottawa
Black Scoter (1) Jun 15-19, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa
Red-breasted Merganser (3) Jun 13, 19, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
Semipalmated Plover (1) Jun 14, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Jun 13, Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.
White-rumped Sandpiper (1) Jun 13, Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.
Bonaparte’s Gull (2) Jun 12-19, Britannia CA–Filtration Plant/Point, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1) Jun 18, Mitch Owens Rd, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa. (1) Jun 17, Parc Manoir-des-Trembles, Gatineau.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) , Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa. Still singing the Blue-headed Song. Sometimes gives burry notes more like a yellow-throated.
Atlas notes: Peak bird breeding period in Southern Ontario begins on Saturday 24 May and continues through to 10 July. If you are out and about, remember that almost every bird you encounter can be added to the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: a once in a generation province-wide community-science effort to provide data that will help shape conservation efforts for years to come.
Though 2025 is the final year of the Third Atlas, every observation is still welcome and very much valued: whether a bird seen or heard in appropriate habitat (possible breeding) through to a bird carrying nesting material or food (confirmed breeding).
Many observers have now switched their bird reporting from the eBird app to the Nature Counts atlassing app. It is a simple and efficient way to add your sightings to the Atlas project and it can be configured to automatically and seamlessly share your Atlas observations with your eBird account.
For more information on the Atlas, please visit www.birdsontario.org or contact the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 June 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
First ever Ottawa record of Black-bellied Whistling-Duck! And that’s a wrap on Spring migration (probably). Take a deep breath. Fall migration starts in less than a month.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Andrew Haydon, by Jennifer Bordeleau. Named for the whistling sounds they give in flight. Sadly most of us did not get close enough to hear that during their brief stay.
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Andrew Haydon, by Maureen Mark. These large ducks are–surprisingly–cavity nesters and will apparently use nest boxes.
Pied-billed Grebe, Diamond Jubilee Park, by Gillian Wright. Gillian observed 3 or 4 pied billed grebes. A couple of days ago 2 males seemed to be competing for a female. Later there was obviously a victor with courting and possibly mating. In the middle photo of the collage the male had to take a break from the amorous activities to warn off the other male. #YouCanAtlasThat
Great Egret, Diamond Jubilee Park, by Gillian Wright. Unfortunately for the frog the egret just seemed to play with it and never ate it. Bonus points for id’ing the ill-fated frog.
Great Blue Heron, Fletcher, by Gillian Wright. The heron will attempt to swallow the fish head first to avoid the spines, but occasionally the technique fails and one can find individuals with neck injuries. Bonus points for id’ing the fish.
Tree Swallow, Nepean Sailing Club, by Hans Lankamp. Like many cavity-nesters, Tree Swallows suffer from reduced habitat because of humans and their desire to remove trees with holes in them. This can be offset by individuals or groups offering artificial nesting opportunities. The sailing club provides a number of nesting boxes. It’s also interesting how often otherwise shy birds will land on boats full of people.
Eastern Phoebes, Fletcher, by Gillian Wright. The yellow gap and the behaviour reveals an adult feeding fledglings. At this stage the young have left the nest but cannot fend for themselves yet. #YouCanAtlasThat
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (5) Jun 08, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. They waited long enough for a few lead-footed birders to speed to the park before flying north towards Gatineau, and not have not been reported since. Where are they?
Snow Goose (1) Jun 06, Navan (Giroux Road Ponds), Ottawa.
Brant (1) Jun 10, Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Jun 08, Bruce Pit, Ottawa. (1) Jun 06, sentier de ski nakkertok, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Northern Pintail (1) Jun 07-10, Murmansk Run Rd. Wetland, Ottawa.
Common Goldeneye (1) Jun 10, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
Red-breasted Merganser (1) Jun 10, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1) Jun 08, Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa.
Semipalmated Plover (1) Jun 12, Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.
Ruddy Turnstone (1) Jun 11, Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.
Bonaparte’s Gull (2) Jun 11-12, Britannia CA–Filtration Plant/Point, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) , Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa. Continuing to hang out in the canopy singing the Blue-headed Song.
Blue-winged Warbler (1) Jun 07, Ramsay Conc. 5a, Lanark.
Tennessee Warbler (1) Jun 06, Richmond SE – Malakoff Rd, Ottawa.
Northern Parula (1) Jun 11, Dolman Ridge Road, Ottawa. (1) Jun 07, South March Highlands Conservation Forest, Ottawa. (1) Jun 07, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Blackpoll Warbler (1) Jun 10, Stittsville–Trans Canada Trail – Jinkinson Rd, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 June 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Red Knot! Whimbrel! Shorebirds may be low in numbers and spread out in location, but the diversity was great this week.
Indigo Bunting (male), Arnprior, by Steve Strauss. Steve watched the buntings over a couple of days waiting for a low shot of this bird that usually sings from high perches. His patience was rewarded when the bird descended and the sun came out at the same time.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Sheila McKee Park, by Aaron Hywarren. The Yellow-billed is the harder to find of our two annual cuckoos.
Red Knot, Shirley’s Bay, by Gillian Wright. Rare visitors to Eastern Ontario, Red Knots usually fly right over us on their way to breed in the high arctic.
Dunlin, Shirley’s Bay, by Gillian Wright.
Blackpoll Warbler (female), Ottawa, by Steve Strauss. No black cap, but check out those yellow feet.
Alder Flycatcher, Stittsville, by Cather Lawrence. The easiest way to id empids is by voice. In this case, the incessant demands for “free beer!”
Ovenbird, Stittsville, by Cather Lawrence. This large warbler is easily confused with a thrush in its dark and shady forest habitat. But there is no confusion when it starts singing the strident “Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!” No self-respecting thrush would ever sound like that.
Gray Catbird, Fletcher, by Sanam Goudarzi. Could a male catbird really have 2000 sounds in its repertoire? It’s much easier to believe when trying to hear a rare bird and the catbird is constantly interfering with his incredible and loud song.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Fletcher, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Wilson’s Warbler (male), Champlain Marsh, by Rick Collins.
Yellow Warbler, Gatineau park, by Scott Haldane.
Eastern Kingbird, Gatineau Park, by Scott Haldane. The red crest of an agitated Kingbird is rarely seen. The menacing look on an agitated Kingbird? Frequently seen.
Black-and-white Warblers, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. The top two birds are battling males, and the bottom bird is the female gathering nesting materials. #YouCanAtlasThat
Snow Goose (2) Jun 01, 03, Parkway and John Quinn, Ottawa. (1) May 29, Navan (Giroux Road Ponds), Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (2) Jun 04, Dunrobin (Constance Creek), Ottawa. (1) Jun 02, sentier de ski nakkertok, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1)
May 31, Heaphy Road, Ottawa. (3) May 30, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
Lesser Scaup (2) Jun 03, Station d’épuration, Gatineau (Masson-Angers), Gatineau.
Long-tailed Duck (1) Jun 05, Baie Simard, Gatineau. Non-breeding female.
Common Goldeneye (1) Jun 01, Remic Rapids Lookout, Ottawa.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1) Jun 02, Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa. (1) Jun 02, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Jun 02, Heaphy Rd, Ottawa.
Whimbrel (1) Jun 01, Frank Kenny Road (bridge), Ottawa.
Solitary Sandpiper (1) Jun 04, Innis Point Bird Observatory, Ottawa.
Lesser Yellowlegs (1) Jun 03, Holland’s Marsh, Ottawa. (1) Jun 02,Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Greater Yellowlegs (1) May 31- Jun 02, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark. (1) Jun 03, Marais des Laîches, Gatineau.
Red Knot (1) Jun 03, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. “Breeding plumage bird. Salmon color breast and Grey back.”
White-rumped Sandpiper (2) Jun 01, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Least Sandpiper (1) Jun 02, Holland’s Marsh, Ottawa.
Arctic Tern (2) Jun 01, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau.
Glossy Ibis (1)May 28, PN de Plaisance–Marais Perras, Papineau.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) , Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa. (1) May 29, Merivale Gardens, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Jun 03, Innis Point Bird Observatory, Ottawa.
Orange-crowned Warbler (1) May 29, Greenbelt pathway south of Davidson Road, Ottawa.
Northern Parula (1) Jun 02, Plenty Lane, Lanark. (1) Jun 05, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa. (1) Jun 01-02, Champlain Park Woods, Ottawa. (1)
Jun 02, Ogilvie Rd, Ottawa. (1) Jun 01, Monty Dr, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: Peak bird breeding period in Southern Ontario begins on Saturday 24 May and continues through to 10 July. If you are out and about, remember that almost every bird you encounter can be added to the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: a once in a generation province-wide community-science effort to provide data that will help shape conservation efforts for years to come.
Though 2025 is the final year of the Third Atlas, every observation is still welcome and very much valued: whether a bird seen or heard in appropriate habitat (possible breeding) through to a bird carrying nesting material or food (confirmed breeding).
Many observers have now switched their bird reporting from the eBird app to the Nature Counts atlassing app. It is a simple and efficient way to add your sightings to the Atlas project and it can be configured to automatically and seamlessly share your Atlas observations with your eBird account.
For more information on the Atlas, please visit www.birdsontario.org or contact the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 15 May 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A nice pulse of Blackpoll Warblers. A rare Tufted Duck.
Warbling Vireo, Britannia CA, by Sanam Goudarzi. Who needs bright colours when you have a musical song like this vireo?
Wood Duck, Pine Grove, by Christopher Clunas. Aptly named, Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities, and rest on branches high up in trees.
Solitary Sandpiper, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. A voracious predator in its own right, this dragonfly nympth makes a great meal for a migrating sandpiper.
Scarlet Tanager, Britannia CA, by Steve Strauss. There are a lot of Scarlet males here this week, although most will not stick around. A few will breed in well-forested areas such as Jack Pine Trail or the Gatineau Hills.
Blackpoll Warbler, Britannia CA, by Steve Strauss. In our region we have a brief window so see these passing migrants in May. Listen for the fast-paced ticking song. When this male returns in the fall after molting, it will look like a different species – yellow with no black cap.
Bay-breasted Warbler, Britannia CA, by Sanam Goudarzi. Another warbler that is just passing through, and will return unrecognizable in the fall. In fact Blackpoll and Bay-breasted look so similar in the fall that some birders give up and refer to difficult-to-ID individuals as “baypolls.”
Magnolia Warbler, Pine Grove, Gillian Wright. Usually hard to see well, Gillain observed 2 magnolias across the trail from each other defending territory, and so they kept coming into the open. #YouCanAtlasThat
Rusty Blackbird, Britannia CA, by Lorraine Elworthy. Seen during one of the birding walks on World Migratory Bird Day, This is a fairly typical view – foraging on the ground next to water.
Black-and-white Warbler, Pine Grove, by Christopher Clunas. Gathering nesting material. Nests are built with twigs, needles, etc., but are often lined with softer material such as animal hair or fine plant material. #YouCanAtlasThat
Wood Thrush, Shirley’s Bay, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Wilson’s Phalarope (female), Richmond CA, by Peter Blancher. Phalaropes are unusual. They are among the minority of shorebirds where the sexes look obviously different. More interesting, the female is more brightly coloured, has multiple broods with different males, and leaves the brooding to the duller coloured – and therefore better camouflaged – males.
Grasshopper Sparrow, Burnt Lands PP, by Rick Collins. This species is difficult to see, but learn the buzzy insect-like song and you will trip the eBird high count filter on any May trip to Burnt Lands.
Clay-colored Sparrow, Burnt Lands PP, by Rick Collins. Burnt Lands is the best spot to see sparrows in the region. It is not unusual to have 10 species of sparrows singing here on a single walk in May.
Canada Warbler, Pine Grove, Gillian Wright. With very specific breeding habitat requirements – dense, mossey, wet thickets with lots of ferns, a rare but annual breeder.
Greater White-fronted Goose (2) May 10-11, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
Cackling Goose (1) May 10, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) May 09, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Greater Scaup (2) May 13-14, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. (4) May 10, Petrie Island, Ottawa.
Northern Pintail (2) May 12-15, Holland’s Marsh, Ottawa. (2) May 10, Marlborough Forest–Roger’s Pond, Ottawa.
Tufted Duck (1) May 13, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. A nice drake.
Wilson’s Phalarope (1) May 13, Holland’s Marsh, Ottawa. (1) May 12, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1) May 10, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.
Iceland Gull (1) May 10, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
Rough-legged Hawk (1) May 12, PN de Plaisance–Baie Noire (Est & Ouest), Papineau.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1) May 11, Parc de la Gatineau–Vallée Meech, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa. (1) May 14, PN de Plaisance – – Sentier Pont suspendu, Papineau.
White-eyed Vireo (1) May 01-11, Petrie Island, Ottawa.
Yellow-throated Vireo (1) , Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa. Doing a BHVI song. (1) May 14, Ch. de la Sapinière, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1)
May 12, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa.
Bohemian Waxwing (2) May 10, Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau.
American Tree Sparrow (1) May 13, Weslock Park, Ottawa.
Blue-winged Warbler (1) May 13, Extrémité Ch. de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) May 11, Ramsay Conc. 5a, Lanark.
Wilson’s Warbler (1) May 10, Twin Elm Rd, ), Ottawa. (1) May 10, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: Peak breeding season is just around the corner and our resident breeders are already busy. Many are singing on territory and some have even started gathering nesting material #youcanatlasthat
Simply reporting this behaviour is all it takes to participate in the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: a once-in-a-generation community science effort that will provide the data to help develop environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
For more information, visit birdsontario.org or contact Aaron Hywarren the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 8 May 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Ring-necked Ducks, by Tony Beck. Tony invites us to “note chestnut-coloured band on neck – this is why they’re named as such.” These subtle ID marks were more commonly used back in the day when ornithologists used a gun, not binoculars, and held the dead bird in hand while comparing against text descriptions.
American Redstart, Britannia CA, by Steve Strauss. This photo really shows the narrow bill perfect for grabbing insects, and rictal bristles. The bristles were long thought to serve as an insect net until this theory fell in the light of high-speed photograpgy. It is now thought (but not yet proven) that they serve a sensory function like the whiskers of a cat.
Northern House Wren, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. Gillian noticed a wren nesting in this exact location three years running.
Blackburnian Warbler, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright.
Nashville Warbler, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. Gillian witnessed two nashville’s battling over territory, and they were still at it on her return 4 hours later. #YouCanAtlasThat
Cape-May Warbler, Britannia CA, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Warbling Vireo, Britannia, by Steve Strauss.
Baltimore Orioles, Mannotick, by Rick collins. They feed mostly on insects, and fruit but take nectar on migration. They will come to hummingbird feeders like this, especially on migration.
Northern Harrier, Roger’s Pond, by Scott Haldane. Of all our hawks, the most often mistaken for an owl. The Northern Harrier has visible facial disks, and stripes like a Short-eared owl. Probably no coincidencem, as they hunt the same habitat, often changing shifts at sunset and sunrise.
Greater Yellowlegs, Roger’s pond, by Scott Haldane. In isolation, telling the yelloelegs apart can sometimes be tough. But with a solid profile, the bill length is 1.5 times the width of the head, and the slight upturn is visible.
Black-throated Blue warbler, Baie Simard, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Black-throated Green Warbler, Beryl Gaffney Park, by Rick Collins.
Northern Parula, Stanley park, Gillian Wright.
Ruddy Duck, Diamond Jubilee Park, by Aaron Hywarren. Not a local breeder, but we see one or two most years on migration.
Fish Crow, Presscott, by Aaron Hywarren. Every year the Fish Crows get closer. How long until they breed in Ottawa? Keep an ear out for the unique call, but beware very young American Crows. This individual is being shown the same respect a Common Grackle shows all other crows.
Brant (20) May 03, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (65) May 07, Dow’s Lake, Ottawa. (4) May 04, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
(60) May 05, Britannia CA–Filtration Plant/Point, Ottawa. (2) May 04, Dick Bell Park, Ottawa.
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid) (1) May 07, Anderson Rd, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Riverain Park, Ottawa.
Northern Pintail (4) May 08, Holland’s Marsh, Ottawa.
Dunlin (1) May 03-04, Holland’s Marsh, Ottawa. Many other shorebirds and ducks at this spot.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1) May 08, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark. (1) May 07, Dick Bell Park, Ottawa. (2) May 04, Britannia and area, Ottawa. (4) May 02, Moodie Drive Ponds, Ottawa,
Red-throated Loon (1) May 08, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. (1) Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa.
Caspian Tern (1) May 01, N de Plaisance–Baie Noire (Est & Ouest), Papineau.
Black Tern (1) May 02, -Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa,.
Golden Eagle (1) May 03, Second Line Road, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Rough-legged Hawk (1) May 04, Parc de la Gatineau–Vallée Meech, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Western Kingbird (1) May 04, Britannia Ridge, Ottawa.
White-eyed Vireo (1) May 01-08, Petrie Island, Ottawa.Yellow-throated Vireo (1) May 08, Sheila McKee Park, Ottawa. Doing a BHVI song, so suspiciously like one of the males from last year. (1) May 07, Farmer’s Way/Leitrim, Ottawa.
Philadelphia Vireo (1) May 02, Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail), Ottawa.
Northern Mockingbird (1) May 07, Lemieux Island, Ottawa. (1) May 04, Celebration Park, Ottawa.
Bohemian Waxwing (1) May 05, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa. A few thousand less than last month.
American Tree Sparrow (1) May 05-06, Crystal Beach, Ottawa. (1) May 05, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa
Fox Sparrow (1) May 03, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Lincoln’s Sparrow (1) May 01, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Latest warbler arrivals:
- Blue-winged Warbler (3) May 05-07, Ramsay Concession 5A unmaintained road, Lanark.
- Bay-breasted Warbler (1) May 08, Central Experimental Farm Arboretum, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: Peak breeding season is just around the corner and our resident breeders are already busy. Many are singing on territory and some have even started gathering nesting material #youcanatlasthat
Simply reporting this behaviour is all it takes to participate in the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: a once-in-a-generation community science effort that will provide the data to help develop environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
For more information, visit www.birdsontario.org or contact Aaron Hywarren the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 1 May 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
So many new birds including a locally rare White-eyed vireo. Go birding!
White-eyed Vireo, Petrie Island, by Erin Durant. Rare for Ottawa. Seeing this bird currently involves rubber boots, and the Island is closed to vechicles. Hanging out with some kinglets, and apparently singing. Both sexes sing on the wontering ground, but in breeding season, only the male sings. Like our red-eyed vireo, this bird can sing all day.
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. They do breed in the OFNC Circle, especially in Gatineau Park, but most are just passing through this week on thier way to more complete northern forests.
Mallards, Half Moon Bay, by David Lau. Pair in habitat? #YouCanAtlasThat
Black-throated Green Warbler, by Alan Short, Britannia CA. A little more flexible in habitat than the Black-throated Blue, more Greens will breed in the circle.
Northern Parula, Britannia CA, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Black-and-white Warbler, Britannia CA, by Arlene Harrold.
European Starling, Cassleman, by Erik Pohanka. Carrying nesting material, so #YouCanAtlasThat. Starlings, including this individual, use soffits and any other cavities they can find in human dwellings.
Chipping Sparrow, Cassleman, by Erik Pohanka. Prolific local breeders, they often manage two broods per breeding season in our region, which becomes obvious in September with birds in different stages of immature plumage.
Blue-headed Vireo, Rideau River, by Emilia Michaud.
White-throated Sparrow, Britannia CA, by Scott Haldane. Although some breed here, most are just passing through. Learn thier high-pitched and quiet ‘twisp’ calls, and discover there are always far more unseen than seen.
Palm Warbler, Britannia CA, by Alan Short.
Northern Pintail, Van Dusen, by Betty Michalowski. Anyone who has even seen the slow build to a bar fight will recognize this move as two males test each other’s strength by slamming chest first into each other. No accident, Betty watched them repeat several times.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Vars, by Erin Durant. Why to male sapsuckers bang on metal signs or thin pallets where no food is likely? Song birds sing to attract mates and mark territory, but most woodpeckers drum. And the louder the sound the better. #YouCanAtlasThat
Northern Flicker, Britannia CA, by Gerald MacGillvray. At first glance, this looks like courting as the two birds wave back and forth in a dance-like display. But neither bird is a male. This is a territotial dispute, and the behaviour can sometimes be seen in other woodpecker species.
Ross’s Goose (1) Apr 29, North Dundas, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
White-winged Scoter (60) Apr 29, Ottawa River Lookout & Path, Ottawa. (2) Apr 25, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Apr 30, Riverain Park, Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Apr 17- 29, Chemin Riverside, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1) May 01, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1) May 01, Ottawa Regional Road 11, Ottawa. (2) May 01, Britannia and area, Ottawa. (2) Apr 30, Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa.
Iceland Gull (1) Apr 24, Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa
Horned Grebe – An expected migrant, but the high count of 57 on April 30 at Shirley’s bay was impressive.
Red-throated Loon (1) Apr 25-May 01, -Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), Ottawa. Continuing adult in winter/basic plumage.
Golden Eagle (1) Apr 29, Holland’s Marsh, Ottawa,
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Apr 26, Hollow Glen, Chelsea, Québec, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais,
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Great Crested Flycatcher (2) Apr 30, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa. Apr 30, Pine Grove Trail, Ottawa. (1) Apr 29, Innis Point Bird Observatory, Ottawa. (1) Apr 29, Crazy Horse Trail, Ottawa.
White-eyed Vireo (1) May 01, Petrie Island, Ottawa. Associating with kinglets. Road closed, rubber boots suggested.
Marsh Wren (2) Apr 25-May 01, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa.
Northern Mockingbird (1) Apr 30, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau.
Snow Bunting (8) Apr 28, Ottawa International Airport, Ottawa.
Lincoln’s Sparrow (1) Apr 30, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
It’s warbler time. Besides the ubiquitous butter butts, and other expected early warblers, many new arrivals:
Orange-crowned Warbler (1) Apr 30, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Nashville Warbler – Arrived on the 27th, Everywhere since the 30th. High count of (20) Apr 30, Stanley Park, Ottawa as part of a pulse of migrant warblers on the 30th along the Rideau.
American Redstart (1) May 01, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Apr 25, Rue Du Vallon, Cantley, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Cape May Warbler – Everywhere since the 30th.
Northern Parula – Everywhere since the 27th-28th. (15) Apr 30, Stanley Park, Ottawa, as part of the same massive wave.
Blackburnian Warbler (1) May 01, Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa. (1) Apr 30, Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau. (1) Apr 30, Riverain Park, Ottawa.
(1) Apr 30, Greenbelt off Conroy Road, Ottawa
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1) Apr 30, Parc Ferme expérimentale, Gatineau. (1) May 01, Dewberry Trail, Ottawa. (1) Apr 30, Central Experimental Farm Arboretum, Ottawa. (3) Stanley Park, Ottawa. (1) Apr 29, Rockcliffe Park Pavilion, Ottawa. (1) Apr 28, Kizell Pond, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: Peak breeding season is weeks away and you can still join the 250 other Ottawa-area birders who are participating in a once-in-a-generation community science effort: the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
All your bird observations are valuable — #youcanatlasthat — provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
Let’s commence the final year of the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas in the Ottawa Region by welcoming new participants and celebrating the many accomplishments of observers across the Region.
Bring your Atlas questions or bring your Atlas adventures to our final Ottawa Region 24 informal meet and greet from 0830 to 1000 on Sunday 4 May 25 at the Shirleys Bay Boat Launch.
For more information, contact Aaron Hywarren the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 24 April 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A great push of migrants over the long weekend, with a massive pulse of Kinglets and Fox sparrows, and many early birds. Some great vagrants: a Mountain Bluebird and a Barnacle Goose seen by many, and a Franklin’s Gull seen by few. A Spotted x Eastern Towhee. So many waxwings!
Mountain Bluebird, Panmure Rd, by Steve Strauss.
Carolina Wren, Mud lake, by Sanam Goudarzi. Despite its vulnerability to deep snow and severe cold, Carolina Wrens have established a small foothold here in Eastern Ontario and have been found in nine of the 86 10 x 10 km squares of the Ottawa Atlas Region. Carolina Wrens are likely breeding now, so all observations – whether only heard or seen – are most welcome in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
Brown Creeper, Mud Lake, by Gillian Wright. We have residents in the winter and breeders in the summer. High-pitched and well camouflaged, they are always hard to see… except this week when migrants are flooding north and every remotely treed space hosts one or several.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Grove, by Gillian Wright. The three moods of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet: top: annoyed, middle – very annoyed, and bottom – ready to take on the owl. Derek observed them mobbing two different species of owls on the long weekend. We cannot actually tell the sex of the top bird from this photo – the male’s ruby-crown is hidden until they are riled up.
Pine Warbler, Gillian Wright, Pine Grove.
Bufflehead (males), Andrew haydon, by Alan Short. Alan watched these two males fight over a female for 20 minutes before the challenger was driven off.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Mud Lake, by Sanam Goudarzi. `Have you noticed that the first warblers are all males? All species come through in two waves – males race North to claim territory, then a pulse of females who will choose mates in part for the ability to claim and hold good habitat.
Hooded Merganser (adult male), Mud Lake, by Sanam Goudarzi. In some bird families the males invest energy in claiming good habitat, defending it, and/or providing food for the young or the brooding female. Ducks? Not so much. All the male’s energy goes into impressing the female, and once she starts incubating the eggs, he is gone.
Winter Wren, Pine Grove, by Rick Collins. These local breeders have already claimed territory.
Greater Scaup, Andrew Haydon Park, by Alan short.
Spotted Sandpiper, Bruce Pit, by Catherine Lawrence.
Pied-billed Grebe, Bruce Pit, by Catherine Lawrence. Our breeding grebe, they have returned and are already claiming territory with their haunting calls.
Upland Sandpiper, Panmure Rd, by Brian Morin. Ever hear the wolf whistle of this endangered species? You would swear the whistle comes from a human, not a sandpiper.
Eastern phoebe, Arboretum, by Christopher Clunas. This bird is gathering nesting material.
Ross’s Goose (1) Apr 22, Winchester, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
Barnacle Goose (1) Apr 18-19, W end of Cambrian Rd W, Ottawa.
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian) (1) Apr 19, Halte routière, Lochaber, Papineau. Very exciting if you prefer your teal striped horizontally instead of vertically.
Harlequin Duck (1) Apr 17- 22, Chemin Riverside, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Eastern Whip-poor-will (1) Apr 24, Carp Hills, Ottawa.
Upland Sandpiper (4) Apr 19-23, Panmure Rd, Ottawa.
Spotted Sandpiper (1) Ottawa–Britannia Park (pier), Ottawa. (1) Apr 21, Last Mile Rd, Ottawa. (1) Apr 19, Remic Rapids and Champlain Bridge area, Ottawa. (1) Apr 19, Bruce Pit, Ottawa.
Solitary Sandpiper (1) Apr 19, Highland Park Cemetery, Ottawa.
Dunlin (2) Apr 21, Frank Kenny Road (bridge), Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (2) Apr 21, Greenland Road Hawkwatch, Ottawa. (3) Apr 20, Morris Island CA, Ottawa. (2) Apr 19, Dunrobin (Constance Creek), Ottawa.
Franklin’s Gull (1) Apr 19, Moodie Dr north of Barnsdale, Ottawa, and also Twin Elm Road, Ottawa. Beautiful adult bird.
Iceland Gull (1) Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa, or the field south of Moody Quarry, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Apr 22, Panmure Rd., Ottawa. (1) Apr 20, Flewellyn Rd, Ottawa. (1) Apr 19, Prescott-Russel Trail Link, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker – no longer trips the Ottawa eBird ‘rare’ filter. Still an awesome bird every time.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Eastern Wood-Pewee (1) Apr 22, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa
Eastern Kingbird (1) Apr 22, Stittsville Stormwater Pond 2, Ottawa.
Blue-headed Vireo (3) Apr 20, Pine Grove, north and south of Davidson Road, Ottawa. (1) Apr 19, Rifle Road, Ottawa.
Shrike sp. (1) Apr 23-24 Panmure road. It’s shoulder season for shrike (when both local species are rare) and this bird’s id is under review.
Northern House Wren (1) Apr 24, Champlain Park Woods, Ottawa. (1) Apr 22, Richmond SE – Gallagher Rd, Mackey to Harnett, Ottawa.
Marsh Wren (1) Apr 24, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa.
Mountain Bluebird (1) Apr 20-23, Panmure Rd., Ottawa.
Bohemian Waxwing – 1000s still around this week.
Grasshopper Sparrow (1) Apr 24, Innis Point Bird Observatory, Ottawa.
Spotted x Eastern Towhee (hybrid) (1) Apr 21, Twin Elm Road Wetlands, Ottawa.
Orange-crowned Warbler (1) Apr 20, Remic Rapids and Champlain Bridge area, Ottawa. This record early warbler was “foraging in the woods behind the Remic bistro area.”
Atlas notes: Peak breeding season is just around the corner and you can still join the 250 other Ottawa-area birders who are participating in a once-in-a-generation community science effort: the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
All your bird observations are valuable, and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
To launch the final year of the Atlas, there are a number of local events including a virtual seminar “Introduction to the Atlas and Getting Started in the Ottawa Region” on Wednesday 30 April, a presentation at Wild Birds Unlimited in Kanata on Thursday May 1st, and an informal meet and greet from 0830 to 1000 on Sunday 4 May 25 at the Shirleys Bay Boat Launch. For more information please contact the Ottawa Regional Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 17 April 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Goose season slides into gull season and lots of birds are just south of us.
Harlequin Duck (subadult male), Wakefield, by Aaron Hywarren.
Bohemian Waxwings, Mud lake, by Sanam Goudarzi. The invasion continues, with small flocks everywhere and big flocks of over 1000 seen at Mud Lake and Shirley’s Bay. Picking carefully through a big flock may uncover some Cedar Waxwings.
Evening Grosbeak (female), Casselman, by Erik Pohanka.
Double-crested Cormorant, Ottawa river, by Scott Haldane. A reminder of how this local breeder got its name.
Northern Pintail (male), Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Pintails can seem rare as they migrate through, but on April 10, someone counted over 1000 in the Cobb Creek floodplain.
Ring-billed Gull, Mud lake, by Alan Short. Ring-billed Gulls breed locally on islands in the Ottawa River, and the bright red skin around the base of the bill and the eye (called the cere) indicates that this bird is in breeding mode.
Turkey Vulture, Harbison Road, by Sanam Goudarzi. Cliff nesters, Turkey Vultures have adapted equally well to ledges on the Gatineau Escarpment as abandoned silos, barns and houses.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (male), Mud Lake, by Christopher Clunas. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are one of a handful of species that are increasingly being found here in Eastern Ontario. 20 years ago during the Second Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, they were absent from the Ottawa Region. So far in the Third Atlas, they have only been observed in a handful of the 86 Atlas squares here in our region. As we approach their breeding season, your observations of this species would be most welcome in the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
Song Sparrow, Mud Lake, by Sanam Goudarzi. A very common local breeder, males are already defending territory in every suburban yard and landscape with a hint of a shrub. They even nest in potted shrubs.
Black-crowned Night Heron, Ottawa River, by Scott Haldane. Since Derek complains so much about badly named birds, this is a very well named species – crowned in black and active at night. Also active at day when they have chicks to feed.
Black-capped Chickadee, Mud Lake, by Gillian Wright. This bird was banded in 2018, so it is at least 7 years old. They use that very small bill to excavate rotten wood to form their nesting cavities. A chickadee digging in rotten wood is probable breeding evidence. Derek has witnessed two pairs excavating this week – one in a rotten tree and one in a neglected fence post.
Bohemian Waxwings, mud lake, by Alan Short. A very small part of the 2000+ waxwings present at Mud Lake (and other locations) this week.
Greater White-fronted Goose (1) Apr 13, PN de Plaisance–Tête de la Baie, Papineau.
Mute Swan (1) Apr 14, Baie Lochaber, Papineau. (2) Apr 13, Marais des Laîches, Gatineau.
Trumpeter Swan (1) Apr 12-15, Marais des Laîches, Gatineau. (1) Apr 15, Richmond SE – Harnett Rd N of Paden, Ottawa. (10) Apr 13, PN de Plaisance–Baie Noire (Est & Ouest), Papineau. (2) Apr 13, Marlborough Forest–E4 entrance, Ottawa. (1) Apr 12, Greenland Road between Vance side and TAD PW, Ottawa. (10) Apr 11, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (1) Apr 13, Harbison Rd, Ottawa.
Redhead (10) Apr 14, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Apr 14, Steen Ln, Ottawa.
Harlequin Duck (1) Apr 12-16, Chemin Mill, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. In the rapids.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Apr 09-13, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (1) Apr14, Adàwe Crossing, Ottawa.
Spotted Sandpiper (1) Apr 16, Summerside West stormwater pond, Ottawa.
Common Gallinule (1) Apr 11-13, Carleton Place–Hwy 7 Storm Pond, Lanark.
Bonaparte’s Gull (13) Apr 12, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
Glaucous Gull (1) Apr 17, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
Iceland Gull (1) Apr 14, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. (3) Apr 11-12, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Apr 12, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Britannia, Ottawa. (1) Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail), Ottawa. (1) Apr 14, Seguinbourg Rd, The Nation, Prescott and Russell. (1) Apr 13, Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Bohemian Waxwing – Not precisely rare, but uncommon this winter, a flock of 2000+ was reported from the Shirley’s Bay area on April 12.
Northern Shrike (2) Apr 17, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa. (1) Apr 16, Summerside West stormwater pond, Ottawa.
Pine Grosbeak (1) Apr 12, Parc de la Gatineau–Vallée Meech, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Snow Bunting (4) Apr 13, NCC Greenbelt P16, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Apr 13, Beryl Gaffney Park, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: What do Eastern Screech Owls, American Woodcocks, and Mourning Doves have in common? They are a few of the handful of local species – along with Trumpeter Swans, Ruffed Grouse, and three other types of owls – that breed here in Eastern Ontario in April.
Have you heard or seen these species at this time of year? If so, you can easily join the 250 other Ottawa-area birders who are participating in one of Ontario’s largest community science efforts: the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Your breeding bird observations are valuable, and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
Participation in this once-in-a-generation opportunity is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 10 April 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
American Woodcock, by Tony Beck. Now is the time to get out and about to enjoy one of our most enjoyable springtime birds at dusk. Like an official with an overzealous live-broadcast censor button, American Woodcocks can be heard giving their “peent” calls or doing their impressive — and sometimes erratic — display flights. If you are really fortunate, you may even get to enjoy a few minutes of them doing the “Funky Timberdoodle Strut.” While they are almost certainly everywhere in the Ottawa Atlas Region we have only confirmed their breeding in just three of 86 squares, and there are 28 squares where they haven’t been atlassed at all. As this is the last year of the Atlas, your American Woodcock observations – regardless of location – would be most welcome.
American Kestrel (female), Ottawa, by TJ Way. Checking out a potential nesting crevice.
Eastern Towhee (male), Ficko Cres, by Pam Laprise. Despite a window and bird nets (to prevent window strikes), Pam was able to snap a positive identification shot, demonstrating once again that the most valuable photo is the one you actually take.
American Kestrels (female on the left, male on the right), Ottawa, by TJ Way.
American Kestrels, Ottawa, by TJ Way. Participating in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas really is as simple as noting behaviour and reporting it. Sometimes what the birds are doing is pretty obvious: this is courtship/copulation and is indicative of probable breeding.
Red-shouldered Hawk, Ottawa, Gillian Wright. Red-shouldered Hawks have been back in our region for about a month and are now on their breeding territories. This bird can be easily added to the Atlas as it was observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
American Kestrel (male), Ottawa, by TJ Way. Kestrels’ tendency to use human structures for nesting leads to a lot of great photographic compositions.
Bohemian Waxwings, Shirley’s Bay, by Aaron Hywarren. You no doubt heard about or perhaps encountered the BOWA frenzy on the 12th. The attached image is part of a big flock that was moving around Shirleys Bay. There are 619 birds in the image but at least twice that number were present.
Northern Cardinal, Ottawa, by Aaron Hywarren. Watch your neighbourhood Northern Cardinals closely as we are in the time of year when they are expected to breed. If you see one in your neighbourhood singing from the same tree over the space of a week, that’s a bird holding territory and suggests probable breeding… an incredibly easy way to contribute your observation to the Atlas.
Rusty Blackbird, Twin Elm Road wetlands, by Aaron Hywarren. Completely absent from the region in July, this more northerly breeder is just passing through, and is some other atlasser’s problem.
Brant (1) Apr 04, Dilworth road, Ottawa.
Ross’s Goose (1) Apr 03, Cobbs Creek floodplain, Prescott and Russell.
Mute Swan (1) Apr 07, Dow’s Lake, Ottawa. (1) Apr 04, Ottawa River Lookout & Path, Ottawa (near Green’s Creek).
Trumpeter Swan (3) Apr 06, John Shaw Rd, Ottawa. (5) Apr 06, Milton Rd, Vars, Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (8) Apr 06, Cobbs Lake Creek at Du Lac Road, Prescott and Russell. (5) Apr 07, Navan, Milton Road at bridge, Ottawa.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Apr 09-10, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. “Adult male. Vigorously dancing.” (1) Apr 07, Remic Rapids and Champlain Bridge area, Ottawa. (1) Apr 05, Adàwe Crossing, Ottawa.
Black-crowned Night Heron – One week later than the Great Egrets, suddenly everywhere.
Golden Eagle (1) Apr 07, Greenland Road Hawkwatch, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Britannia, Ottawa. (1) Apr 06, Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail), Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (2) Apr 08, Constance Bay, Ottawa, Ontario
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (1) Apr 06, Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1) Apr 06, Marais Pélissier, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Apr 06, Remic Rapids Lookout, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Apr 05, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (2) Apr 04, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau.
Atlas notes: What do Eastern Screech Owls, American Woodcocks, and Mourning Doves have in common? They are a few of the handful of local species – along with Trumpeter Swans, Ruffed Grouse, and three other types of owls – that breed here in Eastern Ontario in April.
Have you heard or seen these species at this time of year? If so, you can easily join the 250 other Ottawa-area birders who are participating in one of Ontario’s largest community science efforts: the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Your breeding bird observations are valuable, and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
Participation in this once-in-a-generation opportunity is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 3 April 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A great flood of Great Egrets. A trickle of Ospreys. The first Greater Yellowlegs and American Pipit. What else might those storms and south winds have delivered to the region?
Eastern Phoebe, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Christopher Clunas. The first of the flycatchers to return each year, these tough birds can eat fruit, and it is common to see them claiming territory while there is still snow on the ground and no insects flying.
Red-shouldered Hawk, Vars, by Erin Durant. Reliant on small mammals when they return in the spring, over the summer they will expand their diet to include snakes and frogs.
Double-crested Cormorants, Nepean Pond, by Scott Haldane. This species has been trickling back in over the past few weeks as ice cover has retreated.
Northern Pintail (female), Nepean Pond, by Scott Haldane. Much better camouflaged than the male, the female is easy to overlook in the flooded fields around Ottawa, but a fair number are passing through now.
Northern Pintail (male), Mud Lake, by Alan Short. If you see the striking male mixed in with some other dabblers, look for the more subtle female.
Mourning Dove, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Doves have interesting ID features such as those black spots and the blue cere around the eye. It’s easy to overlook these things since there are no other confusing doves around here. The marks are interesting enough in their own right, but knowing them may be more useful in the future as European Collared Dove and White-winged Dove expand their ranges.
Peregrine Falcon with prey, Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Peregrine Falcon, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Males and females share the same plumage, but you can tell the sexes apart when they are together: the female is always much larger.
Common Mergansers, Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, The Nation, by Erik Pohanka. If you imagine real hard, you can almost see the red blush on the breast and belly that gave this great bird its terrible, terrible name.
American Blacks Ducks (female on the left, male on the right), Rideau River, by Janet McCullough. The female has an olive green bill, while the male has a yellow bill like a male Mallard.
Ross’s Goose (1) Mar 28, Old Perth Rd, Mississippi Mills, Lanark.
Greater White-fronted Goose (1) Mar 29, Anderson Road, Ottawa, Ontario, CA, Ottawa. (2) Mar 28, Twin Elm Road Wetlands, Ottawa.
Barnacle Goose (1) Mar 29, Frank Kenny Road (bridge), Ottawa. A SNOW x Barnacle Goose has been photographed in Southern Ontario, so be aware when id’ing future Barnacle.
Trumpeter Swan (2) Apr 02, Milton Rd, Ottawa. (1) Apr 02, Ch Carnochan, Chelsea, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Apr 01, Russell – North, Prescott and Russell.
Tundra Swan (5) Mar 28, Rideau Valley Dr S, Ottawa. (5) Mar 28, Baxter CA, Ottawa.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Adàwe Crossing, Ottawa. Seen up and down river.
Greater Yellowlegs (1) Apr 03, Dunrobin (Constance Creek), Ottawa,
Glaucous Gull (1) Mar 31-Apr 01, Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa. (1) Mar 29, Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa.
Black-crowned Night Heron (1) Apr 03, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Apr 01, .Emerald Meadows x Eagleson storm water ponds, Ottawa.
Great Egret – Suddenly everywhere Mar 31-Apr 01.
Golden Eagle (1) Apr 03, Dunrobin (Constance Creek), Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Apr 02, Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Mont, Les Collines-de-L’Outaouais. (1) Apr 02, Crystal Beach Greenspace, Ottawa.
(1) Apr 02, Seguinbourg Rd, The Nation, Prescott and Russell. (1) Mar 31, Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Apr 01, Weslock Park, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Mar 28, Stonecrest Rd, , Ottawa.
American Pipit (1) Mar 28, -Brewer Park, Ottawa
Chipping Sparrow (1) Apr 02, Richland Dr, Ottawa. (1) Apr 02, Trend-Arlington, Ottawa. (1) Apr 01, Greenbank Pond, Ottawa.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (2) Apr 02, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Mar 31, Twin Elm Road Wetlands, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 27 March 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Goose season continues with Greater White-fronted Geese, many Ross’s, and big flocks of Snow Geese staging inside and outside the circle. Fox Sparrows are starting to pass through and ambitious Eastern Phoebe’s are setting up territories. Sandhill Cranes and Golden Eagles continue to migrate through.
Northern Shoveller (male), Nepean Pond, by Lorraine Elworthy. This male, hatched last year, hasn’t quite achieved breeding plumage. Check out the highly specialized shape of the huge bill in the reflection.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Vars, by Erin Durant. Birds can be id’ed by different methods – one common way is field marks. Another, relevant here when not all the field marks are visible is general impression size and shape. This small hawk is just darn cute, in contrast to the fierce expression on every Cooper’s Hawk, ever.
Carolina Wren, near Frank Ryan Park, by Arnet Sheppard. This park usually has a breeding pair of this locally uncommon species, and unlike our other wrens, these hardy birds do not migrate.
Greater White-fronted Goose, Anderson Rd, by Aaron Hywarren. These geese are showing the eponymous white stripe between the bill and eyes that makes them easy to differentiate from Pink-footed Goose at a great distance.
Fox Sparrow, by Aaron Hywarren. Significantly larger than our average sparrow. With its size and often skulky habits, it is easier to confuse with a thrush than another species of sparrow.
Common Goldeneye (males), Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Herring Gull, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. The unstreaked white head on an adult is a sign of breeding plumage. We cannot see the pink legs, but the exposed flesh around the eye and bill is pink like the legs, and the red spot on the bill is another marker. The spot is used as a pecking target by juvenile gulls to solicit food from their parents.
Hooded Mergansers, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Female on the left, male on the right. Note the tails held away from the water in a mating ritual.
Hooded Merganser, Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Wood Duck (male), Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Eastern Meadowlark, Prince of Wales Drive, by Aaron Hywarren. If you hear a perfect meadowlark song in early spring, look around you at the habitat. Agricultural land? Probably a meadowlark like this one. Suburban yard or even the urban core? Almost certainly a European starling showing off its incredible mimicry. And that long narrow bill? Perfect for snatching insects in tall grass.
Fox Sparrow, Vars, by Erin Durant.
Snow Goose: 1700 reported at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain, Prescott and Russell, and 5000 reported from the Lafleche Landfill and surrounding fields, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. May appear anywhere in small numbers.
Ross’s Goose (1) Mar 24-25, Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields, Ottawa. (1) Mar 24, Cobb Lake Creek flood plain, Prescott and Russell.
Greater White-fronted Goose (2) Mar 25, Anderson Road, Ottawa. (2) Mar 23, 25, Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields, Ottawa. (1) Mar 22, Milton Road, Ottawa. (2) Mar 22, John Shaw Rd, Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (5) Mar 26, Rideau River Provincial Park, Ottawa. (2) Mar 25, Kinburn Side Road, Ottawa. (2) Mar 25, Cowell Road, Ottawa. (2) Mar 21-25, John Shaw Road, Ottawa. (2) Mar 22, Roger Stevens Drive, Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (21), Milton Rd near bridge, Ottawa. (28) Mar 26, Navan-Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa. (2) Mar 23-24, Cobb Lake Creek flood plain, Prescott and Russell. (1) Mar 23-24, Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields, Ottawa. (6) Mar 21, Frontier Rd, Ottawa.
Gadwall (2) Mar 22, Milton Road, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (2) Adàwe Crossing, Ottawa. May appear anywhere from Stanley Park to Hurdman.
Blue-winged Teal (1) Mar 25, Milton Road at Bear Brook, Ottawa. (1) Mar 25, River road N of Hurst Marina, Ottawa.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Greater Scaup (1) Mar 22, Britannia CA–Filtration Plant/Point, Ottawa.
Black-crowned Night Heron (1) Mar 25, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1-2) Mar 23, 25, Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields, Ottawa. (1) Mar 23-24, Cobb Lake Creek flood plain, Prescott and Russell. (2) Mar 22, Kerwin Rd, Ottawa. (1) Mar 21, 25, Milton Road, Ottawa. (2) Mar 21, John Shaw Rd, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Mar 22, Dolman Ridge Road, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Mar 27, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Mar 20, Seguinbourg Rd, The Nation CA, Prescott and Russell.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: What do Eastern Screech Owls, American Woodcocks, and Mourning Doves have in common? They are a few of the handful of local species – along with Trumpeter Swans, Ruffed Grouse, and three other types of owls – that breed here in Eastern Ontario in April.
Have you heard or seen these species at this time of year? If so, you can easily join the 250 other Ottawa-area birders who are participating in one of Ontario’s largest community science efforts: the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Your breeding bird observations are valuable, and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
Participation in this once-in-a-generation opportunity is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 March 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
The Spring migration wild goose chase season opened this week. Distant swans swam the flooded fields. Golden Eagles soared through on their way North, sometimes putting up huge flocks of geese.
Hybrid Mallard x American Black Duck (male), Britannia CA, by Igor Rogi. This is the classic local hybrid of two extremely closely related species, both in the same genus, Anas. These male hybrids look a lot like drake-plumaged female mallards, a plumage that can arise in old females. This can be discounted in this case, because of the all yellow bill, a male-only feature.
Hybrid Mallard x Gadwall(male), Britannia CA, by Igor Rogi. This is a much less common hybrid, but probably at least annual in the region. Mallards and Gadwalls often share habitat, so these things happen, but they are not even in the same genus. The Sibley app (v2) shows many–but not–all possible hybrids. Hybrids are often misreported and rarer ones can lead to much speculation. Of course knowing all the plumages of the regular species makes it easier to spot hybrids and rarities.
Pied-billed Grebe, Britannia CA, by Igor Rogi. Pied-billed Grebes show up as soon as there is open water on ponds. They feed mostly on crustaceans, aquatic insects, and small fish.
Red-tailed Hawk (adult), Carleton University, by Igor Rogi. Igor saw the land in a nearby bush, and fly by him with his prize, an unfortunate chipmunk.
White-winged crossbill, near Pakenham, by Sheila Craig.
Pine Siskin, Jack Pine Trail, by Sheila Craig. The winter finches have mostly skipped our region this winter, but a few of all species have passed through. Listening for unfamiliar bird calls is a good start to finding them.
Common Goldeneye (female, left) and Barrow’s Goldeneye (male, right), Strathcona Park, by Sheila Craig. The unfrozen parts of the Rideau River north of Hudman host a couple of Barrow’s most winters.
Horned Lark (male), Brownlee, by Gillian Wright. The ‘horns’ and strong black mask make this a male.
Horned Lark (male), Brownlee, by Gillian Wright. The almost mechanical chips are usually easier to hear than the birds are to see in the stubble. Even when flushed, they disappear into the scenery on landing.
Common Goldeneye, Petrie Island, by Erin Durant. The male is in full courtship mode, trying to impress the female. The females act like they are ignoring the males and the males are just wasting their time, then suddenly the female comes to a decision and swims off with her chosen male.
Common Goldeneye, Petrie Island, by Erin Durant. The male takes a break from courting to chase off another male.
Ross’s Goose (1) Mar 18, Embrun, Prescott and Russell. (1) Mar 20, RCMP horse farm, near Pakenham, Lanark.
Greater White-fronted Goose (1) Mar 20, Ch Anderson, Ottawa. (1) Mar 20, John Shaw Rd, Ottawa.
Pink-footed Goose (1) Mar 16-18, Third Line Rd S, Ottawa. Also seen at Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields. Seen on the 15th on Lockhead Rd W, Ottawa.
Trumpeter Swan (3) Mar 20, Carp River southeast of Carp, Ottawa. (1) Mar 19, John Shaw south of Kinburn Side, Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (11) Mar 19-20, Milton Rd near bridge, Ottawa. (2) Mar 19-20, Fourth Line Road, Ottawa.
Gadwall (3) Mar 14-15, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Greater Scaup (1) Mar 15, Britannia CA–Filtration Plant/Point, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Mar 19, Remic Rapids Lookout, Ottawa. (1) Mar 19, Riverain Park, Ottawa. (1) Mar 19, Stanley Park, Ottawa.
Blue-winged Teal (1) Mar 18-19, Third Line Rd S, Ottawa. Also Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields. (2) Mar 17, Huntley Rd., Ottawa.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Red-breasted Merganser (1) Mar 17, Cardinal Creek Karst Path, Ottawa.
Horned Grebe (1) Mar 12-15, Bate Island, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Mar 19, Milton Road, Ottawa. (1) Mar 16, 18 Frank Kenny Road (bridge), Ottawa. (4) Mar 15, Greenland Road Hawkwatch, Ottawa.
(3) Mar 15, Stonecrest Rd, Ottawa. (4) Mar 15, Greenland Road Hawkwatch, Ottawa. (1) Mar 15, Cameron Harvey Drive, Ottawa.
Tree Swallow (3) Mar 19, Dunrobin (Constance Creek), Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Mar 18, Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Mar 18, 3rd Line Road South, Ottawa.
Northern House Wren (1) Mar 18, Quartier de la Terrasse Lakeview, Gatineau.
Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12-Mar 15 (at least), Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. A fair amount of patience or luck may be required.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa. (1) Mar 18, Plover Lane, Ottawa.
Fox Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
Canada Jay (1) Last reported Mar 15, Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa.
eBirder reviewer note:
Heard a Nighthawk in March? Think again; American Woodcock have a very similar call and are a frequent early spring pitfall. On a similar note, while the first few Red-shouldered Hawks are trickling in, beware cheap imitations: Blue Jays do a great job at that and are also accomplished mimics of Broad-winged Hawk (which only arrive in our region in mid April).
Atlas notes: The final year of the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is now underway. As a direct result of the impressive effort of hundreds of volunteers across the province over the past four years, the Third Atlas is already a rich source of information on Ontario’s bird life. Atlassing has been an exciting time of discovery: not only of breeding birds, but of bird behaviour. It has been a great opportunity to explore local patches and beyond. And for many participants, they have embraced the challenge of atlassing as an opportunity to refresh or improve their birding skills including birding-by-ear and the importance of recognizing habitat.
There is still time to join in one of Ontario’s most ambitious and community science efforts here in Eastern Ontario. Though peak breeding season is still a few short months away, the Atlas welcomes all reports of both Crossbill species in suitable habitat at any time of year, and we are already into the breeding season for both Eastern Screech Owls and Great Horned Owls. Common Ravens have also been noted doing their mating rituals. Your observations – whether these species are seen or heard – are valuable and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come. Participation is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird using the Nature Counts app. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 March 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
The stars of the winter season — Varied Thrush and Canada Jay — are joined by some precursors of Spring such as the Wilson Snipe.
Varied Thrush (female), Stonecrest, by Ian Somerville. This species has an unsolved mystery – populations wax and wane on a two-year cycle for reasons unknown.
Hermit Thrush, Alta Vista, by Gillian Wright. Gillian observed the bird return to the feeder multitimes, but all on one day never to be seen again. An early migrant who overshot? Hermit Thrushes prefer insects and fruit, but will take seeds (naturally from plant sources, or from feeders) in winter.
Red-headed Woodpecker (adult), Constance Bay, by Scott Haldane. Unlike all other species of local woodpeckers, Red-headed Woodpeckers cannot be sexed by the amount or location of red feathers.
Canada Jay, Mer Bleue, by Aaron Hywarren. Canada Jays tend to keep one helper young (to help raise the following year’s nest) for a year so if two young successfully fledge, one bird will disperse. This is presumably a first year dispersed bird.
American Tree Sparrow, Dolman Ridge Rd, by Sanam Goudarzi. With warm weather on the way, the Tree Sparrows will soon be replaced by the superficially similar (but much smaller) Chipping Sparrows.
Blue Jay, Dolman Ridge Rd, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Common Goldeneye (adult male), Britannia CA, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Northern Cardinal (adult male), Britannia CA, by Sanam Goudarzi.
Hairy Woodpecker (adult male), Hurdman Woods, by Gillian Wright. As long as that tongue seems, it is only slightly extended here.
Pileated Woodpecker (female), Mer Bleu, by Gillian Wright. Note the nictitating membrane (like a second eyelid) that slides over the eye before impact for protection from flying debris. The black mustache stripe and dark forehead reveal that this bird is female.
Red-headed Woodpecker (adult), Constance bay, by Scott Haldane. Woodpeckers use their stiff tails almost like an additional limb to hold themselves in place and away from the bark. This shot demonstrates just how flexible and useful the tail can be to the bird for controlling its position.
Varied Thrush (female), Stonecrest, by Ian Somerville. The long back toe is common to many ground-feeding birds.
Trumpeter Swan (6) Mar 01-02, Burritt’s Rapids dam, Ottawa.
Tundra Swan (1) Mar 05, Richmond – town, Ottawa.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Gadwall (2) Mar 05, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau.
Lesser Scaup (1) Mar 06, Maple Hill Park, Ottawa. (1) Manotick—L.I. Barnsdale rd, Ottawa.
Wilson’s Snipe (1) Mar 01-06, The Arboretum, Ottawa. Hanging in a stretch of open creek below the toboggan hill.
Golden Eagle (1) Mar 03, West end of Dunrobin road, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau. (1) Mar 03, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa. (1) Feb 28, Pleasant Park Woods, Ottawa.
Canada Jay (1), Feb 22 until at least Mar 04, Ridge Road. Some people are seeing it from the Mer Bleue Bog parking or near-by trails.
Hermit Thrush (1) Mar 04, Alta Vista, Ottawa. (1) Mar 03, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Mar 03, Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12-Mar 06 (at least), Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. Use your car as a blind and do not exit the car as it will fly away. Feeding on Juniper berries and blueberries.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Mar 05, Rue de la Loire, Gatineau.
Eastern Towhee (1) Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau.
Atlas notes: There is still time to contribute to one of Ontario’s largest community science efforts: the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
Have you encountered an Eastern Screech Owl in a tree-hollow, heard Great Horned Owls hooting early in the morning, or enjoyed a pair of Common Ravens dancing in the sky? At this time of year here in Eastern Ontario, these species have all started breeding, and resident Mourning Doves, Northern Saw-whet Owls, Barred Owls and Trumpeter Swans will follow suit in a few short weeks.
Your reports of these species are valuable to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come.
Participation in this once-in-a-generation opportunity is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 27 February 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A short list this week, but with the long-staying Varied Thrush and a new Canada Jay, who can complain?
Common Goldeneye (adult male), Britannia CA, by Alan Short.
Cooper’s Hawk (adult), Britannia CA, by Alan Short. Alan watched the hawk perch watching the ducks for an hour. This is common behaviour for this bird. Breeding adult by the deep red eye.
Common Merganser (adult male), Britannia CA, by Alan Short.
Northern Cardinal (adult male), Britannia CA, by Alan Short. Looks a little like an inflated balloon, and indeed, the bird is holding extra air between its feathers and skin for insulation.
Varied Thrush (female), Stonecrest, by Sheila Craig.
Wild Turkey (adult male), Britannia CA, by Sheila Craig. It would be anthropomorphizing to say that adult male turkeys are jerks. It might be more scientifically proper to say that adult males in the breeding season are often aggressive and territorial to other male turkeys and other species of any gender, and can draw blood from, or tear up nice winter jackets of, innocent birders.
American Robin (adult), Britannia CA, by Sheila Craig. When was the last time you really looked at this colorful thrush? The broken white eye-ring, the striped throat, the black and white feather tips of the undertail? Perhaps a common yard bird, but a darn fancy thrush.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye. Bate’s Island surrounding vantage points on the river. Adàwe Crossing, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
(1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) James Bell Dr., Ottawa. (1) Feb 15, Hexham Rd, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau.
Canada Jay (1), Feb 22 until at least Feb 26, Ridge Road. Some people are seeing it from the Mer Bleue Bog parking lot or near-by trails. Given the rough trails and depth of snow, a scope may be helpful.
Hermit Thrush (1) Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Britannia CA–Britannia Ridge, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12-16 (at least), Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. Advice from those who have seen it: ‘Use your car as a blind and do not exit the car as it will fly away. Feeding on Juniper berries.’
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
Eastern Towhee (1) Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau. (1) Fine Estate Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 February 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
The Varied Thrush continues … to play hide and seek with birders. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) flushed out many unreported White-throated Sparrows, Flickers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, etc. The Great Gray and Boreal Owl irruption continues with new individuals of each species this week.
Merlin, Magladry Rd, by TJ Way. When still, this beautiful little predator could easily be confused with a juvenile sharpie or coop. The falcon bill tip and the dark eye give it away. Juv sharpies and coops have bright yellow eyes and relatively longer tails.
Varied Thrush, Stonecrest, by Arlene Harrold. The Varied Thrush continues to act thrush-like, skulky, low and always with a branch to hide behind. It will probably stick around in the area for the winter, but is running out of juniper berries at that location so may not be easy to spot at that specific field.
American Crow, Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Common Goldeneye, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Unlike the semi-tame Mud Lake Mallards, Goldeneye like to keep a bigger distance from humans. They panicked at the sight of Alan. Note the two brown-headed birds were hatched last year and are turning into adult males, while the two green-headed ones are fully adult males.
Common Goldeneye, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Goldeneye will spend long stretches flying to the upper end of open water, diving for food, letting the flow carry them to the end of the feeding area before flying upriver again, and repeating over and over.
House Finch, Pinecrest Creek, by Derek Dunnett. Why do we occasionally see yellow or orange House Finches instead of the usual orange-red of the bird on the right? It has nothing to do with age, sex or subspecies. Yellow, red and orange pigments (or their components) tend to come from the birds’ diet. The orange bird on the left favored berries lacking some chemical while it was molting into its current plumage. Perhaps a shiny ornamental plant in someone’s garden was the source.
Gadwall (1) Feb 20, McNeely Avenue, Carleton Place, Lanark.
Barrow’s Goldeneye. Bate’s Island and surrounding vantage points on the river.
Great Blue Heron (1) Feb 15, Last Mile Rd drainage pond, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Feb 15, March rd/Eagleson rd, Ottawa.
Northern Harrier (1) Lockhead Road, Ottawa. (1) Feb 17, Carp–Hidden Lake Trail, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
(1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) James Bell Dr., Ottawa. (1) Feb 15, Hexham Rd, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Falcon brook rd., Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau. (1) Feb 14, Stonecrest Rd, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Feb 08, Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa
Gray Catbird (1) Feb 09, Hurdman Wood, Ottawa. (1) Arlington Woods, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Feb 09, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Feb 07, Parc Queen, Gatineau. (1) Feb 18, Extrémité Ch. de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Feb 16, Tara Dr, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12-19 (at least), Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. Advice from those who have seen it: ‘Use your car as a blind and do not exit the car as it will fly away. Feeding on Juniper berries.’ Patience and low expectations may help.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
White-throated Sparrow – Still rare, but too many reports to list this week thanks to the GBBC.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Feb 15, 6 Rue de la Loire, Gatineau.
Eastern Towhee (1) Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau.
Brown-headed Cowbird (1) Feb 17, Sixth Line Road, Dunrobin, Baker’s Acres, Ottawa. (1) Feb 16, Fine Estate, Ottawa. (2) Feb 15, Castor Rd, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: The final year of the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is now underway. As a direct result of the impressive effort of hundreds of volunteers across the province over the past four years, the Third Atlas is already a rich source of information on Ontario’s bird life. Atlassing has been an exciting time of discovery: not only of breeding birds, but of bird behaviour. It has been a great opportunity to explore local patches and beyond. And for many participants, they have embraced the challenge of atlassing as an opportunity to refresh or improve their birding skills including birding-by-ear and the importance of recognizing habitat.
There is still time to join in one of Ontario’s most ambitious and community science efforts here in Eastern Ontario. Though peak breeding season is still a few short months away, the Atlas welcomes all reports of both Crossbill species in suitable habitat at any time of year, and we are already into the breeding season for both Eastern Screech Owls and Great Horned Owls. Common Ravens have also been noted doing their mating rituals. Your observations – whether these species are seen or heard – are valuable and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come. Participation is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird using the Nature Counts app. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 27 February 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A short list this week, but with the long-staying Varied Thrush and a new Canada Jay, who can complain?
Common Goldeneye (adult male), Britannia CA, by Alan Short.
Cooper’s Hawk (adult), Britannia CA, by Alan Short. Alan watched the hawk perch watching the ducks for an hour. This is common behaviour for this bird. Breeding adult by the deep red eye.
Common Merganser (adult male), Britannia CA, by Alan Short.
Northern Cardinal (adult male), Britannia CA, by Alan Short. Looks a little like an inflated balloon, and indeed, the bird is holding extra air between its feathers and skin for insulation.
Varied Thrush (female), Stonecrest, by Sheila Craig.
Wild Turkey (adult male), Britannia CA, by Sheila Craig. It would be anthropomorphizing to say that adult male turkeys are jerks. It might be more scientifically proper to say that adult males in the breeding season are often aggressive and territorial to other male turkeys and other species of any gender, and can draw blood from, or tear up nice winter jackets of, innocent birders.
American Robin (adult), Britannia CA, by Sheila Craig. When was the last time you really looked at this colorful thrush? The broken white eye-ring, the striped throat, the black and white feather tips of the undertail? Perhaps a common yard bird, but a darn fancy thrush.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye. Bate’s Island surrounding vantage points on the river. Adàwe Crossing, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
(1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) James Bell Dr., Ottawa. (1) Feb 15, Hexham Rd, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau.
Canada Jay (1), Feb 22 until at least Feb 26, Ridge Road. Some people are seeing it from the Mer Bleue Bog parking lot or near-by trails. Given the rough trails and depth of snow, a scope may be helpful.
Hermit Thrush (1) Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Britannia CA–Britannia Ridge, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12-16 (at least), Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. Advice from those who have seen it: ‘Use your car as a blind and do not exit the car as it will fly away. Feeding on Juniper berries.’
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
Eastern Towhee (1) Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau. (1) Fine Estate Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 February 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
The Varied Thrush continues … to play hide and seek with birders. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) flushed out many unreported White-throated Sparrows, Flickers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, etc. The Great Gray and Boreal Owl irruption continues with new individuals of each species this week.
Merlin, Magladry Rd, by TJ Way. When still, this beautiful little predator could easily be confused with a juvenile sharpie or coop. The falcon bill tip and the dark eye give it away. Juv sharpies and coops have bright yellow eyes and relatively longer tails.
Varied Thrush, Stonecrest, by Arlene Harrold. The Varied Thrush continues to act thrush-like, skulky, low and always with a branch to hide behind. It will probably stick around in the area for the winter, but is running out of juniper berries at that location so may not be easy to spot at that specific field.
American Crow, Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Common Goldeneye, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Unlike the semi-tame Mud Lake Mallards, Goldeneye like to keep a bigger distance from humans. They panicked at the sight of Alan. Note the two brown-headed birds were hatched last year and are turning into adult males, while the two green-headed ones are fully adult males.
Common Goldeneye, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Goldeneye will spend long stretches flying to the upper end of open water, diving for food, letting the flow carry them to the end of the feeding area before flying upriver again, and repeating over and over.
House Finch, Pinecrest Creek, by Derek Dunnett. Why do we occasionally see yellow or orange House Finches instead of the usual orange-red of the bird on the right? It has nothing to do with age, sex or subspecies. Yellow, red and orange pigments (or their components) tend to come from the birds’ diet. The orange bird on the left favored berries lacking some chemical while it was molting into its current plumage. Perhaps a shiny ornamental plant in someone’s garden was the source.
Gadwall (1) Feb 20, McNeely Avenue, Carleton Place, Lanark.
Barrow’s Goldeneye. Bate’s Island and surrounding vantage points on the river.
Great Blue Heron (1) Feb 15, Last Mile Rd drainage pond, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Feb 15, March rd/Eagleson rd, Ottawa.
Northern Harrier (1) Lockhead Road, Ottawa. (1) Feb 17, Carp–Hidden Lake Trail, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
(1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) James Bell Dr., Ottawa. (1) Feb 15, Hexham Rd, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Falcon brook rd., Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau. (1) Feb 14, Stonecrest Rd, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Feb 08, Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa
Gray Catbird (1) Feb 09, Hurdman Wood, Ottawa. (1) Arlington Woods, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Feb 09, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Feb 07, Parc Queen, Gatineau. (1) Feb 18, Extrémité Ch. de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Feb 16, Tara Dr, Ottawa.
Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12-19 (at least), Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. Advice from those who have seen it: ‘Use your car as a blind and do not exit the car as it will fly away. Feeding on Juniper berries.’ Patience and low expectations may help.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
White-throated Sparrow – Still rare, but too many reports to list this week thanks to the GBBC.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Feb 15, 6 Rue de la Loire, Gatineau.
Eastern Towhee (1) Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau.
Brown-headed Cowbird (1) Feb 17, Sixth Line Road, Dunrobin, Baker’s Acres, Ottawa. (1) Feb 16, Fine Estate, Ottawa. (2) Feb 15, Castor Rd, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: The final year of the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is now underway. As a direct result of the impressive effort of hundreds of volunteers across the province over the past four years, the Third Atlas is already a rich source of information on Ontario’s bird life. Atlassing has been an exciting time of discovery: not only of breeding birds, but of bird behaviour. It has been a great opportunity to explore local patches and beyond. And for many participants, they have embraced the challenge of atlassing as an opportunity to refresh or improve their birding skills including birding-by-ear and the importance of recognizing habitat.
There is still time to join in one of Ontario’s most ambitious and community science efforts here in Eastern Ontario. Though peak breeding season is still a few short months away, the Atlas welcomes all reports of both Crossbill species in suitable habitat at any time of year, and we are already into the breeding season for both Eastern Screech Owls and Great Horned Owls. Common Ravens have also been noted doing their mating rituals. Your observations – whether these species are seen or heard – are valuable and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come. Participation is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird using the Nature Counts app. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 13 February 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A varied thrush injected some color into the whitest part of winter.
Varied Thrush (female), Galetta, by Jeff Skevington. Those who remember the striking image of a Varied Thrush in the intro to Twin Peaks, filmed in the Pacific Northwest, know how far this bird is out of range. Its breeding range barely sneaks into Alberta. But thrushes are strong flyers and frequent vagrants.
Carolina Wren, Stittsville, by Linda Halberstadt. We are at the northern edge of their range, and with all the recent mild winters, they have been expanding in recent years. Linda says this was the first time one showed up in her backyard. Community science efforts such as project FeederWatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count lead to many discoveries like this bird.
Northern Pintail (female), Mud Lake, by Edith St-Martin. A brown duck could easily recede into the background in a large flock of Mallards, but a second look reveals the blue bill, and the gorgeous patterns on the side and back. Another clue, not obvious in this shot, is a longer neck than the Mallards.
Common Merganser (male), Ottawa river near Mud Lake, by Alan Short. This species is well-adapted for our weather, and was casually resting on the ice when Alan arrived.
Rock Pigeons, near Ryan and Placid St, by Alan Short. Birds in their native range (Eurasia, North Africa) tend to be blue-gray. North America birds are all descended from domestic animals and show more variation in plumage. In this picture we see a melanistic bird (dark, second from left), and at least four birds showing a range of white feathers. Spend some time in downtown Ottawa – especially outside with a sandwich – and more colours will reveal themselves.
Mallard (male), Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Flying in to join the others.
Cooper’s Hawk, near Ryan and Placid St, by Alan Short. Overlooking bird feeders, the deep red of the eye says this is a breeding age adult more clearly than the plumage.
Downy Woodpecker (adult male), Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Leaping from a branch. Even with no other birds for a size comparison, the relatively short bill makes for an easy ID.
Northern Shoveler (1) Feb 09, Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Great Blue Heron (1) Feb 09, Walkley Rd near 417, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Feb 09, Kizell Pond, Ottawa. (1) Feb 08, March Valley Rd, Ottawa.
Golden Eagle (1) Feb 07, Concession Rd 7B, Mississippi Mills, Lanark.
Northern Harrier (1) Feb 09, Lockhead Road, Ottawa
Red-shouldered Hawk (1) Feb 12, Roger Stevens Dr, Montague, Lanark. Just barely outside the circle.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Feb 08, Parc du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Feb 10, Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Feb 09, Ritchie Ave, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa
Winter Wren (1) Feb 08, Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Feb 09, Hurdman Wood, Ottawa. (1) Arlington Woods, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Feb 09, Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Feb 07, Parc Queen, Gatineau.
Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12, Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. Advice from those who have seen it: ‘Use your car as a blind and do not exit the car as it will fly away. Feeding on Juniper berries.’
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
White-throated Sparrow (1) Feb 13, Foxview Pl, Ottawa. (1) Feb 12, Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa.
(1) Feb 12, Carleton University, Ottawa.
Swamp Sparrow (1) Feb 12, Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail), Ottawa.
Eastern Towhee (1) Feb 02, Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau.
Red-winged Blackbird (3) Feb 06, Pleasant Park-Kilborn Gardens Corridor, Ottawa. (1) Feb 08, Arlington Woods, Ottawa. (1) Feb 02, Beaujolais Crescent, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 February 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
The cold weather and sparse reports might encourage complacency. Or maybe it’s an invitation to try an overlooked greenspace to uncover something really cool and unreported.
American Black Duck, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Male from the golden bill with no dark patch on top.
Common Goldeneye, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. Males from the fancy green heads.The iridescent green color in the head feathers is structural, the black on the back and in the wings is colored by pigment, and the white feathers lack pigment, showing three different methods of color display on the feathers of a single bird.
American Robins, Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Common Goldeneye, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. A couple of the more subtly colored females in evidence. If you walk along the river’s edge this time of year, you may witness the males throwing back their heads and singing for the females.
Northern Shoveler, Nepean Creek Trail, by Andrei Grushman. This bird has been described variously on eBird. As the winter goes on and the bird matures, the answer becomes clear. Andrei points out it is “male (black bill, yellow eyes, green speculum, some chestnut on the side, dark head with a tinge of green) and it appears to be immature because of the dull brown plumage.” Why do we care if birds are female or male? Females and males of various species spend the non-breeding (or even the chick-raising season for many ducks) apart, and may over-winter in different habitats or even countries. Knowing what areas are important to an entire species is critical for conservation.
White-crowned Sparrow, Greenbank Pond, by Chris Van Norman. Immature White-crowns can be easy to overlook without the eponymous white crown.
White-winged crossbill, Masham, by Tony Beck. The pink bird in front is an adult male. Normally frustrating to photograph in their tree-top habitat, sometimes they oblige us by descending to the road to pick up grit for their gizzards or salt for their diet.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa.
Great Blue Heron (1)Feb 02, Last Mile Rd drainage pond, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Feb 02,Stittsville–Hickstead Storm Pond, Ottawa.
Northern Harrier (1) Fine Estate, Ottawa. (1) Feb 03, Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Feb 05, Parc de la Gatineau–Sentier Gamelin, Gatineau. (1) Feb 04, Lac McGregor, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Northern Flicker (1) Stonecrest Rd, Ottawa. (1) Spruce Ridge Rd, Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau, Quebec.
Gray Catbird (1) Arlington Woods, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Pine Grosbeak (1) Feb 04, Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Feb 01, Britannia CA, Ottawa. (1) Feb 01, Parc Queen, Gatineau.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Greenbank Pond, Ottawa. (1) Rue de la Loire, Gatineau.
Swamp Sparrow (1) Feb 01, Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail), Ottawa.
Eastern Towhee (1) Feb 02, Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau.
Red-winged Blackbird (3) Feb 06, Pleasant Park-Kilborn Gardens Corridor, Ottawa. (1) Feb 05, Arlington Woods, Ottawa. (1) Feb 02, Beaujolais Crescent, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 30 January 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Almost identical report to last week. Go find that undiscovered rare bird. Or check out somewhere you don’t normally bird.
Merlin, Mer Bleue, Scott Haldane. Merlins may start their hunts from perches, but also employ a very low flight for a hidden high speed approach to flush shorebirds in particular. Watching the mud flats at Andrew Hayden when there are shorebirds, you can see the Merlins use this approach over and over.
Merlin, Mer Bleue, Scott Haldane.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Dewberry, Gillian Wright. Gillain observed the Sharpie take the Jay right beside her and land with it on the trail in front of her.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Dewberry, Gillian Wright. The wings spread over the prey is not an accident. Called mantling, this behaviour may serve to hide the prey item from competitors. This technique is used by hawks, owls, even eagles.
Belted Kingfisher, Stittsville, Gillian Wright. Does that branch look familiar? The bird is using the same perch and more or less the same position weeks after the last photo submitted of it. It must be the best option for perching between dives.
Swamp Sparrow, Chipmunk Trail, Chris Van Norman.
Swamp Sparrow, Chipmunk Trail, Chris Van Norman. Look at that puff ball! Maximizing the air trapped between the feathers for maximum insulation.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa (immature male).
Northern Harrier (1) Akins Rd, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Stittsville–Hickstead Storm Pond, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Fine Estate, Ottawa. (1) Chemin Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
(1) Jan 23, Chemin Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Spruce Ridge Rd, Ottawa. (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Boreal Chickadee (1) Jan 23, Old Almonte Rd, Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Bel Air fields, Ottawa, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Bruce Pit, Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA, Ottawa.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Rue de la Loire, Gatineau.
Swamp Sparrow (1) Jan 27, Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail), Ottawa.
Eastern Towhee (1) Jan 30, Aylmer, Gatineau.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 23 January 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
An elusive Boreal chickadee and a tough Eastern Phoebe.
Swamp Sparrow, Beaver Trail, by Connie ten Bruggenkate. 99.9 percent of the population are South of the border for the winter. There are always a few stragglers, and sometimes they survive the winter and become the first to claim spring territories. Whether or not they can defend that claim against healthy migrants is another matter.
Brown Creeper, Fletcher, by Gillian Wright. Well camouflaged and often silent, the creeper is hard to spot. But they have a distinctive behaviour. They hunt climbing up the trunk, then flying directly to the bottom of the next tree. This pattern repeats and is distinctive enough for id. They also have a really high-pitched short call that not everyone can hear.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Fletcher, by Gillian Wright.
Rough-legged Hawk, Earl Armstrong rd., by Alan Short. Alan observed the hawk riding thermals over the asphalt.
Common Goldeneye, Britannia, by Alan Short. Ever notice how the tails of diving ducks like this goldeneye differ from dabblers such as the Mallard?
House Sparrow, Cline Park, by Alan Short. Not native to North America, House Sparrows followed humans to almost everywhere we live (or once lived). Once very common, changes in agriculture and transportation have reduced their numbers everywhere. They persist in cities thanks to humans dropping grain products everywhere and leaving nest cavities throughout our city architecture. The next time you seek out flat-packed european furniture, check out how many live in the spray insulation of the car park.
House Finch, Fletcher, by Alan Short. Native to North America, their once small range was greatly enlarged when a flock was released in New York City, and they spread rapidly throughout the northeast.
House Finch, Fletcher, by Alan Short.
House Finch, Fletcher, by Alan Short. Feeders are great places to study our overwintering birds. Learning the call notes and behaviours of common local birds will make it easier to notice out-of-place birds at a later date. And it is fun.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa (immature male).
Red-breasted Merganser (1) Jan 18, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa
Great Blue Heron (1) Jan 22, Navan (Giroux Road Ponds), Ottawa.
Northern Harrier (1) Jan 18, 417 at Ramsyville, Ottawa. (1) Jan 17, Fernbank Road at Terry Fox, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Stittsville–Hickstead Storm Pond, Ottawa. (1) Jan 17, Richmond (Jock River), Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Fine Estate, Ottawa. (1) Chemin Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Jan 19, Mohrs Rd, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Falcon Brook Rd, Ottawa. (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Jan 18, Forêt Boucher, Gatineau,
Eastern Phoebe (1) Jan 17, Carleton University, Ottawa
Boreal Chickadee (1) Jan 23, Old Almonte Rd, Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Bel Air fields, Ottawa, Ottawa. (1) Jan 17, Hurdman Wood, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Jan 19, Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Britannia CA, Ottawa. (1) Jan 22, Piste cyc. Sentier des Voyageurs–Parc Brébeuf<–>Pont Champlain, Gatineau. (1) Jan 19, Greenbelt Pathway East, Ottawa
Pine Grosbeak (1) Jan 18, Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa.
Red-winged Blackbird (2) Jan 21, Pleasant Park-Kilborn Gardens Corridor, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: New Year, New Birding Goals!
Kick off 2025 by making a difference for bird conservation with our January Challenge! Whether you’ve got a backlog of Atlas data to submit or have been collecting bird data via eBird or other sources but haven’t registered or submitted it yet, this challenge is for YOU!
How It Works: During January, simply submit any checklist (old or new) with breeding evidence and you’ll earn entries into a draw for a pair of Vortex binoculars!
Whether you’re catching up on old data or new to the Atlas and migrating your checklists from eBird or other records, your contributions help shape our understanding of bird populations. And of course, you’ll have a chance to win an exciting prize along the way!
Your data are crucial! We can’t wait to see all that you’ve observed. Don’t wait—this is your last chance to participate before the final field season of Atlas-3!
For more information on how to register and/or submit data, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/quick-start/
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 16 January 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
OFNC policy prevents reporting of individual owls. But the Great Gray Owl and Boreal Owl irruptions have reached the OFNC Circle, and there has never been a better time for a walk in the woods or a slow cruise down a rural road with one eye on the tree line.
Rough-legged Hawk (adult female light-morph), Earl Armstrong Road near Findlay Creek, by Dani-Elle Dubé. Roughies breed in the arctic so we only have them for the winters. They can hover facing the wind as they search for prey, the behaviour that Dani-Elle captured here. This is a nice adaptation for a bird of open areas where perches can be hard to come by.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (adult male), Jack Pine, by Scott Haldane. Scott observed the red-bellied fly in and displace the male Hairy Woodpecker. The bird and the various hairies have been playing a game of dominance for months at this location. The red-bellied usually comes out on top.
Snow Bunting, Akins Road, by Scott Haldane. Another arctic breeder, only here for our warm and easy winters. The living is easy with agricultural leftovers just laying around.
Snow Bunting, Akins Road, by Scott Haldane. Large flocks gather in the agricultural areas south of Ottawa. A fun game is to look for darker birds in the large flocks – the easiest way to find Lapland Longspurs in our region. This flock seems longspur-free.
Belted Kingfisher, Hickstead Storm Pond, by Sheila Craig. Kingfishers are tough, and can survive as long as they have open water and fish. Males in particular may try to over winter near good territories for an advantage next spring.
White-throated Sparrow, Jack Pine, by Catherine Lawerence.
Northern Flicker (adult male), Fletcher, by Catherine Lawerence.
Snow Buntings, Fallowfield, by Dahlia Ippolito. Why is the buntings winter plumage black, white and brown? Dahlia’s photo demonstrates nicely how well those colors complement their winter habitats. Still no longspurs visible!
Hairy woodpecker (adult male), Beaver Trail, by Dahlia Ippolito. How to tell which species with any size info? The long length of the bill! A downy’s bill is shorter in relation to the head.
Pileated Woodpecker, Mud Lake, by Alan Short. A cute scene or impending conflict? Squirrels don’t always wait for woodpeckers to abandon roost holes before moving in.
American Black Ducks, Britannia Filtration, by Alan Short.
Cooper’s Hawk, Mud Lake, by Alan Short.
Common Merganser (female), Britannia Filtration, by Alan Short. Fishing along the edge of the ice shelf.
Common Goldeneye (adult male), Britannia, by Alan Short.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. (1) Jan 12, Etang Grimes, Gatineau.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Jan 14, Stittsville–Hickstead Storm Pond, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. Queenscourt Cres, Ottawa. (1) Fine Estate, Ottawa. (1) Chemin Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Jan 10, Ravine Park-Bilberry Creek, Ottawa.
Gray Catbird (1) Jan 15, Iris & Pathway, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Rue de la Loire, Gatineau. Deerlane Avenue, Ottawa.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Jan 15, Richland Dr, Ottawa.
Red-winged Blackbird (8) Jan 13, Milton Road, Ottawa.
Rusty Blackbird (1) Jan 13, Milton Road, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 9 January 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Golden-crowned Kinglets, Larose Forest, by Aaron Hywarren. Very tiny, but very tough, Golden-crowns can handle -40C, and come in hot to predator calls, ready for a fight. Many insectivores handle winter by switching to eating fruit, but this species has learned to forage for over-wintering micro-moths hidden among conifer needles. In January, they are most likely to be found in conifer forests such as Larose and Marlborough.
White-winged Crossbills (female on the left), Larose Forest, by Aaron Hywarren. Unlike most Ontario breeders–which follow a seasonal pattern – crossbills breed when and where they find enough food. So records of either crossbill species is welcomed at this time of year in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
Evening Grosbeaks (female on the right), Larose Forest, by Aaron Hywarren. As shown here, the Larose Christmas Bird Count uncovers many forest species that can be otherwise hard to find in the region.
Common Merganser (female), Britannia Point, by Alan Short.
Northern Cardinal & House Finch (males), Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Alan Short. Both Cardinals and House Finches use red for sexual selection. But birds have more types of color receptors in their eyes than humans, and while these reds might seem similar to some of us, they probably appear vastly different to the birds.
Cooper’s Hawk, Britannia Ridge, by Alan Short.
A murder of Crows (American Crows), Trail Road Landfill, by Alan Short. The landfill can offer up large numbers of birds, interesting species (especially gulls), and rarities. Best to stand upwind, and outside the fence.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Mike Traub. How does an otherwise svelte woodpecker puff up like a softball on a cold day? Birds have special muscles just under their skin to move feather tracts or in some cases, individual feathers. That’s how the kinglet raises its hidden crest, and how this bird is puffing up to hold extra air against its skin for insulation.
Hermit Thrush, Whitehaven, by Arnet Sheppard.
Carolina Wrens, Honey Gables (Riverside South), by David Enstrom. This species has had a couple of good winters, and there seem to be many around this year. Unlike our other wrens, Carolinas are non-migratory.
Northern Flicker (male), Honey Gables (Riverside South), by David Enstrom.
House Finch (female), Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Alan short.
Trumpeter Swan (2) Jan 03, Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. (1) Billings Bridge, Ottawa.
Great Blue Heron (1) Jan 05, Route du Carrefour, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Northern Harrier (2) Jan 08, Lockhead Road West, Ottawa
Belted Kingfisher (1) Jan 03, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. Despite its silence, the Jack Pine bird is probably the most gettable, since it hangs out around the parking lot and the old feeder area much of the time. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau. (1) Greenbank Pond, Ottawa. (1) Trail Side Circle, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Baltimore Oriole (1) Jan 03, Heron-Walkley Park, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Britannia CA (ridge), Ottawa. (1) Jan 06, Beacon Hill North-general area, Ottawa. (1) Pinecrest Creek/George C. Brown Park, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Deerlane Avenue, Ottawa. (1) Rue de la Loire, Gatineau.
Red-winged Blackbird (1) Jan 03, Pleasant Park Community Gardens, Ottawa.
Atlas notes: New Year, New Birding Goals!
Kick off 2025 by making a difference for bird conservation with our January Challenge! Whether you’ve got a backlog of Atlas data to submit or have been collecting bird data via eBird or other sources but haven’t registered or submitted it yet, this challenge is for YOU!
How It Works: During January, simply submit any checklist (old or new) with breeding evidence and you’ll earn entries into a draw for a pair of Vortex binoculars!
Whether you’re catching up on old data or new to the Atlas and migrating your checklists from eBird or other records, your contributions help shape our understanding of bird populations. And of course, you’ll have a chance to win an exciting prize along the way!
Your data are crucial! We can’t wait to see all that you’ve observed. Don’t wait—this is your last chance to participate before the final field season of Atlas-3!
For more information on how to register and/or submit data, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/quick-start/
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 2 January 2025
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Happy new year! It’s that time again: blank year lists full of potential and full needs lists.
Common Merganser, Ottawa River at Britannia, Alan Short. Nice female-male comparison.
Common Merganser, Ottawa River at Britannia, Alan Short. Coming in for a landing. Sit and watch the ducks for a day, and discover each species has their own takeoff and landing methods, some incredibly graceful, and others that look like intentional crash landings.
Wood Duck, Mud Lake, Alan Short.
Wild Turkey, Mud Lake, Alan Short. The flock starts 2025 at least 20 strong.
Herring Gull, Mud Lake, Alan Short. Although there are several species of gull in the region for the winter, over 90% of all gulls seen will be Herring Gull.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Britannia, Brian Morin. There are a few Red-bellied in the region this winter. The one at Britannia and the one at Jack Pine are fairly easy to see (with lots of patience). Getting a great shot like this however takes patience, luck and skill.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Britannia, Brian Morin.
Wood Duck, Britannia, Brian Morin. This individual did not migrate and became very comfortable around people, to the point when people had to step around the drake.
Cooper’s Hawk, Mud lake, Scott Haldane. Adult plumage.
Cooper’s Hawk, Mud lake, Scott Haldane. But the orange eye has not transitioned all the way from yellow to the red of an older adult.
Wood Duck, Britannia, Derek Dunnett. Perhaps too comfortable, as it seems to have been eaten by a raptor. Nothing left but a couple of half wings and a few feathers. Are photos 10 and 11 related? Wood Duck is on the large end for Coops, but not impossible, and the Mud Lake Coops do strafe the ducks occasionally.
Trumpeter Swan (2) Jan 02, Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Wood Duck (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (2) Dec 28, Burritts Avenue, Merrickville, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye – Rideau River between Strathcona Park and Billing’s Bridge.
Red-breasted Merganser (1) Jan 02, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Dec 28, Galetta townsite, Ottawa.
Common Loon (1) Jan 01, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa. (5) Dec 30, Johanna Street, Mississippi Mills, Lanark.
Great Blue Heron (1) Jan 01, Regimbald rd., Ottawa.
Northern Harrier (1) Dec 28, Akins, Brownlee, Rushmore and Eagleson, Ottawa.
Belted Kingfisher (1) Dec 29, Klondike Rd, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Dec 28, Cowell ROAD And South MALAKOFF CBC ROUTE, Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Dec 27, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Jan 02, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Jan 02, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau. (1)Jan 01, Greenbank Pond, Ottawa.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Jan 01, Jack Pine Trail, Ottawa.
Baltimore Oriole (1) Heron-Walkley Park, Ottawa.
Northern Mockingbird (1) Dec 26, Woodgate Way, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Jan 02, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Jan 02, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Jan 02, Navaho Park, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Dec 31, Montée Papineau, Plaisance, Papineau.
Eastern Towhee (1) Dec 30, Aylmer, Gatineau.
Red-winged Blackbird (2) Pleasant Park-Kilborn Gardens Corridor, Ottawa.
Brown-headed Cowbird (2) Jan 01, Fine Estate, Ottawa.
Common Grackle (1) Dec 29, Carp–Hidden Lake Trail, Ottawa.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1) Dec 28, Galetta townsite, Ottawa.
Dickcissel (1) Dec 26, Galetta Town site, Ottawa.