For a better look at the wonderful photos submitted by OFNC birders, please click on images.
Thanks to everyone who contributes bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community. In general, look for their broad wings and broad, rounded tails.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 16 April 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
There was a significant exodus of geese before the rain started at the end of last week but several species have arrived to replace them. The total number of species in the 50-km circle jumped from 132 to 145 but the number of “notable” species was actually slightly lower! The most exciting arrival (IMHO) was the Mountain Bluebird (a great find by Amber and Rob Pinilla). Others new notables included: White-winged Scoter, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Broad-winged Hawk, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Northern House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Baltimore Oriole, and Palm Warbler. Many of the additions to the area list have returned within their expected time-frames and therefore do not trip the notable flag in eBird – those included: Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Duck, Greater Yellowlegs, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, plus several species of Sparrows and more.
The heavy rains over the past week have replenished the vernal ponds (aka flooded farm fields) and hopefully this means that we’ll have lots of good habitat to entice returning ducks and shorebirds. Warm temps this weekend will probably bring even more birds back to the area before mid week when temps fall below normal for several days. Saturday, in particular, could be an excellent day to visit a local hawk-watching site.
NB – there could be mid to severe flooding along rivers & streams this weekend. Please be sensitive and avoid areas where homeowners may be busy sand-bagging their properties. From personal experience, they won’t be sympathetic to having birdwatchers in their neighbourhoods while they’re racing to keep water out of their basements.
Mountain Bluebird (Jessie Huynh) – For the second time in a year, a Mountain Bluebird has arrived in the region – typically they’re not seen west of central Manitoba! And, prior to last year, the previous sighting in the area was 2015. Jessie’s picture nicely contrasts the plumage of the male Mountain and a female Eastern Bluebird. And yes, there have been rare occurrences of hybrids!
Fox Sparrow (Christopher Clunas) – look for these large but shy ground-feeders leaping forward and then simultaneously kicking both feet backward to uncover seeds and insects under leaf litter.
Northern Rough-Winged Swallow (Igor Kabic) – look for these in the midst of large mixed flocks over storm ponds, lakes and rivers. They browner and often forage closer to the water’s surface than the other species. Their name comes from tiny, comb-like serrations on the outer primary feathers of their wings – ornithologists still aren’t entirely sure what they’re for.
Tree Swallow (Igor Kabic) – These are the earliest swallows to return to the area. Unlike other swallow species, they’ll survive (subsist?) on bayberries and dogwood fruit until the insects appear.
Snow Geese (Sheila Craig) – it looks like the *really* large flocks have already headed north. Sheila saw this flock of ~2000 – including both blue and white morph – birds in the Winchester area last weekend. Apparently, they tend to choose mates that match the colour phase of their parents.
Greater White-fronted Goose: a single report of 1 at Frank Kenny Rd (bridge) [Ottawa] on Apr 11 and another on Magladry Road [Ottawa] on Apr 12.
Trumpeter Swan: a single report of 1 at Eardley, terrain du 344 Bradley [Les Collines-de-l] on Apr 11; plus several more reports in other counties where they are no longer flagged as rarities.
Tundra Swan: 2 reports at 2 locations – 8 at Cobbs Lake Creek at Lalonde Rd [Prescott and Russell] (on Apr 16); 5 at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (on Apr 11).
Redhead: 2 reports of 1 at Shirley’s Bay (boat launch) [Ottawa] on Apr 10.
White-winged Scoter: 7 reports at 2 locations – 1 at Shirley’s Bay (boat launch) [Ottawa] (6 times on Apr 10); 1 at Ottawa—Grandview lookout [Ottawa] (on Apr 10).
Barrow’s Goldeneye: 8 reports at 4 locations – 1 at Shirley’s Bay [Ottawa] (on Apr 12); 1 at Rideau River Eastern Pathway north of Hurdman Bridge [Ottawa] (3 times between Apr 10-12); 1 at Kingsview Park [Ottawa] (twice between Apr 10-11); as many as 2 at Stanley Park [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 11).
Spotted Sandpiper: 2 reports of 1 at Piste cyc. Sentier des Voyageurs–Parc Brébeuf<->Pont Champlain [Gatineau] on Apr 15.
Solitary Sandpiper: a single report of 1 at Frank Kenny Rd (bridge) [Ottawa] on Apr 11. Glaucous Gull: 3 reports at 2 locations – 1 at Shirley’s Bay (boat launch) [Ottawa] (on Apr 13); 1 at Twin Elm Rd Wetlands [Ottawa] (on Apr 13).
Iceland Gull: 4 reports of 1 at Moodie Drive Quarry [Ottawa] between Apr 10-12.
Golden Eagle: a single report of 1 at Carp Rd [Ottawa] on Apr 11 and another on Chemin Fauquier [Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais] on Apr 12.
Broad-winged Hawk: a single report of 1 at Ottawa International Airport [Ottawa] on Apr 12 and another on Development Rd [Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry] on Apr 16.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: a single report of 1 at Domaine de la ferme Moore [Gatineau] on Apr 14; plus several more reports in other counties where they are no longer flagged as rarities.
Black-backed Woodpecker: a single report of 1 at Old Quarry Trail [Ottawa] on Apr 12.
Northern Shrike: a single report of 1 at Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons) [Ottawa] on Apr 15; plus several other locations and dates before the 15th (apparently when eBird started flagging them as notable).
Northern Rough-winged Swallow: 3 reports at 2 locations
– 1 at Brewer Park [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 12); 1 at Findlay Creek stormwater finishing ponds [Ottawa] (on Apr 11).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 18 reports at 13 locations – as many as 2 at Mud Lake/Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (5 times on Apr 11); 1 at Baxter CA [Ottawa] (on Apr 11); 1 at E4 entrance [Ottawa] (on Apr 11); 1 at Stanley Park [Ottawa] (on Apr 11); 5 at Pine Grove Forestry Trail [Ottawa] (on Apr 11); 1 at Beckwith Trail [Lanark] (on Apr 11); 1 at Greenbank Pond [Ottawa] (on Apr 11); as many as 2 at Beechwood Cemetary [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 11); 1 at Riverside South stormwater ponds [Ottawa] (on Apr 10); 1 at Twin Elm Rd Wetlands [Ottawa] (on Apr 10); 1 at Eccolands Park [Ottawa] (on Apr 10); 1 at Galetta floodplains [Ottawa] (on Apr 10); 1 at Almonte Lagoons [Lanark] (on Apr 10); plus several other locations and dates after Apr 11th (apparently when eBird stopped flagging them as notable).
Northern House Wren: a single report of 1 at Richmond – Richland Dr [Ottawa] on Apr 15.
Brown Thrasher: 3 reports at 2 locations – 1 at Fernbank Rd [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 13); 1 at Copeland Rd, Richmond [Ottawa] (on Apr 12); plus several other locations and dates after Apr 13th (apparently when eBird stopped flagging them as notable).
Mountain Bluebird: 40 reports at 2 locations – 1 at Cumberland Ridge/Quigley Hill Rd [Ottawa] (8 times between Apr 15-16); 1 at Cumberland Ridge Power Cut/Cumberland Ridge Drive Dog Walk Loop [Ottawa] (32 times between Apr 15-16). NB – the hydro power line is private property; please do not trespass to see this rarity!
Snow Bunting: 2 reports at 1 location – as many as 24 at Akins Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 15); plus several other locations and dates before the 15th (apparently when eBird started flagging them as notable).
White-crowned Sparrow: 11 reports at 5 locations – 1 at Fernbank Rd [Ottawa] (6 times between Apr 10-15); 1 at Ross Ave [Ottawa] (on Apr 14); 1 at Fletcher Wildlife Garden [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 13); 2 at Raina Way, North Grenville ON [Leeds and Grenville] (on Apr 13); 1 at Central Experimental Farm [Ottawa] (on Apr 11).
Eastern Towhee: 2 reports of 1 at Domaine de la ferme Moore [Gatineau] between Apr 10-11; plus several other locations and dates after Apr 11th (apparently when eBird stopped flagging them as notable).
Yellow-headed Blackbird: 2 reports of 1 at McIntosh Park, Almonte/McIntosh Park Area [Lanark] on Apr 10.
Baltimore Oriole: a single report of 1 at Deschênes Rapids [Gatineau] on Apr 16.
Palm Warbler: a single report of 1 at Marais des Laîches [Gatineau] on Apr 11.
Pine Warbler: a single report of 1 at Yard list, Ch Younger, Lac McGregor [Les Collines-de-l] on Apr 11; plus several other locations and dates after Apr 11th (apparently when eBird stopped flagging them as notable)é
Still being seen but no longer on the notable list: Blue-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked Grebe, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Not reported since the last update: Bonaparte’s Gull, Great Cormorant, American Goshawk, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
As always, send questions, comments or photos to sightings@ofnc.ca. Your feedback is appreciated.
Bird tip: if you are reporting Trumpeter Swans in Ottawa and some other counties, you may have noticed that they no longer “trip” a rarity filter that automatically asks for additional details. This (positive) change reflects their growing population. Reports of larger numbers will require supporting details due to the possibility of migrating flocks of Tundra Swans. They are best distinguished by their bills (Trumpeter (left) / Tundra (right) in the image above). If in doubt, it is best to eBird your sighting as “Trumpeter/Tundra” or “swan sp.”.
Note that Mute Swan might also occur in the southern parts of the 50-km circle.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 9 April 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
My arbitrary theme for this week’s photos is birds with aberrant plumage.
If you are lucky, you might encounter a bird that doesn’t quite look normal – often, it might have patches of white feathers. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the bird is “leucistic” rather than “albino.” Albinism is characterized by a complete lack of pigment (including pink eyes). True albino birds typically do not fare well in the wild – they usually suffer from poor vision (making it hard to see food and/or predators) and the absence of pigment makes their feathers brittle (making it harder to migrate). As a consequence, albinos are *very* rare.
Leucism occurs in about 1:30,000 birds and is usually cause by a disruption during embryonic development that prevents pigment-producing cells from migrate to their final destinations If only some cells are blocked, the bird will have a blotchy (or “piebald”) appearance. In some cases, larger portions of the bird will be white. Other potential causes of leucism include specific genetic mutations, environmental factors like pollution, and/or physical trauma (when an injury damages the feathers follicles so they no longer deposit pigment correctly). To confound things, some birds might experience age-related pigment loss and become greyer with every molt. Regardless, it is always exciting to find one that is unusual.
A leucistic Canada Goose (being seen near the intersection of Merivale and Fallowfield) by Jason Renaud. Interestingly, i got a pic of a very similar looking Canada Goose at the intersection of Fallowfield and Greenbank in 2019 – I wonder if it could be the same one?!?
A leucistic Song Sparrow by TJWay.
On different note, one of our eBird reviewers has asked me to gently remind everyone to carefully double check your gull IDs – in particular, regarding Lesser Black-backed Gulls (LBBG) vs Great Black-backed Gulls (GBBG). The number of Lessers has increased significantly in recent years and they regularly outnumber GBBG in the Ottawa area – especially at this time of the year; in particular at the Trail Rd Landfill, Moodie Quarry and surrounding fields. The allbboutbirds.org website provides this comparison guide of the two species. Photographs and good descriptions always help to confirm your IDs.
Last week, we yo-yo’d between warm temps and southerly winds and then freezing temps and snow (ick!). It looks like birds took advantage of warm peaks so the total number of species seen in the 50km circle jumped from 114 to 132 and the number notable species increased from 27 to mid 30s – including a number of gulls, sparrows and our first early warblers.
Next week promises several days with warm temps and strong southerlies with a few rainy days that could cause the migrants to “fall-out.” With the ice leaving the rivers and lakes, there should still be a number of geese, ducks and swans moving through the area – keep your eyes out (and fingers crossed) for a barnacle or tundra bean goose. It looks like it could be an(other) exciting week for migrants
New arrivals since the last update: Red-breasted Merganser, Iceland Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, Black-crowned Night Heron (American), Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great Cormorant, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Chipping Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler
Other observations
Ross’s Goose: 25 reports at 3 locations – 1 at John Shaw Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 9); 1 at Fernbank Storm Water Pond (18 times between Apr 6-7); 1 at Cobbs Lake Creek at Du Lac Rd [Prescott and Russell] (6 times between Apr 6-7).
Greater White-fronted Goose: 25 reports at 9 locations – 1 at Roger Stevens Drive [Ottawa] (on Apr 9); 1 at Frank Kenny Rd [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 8); 1 at Milton and Frank Kenny Rds [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); as many as 2 at Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons) [Ottawa] (12 times between Apr 3-6); 1 at Hwy 7 Storm Pond [Lanark] (5 times between Apr 3-6); 1 at Milton Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 5); 1 at County Rd 32, North Stormont ON [Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry] (on Apr 5); 4 at Kinburn old rail trail [Ottawa] (on Apr 5); 4 at County Rd 22 [Ottawa] (on Apr 3).
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid): 11 reports at 5 locations – 1 at Cobbs Lake Creek at Lalonde Rd [Prescott and Russell] (3 times on Apr 6); 1 at Milton Rd [Ottawa] (3 times between Apr 3-5); 1 at Dunning Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 4).
Trumpeter Swan: 35 reports at 16 locations – as many as 4 at Dunrobin (Constance Creek) [Ottawa] (7 times between Apr 3-9); as many as 2 at Vances Side Rd/Torbolton Pit on Vance’s Side Rd [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 9); 2 at John Shaw & Grants Side Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); 1 at Fletcher Wildlife Garden [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); 2 at River Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 7); as many as 2 at Riverside South stormwater ponds [Ottawa] (10 times between Apr 3-7); 2 at Kinburn old rail trail [Ottawa] (on Apr 6); 2 at Burnt Lands Provincial Park [Ottawa] (on Apr 5); 2 at Paden Rd (west of Malakoff) Ottawa ON [Ottawa] (on Apr 5); 2 at Rideau River – Black Rapids – Long Island lock [Ottawa] (on Apr 5); 2 at Bronson-Bryant Line [Les Collines-de-l] (on Apr 4); 2 at Woods off of Derreen Ave [Ottawa] (on Apr 4); 2 at Kettles Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 4); 4 at Ch Steele [Les Collines-de-l] (on Apr 3); as many as 4 at Upper Dwyer Hill Rd [Ottawa] (3 times on Apr 3); as many as 2 at Marshall Bay [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 3).
Tundra Swan: 71 reports at 8 locations – 34 at Prudhomme St, Alfred and Plantagenet ON [Prescott and Russell] (on Apr 9); as many as 21 at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (18 times between Apr 3-8); as many as 17 at Cobbs Lake Creek at Lalonde Rd/Cobbs Lake Creek at Du Lac Rd/Lalonde Rd, Clarence-Rockland ON [Prescott and Russell] (29 times between Apr 3-7); as many as 4 at Milton Rd [Ottawa] (9 times between Apr 3-6); as many as 7 at Milton Rd [Ottawa] (10 times between Apr 3-5); as many as 14 at Johnston Rd, Curran ON/Johnston Rd, Clarence-Rockland ON [Prescott and Russell] (3 times on Apr 4).
Blue-winged Teal: 3 reports at 3 locations – 2 at Drummond Rd and Ramsay Con. 7A [Lanark] (on Apr 3); 2 at Drummond Rd, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (on Apr 3); 2 at Ramsay Concession 7A, Carleton Place ON [Lanark] (on Apr 3).
Canvasback: a single report of 4 at McLean Ave, Arnprior ON [Renfrew] on Apr 4; plus a couple of reports at Bell Park in Arnprior ON (just outside the 50km circle).
Barrow’s Goldeneye: 6 reports at 3 locations – 2 at Rideau Valley Dr [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); 1 at Rideau River Eastern Pathway north of Hurdman Bridge [Ottawa] (4 times between Apr 3-8); 2 at Kingsview Park [Ottawa] (on Apr 6).
Red-breasted Merganser: 2 reports at 2 locations – 3 at Sawmill Creek Reservoir [Ottawa] (on Apr 9); 2 at Shirley’s Bay [Ottawa] (on Apr 9).
Bonaparte’s Gull: 3 reports at 2 locations – as many as 2 at Moodie Drive Quarry [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 5); 6 at Milton Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 5).
Glaucous Gull: 5 reports of 1 at Moodie Drive Quarry [Ottawa] on Apr 5.
Iceland Gull: 5 reports at 4 locations
– 1 at Lockhead Rd West [Ottawa] (on Apr 9); 1 at Trail Rd Landfill [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); 2 at West end of Cassels [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); 1 at Moodie Drive Quarry [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 6); a single report of 1 at Lockhead Rd West [Ottawa] on Apr 9.
Red-necked Grebe: 2 reports at 2 locations
– 1 at Eccolands Park [Ottawa] (on Apr 5); 1 at Rideau River – Black Rapids – Long Island lock [Ottawa] (on Apr 5).
Great Cormorant: a single report of 1 at Echo Dr [Ottawa] on Apr 8 – hopefully this bird can be refound as is it is the first sighting of this species since 2017!
Black-crowned Night Heron: 21 reports at 6 locations – 3 at Bronson Av [Ottawa] (on Apr 7); as many as 2 at Brown’s Inlet Park/Rideau Canal Eastern Pathway [Ottawa] (3 times on Apr 7); as many as 2 at Filtration Plant/Point [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 7); as many as 4 at Lemieux Island [Ottawa] (5 times between Apr 5-6); as many as 4 at Mud Lake/Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (9 times between Apr 3-6); 1 at Moodie Drive Quarry [Ottawa] (on Apr 5).
Great Egret: 11 reports at 5 locations – 1 at Rifle Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 4); 2 at Carp River at Sensplex [Ottawa] (on Apr 4); as many as 7 at Mud Lake/Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (6 times between Apr 3-4); as many as 3 at Britannia Ridge [Ottawa] (twice between Apr 3-4); 1 at Black Rapids Creek Greenbelt Pathway [Ottawa] (on Apr 3).
Golden Eagle: 6 reports at 4 locations – 1 at Shirley’s Bay [Ottawa] (3 times on Apr 9); 1 at Michael’s garden [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); 2 at Dunning Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 3); 1 at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (on Apr 3).
American Goshawk: 2 reports at 2 locations – 1 at Sentier Gamelin [Gatineau] (on Apr 8); 1 at Aylmer rural – secteur sud-ouest [Gatineau] (on Apr 4).
Red-bellied Woodpecker: a single report of 2 at Pontiac Sta Rd [Pontiac] on Apr 5.
Black-backed Woodpecker: a single report of 1 at Rue des Saisons [Gatineau] on Apr 7.
Barn Swallow: a single report of 1 at Farm [Ottawa] on Apr 3; plus several sighting in other regions within the 50-km circle.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 8 reports at 7 locations – 1 at Greenbelt pathway south of Davidson Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 9); 2 at Beckwith Trail [Lanark] (on Apr 9); 1 at Mud Lake [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 9); 1 at Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons) [Ottawa] (on Apr 8); 1 at Prescott-Russel Trail Link [Ottawa] (on Apr 7); 1 at Cowell Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 6); 1 at Central Experimental Farm [Ottawa] (on Apr 3).
Hermit Thrush: 11 reports at 8 locations – 1 at Macnamara Trail [Renfrew] (on Apr 9); 1 at Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (on Apr 7); 1 at Grasshopper Hill Park [Ottawa] (twice between Apr 6-7); as many as 2 at Clyde Woods [Ottawa] (twice between Apr 6-7); 1 at Fletcher Wildlife Garden [Ottawa] (on Apr 6); 1 at Champlain St Marsh [Ottawa] (on Apr 6); 1 at Cambridge St N [Ottawa] (on Apr 5); 1 at Conley Rd [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 5).
Pine Grosbeak: a single report of 1 at Crystal Beach Greenspace [Ottawa] on Apr 3.
Chipping Sparrow: 8 reports at 6 locations – 1 at Ottawa – Elmvale Acres [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 7); 1 at Mon jardin [Gatineau] (on Apr 7); 1 at Rosehill path – North Side of Ravine [Ottawa] (on Apr 6); 1 at Gallagher Rd [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 5); 1 at Backyard Feeder [Lanark] (on Apr 4); 1 at *Notre résidence , Cantley [Les Collines-de-l] (on Apr 3).
White-crowned Sparrow: 12 reports at 4 locations – 1 at Fernbank Rd [Ottawa] (8 times between Apr 3-8); 2 at Raina Way, North Grenville ON [Leeds and Grenville] (on Apr 7); 1 at Beaverbrook Park [Ottawa] (on Apr 7); 1 at Riverside South stormwater ponds/Owl Valley Dr [Ottawa] (twice between Apr 4-5).
White-throated Sparrow: a single report of 1 at Centennial Park [Lanark] on Apr 5.
Vesper Sparrow: a single report of 1 at Milton Rd x Bearbrook Creek [Ottawa] on Apr 7.
Eastern Towhee: 6 reports at 4 locations – 1 at Hull, rue Gabriel-Lacasse/Domaine de la ferme Moore [Gatineau] (twice between Apr 6-8); 1 at Sentier de la rivière Gatineau [Gatineau] (on Apr 8); 1 at Parkway Rd [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 7); 1 at Copeland Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 5).
Yellow-headed Blackbird: 3 reports at 1 locations – 1 at McIntosh Park Area [Lanark] (at least twice on Apr 9).
Pine Warbler: a single report of 1 at Almonte Lagoons [Lanark] on Apr 5.
Yellow-rumped Warbler: 4 reports at 4 locations – 1 at Rue des Saisons [Gatineau] (on Apr 8); 1 at Seguinbourg Rd, The Nation ON [Prescott and Russell] (on Apr 6); 1 at Aylmer rural – secteur sud-ouest [Gatineau] (on Apr 4); 1 at Wolf Grove Rd [Lanark] (on Apr 3).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: a single report of 1 at Pioneer Line Rd [Ottawa] on Apr 7.
As always, send questions, comments or photos to sightings@ofnc.ca. Your feedback is appreciated.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 2 April 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
Last week, cooler temperatures and light to moderate north winds likely stalled most of the migrants so the total number of species seen in the 50km circle remained at 114 and the number notable species increased by just one to 27.
Double-digit temperatures tomorrow (Friday) and moderate winds from the south will likely trigger lots of movement on the weekend. That’ll probably slow midweek when the temps drop and winds pick up from north before another surge towards the end of the week assuming we get the predicted warmer temperatures and southerlies.
New arrivals since the last update – Great Black-backed Gull, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Osprey.
Not reported since the last update (or longer notable) – Canvasback, Red-breasted Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Black-backed Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Pine Grosbeak, Lapland Longspur, Fox Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow.
Sandhill Cranes (by Mike Traub) – from a size & shape basis, Sandhill Cranes are quite similar to Great Blue Herons but the cranes weigh al least a kilo more. They also fly with their necks extended rather than tucked in like a heron. You’ll often hear their bugling call long before you see them. Once extirpated in Eastern Canada, their population has grown by almost 700% since the 1980s. In fact, the Canadian Wildlife Service has recently proposed a limited 14-day crane hunting season in certain areas in Northern and Central Ontario.
Trumpeter Swan (by David Enstrom) – weighing as much as 13 kg, Trumpeters some of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Their numbers have also rebounded significantly following concerted conservation efforts – the number identified in the 2025 survey of wintering Trumpeter Swans in Ontario was nearly twice what it was in 2020. If you see a swan with a yellow tag on it’s wing, you can report it here
Golden Eagle (by Arlene Harrold) – the numbers Golden Eagle are low but seem to be increasing steadily. Any that we see in the Ottawa area are likely headed towards their breeding grounds in Northern Ontario (fewer than 20 breeding pairs) or Northern Quebec (300-500 breeding pairs). Interestingly, due to their mainly terrestrial diet of rabbits, hares & squirrels (supplemented – esp. during migration – by larger birds , including cranes & geese), Golden Eagles populations apparently were not impacted severely by DDT (which biomagnified in predators dependent upon aquatic species).
Snow Goose: 2 reports at 2 locations in Lanark – 1 at Mississippi Mills, Mississippi Mills ON (on Mar 27); 1 at Martin/St Paul St lookout (on Mar 27); (plus in several other regions where they are not deemed to be notable).
Ross’s Goose: 65 reports at 9 locations – as many as 4 at Ch Lalonde, Clarence-Rockland ON/Cobbs Lake Creek at Du Lac Rd [Prescott and Russell] (6 times between Mar 30-Apr 1); 1 at Brownlee Rd [Ottawa] (36 times on Mar 31); 1 at Shea Stormwater Pond [Ottawa] (on Mar 30); 1 at Clarence-Rockland ON [Prescott and Russell] (twice on Mar 30); 1 at Martin/St Paul St lookout/Almonte Fairgrounds/Water St, Mississippi Mills ON/Mississippi Mills [Lanark] (20 times on Mar 28).
Greater White-fronted Goose: 52 reports at 5 locations – 1 at Richmond CA [Ottawa] (35 times between Mar 27-Apr 2); 1 at Terry Carisse Park [Ottawa] (on Mar 30); 1 at Twin Elm Rd Wetlands [Ottawa] (12 times between Mar 28-30); 1 at – Shea Rd Storm Pond [Ottawa] (on Mar 29); 1 at Appleton Bay Park and Boat Launch [Lanark] (3 times on Mar 27).
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid): 27 reports at 4 locations
– as many as 2 at Richmond CA [Ottawa] (22 times between Mar 28-29); 1 at Notre-Dame St, Russell ON [Prescott and Russell] (on Mar 28); 1 at Baie Fraser [Gatineau] (3 times on Mar 27); 1 at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (on Mar 27).
Trumpeter Swan: 34 reports at 10 locations – 2 at Richmond CA [Ottawa] (on Apr 2); 2 at Chapman Mills CA [Ottawa] (on Apr 2); as many as 2 at Riverside South stormwater ponds [Ottawa] (18 times between Mar 31-Apr 2); 2 at Dwyer Hill Rd [Ottawa] (on Apr 2); as many as 3 at Greenland Rd Hawkwatch [Ottawa] (3 times between Mar 29-30); 1 at Pellerin, bridge [Les Collines-de-l] (on Mar 29); 3 at Constance Lake area [Ottawa] (on Mar 29); as many as 4 at Constance Creek [Ottawa] (4 times on Mar 29); as many as 4 at Mohrs Rd/Mississippi River Mohrs Rd [Ottawa] (3 times on Mar 29); 2 at Lac Lapeche – Pellerin peninsula [Les Collines-de-l] (on Mar 28).
Tundra Swan: 16 reports at 3 locations – as many as 26 at Cobbs Lake Creek at Du Lac Rd/Ch Lalonde, Clarence-Rockland ON [Prescott and Russell] (11 times between Mar 27-Apr 2); as many as 5 at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (3 times between Mar 29-30); as many as 2 at Clarence-Rockland ON [Prescott and Russell] (twice on Mar 30).
Blue-winged Teal: 4 reports of 1 at Richmond CA [Ottawa] between Mar 30-Apr 2.
Northern Shoveler: 16 reports at 4 locations – as many as 4 at Britannia Yacht Club [Ottawa] (6 times on Mar 30); as many as 4 at Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (5 times on Mar 30); 2 at Moffatt Farm Veteran’s Park [Ottawa] (on Mar 30); as many as 4 at Boat Launch [Lanark] (4 times on Mar 30).
Greater Scaup: 2 reports at 2 locations – 2 at Filtration Plant/Point [Ottawa] (on Mar 30); 2 at Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (on Mar 30).
Barrow’s Goldeneye: 8 reports at 5 locations – 1 at Rideau River Eastern/Western Pathway north of Hurdman Bridge (twice between Mar 29-Apr 1); 1 at Clifford Allen Island [Ottawa] (on Apr 1); as many as 2 at Rideau River at Dutchy’s Hole Park/Strathcona Park [Ottawa] (twice between Mar 27-29); 1 at Mooney’s Bay Park [Ottawa] (on Mar 29); as many as 2 at Brewer Park [Ottawa] (twice between Mar 27-28).
Sandhill Crane: 3 reports of 3 at Marais des Laîches [Gatineau] between Mar 30-Apr 1 (plus several times in other regions).
Great Black-backed Gull: a single report of 1 at Hwy 7 Storm Pond [Lanark] on Mar 31.
Glaucous Gull: 34 reports at 5 locations – as many as 2 at Britannia CA [Ottawa] (10 times between Mar 27-Apr 1); 1 at Filtration Plant/Point [Ottawa] (16 times between Mar 27-30); 1 at Moodie Drive Quarry [Ottawa] (3 times on Mar 30); 1 at Deschenes Rapids Lookout [Ottawa] (3 times between Mar 27-29); 1 at Britannia Yacht Club [Ottawa] (twice between Mar 27-28).
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 3 reports at 2 locations – 1 at Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc) [Gatineau] (on Mar 28); as many as 3 at Parc Moussette [Gatineau] (twice on Mar 27); (plus several times in other regions).
Double-crested Cormorant: 77 reports at 22 locations… too many to list!
Black-crowned Night Heron: a single report of 1 at Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy) [Ottawa] on Mar 27.
Great Egret: 21 reports at 6 locations – as many as 2 at Nepean Creek Trail [Ottawa] (7 times between Mar 30-Apr 2); as many as 5 at Filtration Plant/Point [Ottawa] (5 times between Mar 30-Apr 2); as many as 4 at Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (6 times between Mar 30-Apr 2); 5 at Bruce Pit [Ottawa] (on Apr 1); 1 at Atlas square 18TVR31 – Ottawa-Carleton Regional Municipality, 18TVR31: [Ottawa] (on Mar 31).
Osprey: a single report of 1 at Ch du fer-à-cheval [Gatineau] on Apr 2.
Golden Eagle: 21 reports at 10 locations – 1 at Dilworth Rd, Kemptville ON [Ottawa] (twice on Apr 1); 1 at Cambrian Rd [Ottawa] (on Mar 30); 1 at Twin Elm Rd Wetlands [Ottawa] (3 times on Mar 30); 1 at Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields [Ottawa] (on Mar 29); 1 at Greenland Rd Hawkwatch [Ottawa] (5 times on Mar 29); 1 at Roger Stevens Dr Flooded Field [Ottawa] (3 times on Mar 28); 1 at Trail Rd Landfill [Ottawa] (3 times on Mar 28); 1 at Moodie Drive Quarry [Ottawa] (on Mar 28); 1 at National Wildlife Research Centre environs [Ottawa] (on Mar 28); 1 at Almonte, Spring Rd [Lanark] (on Mar 27).
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 3 reports at 3 locations – 1 at Rockcliffe Park Pavillion [Ottawa] (on Mar 31); 1 at Ch du Lac-Pike, La Pêche QC [Les Collines-de-l] (on Mar 30); 1 at Dolman Ridge [Ottawa] (on Mar 28).
Red-bellied Woodpecker: 2 reports of 1 at Atlas square 18TVR91 – 105 Seguinbourg Rd, The Nation ON [Prescott and Russell] on Mar 31; (plus several times in other regions).
Tree Swallow: 2 reports at 2 locations – 3 at Beckwith Waterfront Park [Lanark] (on Apr 1); 3 at Appleton Bay Park and Boat Launch [Lanark] (on Mar 31).
Hermit Thrush: 3 reports at 3 locations – 1 at Brunei Embassy [Ottawa] (on Mar 30); 1 at Bel Air fields [Ottawa] (on Mar 30); 1 at Strathcona Park [Ottawa] (on Mar 29).
White-crowned Sparrow: 8 reports at 3 locations – 1 at Fernbank Rd [Ottawa] (4 times between Mar 28-Apr 2); 1 at Riverside South stormwater ponds [Ottawa] (3 times between Mar 27-Apr 2); 1 at Central Experimental Farm [Ottawa] (on Apr 1).
As always, send questions, comments or photos to sightings@ofnc.ca. Your feedback is appreciated.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 26 March 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
Based upon some submissions this week, I thought we could do a theme of Raptors – in particular the Buteos.
If you haven’t seen it yet, the Hawk Migration Association has an excellent resource that shows silhouettes and identifies key field marks for the hawks most commonly seen in North America: https://www.hawkmigration.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HMANA-Hawk-Guide.pdf. It is free for personal, noncommercial use.
Red-tailed Hawk (by Igor Kabic) – a year round resident often seen perched on telephone poles or in trees along the side of the road. Look for their red tails, “belly-band” (although this can be variable) and dark leading edges to their wings.
Red-shouldered Hawk (by Nina Stavlund) – smaller than Red-tails perhaps seen perching on wires rather than poles. Look for their reddish striped chest, black tails with narrower white bands and pale crescents at their wing tips.
Broad-winged Hawk (by Al Caughey) – our smallest Buteo, they’re beginning to return to the area from their winter grounds in Central and South America. Look for their shorter tail with equal black and white bands and light underwings with a dark border on the trailing edge.
Rough-legged Hawk (by Al Caughey) – as big if not slightly larger than a Red-tailed; they will be departing shortly for their breeding grounds in the Arctic. Look for their longer tails, dark bellies and conspicuous dark wrist patches on the underside of their wings.
Swainson’s hawk – call me immediately if you see one! The only record in Ottawa, as far as I can gather, was on 3 October 1933 in the Dunrobin area when a light morph juvenile was live captured and subsequently donated to the National Museum.
Last week, the total number of species seen in the 50km circle centred at Parliament Hill increased to 114 (up from 106) and 7 new species appeared for the first time in the `notables` list. However, the number notable species dropped from 30 to 26. The decline is mostly due to the fact several species are no longer ‘tripping’ the rarity filter in eBird. In spite of the 7 new species, consistently cold temperatures and light to moderate winds generally from the N/NW likely did not encourage migration into our area.
Migration will likely pickup significantly on Sun/Mon with warmer temperatures and moderate winds from the south. Later in the week, the forecast calls for cooler temps and winds shifting to the east and northwest and that could cause movement to stop in the area. Hopefully some exciting birds will show up in flooded fields, marshy areas and elsewhere.
Some highlights from the past week include Tundra Swans near North Gower, a Ross’s Goose in and around Almonte, Canvasback reappearing at a couple of locations, and the first reports of Tree Swallows and Night Herons!
Snow Goose: 2 reports at 2 locations (plus many other reports in other counties) – 1 at Mississippi Mills, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (on Mar 27); 1 at Martin/St Paul St lookout [Lanark] (on Mar 27).
Ross’s Goose: 3 reports at 3 locations
– 2 at Lalonde Rd, Saint-Pascal-Baylon ON [Prescott and Russell] (on Mar 26); 1 at Riverfront Trail [Lanark] (on Mar 26); 1 at Appleton Side Rd Farm Field [Lanark] (on Mar 25)
Greater White-fronted Goose: 24 reports at 7 locations – as many as 2 at the Richmond Sewage Lagoons [Ottawa] (4 times between Mar 26-27); as many as 3 at Appleton Bay Park and Boat Launch [Lanark] (5 times between Mar 25-27); 2 at Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields [Ottawa] (on Mar 26); 1 at Twin Elm Rd Wetlands [Ottawa] (twice on Mar 26); as many as 3 at Spring St/Martin/St Paul St lookout/Mississippi Mills [Lanark] (6 times between Mar 21-24); as many as 2 at Riverfront Trail [Lanark] (4 times between Mar 22-23); as many as 3 at Almonte Fairgrounds/Water St, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (twice on Mar 21)
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid): 11 reports at 3 locations – 1 at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (on Mar 27); 1 at Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc) [Gatineau] (on Mar 24); 1 at Emerald Meadows x Eagleson storm water ponds [Ottawa] (9 times between Mar 21-23).
Trumpeter Swan: 9 reports at 2 locations – as many as 2 at Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields [Ottawa] (3 times on Mar 26); as many as 2 at Greenland Rd Hawkwatch [Ottawa] (6 times between Mar 23-24).
Tundra Swan: 19 reports at 5 locations – as many as 4 at Ch Lalonde, Clarence-Rockland ON/Saint-Pascal-Baylon ON [Prescott and Russell] (twice between Mar 26-27); as many as 11 at Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd flooded fields [Ottawa] (9 times on Mar 26); as many as 8 at Dilworth Rd [Ottawa] (4 times on Mar 26); as many as 5 at Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (4 times between Mar 21-24).
Blue-winged Teal: a single report of 2 at Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons) [Ottawa] on Mar 24.
Northern Shoveler: a single report of 1 at Emerald Meadows x Eagleson storm water ponds [Ottawa] on Mar 26.
Canvasback: 26 reports at 2 locations
– 1 at Appleton Bay Park and Boat Launch [Lanark] (3 times on Mar 26); 1 at Nimiq Park and stormwater pond/Limebank Rd [Ottawa] (23 times on Mar 23).
Greater Scaup: 14 reports at 3 locations – 1 at Britannia Yacht Club [Ottawa] (on Mar 23); as many as 2 at Riverain Park/Adàwe Crossing/Strathcona Park/ Rideau River Eastern Pathway [Ottawa] (13 times between Mar 21-22).
Barrow’s Goldeneye: 16 reports at 7 locations – 2 at Brewer Park [Ottawa] (on Mar 27); 1 at Eccolands Park [Ottawa] (on Mar 26); 1 at Clifford Allen Island/Billings Bridge [Ottawa] (4 times between Mar 25-26); 1 at Strathcona Park [Ottawa] (twice between Mar 23-26); as many as 2 at Rideau River Eastern /Western Pathway [Ottawa] (4 times between Mar 24-25); 1 at Stanley Park [Ottawa] (3 times between Mar 21-22).
Red-breasted Merganser: 15 reports of 1 at Mud Lake CA [Ottawa] on Mar 21.
Glaucous Gull: 3 reports at 2 locations – 1 at Filtration Plant/Point [Ottawa] (on Mar 27); 1 at Britannia CA (general location)/Bernie’s balcony – facing East by northeast [Ottawa] (twice between Mar 25-27).
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 7 reports at 3 locations
– as many as 3 at Parc Moussette [Gatineau] (twice on Mar 27); as many as 3 at Baie Simard [Gatineau] (twice on Mar 24); as many as 2 at Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc) [Gatineau] (3 times between Mar 22-24).
Pied-billed Grebe: 2 reports of 1 at Mississippi Riverwalk Trail [Lanark] on Mar 22.
Horned Grebe: 22 reports at 4 locations – 1 at Remic Rapids Lookout [Ottawa] (17 times between Mar 21-23); 1 at Parc Moussette [Gatineau] (on Mar 22); 1 at Bate Island [Ottawa] (3 times between Mar 21-22); 1 at Champlain Park Woods-Remic Rapids Loop [Ottawa] (on Mar 21).
Double-crested Cormorant: 43 reports at 9 locations
– as many as 11 at Brewer Park/Old Ottawa South Between Bank and Bronson [Ottawa] (11 times between Mar 22-27); as many as 3 at Mud Lake CA [Ottawa] (7 times between Mar 21-27); as many as 14 at Clifford Allen Island/Billings Bridge [Ottawa] (8 times between Mar 21-26); 1 at Strathcona Park [Ottawa] (on Mar 26); as many as 13 at Lemieux Island [Ottawa] (12 times between Mar 21-25); 1 at Britannia Yacht Club [Ottawa] (on Mar 23); 1 at Filtration Plant/Point [Ottawa] (on Mar 23); 2 at River Trail at Island Park Drive [Ottawa] (on Mar 22); 1 at Rideau River Eastern Pathway [Ottawa] (on Mar 21).
Black-crowned Night Heron: a single report of 1 at Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy) [Ottawa] on Mar 27.
Golden Eagle: 5 reports at 5 locations – 1 at Almonte, Spring Rd [Lanark] (on Mar 27); 1 at Embrun Sewage Lagoons [Prescott and Russell] (on Mar 25); 1 at Milton Rd x Bearbrook Creek [Ottawa] (on Mar 25); 1 at McFadden Rd x Frank Kenny Road [Ottawa] (on Mar 25); 1 at Dunrobin (Constance Creek) [Ottawa] (on Mar 21).
Black-backed Woodpecker: a single report of 1 at Ottawa—Fitzroy rail bed [Ottawa] on Mar 23.
Tree Swallow: a single report of 5 at Appleton Bay Park and Boat Launch [Lanark] on Mar 26.
Hermit Thrush: a single report of 1 at Clyde Woods [Ottawa] on Mar 24 (plus another in Lanark).
Pine Grosbeak: 6 reports at 6 locations – 1 at Clyde Woods [Ottawa] (on Mar 25); 1 at Shirley’s Bay (Hilda Rd feeders) [Ottawa] (on Mar 24); 1 at Richland Dr [Ottawa] (on Mar 23); 1 at Hiawatha Park area[Ottawa] (on Mar 23); 7 at Watts Creek Pathway [Ottawa] (on Mar 23); 1 at Fletcher Wildlife Garden [Ottawa] (on Mar 22).
White-throated Sparrow: a single report of 1 at OPR [Lanark] on Mar 26 (plus several other reports in Ottawa and Gatineau).
Your feedback is appreciated – let me know what you think.
Good birding,
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 March 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
Welcome to the first day of spring (even if it is accompanied by an unwelcome snowfall). On the weather front, last Monday’s surprising high of 16°C and winds from the south pushed a number of early migrants (Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and Turkey Vultures) into the region but later in the week, the cold temperatures and strong winds from north and east, likely caused many species to hold in place further to the south.
The forecast for the coming week (cooler temps and several snowy days) suggests that it’ll be a quiet week at the binoculars but there are still a number of good birds to see – the number of `notable` species remained at about 30 and the total number of species in the circle rose by one to 106.
Probably the most exciting appearance this past week was a drake Canvasback that was a one-day wonder at Brewer Park in Ottawa (there was another one with a Redhead just outside the 50km circle in Merrickville a few days later). The Tufted Titmouse in Ottawa was not seen again this week (but there was one reported in Kemptville) and for the first time in several months, there were no reports of the Western Meadowlark.
Canvasback, photographed by Aaron Hywarren. These are the largest diving ducks in North America – diving as deep as 9m to forage for underwater plants. They can reach flight speeds of up to 115 km/h. Apparently their favourite food – wild celery gives their meat a delicate and sweet flavour.
Ruffed Grouse by Gillian Wright. You don’t often find Ruffed Grouse perching in trees. More often than not you hear the low-frequency drumming of the male – a sound that it creates by rapidly snapping its wings. During winter, they eat up to 20,000 dormant flower buds a day from aspen, birch, and alder trees! At other times of the year, they’re omnivores: spring (emerging greens and insects), summer (beetles, ants, spiders, and grasshoppers, and various berries), and then in the fall (acorns, beechnuts, and hazelnuts and late fruits; before transitioning back to dormant buds).
Cooper’s Hawk by Sanam Goudarzi. Cooper’s Hawks have short, rounded wings and a long tail which allows them to chase smaller birds at high speeds through dense forests. They frequently hunt from hidden perches near backyard bird feeders. They are known to drown their prey in birdbaths or puddles.
Snow Goose: 2 reports at 2 locations – Water St, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (Mar 18); Almonte Fairgrounds [Lanark] (Mar 17).
Greater White-fronted Goose: 37 many reports at several locations – Riverfront Trail [Lanark] (Mar 20); Almonte Fairgrounds [Lanark] (Mar 17); Milton Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Dunning Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Dilworth Rd, [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Dunning Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 15); ; Frank Kenny Rd [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 14)
Cackling Goose: 4 reports at 3 locations – Appleton Bay Park and Boat Launch [Lanark] (Mar 18); Storm Pond, Carleton Place, ON [Lanark] (Mar 16); Wilson St, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (Mar 13).
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid): 6 reports at 3 locations – Emerald Meadows storm water ponds [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 18); Dunning Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (Mar 16).
Trumpeter Swan: 8 reports at several locations – Dilworth Rd [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 16); John Shaw Rd [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 15); Greenland Rd Hawkwatch [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Richmond ON [Ottawa] (Mar 14); Carp ON [Ottawa] (Mar 13).
Tundra Swan: 3 reports at 2 locations – Boileau Rd, Curran ON [Prescott and Russell] (Mar 16); Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (Mar 16).
Green-winged Teal: 4 reports on Dilworth Rd [Ottawa] (most recently Mar 12).
Canvasback: 42 reports at Brewer Park [Ottawa] (Mar 12) plus another one-day wonder at the Merrickville Library in Leeds and Grenville (outside the 50km circle) on Mar 16.
Greater Scaup: 9 reports at 5 locations – Riverain Park [Ottawa] (Mar 20); Stanley Park [Ottawa] (Mar 19); Strathcona Park [Ottawa] (Mar 18); Bate Island [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (Mar 16).
Barrow’s Goldeneye: 17 reports at at several locations along the Rideau River in Ottawa (multiple dates; most recently Mar 20) – Riverain Park, Stanley Park, Rideau River Eastern/Western Pathway, Adàwe Crossing, Strathcona Park; Rideau Tennis Club.
Red-breasted Merganser: 2 reports at Britannia Yacht Club [Ottawa]; most recently on Mar 19.
Sandhill Crane: 5 reports at 5 locations – Appleton Side Rd, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (Mar 19); Old Almonte Rd [Lanark] (Mar 18); Riverfront Trail [Lanark] (Mar 15); Ramsay Concession 12, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (Mar 15); Ramsay Con. 7B Farm field [Lanark] (Mar 13).
Killdeer: 11 reports at Brewer Park [Ottawa]; most recently on Mar 12. Plus several more sightings in Ottawa and near Carleton Place.
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 6 reports on the Ottawa River at Parc Moussette [Gatineau] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 19) and Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc) [Gatineau] (Mar 16).
Pied-billed Grebe: 3 reports at Mississippi Riverwalk Trail [Lanark]; most recently on Mar 19.
Horned Grebe: 26 reports at 8 locations – Remic Rapids Lookout [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 20); along the Rideau River at Adàwe Crossing, Strathcona Park, Riverain Park, Rideau Tennis Club [Ottawa] (Mar 19); Parc Moussette [Gatineau] (Mar 17); Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (Mar 16).
Double-crested Cormorant: 8 reports at 3 locations – Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 18); Clifford Allen Island [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 16); Lemieux Island [Ottawa] (Mar 15).
Great Blue Heron: 2 reports at Stanley Park [Ottawa]; most recently on Mar 13.
Golden Eagle: 10 reports at 9 locations – Rifle Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 18); Diamondview Rd, Kinburn ON [Ottawa] (Mar 17); Woods off of Derreen Ave [Ottawa] (Mar 17); Callendor Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Dilworth Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Magladry Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Cobb Lake Creek flood plain [Prescott and Russell] (Mar 15); Dunning Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Dolman Ridge Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 15).
Red-shouldered Hawk: 4 reports at 3 locations – Ramsay Con 8, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (Mar 19); Klondike Rd [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 15); Stony Swamp NCC Trail 24 [Ottawa] (Mar 13).
Red-bellied Woodpecker: reports at several locations – Rue de l’Alouette [Gatineau] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 16); Rue de Roberval [Gatineau] (Mar 13); plus several more in Ottawa and Lanark.
Northern Flicker: 3 reports at 2 locations – Britannia Ridge [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 15); Carleton Golf [Ottawa] (Mar 13).
Eastern Phoebe: 4 reports at Mississippi Riverwalk Trail [Lanark]; most recently on Mar 19.
Eastern Bluebird: 4 reports at 3 locations – Torbolton Ridge Rd and surrounding area. [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Klondike Rd area [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 13); Drummond Rd, Mississippi Mills ON [Lanark] (Mar 12).
Hermit Thrush: 3 reports at 3 locations – Mississippi Riverwalk, east of McNeely Ave [Lanark] (Mar 19); Klondike Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Thresher Ave, Stittsville ON [Ottawa] (Mar 13).
Pine Grosbeak: 9 reports at 8 locations – Cyrus Court [Ottawa] (Mar 19); Beacon Hill North-general area [Ottawa] (Mar 18); Singal St, Kanata, ON [Ottawa] (Mar 17); Mohrs Rd [Ottawa] (Mar 16); Watts Creek Pathway [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Mohrs Rd, Arnprior ON [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Britannia CA (general location) [Ottawa] (Mar 15); Torbolton Ridge Rd and surrounding area. [Ottawa] (Mar 15).
Fox Sparrow: 5 reports at Stony Swamp (Sarsaparilla Trail) [Ottawa]; most recently on Mar 19.
White-crowned Sparrow: 9 reports at 2 locations – Fernbank Rd [Ottawa] (multiple dates; most recently Mar 19); Riverside South stormwater ponds [Ottawa] (Mar 19).
Eastern Meadowlark: a single report at Farm field on the 29 [Lanark] on Mar 14.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 March 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
On the birding front, what a difference a week makes! As I guessed in my last update, the warm weather and strong south winds blew a number of new species into the area. The number of notable birds doubled and the total number of species reported jumped from 81 to 105! Hopefully the cooler weather this coming week will slow their northward movements for a couple of days.
For the first time in several months, the Tufted Titmouse was not reported this week – maybe because it has moved on or (more likely) birders were out padding their year lists with the new arrivals.
Now is the time of year to carefully check all of the birds in the flooded fields as there are often surprises hiding amongst the thousands of Canada Geese – i.e., there have already been numerous reports of Cackling and/or Snow Geese (including both blue and white morphs).
Northern Pintail (by Sheila Craig) – these handsome birds have been very photogenic along the backs of the Ottawa River at the Mud Lake Conservation area and are showing up in the flooded fields around the area. They are among the fastest flying ducks – reaching top speeds of 77 km/h!
Northern Shrike (by Sheila Craig) – aka the `butcher bird` due to their habit of impaling stashing food onto thorns or barbed wire. They are actually a song bird and will mimic the calls of other birds (to lure them in for the kill). We’ll start seeing fewer Shrikes in the coming weeks as they return to their breeding grounds to the north).
This photo illustrates the differences between a Cackling Goose and Canada Goose. We commonly get two of the 7 recognized subspecies of Canada Geese in the Ottawa area – the resident Giant (Branta canadensis maxima) subspecies and the migrating Interior (B. c. interior). If you look closely, you might also find Cackling Geese mixed into the flocks. Note that the “cackler” is substantially smaller (1.4-2.4 kg vs 3-4.5 kg for the Interior or 5-9 kg for Giant) – but size is hard to judge in the field so a better distinction is the stubby triangular bill and thick short neck on cackler.
Greater White-fronted Goose: 4 reports along Milton Rd, Ottawa all on Mar 10.
Cackling Goose*: reports on the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail on and on St-Joseph Rd, Russell on Mar 10; plus several locations around Ottawa.
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid): 3 reports along Milton Rd, Ottawa (Mar 9-10).
Trumpeter Swan: 10 reports at several locations – Dilworth Rd Vernal Pond (Mar 12); Diamondview Rd (Mar 12); County Rd 22 (Mar 10); John Shaw Rd (multiple dates; most recently Mar 10); Thomas a Dolan Pky (Mar 09).
Tundra Swan: a single report at the Cobb Lake Creek flood plain near Bourget in Prescott and Russell on Mar 09.
Wood Duck*: a single report at the CR29 farm field pond in Carleton Place on Mar 10; plus a variety of locations around Ottawa.
Northern Shoveler: a single report at Etang Grimes in Gatineau on Mar 11
Gadwall: 4 reports at 2 locations – Ottawa–Bate Island (Mar 08); Parc Guillot & Marais Lamoureux (Mar 08).
Northern Pintail*: 9 reports at 3 locations
– continuing at Etang Grimes (Mar 09); Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc) (multiple dates; most recently Mar 09); Parc Guillot & Marais Lamoureux (Mar 08); plus several locations in Ottawa.
Green-winged Teal: 10 reports at several locations – Dilworth Rd (Mar 10-12); Milton Rd, Ottawa–Britannia Yacht Club & Mud Lake CA (Mar 09).
Canvasback: 37 reports at Brewer Park (Mar 12).
Ring-necked Duck: 23 reports at several locations
– Milton Rd, Ottawa ON (multiple dates; most recently Mar 10); Bate Island (Mar 10); Britannia Yacht Club & Mud Lake CA (multiple dates; most recently Mar 09); continuing at Watson’s Mill (multiple dates; most recently Mar 07); Remic Rapids Lookout (Mar 07); Rapides Deschênes (multiple dates; most recently Mar 07).
Greater Scaup: 2 reports at Bate Island (Mar 08).
Barrow’s Goldeneye: 5 reports along the Rideau River between the Hurdman Bridge and Adàwe Crossing (Mar 10); Parc Moussette (Mar 6); Bate Island (Mar 6); Rideau River & Carleton University (Mar 6); Remic Rapids Lookout (Mar 09).
Ruddy Duck: a single report at South Island Park Dr in Manotick on Mar 12.
Sandhill Crane: a single report at Wolf Grove Rd on Mar 11.
Killdeer: 11 reports at Brewer Park (Mar 12).
American Woodcock: a single report at Ken Steele Park in Ottawa on Mar 09.
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 4 reports at 2 locations – Parc Moussette (multiple dates; most recently Mar 10); Parc Brébeuf<->Pont Champlain (Mar 09).
Horned Grebe: 3 reports at 2 locations – Parc Moussette (Mar 10); Ottawa–Bate Island (Mar 10).
Great Blue Heron: a single report at Petrie Island on Mar 10.
Turkey Vulture: 24 reports at several locations – Fourth Line Rd and Callendor Rd (Mar 10); ; Cumberland Ridge Drive Dog Walk Loop (Mar 10); Thomas Dolan and Sixth Line (Mar 10);Mud Lake (Mar 10); Greenland Rd Hawkwatch (Mar 10); Milton Rd, Ottawa ON (Mar 10); Domaine de la ferme Moore (Mar 10); rue du Panorama, Gatineau (Mar 10); Nepean Creek Trail (Mar 10); Richmond CA (Mar 09); Etang Grimes (Mar 09); Bank St (Mar 09); Fernbank Rd (Mar 09); Aviation Pky (Mar 09); Navan Rd (Mar 09); Rapides Deschênes (Mar 09); Herriott St, Carleton Place ON (Mar 08).
Golden Eagle: 3 reports at 3 locations
-Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail (Mar 10); Embrun (Mar 09); Milton Rd, Ottawa ON (Mar 09).
Red-shouldered Hawk: 21 reports – most at the Greenland Rd Hawkwatch (multiple dates; most recently Mar 10) – but also: -Klondike Rd (Mar 10); Torwood Dr (Mar 10); Ramsay Conc. 7A (Mar 09).
Northern Flicker: 8 reports at several locations – Cope Drive pond (Mar 10); Richmond CA (multiple dates; most recently Mar 10); Greenland Rd Hawkwatch (Mar 08); Mud Lake CA (multiple dates; most recently Mar 08); Ottawa River Pathway (Mar 07); Forêt Boucher (Mar 07).
Eastern Bluebird: 3 reports at 2 locations – Klondike Rd (Mar 12-13); Drummond Rd, Mississippi Mills (Mar 12).
Hermit Thrush: 2 reports at 2 locations – Allen Boulevard (Mar 08); Britannia CA (Mar 06).
Fox Sparrow: continuing in the southwest corner of the Mud Lake CA (Mar 07).
White-crowned Sparrow: 2 reports at the Central Experimental Farm (multiple dates; most recently Mar 10).
Swamp Sparrow: a single report at Ottawa–Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail) on Mar 06.
Western Meadowlark: a single report at Panmure Rd, Ottawa ON on Mar 08.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 3 March 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
Did you get out to see the lunar eclipse on Tues Mar 3? For me, the clouds lifted just in time for the total part but unfortunately none of my pictures turned out.
On the birding front, 81 species were reported at least once within the 50km circle around Parliament Hill this week – including all of our long term visitors and typical winter birds. Hopefully, the warm weather and strong southerly winds this weekend will make next week’s update a little more interesting.
Horned Lark at Brownlee Rd, Richmond, from Deborah Mosher. A year‑round Ottawa resident, the Horned Lark is one of our earliest spring migrants.
American Black Duck by Nina Stavlund at Mud Lake. The American Black Duck is the “shadow cousin” of the Mallard, so similar that they hybridize constantly, which is one reason their numbers dipped for decades.
Mallard (f) by Nina Stavlund at Mud Lake. Female Mallards preen through more than 10,000 feathers a day, working oil from their uropygial gland into every nook to stay waterproof, insulated, and flight‑ready. This is essential for a duck that lives outdoors year‑round.
Northern Pintail: one or two as recently as Mar 4 at several locations in Gatineau (where they are still considered to be rarities) and as many as three at several locations in Ottawa (where they are not).
Ring-necked Duck: continuing at Watson’s Mill in Manotick – multiple dates; most recently Mar 5.
Greater Scaup: several reports at the Remic Rapids Lookout in Ottawa – last reported on Feb 28.
Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola): one report at Cambrian Rd W in Nepean – last reported on Mar 3.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: not reported this week at Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau but is still being seen at several locations in Ottawa and Lanark.
Black-backed Woodpecker: continuing at the Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail) in Nepean – last reported on Mar 3 and the Old Quarry Trail in Kanata – last reported on Feb 27.
Northern Flicker: several reports at the Grasshopper Hill Park in Ottawa – last reported on Feb 28. There have been no recent reports of the Flicker at Mud Lake.
Tufted Titmouse: continuing at the feeders on Lewis St in Ottawa – most recently Mar 4
Hermit Thrush: many reports along Cassels St at the Mud Lake CA in Ottawa – most recently Mar 4. There were no reports this week from Fletchers Wildlife Gardens in Ottawa or Rue de Roquebrune in Gatineau
Redpoll (rostrata/islandica): a single report at the Greenbelt Eastern Pathway in Ottawa – last reported on Mar 1.
White-winged Crossbill: a single report at Greenbelt Eastern Pathway in Ottawa – last reported on Mar 1. There were no reports of Red Crossbills within the 50km circle but there have been a number of sightings just outside of it (including Mississippi Mills in Lanark and Limerick Forest in Leeds and Grenville).
Pine Siskin: several reports in Ottawa and Gatineau – last reported on Mar 4.
Lapland Longspur: several reports as recently as Mar 4 usually in mixed flocks with Snow Buntings and Horned Larks – including the Akins Rd area in Richmond; Huisman Rd in Ottawa and Mer Bleue Bog in Ottawa.
Fox Sparrow: continuing in the southwest corner of the Mud Lake CA in Ottawa – multiple dates; most recently Mar 5.
White-crowned Sparrow: a number of reports at several locations – including the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa (last reported on Mar 5); continuing on Fernbank Rd in Kanata (last reported on Mar 4); Riverside South stormwater ponds in Ottawa (last reported on Feb 27) and Owl Valley Dr in Riverside South (last reported on Feb 27).
Song Sparrow: continuing along Spring St in Almonte – multiple dates; most recently Mar 4.
Swamp Sparrow: a single report at Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail) in Nepean` – last reported on Mar 1.
And last but not least, Western Meadowlark continuing at the same location on Panmure Rd – most recently Mar 5.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 26 February 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
Almost all of our long term visitors and “winter” birds are still here and other than a couple of reports of Turkey Vultures, nothing too exciting has arrived. A number of our early-arrivals no longer trip the “notables” filters so they’ll be falling off this list (e.g., White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Barrow’s Goldeneye).
Brown Creeper (Steve Strauss) – These well camouflaged and fast moving little birds are often found creeping up mature trees looking for food hidden in the cracks and crevices of the bark (nuthatches creep down the tree). They are notoriously difficult to photograph!
Male House Finch (Steve Strauss) – House finches are actually native to Southern Californian and Mexico. A number of illegal captive “Hollywood Finches” were released on Long Island, New York in the 1940s. The escapees quickly spread throughout the eastern U.S. and into Canada where they are displacing our native Purple Finches.
Female Purple Finch (Al Caughey) – The female can be distinguished by the bold white eyebrow (supercilium) and crisp streaks on her breast and flanks.
Female House Finch (Al Caughey) – Notice the plain face and blurry streaks on her breast.
Trumpeter Swan: continuing along the Mississippi River in Carleton Place & Appleton – most recently Feb 26.
Northern Pintail: continuing along at Mud Lake CA and along the Rideau River near Brewer Park – last reported Feb 23.
Ring-necked Duck: continuing with multiple reports at Watson’s Mill in Manotick – most recently Feb 26.
Lesser Scaup: continuing between the Champlain Bridge and Parc Moussette, Gatineau – last reported Feb 21.
Hooded Merganser: multiple reports at 4 locations – most recently Feb 26. Mississippi Riverwalk Trail in Carleton Place; Watson’s Mill in Manotick (1); Carleton University (1); Burritts Rapids (2)
Turkey Vulture: 2 reports at 2 locations – last reported on Feb 23. Carleton University; NCC Trail 28, Ottawa.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: continuing at Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau – last reported on Feb 21. Also at several other locations – last reported on Feb 25 – including – Development Rd, North Dundas ON (1); Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons) (1); Wolf Grove Rd, Almonte (1); Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa (1); Grasshopper Hill Park, Ottawa (1).
Black-backed Woodpecker: continuing at 2 locations – last reported on Feb 22. Old Quarry Trail, Kanata; Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail & Trailhead P11), Nepean.
Northern Flicker: continuing with several reports at several locations – most recently Feb 25. Riverside South; Trend Arlington; Mud Lake, Ottawa; Palmer Ave, Ottawa.
Tufted Titmouse: continuing at the feeders on Lewis St and Minto Park – last reported on Feb 26.
Hermit Thrush: continuing with several reports at 3 main locations – most recently Feb 26. Cassels Rd at Mud Lake CA, Ottawa; Fletchers Wildlife Gardens, Ottawa; Rue de Roquebrune, Gatineau.
Fox Sparrow: multiple reports at Mud Lake CA, Ottawa – most recently Feb 26.
White-throated Sparrow: multiple reports at too many locations to list – last reported on Feb 26.
Western Meadowlark: continuing along Panmure Rd, Kinburn -most recently Feb 26.
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Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 February 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
Common Redpoll by Aaron Hywarren
Pine Grosbeak by Nina Stavlund
Cooper’s Hawk by Gillian Wright
Red-bellied Woodpecker by Aaron Hywarren
Trumpeter Swan: several reports from several locations… even more just outside the 50-km circle.
– The dam in Burritt’s Rapids is right at the 50-km limit; depending on where people pinned their eBird reports, they may or may not appear as “Ottawa” birds. There’s several on the Mississippi River between Carleton Place and Almonte. As well, there may have been a pair on the ice in Constance Bay on Mar 18
Northern Pintail: multiple reports from 4 locations
– Etang Grimes in Gatineau – last reported on Mar 13
– Iber Storm Pond in Stittsville, Mud Lake CA & Billing Bridge in Ottawa – last reported Mar 18
Ring-necked Duck: 18 reports at the bridge in Manotick – last reported on Mar 17
Lesser Scaup: 2 reports at Bate Island off the Champlain Bridge in Ottawa – last reported on Mar 16
– there are also small flocks of Buffleheads showing up in the open waters around the Champlain Bridge
Hooded Merganser: 1 report on the Mississippi Riverwalk Trail – last reported on Mar 13
Red-tailed Hawk (borealis): 1 report on Cayer Rd, Winchester ON – last reported on Mar 14
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 2 reports at the Oschmann Forest CA near Winchester ON – last reported on Mar 14
Red-bellied Woodpecker: multiple reports at several locations.
– Just a few years ago, these guys caused quite a stir if they showed up in the area but as their territory has extended northwards, they’re no long considered to be a rarity in most of the counties in the 50-km circle
Black-backed Woodpecker: 9 reports at 4 locations
– Ottawa, Old Quarry Trail – multiple dates; most recently Mar 19
– Ottawa, Pine Grove Trailhead P19 – multiple dates; most recently Mar 18
– Ottawa–Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail) – last reported on Mar 17
– Ottawa—Fitzroy rail bed – last reported on Mar 14
Northern Flicker: 9 reports at 6 locations
– Ottawa, 412 Sparks St – last reported on Mar 18
– Kanata – last reported on Mar 16
– Nepean – multiple dates; most recently Mar 16
– Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons) – last reported on Mar 15
– Britannia CA–Britannia Ridge – multiple dates; most recently Mar 14
– Pakenham CA – last reported on Mar 14
Tufted Titmouse: 10 reports at 5 locations basically all close to Lewis St in downtown Ottawa – last reported on Mar 15
– There’s another one being reported just outside the 50km circle in White Lake ON
Hermit Thrush: lots of reports at 2 locations
– Fletcher Wildlife Garden in Ottawa – multiple dates; most recently Mar 19
– Mud Lake Conservation Area also in Ottawa – multiple dates; most recently Mar 17
Evening Grosbeak: many reports at many locations – most recently Mar 19
– The majority of the sightings are to the southwest of a line drawn from Kemptville to Almonte
Pine Grosbeak: many reports at many locations – most recently Mar 19
– The majority of these sightings are to the north of line drawn from Kemptville to Almonte
White-winged Crossbill: reports at two locations
– Old Quarry Trail in Kanata – last reported Mar 15
– Pine Grove Forestry Trail in Ottawa – last reported Mar 15
Lapland Longspur: multiple reports from 3 locations often hiding in flocks of tens to hundreds of Snow Buntings
– Ch. Alary in Luskville PQ (1) – last reported Mar 13
– Kinburn Side Rd at Upper Dywer Hill Rd (1) – last reported Mar 15
– Akins Rd and Brownlee Rd in Richmond ON (1) – last reported Mar 19
Fox Sparrow: Most reports from the south west corner of the Mud Lake CA in Ottawa – last seen on Mar 19
– Another one was seen on Rosefire Dr in Metcalfe ON – last reported on Mar 14
White-crowned Sparrow: 9 reports at 4 locations
– Fernbank Rd, Ottawa ON – multiple dates, most recently Mar 19
– Ottawa, Riverside South stormwater ponds – last reported on Mar 17
– Ottawa, Central Experimental Farm, Morningside Lane, Manure Pile – last reported on Mar 16
– Owl Valley Dr – multiple dates, most recently Mar 15
White-throated Sparrow: early returnees are beginning to show up all over the place (too many locations to list) – last reported Mar 19
Western Meadowlark: still on Panmure Rd. There were no reports for several days but it was seen again on Mar 18.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 February 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
On the birding front, most of our avian visitors from recent posts have stayed in the area; the most interesting new arrivals (IMHO) are a Hermit Thrush and Fox Sparrow at Mud Lake. A number of early sparrows are starting to showing up as well.
Once again, the past week has been a mix of sunny, cloudy, cold and one biggish snowfall. This combined with the time of year has kept the list of notable birds fairly short.
Blue Jay by Steve Strauss.
Cooper’s Hawk by Al Caughey.
Goldeneyes by Igor Kabic A drake Barrow’s among the Common Goldeneyes. The hens (and younger males) have brown heads and darker flanks; the drakes have a characteristic circular white patch on their cheeks. The Barrow’s drake has a comma-shaped white patch, a black “spur” and “ladder-back” pattern on its torso.
Pileated Woodpecker by Steve Strauss. A male with the red “mustache.”
Pileated Woodpecker by Al Caughey. A female without the “mustache.”
Northern Pintail: (1) Chemin du golf, Gatineau – last reported Feb 12. Pintails are also being seen at Mud Lake in Ottawa, Watson’s Mill in Manotick and at the Iber Rd Storm Pond in Stittsville.
Ring-necked Duck: (1) continuing at Manotick–Watson’s Mill, Ottawa (male) – usually visible from the bridge – last reported on Feb 12. There’s also a continuing American Wigeon and now a Northern Pintail at this location.
Barrow’s Goldeneye: (1) continuing drake – it seems to have moved north towards Hog’s Back Falls – last report on Feb 12.
Northern Harrier: (1) Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 6; and (1) Beaverbrook Park – last reported on Feb 8.
Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola): (2) Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 8.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: (1) Ch. de la Sapinière – last reported on Feb 10.
Black-backed Woodpecker: (1) Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa – last reported Feb 11; Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail) – last reported Feb 10; and (1) Pine Grove Forestry Trail – last reported Feb 8.
Northern Flicker: (1) continuing at Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa – last reported Feb 12; and (1) Pleasant Park Woods – last reported Feb 12.
Brown Thrasher: (1) Ch Robillard, Bourget, ON – last reported Feb 9.
Hermit Thrush: (1) usually along Cassels at Mud Lake – last reported Feb 12.
Tufted Titmouse: (1) continuing on Lewis Street, Ottawa – from Dec 14 to Feb 6. Not many recent reports in eBird but anecdotal reports that it is still being seen.
Chipping Sparrow: (1) Rue de la Loire, Gatineau – last reported Feb 10.
Fox Sparrow: (1) in the south west corner of Mud Lake, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 11.
White-crowned Sparrow: (1) continuing on Fernbank Road, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 11.
White-throated Sparrow: (1) Hennessy Cr in Orleans – last reported on Feb 12, (1) North Gower – last reported on Feb 12; and Delmar Dr in Alta Vista – last reported on Feb 12.
Song Sparrow: (1) an early return at a couple of locations in Almonte – last reported on Feb 11.
Western Meadowlark: (1) still being seen along Panmure Road, Ottawa – from Dec 7 to Feb 12
Watch for it to sneaking from the plastic-covered hay bale to the small spruce just behind the cedars. Patience may be required.
Brown-headed Cowbird: (1) at the Bridlewood Hydro Pathway, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 12
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 5 February 2026
by Al Caughey at sightings@ofnc.ca
On the birding front, almost all of the irregular visitors from last weeks post have stayed in the area; the most notable new arrival (IMHO) is the Ring-necked Duck in Manotick.
The past week has been a mix of sunny, cloudy, cold and at least a bit of snow. This combined with the time of year has kept the list of notable birds somewhat shorter than past updates.
A Juvenile Bald Eagle by Steve Strauss – it’s been hanging out on the Mississippi River in Carleton Place for the last couple of months… given the tail feathers, and beak colour, it’s probably about 1.5 years old.
A leucistic Cardinal by Gwynn Norman – visiting a feeder in the Merivale Gardens / Pihney Forest area.
Merlin (with prey) by TJWay – on Magladry Rd Ottawa. Given its (smaller) size and plumage, likely a young male.
Northern Pintail by Al C – a very handsome bird that’s being seen at the Bank St bridge.
Redpolls by Janet McCullogh – at the intersection of Third Line and Brophy Rd near Richmond ON. It’s been a couple of years that they’ve been seen in the area. In that time, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) merged Common Redpolls, Hoary Redpolls and European Lesser Redpolls into a single, comprehensive species – now simply called Redpolls.
Ring-necked Duck by Al C – showing how small they are when compared to the Mallard in the background.
Western Meadowlark by Al C – continuing along Panmure Rd. People are dropping off suet, seeds and meal worms to help it make it through these cold temperatures.
American Wigeon by Janet McCullogh – hanging out below the bridge at Watson’s Mill in Manotick.
Northern Pintail: (1) continuing drake at Etang Grimes, Gatineau – last reported Feb 2
Pintails are also being seen in Ottawa at Mud Lake (drake) and at the Bank St Bridge over the Rideau River (drake); as well as in Stittsville at the Iber Rd Storm Pond (hen)
Ring-necked Duck: (1) Manotick–Watson’s Mill, Ottawa (male) – usually visible from the bridge – last reported on Feb 5. There’s also a continuing American Wigeon, at least one domestic mallard and who knows what else mixed in with the hundreds of Mallards.
Barrow’s Goldeneye: (1) continuing drake – it seems to have settled in the waters to the south of the Vimy Memorial Bridge – last reported on Feb 3
Northern Harrier: (1) Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 5
Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola): (2) Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 1
Red-tails are fairly commonplace at the landfill… can you find the abieticola subspecies?
Red-bellied Woodpecker: (1) Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau – last reported on Feb 5; and, (1) Ch. de la Sapinière, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais – last reported Feb 2
Red-bellies are also being seen in Ottawa at the Stony Swamp (P9 & P11) – last reported Feb 5; and in the Alta Vista area (specifically, Pleasant Park Woods/Grasshopper Hill Park) – last reported on Feb 2
Black-backed Woodpecker: (1 or 2) Stony Swamp Trail (P9 & P11), Ottawa – last reported Feb 2; and (1) Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa – last reported Feb 2
Northern Flicker: (1) Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa – last reported Feb 4
Tufted Titmouse: (1) continuing on Lewis Street, Ottawa – from Dec 14 to Feb 5
In the block surrounded by Lewis St, Salisbury Pl & Waverly St… listen for the Chickadees!
Golden-crowned Kinglet: (1) Lewis St, Ottawa – last reported Feb 4; and (2) Pinhey Sand Dunes, Ottawa – last reported Jan 30
Hermit Thrush: (1) Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa – last reported Feb 4; (1) Allen Boulevard (Vanier South), Ottawa – last reported Feb 3; (1) Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa – last reported Feb 1; and, (1) Crystal Bay Woods Trail, Ottawa – last reported Feb 1
White-crowned Sparrow: (1) continuing on Fernbank Road, Ottawa – last reported on Feb 4
Western Meadowlark: (1) continuing on Panmure Road, Ottawa – from Dec 7 to Feb 5
Watch for it to sneaking from the plastic-covered hay bale to the small spruce just behind the cedars. Patience may be required.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 22 January 2026
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
A cold quiet week with fewer reports than average. Maybe go find one of the ten species of owls in the circle this week.
Horned Hark, Lockhead Rd W, by Nina Stavund. One of our most gorgeous winter birds, the vibrant yellow disappears at a distance, but really pops with optics and good light.
Mystery bird, Jack Pine, by Janet McCullough. Can you ID this bird?
Red-tailed Hawk (immature), Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Arlene Harrold. Carrying an ill-fated Eastern Gray Squirrel. This same immature has been hunting around the Garden for weeks.
Snow Buntings, Lockhead Rd W, by Margaret Kenny. Lockhead Rd W is a great place to spot winter field birds such as bunting, larks and longspurs. Just leave room for the wide farm machinery to get by your vehicle. That same machinery spills corn which pulls the birds off the fields to the edge of the road.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Jack Pine, by Janet McCullough. The answer to the ID question above. The stiff woodpecker tail and the hint of a red belly give away this bird.
Northern Pintail (1) Etang Grimes, Gatineau.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Jan 29, Rideau River at Vimy Bridge, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Pleasant Park Woods, Ottawa.
Northern Flicker (1) Jan 27, Britannia CA–Britannia Ridge, Ottawa. (1) Jan 26, Ottawa–Grasshopper Hill Park, Ottawa. (1) Jan 25, Spruce ridge Rd, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1-2) Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa (both male and female reported). Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa.
Northern Harrier (1) Jan 27, Greenbank Pond, Ottawa.
Tufted Titmouse (1) Dec 14-Jan 29, Lewis St, Salisbury pl, Waverly Street, that block. Listen for the Chickadee flock.
Gray Catbird (1) Jan 26, Spring Street Area, Lanark.
Brown Thrasher (1) Ch Robillard, Prescott and Russell.
Hermit Thrush (1) Jan 27, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa. (1) Jan 25, Ottawa–Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Fernbank Road, Ottawa.
Swamp Sparrow (1) Jan 19, Stony Swamp (Chipmunk Trail), Ottawa.
Western Meadowlark (1) Dec 07-Jan 29, Panmure Road, Kinburn, Ottawa. Patience may be required. Watch for it to sneak from the plastic-covered hay bales to the small spruce just behind the cedars.
Red-winged Blackbird (2) Jan 23, Panmure Rd, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 15 January 2026
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Chipping Sparrow photographed by Erik Pohanka on Seguinbourg Rd. Chipping Sparrows show up here in clean breeding plumage, and the juveniles don’t look like this. We usually don’t see this non-breeding plumage much. The first clutch might reach this stage before migrating in the fall.
Black-backed Woodpecker, Stoney Swamp, by Sheila Craig. Possessing only three toes and their bark-flicking behaviour are shared with the American three-toed Woodpecker.
Black-backed Woodpecker, Stoney Swamp, by Sheila Craig. Black-backed Woodpeckers love charred trees, and their plumage has evolved to match their preferred hunting habitat. The solid black back and the non-white front set them apart from our regular woodpeckers.
Northern Shrike, between Vars and Limoges, by Erin Durant. Look for them hunting in bushy open areas. Easy to spot when perched atop a shrub, they can be sneaky, skulking unseen through thick brush unseen before striking.
Northern Shrike, between Vars and Limoges, by Erin Durant. The males will start singing soon. Their songs sometimes include mimicked snippets from other birds, and sometimes those snippets cause territorial songbirds to respond. Is this a lure? Ornithologists are uncertain, as mimicky in song can have multiple purposes.
Northern Pintail (1) Jan 14, Billings Bridge, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Carleton University/Hog’s Back, Ottawa. (1) Jan 13, Chapman Mills CA, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Jan 14, Grasshopper Hill Park, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1-2) Dec 01-Jan 14, Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa. (1) Dec 21-Jan 10 Old Quarry Trail (in the red pine plantation), Ottawa.
Tufted Titmouse (1) Dec 14-Jan 13, Lewis St, Salisbury pl, Waverly Street, that block. Listen for the Chickadee flock.
Brown Thrasher (1) Ch Robillard, Prescott and Russell.
Hermit Thrush (1) Jan 11, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
Winter Wren (1) Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Jan 10, Seguinbourg Rd, The Nation, Prescott and Russell.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Owl Valley Dr, Ottawa. (1) Fernbank Road, Ottawa.
Western Meadowlark (1) Dec 07-Jan 12, Panmure Road, Kinburn, Ottawa. Patience may be required. Watch for it to sneak from the plastic-covered hay bales to the small spruce just behind the cedars.
Red-winged Blackbird (1-6) Burnt Lands Rd, Ottawa. (2) Carronbridge Cir, Ottawa.
Brown-headed Cowbird (1) Jan 13, Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 8 January 2026
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Northern Pintail (male), Billings Bridge, by Catherine Lawrence. In full breeding plumage and with a spectacular pin tail.
White-throated Sparrow, Fletcher, by Catherine Lawrence. Tan-striped adult. The white versus tan stripe and the aggression vs care-taking behaviours are all tied together in a supergene (or series of genes that are inherited together).
Black-backed Woodpecker (male), Merivale south of Fallowfield, by Dahlia Ippolito. Dahlia had previously looked for the known individuals, but then found her own pair in a new location! Never seen this species – this is your winter to get out and about and see some.
Pine Grosbeak (first-year male), Corkstown Rd and March Rd, by Mike Clairidge. One of the four Mike saw eating crab apples. The neither pink or yellow but maybe russet color reveals that this is a first year male.
Pine Grosbeak, Solva Drive Greenspace, by Sanam Goudarzi (adult male). That soft pink of the male is rare in North American birds, making this an easy id.
House Finch (female-type), Solva Drive Greenspace, by Sanam Goudarzi. ‘Female-type’ means it’s hard to tell the immature birds from the females.
Merlin (immature), Billings Bridge, by Derek Dunnett. Our second smallest falcon, this Merlin attempted to hunt Rock Pigeon under the bridge, but was harassed by 25 American Crows. Imagine being the center of attention for two birders, 25 crows and 250 ducks. It must be good for the ego.
Red-tailed hawk (immature), Fletcher, by Derek Dunnett. Check out the pale eye (often a sign of immaturity in raptors) and the banded tail, so unlike the adult.
House Sparrow (female-type) and Northern cardinal (male), Ottawa, by Janet McCullough. Notice how similar their bill shapes are, and almost to scale. That’s a hint that both are primarily seed eaters, although the cardinal does have a wider diet.
Merlin, Billings Bridge, by Janet McCullough. The Crow flew in to harass the Merlin. Note the Merlin’s aggressive pose, shoulders raised and beak open.
Northern Pintail (1) Jan 05, Etang Grimes, Gatineau.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Carleton University/Hog’s Back, Ottawa. (1) Piste cyc. Sentier des Voyageurs–Parc Brébeuf<->Pont Champlain,Gatineau.
Winter Wren (1) Jan 07, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Jan 03, Marina Dr, Ottawa. (1) Jan 07, Mississippi Riverwalk Trail, Lanark.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1-2) Dec 01-Jan 08, Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa. (1) Dec 21-Jan 07 Old Quarry Trail (in the red pine plantation), Ottawa. (1) Jan 05, Martel Rd, The Nation, Prescott and Russell. (1) Jan 05, Lacroix Rd, Prescott and Russell. (1)
Jan 05, Larose Forest P4 Trail Network, Prescott and Russell.
Tufted Titmouse (1) Dec 14-Jan 08, Lewis St, Salisbury pl, Waverly Street, that block.
Brown Thrasher (1) Jan 05, Ch Robillard, Prescott and Russell.
Winter Wren (1) Jan 07, Britannia CA–Mud Lake, Ottawa.
Chipping Sparrow (1) Jan 05, Raoul Rd, Prescott and Russell.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Owl Valley Dr, Ottawa. (1) Fernbank Road, Ottawa.
Yellow-headed Blackbird (1) Highway 17. On private property.
Western Meadowlark (1) Dec 07-Jan 06, Panmure Road, Kinburn, Ottawa. Patience may be required. Watch for it to sneak from the hay bales to the small spruce just behind the cedars.
Red-winged Blackbird (2) Fernbank Road, Ottawa. (6) Burnt Lands Rd, Ottawa. (1) Jan 08, Stittsville–Iber Rd storm pond, Ottawa. (2) Dec 31-Jan 02, Carronbridge Cir, Ottawa.
Ottawa and area bird sightings to 1 January 2026
by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca
Happy New Year! Lots of great birds around to fill in your fresh year lists. May all your eBird lists be confirmed.
Yellow-headed Blackbird, by Sheila Craig. One of the stars of the Christmas Bird Count Season, this bird should probably be in Arizona or further south right now. Habits and habitat requirements are very similar to our Red-winged Blackbird, but the yellow-head is a little larger and will bully the red-wingeds for prime nest spots.
Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur, Akins Road, by Mike Traub. In our region, Laplands are almost always found in flocks of Buntings. This picture nicely captures how the Bunting is a little larger and a lot heavier. They also share the long spur – the long backfacing talon (visible on the Longspur) common to some grassland birds.
Pine Grosbeak, Crystal Beach green space (off Solva Drive), by Sanam Goudarzi. Pine Grosbeaks have been everywhere this winter so far. The Crystal Beach green space has been one of the more reliable spots. As Sanam’s photo shows, lots of fruit remains this week, so the spot should be productive for a while.
Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs, Stittsville area, by Deborah Mosher. Deborah encountered a flock of 200 Buntings, with a few Longspurs mixed in. How many can you find in the photo? Noticing which bird is not like the others is a great skill for birders to develop.
Wild Turkey, Casselman, by Erik Pohanka. A great reminder that Wild Turkeys can and do fly.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (male), Jack Pine Trail, by Erik Pohanka.
Red-tailed Hawk, Carleton U, by Igor Kabic. Munching on Rock Pigeon.
Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, Carleton U, by Igor Kabic. The crescent is an easy fieldmark in good light, but notice how different the head shape is. You could id these ducks in near darkness by shape.
Common Merganser, Carleton U, by Igor Kabic. At first glance, it’s hard to parse this image. Zoom in, and it’s a male Common Merg attempting to swallow an impossibly large Smallmouth Bass. But the Merg eventually succeeded.
Western Meadowlark, Panmure Rd, by Steve Strauss. The bird’s plumage makes more sense in the brief moment between the rain and the return of the snow.
Wood Duck (1) Dec 27, Donnelly Drive, Merrickville, Ottawa.
Northern Pintail (1) Dec 09-30, Stittsville-Hickstead pond, Ottawa. Female. (1) Dec 31, Findlay Creek stormwater finishing ponds, Ottawa. (1) Dec 29, Vincent Massey/Hog’s Back Parks, Ottawa.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Bate Island, Ottawa.
Black-backed Woodpecker (1-2) Dec 01-Jan 01, Stony Swamp (Trailhead P11), Ottawa. (1) Dec 21-31 Old Quarry Trail (in the red pine plantation), Ottawa. So many Blackbacks reported outside the circle. This is a major irruption.
Tufted Titmouse (1) Dec 14-Jan 01, Lewis St, Salisbury pl, Waverly Street, that block.
Gray Catbird (1) Dec 28, Phelan Rd, Ottawa.
Hermit Thrush (1) Britannia CA–Britannia Ridge, Ottawa. (1) Rainbow Cr, Ottawa.
Carolina Wren (1) Dec 28, Legion Road, Wakefield, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Fox Sparrow (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa.
White-crowned Sparrow (1) Owl Valley Dr, Ottawa. (1) Fernbank Road, Ottawa. (1) Dec 29, Forestview Cr, Ottawa, Ontario.
Yellow-headed Blackbird (1) Highway 17. On private property.
Western Meadowlark (1) Dec 07-Jan 01, Panmure Road, Kinburn, Ottawa. Patience may be required. Watch for it to sneak from the hay bales to the small spruce just behind the cedars.
Eastern Meadowlark (1) Dec 27, Promontory Road entrance, Donnelly Dr., Ottawa.
Red-winged Blackbird (2) Fernbank Road, Ottawa. (6) Burnt Lands Rd, Ottawa. (2) Dec 31, Carronbridge Cir, Ottawa.