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.
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