Thanks to all the participants in the field trip January 27th, “Birding in the Bleak midwinter-searching for life on the Rideau River”. We had a grand total of 14 species in our three stops (two eBird checklists-Hurdman was combined with the stop at the Adàwe Crossing).  It proved to be a bit bleaker than hoped, since some of the specialty birds were not present. Also, the planned walk to Carleton University had to be cancelled due to icy conditions. However, I think that I demonstrated that rivers bring life even in the bleakest conditions.

Gregory Zbitnew

Bird lists with counts:

Hurdman Bridge: Mallard 70, Common Goldeneye 5, Cooper’s Hawk 1, Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 20, Downy Woodpecker 2, American Crow 5, Black-capped Chickadee 6, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Northern Cardinal 1

Billings Bridge: Canada Goose 1, Wood Duck 2, Mallard 500, American Black Duck 25, Common Merganser 1, Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 30, Downy Woodpecker 2, Hairy Woodpecker 2, American Crow 30, Black-capped Chickadee 4, White-breasted Nuthatch 4, Northern Cardinal 1