Ottawa and area bird sightings to 31 December 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Dawn of January 1, 2021 beckons birders with blank year lists and so many great birds to see in this new year.  Happy birding!

Highlights

Boreal Chickadee – The Boreal Chickadee continues on Fernbank, Ottawa.

Other sightings

Wood Duck  – The pair at Billings Bridge continues.

Green-winged Teal – Carleton Place RONA, Lanark.

Pied-billed Grebe – Strathcona Park, Ottawa.

Glaucous Gull – Reported between Deschenes Rapids Lookout and Kitchissippi Lookout, and another was reported from the Ottawa River in Rockcliffe, Ottawa.

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hilda Road Feeders, by Vladimir Branicki.

Red-bellied Woodpecker –  Birds continuing at the Britannia Conservation Area, at the Hilda Road Feeders, and on Manotick Island, Ottawa.  Also reliable in Gatineau at Parc du Lac-Leamy.

Black-backed Woodpecker – Reported from the Baxter Conservation Area, Ottawa, on Dec. 29 but not found again.

Black Vulture  – Continues on Chemin de la Rivière, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

Ring-necked Pheasant- Not countable–but interesting–a few pheasants are collecting gravel and dodging death near the intersection of  Snake Island Road / Bank Street, Ottawa.

Canada Jay – Continues (outside the circle) on Levant Mill Road, Lanark.

Winter Wren – Continues on Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.

Carolina Wren – Seen on from Barnwell Crescent (Navan), and du Bois Avenue, Ottawa.  Heard in the Frank Ryn and Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa.

Eastern Bluebird – A bird on Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.  A flock on Chemin d’Aylmer, Gatineau.  And a new report of 3 from Pinhey’s Point Park, Dunrobin, Ottawa.

White-crowned Sparrow – The First year bird continues on Shirley Avenue, Ottawa.

Eastern Towhee – The female continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa.

Red-winged Blackbird  – Cardinal Creek Trail behind Caprihani, Ottawa.  Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa.  Pakenham–South of bridge; east of Co. Rd 29, Lanark, Ontario.

A note on COVID and birding in the National Capital Region:  Crossing health unit boundaries or provincial borders for non-essential reasons could lead to big fines, as could a spontaneous gathering of birders around a rarity.

Pine Grosbeak, Richmond, by Tony Beck. Close up revealing female plumage mixed with russet.

Adult male White-winged Crossbills, Carp Ridge, by Tony Beck. Tony says: “Although I’ve seen WWCR feeding on a variety of conifer seeds, this is the first time I’ve observed them feeding on the cones of Eastern White Pine.”

Female and male Common Goldeneye, Strathcona Park, by Judith Gustafsson. The eyes!

Great Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gull, Strathcona Park, by Judith Gustafsson. Can you ID the juvenile gull on the ice?

Adult male Northern Flicker, Hunt Club, by Amanda Brockington. Another bird that should have gone south, but hung around, probably for the peanuts.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 24 December 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Boreal Chickadee – A new Boreal chickadee in the west end of Ottawa, on Fernbank.  This one has been around for several weeks, so not the Cumberland bird.  The Fieldown Street chickadee was last reported on the 18th.

Boreal Chickadee – Stittsville, by Aaron Hywarren. This is the Fernbank bird. No Boreals for years, and suddenly two this year. Is this part of the finch super flight that is bringing northern birds south this winter?

Notable sightings

Cackling Goose – Continues with the Canada Geese on Akins road, Ottawa.

Wood Duck  – The pair at Billings Bridge continues,  and another male appeared in the Eagleson stormwater ponds, Ottawa.

Green-winged Teal – Deschenes Rapids Lookout, with Mallards.

Double-crested Cormorant – Rockcliff parkway, Ottawa.

Glaucous Gull – One continues at  Deschenes Rapids Lookout, and another was reported from Billings Bridge, Ottawa.

Great Blue Heron – Lac-des-Fées, Gatineau.

Belted Kingfisher –  One on Ogilvie Road, Ottawa, and another at the Carleton campus on the Rideau.

Red-bellied Woodpecker –  Birds continuing in Ottawa at the western edge of the Britannia Conservation Area, at the Hilda Road Feeders, and coming to a feeder at Kanata Lakes. New reports in the West on Harbour Street (near Fitzroy PP), and the East on Newton Lane, Ottawa.  Continuing in Gatineau at Parc du Lac-Leamy.

Winter Wren – Continues on Old Quarry Trail (in the marsh), Ottawa, and another on Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.

Carolina Wren – The only report this week was on Villa Crescent, but others are probably still around.

Gray Catbird – Cumberland Village, Ottawa.

Eastern Bluebird – Continues on Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.  A flock of six in the vacant lot next to the Golf du château Cartier in Gatineau.

Hermit Thrush  – A few individuals at:  Parc du Lac-Beauchamp, Gatineau, and at Britannia Conservation Area, Merivale Gardens, Vincent Massey Park, and South March Highlands Conservation Forest, Ottawa.

Two Christmas bird counts were held in the OFNC Circle over the weekend, and the winter finch super flight was well represented.  Both counts had all the winter finches except Purple Finch.  The 102nd Ottawa-Gatineau count found 5,700 Bohemian Waxwing, more than ten times the ten-year average.  The 5th Richmond CBC had 1800 Common Repolls.

Bohemian Waxwing, Arboretum, by Judith Gustafsson. One of the 6,500 Bohemians reported in Christmas Bird Counts in Ottawa this weekend.

Purple Finch – One reported singing on Lisgar Road, Ottawa.

Hoary Redpoll – One at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, another at Soldiers Line, Richmond, Ottawa, 5 on the Jock Trail, Richmond, Ottawa, and 5 more in The Nation, Prescott and Russell, all reported in flocks of Common Redpolls.

White-crowned Sparrow – A First year bird continues on Shirley Avenue, and an adult on Flewellyn, Ottawa.

Swamp Sparrow – Parc du Lac-Beauchamp, Gatineau.

Eastern Towhee  – The female continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa.

Field Sparrow & Song Sparrow – On Rideau Garden Drive, Ottawa.

Red-winged Blackbird  – The male continues on Cardinal Creek Trail behind Caprihani, Ottawa.

White-throated Sparrow – Shirley’s Bay, by Tony Beck.

American Robin – Arboretum, Central Experimental Farm, by Tony Beck. It’s easy to take the robin for granted, but as thrushes go, this is a striking bird.

Leucistic American Robin, Arboretum, by Judith Gustafsson. It’s always interesting to see which feathers are affected by leucism. Notice the white eye arcs and black eyeline are the same on these robins.

Leucistic European Starling, Orleans, by Sherry Nigro. The white tips of the breast are normal; they wear off by the spring because white feathers are weaker than black feathers. Will the head feathers on this individual wear off as well?

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 17 December 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

A quiet week, but Christmas Bird Counts this coming weekend may flush out some interesting birds.

Waxwings – Britannia, by Tony Beck. Tony says: “Although Bohemian Waxwings are fairly common this winter, there are many reports of Cedar Waxwings, typically in mixed flocks that include both species. Although they’re both fairly similar, telling them apart is straightforward provided you get a good look. Cedar Waxwing is noticeably smaller than Bohemian. Cedar has white undertail and a yellow belly. Bohemian has a cinnamon brown undertail and gray belly. Unlike Cedar, Bohemian has thin white tips to their wing feathers. When they spend winter in the Ottawa area, they normally enjoy feeding on berries and fruit like crabapple, buckthorn, mountain ash and juniper. Note in this photo that the Cedar Waxwing has reddish orange tail tips (rather than the typical yellow). This can occur when the bird feeds on non-native ornamental honeysuckle berries.”

Bohemian Waxwing – Strathcona Park, by Judith Gustafsson. Compare this waxwing. With the cinnamon undertail clearly visible, there is no question as to identity. How many of the identification marks that Tony mentions above can you see from this angle?

Notable sightings

Cackling Goose – One at Brownlee/Akins roads, Ottawa.

Wood Duck  – The pair at Billings Bridge continues, Ottawa.

Wood Ducks – Billings Bridge, by Judith Gustafsson. This photo doesn’t just demonstrate the contrast of male and female breeding plumages, there is also a mystery here. Why, when thousands of Wood Ducks flee Ottawa each winter, does one pair remain at Billings Bridge? Is it the same pair each year?

Northern Pintail – A female-type hanging out with the mallards at Long Island Lock, Ottawa.

White-winged Scoter- Another late duck at Baie Simard, Gatineau.

Horned Grebe  – One reported from Parc des Cèdres, Gatineau.

Double-crested Cormorant – One late-staying bird at Deschenes Rapids Lookout, Ottawa.

Glaucous Gull – One continues at  Deschenes Rapids Lookout, Ottawa.

Belted Kingfisher  – Still hunting the open shoreline along Greenbelt Trail 10, Ottawa.

Red-bellied Woodpecker –  Continuing in Ottawa at the western edge of the Britannia Conservation Area, and now at the Hilda Road Feeders, and coming to a feeder at Kanata Lakes, Ottawa. Continuing in Gatineau at Parc du Lac-Leamy.

Red-headed woodpecker – At least three continue at Constance Bay, Ottawa.

Canada Jay – Outside the OFNC circle, but much closer than Algonquin, a Canada Jay has been coming to a feeder in Lavant, Lanark, since early November.

Winter Wren – Continuing on Old Quarry Trail (in the marsh), Ottawa, and another on Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.

Carolina Wren – Continuing at Mud Lake, on Villa Crescent, and Au bois Avenue., all in Ottawa.

Eastern Bluebird – Continuing on Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.

Hermit Thrush – On Bon Echo, Ottawa.

Red Crossbills – A few reports, most consistently from Chemin Eardley-Masham, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

Red Crossbill – In Ottawa on the Crazy Horse Trail in Dunrobin, and on the Lime Kiln Trail.  On Marcil Road, Clarence-Rockland, Prescott and Russell.   Consistent on Chemin Eardley Masham, Les

Collines-de-l’Outaouais. At Parc de la Gatineau at Lac Kingsmere, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, and in the woods at the Musée canadien de la nature, Gatineau.

White-winged Crossbill – More widely reported than Red Crossbills at the moment.  Small flocks and/or individuals at Murphys Point Provincial Park – Upper Ski Lot as well as at Staff House, and Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.  All over Ottawa.  In Prescott and Russell on Grant Rd, Limoges and on Sentier Gagnon Trail, Clarence-Rockland.

Evening Grosbeaks – Scattered over the region in small numbers.  Seem to be somewhat consistent on the Crazy Horse Trail, at the Dewberry trail Feeder,  and on Dolman Ridge road.  There is an inaccessible flock of over 100 on Belvedere Road, Prescott and Russell, so there are definitely birds around.

Pine Grosbeaks – Again, scattered reports of small flocks.  Fairly consistent on the Crazy Horse Trail, Ottawa.

White-crowned Sparrow – One on Shirley Avenue, Ottawa.

White-throated Sparrow – Belvedere Road, Clarence-Rockland, Prescott and Russell.

Swamp Sparrow – Continues at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.

Song Sparrow – Ottawa Valley Rail Recreational Trail, South of Almonte, Lanark.

Eastern Towhee  – A female continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa.

Red-winged Blackbird  – A male continues to hang tough on Cardinal Creek Trail behind Caprihani, Ottawa.

Adult male Pine Grosbeak – Richmond, by Tony Beck. Tony says: Most of the Pine Grosbeaks currently in the Ottawa area are female or immature male plumages. However, keep your eyes out for the rosy-red adult males.

Female Pine Grosbeak – Richmond, by Tony Beck. Pine Grosbeaks are contortionists, and can often be found hanging upside down to feed.

Russet variant Pine Grosbeak – Richmond, by Tony Beck. Some females and immature males can appear russet brown.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 10 December 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlight

Boreal Chickadee – Last reported Dec 6. on Fieldown St., Ottawa. Seems to have a pattern of flying briefly from the spruce to the suet feeder and back to the spruce, then disappearing for long periods.

Blue morph Snow Goose, Eagleson storm-water ponds, by Janet McCullough. North American Snow Goose population: around 15,000,000. Bridlewood-Emerald Meadows population: 1

Other notable sightings

Green-winged Teal – 4 continue at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.

Another reported with Mallards at Lake Park, Lanark.

Northern Pintail  – One at  Rapides Deschênes, Gatineau and another on the Jock River by the Richmond Lagoons, Ottawa.

Wood Duck  – A pair between Billings Bridge and Hurdman bridge, on the Rideau River, Ottawa.  Three on D’Aoust Avenue, Ottawa.

Sandhill Crane – A group of 4 continues at the Halte routière, Lochaber, Papineau.

Belted Kingfisher – A male hanging tough on the Rideau River near the Vimy Memorial Bridge, Ottawa.

Red-bellied Woodpecker – The year of  the Red-bellied Woodpecker continues.  Continuing in Ottawa at the western edge of the Britannia Conservation Area, near the Chapman Mills Conservation Area, and at the Shirley’s Bay Dyke.  Also in Gatineau at  Chemin Fer-à-Cheval/Sentier des Libellules, at Parc du Lac-Leamy (at the first feeder), and on Rue Leblanc, Gatineau.  Other birds at Larose forest, Prescott and Russell, and on Indian Creek Rd, The Nation, Prescott and Russell.

Red-headed woodpecker – Continues at Constance Bay, Ottawa.

Winter Wren – Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa.

Carolina Wren – Continuing at Mud Lake, on Fieldown St.,  Villa Crescent, and Au bois Ave., all in Ottawa.

Eastern Bluebird – Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.

Hermit Thrush –  Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and Alta Vista Dr., Ottawa.

Eastern Towhee  – Continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa.

Bohemian Waxwings  – Flocks reported in many locations.  A 100-bird flock has been consistently hanging around Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa.

Purple Finch – Common north of the Ottawa  river, there are finally lots of reports on the South side this week.

Red Crossbills – a few reports, most consistently from Chemin Eardley-Masham, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

White-winged Crossbills – reported in small numbers from Fieldown Street, Pine Grove Forestry Trail,  Metcalfe, Old Quarry Trail, and Crazy horse Trail this week.

Evening Grosbeaks – A smattering of recent reports.  There seems to be a small consistent flock on the Crazy Horse Trail, Ottawa.

Pine Grosbeaks – again, scattered reports of small flocks.  There have been a few around the Fletcher Wildlife Garden this week, Ottawa, this week.

White-crowned Sparrow – Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.

Chipping Sparrow – Richmond.

White-crowned Sparrow –  Shirley Avenue, Trail Road Landfill, and Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.

Swamp Sparrow – Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.

Red-winged Blackbird  – A couple of males, one on Caprihani Way, another at Cardinal Creek, Ottawa.

Female Pine Grosbeak, Stittsville, by Deanna Wright. Every bit as pretty as the male, if a little more subtle.

Immature White-crowned Sparrow, Fletcher Wildlife garden, by Judith Gustafsson.

Mourning Dove in the fresh-fallen snow, Dewberry Trail, by Tony Beck.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 3 December 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

  • King Eider – A female spent Dec. 01 at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
  • Black Vulture – Continuing until at least Dec. 03, Chemin de la Rivière, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. Bird has been there for weeks now.
  • Boreal Chickadee – Showed up on Fieldown St, Ottawa on Dec. 01, and still there Thursday. The suet feeder and spruce used by the bird are visible from the street. Patience may be required as it shows up daily, but not often and not for long.

Boreal Chickadee, Fieldown St., Cumberland, by Richard Yank. Boreal Chickadees are non-migratory northern birds, so what is this bird doing in Cumberland? Like many birds that tough-out winters without fleeing, they cache (or store) food. Boreal Chickadees tend to cache their food in crevices on the underside of dead branches, where the cache remains visible in winter even if the top of the branch is covered in snow.

Other notable sightings

  • Green-winged Teal – At least 4 at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
  • Northern Shoveler – A single bird at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
  • Wood Duck – A pair at the Billings Bridge, Ottawa.
  • American Coot – At the Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa.
  • Ross’s Goose – One bird at Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Ottawa.
  • Glaucous Gull – Immature at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.
  • Black-crowned Night-Heron – A pair of juveniles have been hanging out at the Eagleson stormwater ponds, Ottawa.
  • Sandhill Crane – A group of 4 at the Halte routière, Lochaber, Papineau.
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker – Continuing in Ottawa near the Chapman Mills Conservation Area, and at the Shirley’s Bay Dyke. Also in Gatineau at Chemin Fer-à-Cheval/Sentier des Libellules, at Parc du Lac-Leamy (at the first feeder), and at Baie Simard. Probably unreported at more locations.
  • American Pipit – At the Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa.
  • Winter Wren – Wolf Grove Road, Lanark, as well at the South-east corner of Mud Lake, Ottawa.
  • Carolina Wren – Continuing at Mud Lake, on Fieldown Street, Cumberland, Villa Crescent, and Au bois Ave., all in Ottawa.
  • Eastern Bluebird – Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa.
  • Eastern Towhee – Continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa.
  • Winter birds seem to be everywhere, at least in small numbers.
  • Bohemian Waxwings – 100 have been hanging around Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa. A huge flock (500+) was reported at Samuel-Eddy/Chemin Alymer, Gatineau on Dec. 01.
  • White-winged Crossbill – At many places in the circle this week, including a flock of 20 at Carleton Place, a pair at Murphys Point Provincial Park, some at High Lonesome Nature Reserve, all in Lanark.
  • Hoary Redpoll – Many in the circle including on Chemin Findlay, and the Brebeuf parking lot, Vanier Street, Gatineau. Really – just check any flock of commons.
  • White-crowned Sparrow – Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
  • Rusty Blackbird – Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.
  • Ovenbird – Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.

White-throated Sparrow, Hilda Road, by Tony Beck. Hilda road is a fantastic place to practice photography. A variety of beautiful birds will drop by, no matter what season you go. And if you are quiet and patient, a Snowshoe hare or Ruffed grouse may wander in.

Bohemian Waxwings, Beechwood Cemetery, by Eric Leger. Gregarious in winter, Bohemians can aggregate in large flocks, and a 100-bird flock has been hanging around Beechwood cemetery. Individually their calls are soft but listening to a large flock is an impressive experience. Subtly colored, but beautiful, these birds breed in the Boreal forests of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Common Redpolls, Berry Side Road, by Brendan Kelly. Another bird that comes together in great flocks in winter is the Common Redpoll. Right now, there are flocks of hundreds of birds in many places around the OFNC Circle.

Cedar Waxwing, Dow’s Lake, by Judith Gustafsson. Cedar Waxwings breed in Ottawa, and so are easier to find in Ottawa most of the time. Unlike their Bohemian cousins, Cedar Waxwings are restricted to North America. Watching a flock flycatching in late summer is an unforgettable sight, yet these hardy birds are perfectly adapted to an Ottawa winter.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 26 November 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Black Vulture – Apparently lurking around the Ferrellton area for a couple of weeks now.  Photographed on Chemin de la Rivière, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, on the 26th.

Possible Pacific Loon reported at Shirley Bay Boat Launch, Ottawa, on the 26th.

Tundra Bean Goose – Regular sightings stopped after the 19th, although it was seen Trim Road, Ottawa, on the 22nd.

Black Vulture, Chemin de la Rivière, by Aaron Hywarren. Well north of its usual range, there have been several sightings in the region over 2020. Unlike our regular Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures do not have an amazing sense of smell to find food. Instead they forage visually, which includes following Turkey Vultures to carcasses.

Overview

Time may have run out to see most of the rare geese in 2020.  The first real snow of the season coated the feeding fields.  Lots of great birds remain, including a ridiculous number of Red-bellied woodpeckers.  There is probably one on your feeder right now.  And look for a Hoary Redpoll or two in every big flock of commons.

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Kars, by Bill Buchanan. These woodpeckers are as gorgeous as they are poorly named. They seem to be having a good year in the region as well.

Hoary Redpoll, Trail Road Landfill, by Tony Beck. Tony says: “Currently, almost every large flock of redpolls has at least one Hoary Redpoll accompanying them. The differences are subtle at best. Note on the Hoary Redpoll that the bill is typically smaller/shorter. Hoary also has an overall brighter/frostier appearance that includes a much whiter ground colour and fewer streaks. On Hoary, the streaks are especially reduced or completely absent, especially on the undertail and rump.”

Other notable sightings

  • Northern Shoveler – A pair at Giroux Road Ponds, Ottawa.
  • Ross’s Goose – Moodie Quarry on the 24th.  Reported daily at Nolan Quarry until the 22nd.
  • Barnacle Goose –  Reported from Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa, on the 22nd.
  • Iceland Gull – Moodie Drive Quarry.
  • Glaucous Gull –  Moodie Drive Quarry.
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker – Continue at several locations:  Britannia Conservation Area along the western edge, in Kars,  and near the Chapman Mills Conservation Area, all Ottawa, and at Ch Fer-à-Cheval/Sentier des Libellules, and at Parc du Lac-Leamy (at the first feeder), Gatineau.  Another was spotted this week at Baie Simard, Gatineau.
  • Red-headed Woodpecker continues in Constance Bay, Ottawa.
  • Carolina Wren –  A new pair visited a feeder in Cumberland, Ottawa, today.  Others continue at feeders in Kanata,  Au Bois Ave, Villa Crescent, Du Bois Avenue, and the Britannia Conservation Area, all in Ottawa.
  • Eastern Bluebird  – A flock along Chemin Cook, Gatineau.
  • Eastern Towhee  – Continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa.
  • At this point none of the winter finches are really rare in the circle.
  • Of particular note, a flock of 200-250 Bohemian Waxwings was seen in the Lookout Drive/Fieldown Street area, Ottawa, on the 20th.
  • Cape May Warbler – Rapides Deschênes, Gatineau, on the 19th.
  • Wilson Warbler – Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa, regular as late as the 24th.

Carolina Wren, Britannia Conservation Area, by Richard Rowlee. Although field guide maps don’t show them in Ottawa, they are here in small numbers and seem to be having a good year. This species has been expanding North for more than a century, but really cold winters push the expansion back temporarily.

Pine Grosbeak, Dunrobin, by Janet McCullough. These birds spend too few winters in Ottawa to not post lots of photos of these beautiful birds when they are here.

Great Black-backed Gulls, Billings Bridge, by Judith Gustafsson. Weighing in at over thee Ring-billed gulls, and with 3.5 times the attitude, these gulls aren’t just scavengers, but willing to hunt prey as big as waterfowl.

Special Note about Owl Woods

The privately-owned Owl Woods on Amherst Island will be closed for the annual hunt from 16th Nov to 6th December inclusive. Please respect this long-standing agreement and stay out of the woods. If visiting at other times and you do see owls, the owners insist that these must not be reported until the season is over, or birders risk losing access.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 November 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Tundra Bean Goose – Reported in many locations around the Sarsfield area, most reliably at  Nolan Quarry, Prescott and Russell.

Overview

Yet another awesome week of birding in the OFNC circle.   All the birder attention on the area around Sarsfield might give the impression that most of the good birds are there, but it would be more accurate to say that a lot of great birders from all over Ontario spent a lot of time there this week.  On the other hand, that is definitely where to go looking for rare geese.

Cackling Goose, Andrew Haydon Park, by Tony Beck. Tony says to note the unusual white wing line on the left-most Cackling Goose. This plumage aberration is called “Fault Barring”. It is likely caused by diet changes or stress issues.

Other notable sightings

  • Ross’s Goose – Birchgrove Road, Ottawa, as well as Nolan Road, and Embrun, Prescott and Russell.
  • Greater White-fronted Goose  – Avalon storm water ponds, Milton Rd, and Dunning Road, Ottawa.
  • Barnacle Goose –  Birchgrove Road, Ottawa and Nolan road, Prescott and Russell.
  • Cackling Goose  – Almonte Lagoons, Lanark, and at various locations around Ottawa and Prescott-Russell.
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker – Continues at the Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa and at Ch Fer-à-Cheval, Gatineau.  Another one was spotted at Lac Leamy, Gatineau.
  • Carolina Wren –  Villa Crescent, as well as Du Bois Avenue, and the Britannia Conservation Area, all in Ottawa.
  • Red Crossbills – A pair along Bellamy Road, Mississippi Mills, Lanark.
  • White-winged Crossbill  – Reported from Nolan Quarry, and nearby on Belvedere Road, Prescott and Russel.
  • Hoary Redpoll  – Small numbers continue to be reported widely, including Lake Park Rd, Beckwith, Lanark, Casselman, Prescott and Russell, and Grioux and Frank Kenny roads, Ottawa.
  • Pine Grosbeak –  Nolan Quarry, Prescott and Russell.   In Ottawa at
  • Charlies Lane, as well as on the Crazy Horse Trail, Ottawa.
  • Some really tough warblers persisted this week, despite the cold:
  • Orange-Crowned Warbler – In Sandy Hill, Ottawa.
  • Nashville Warbler – Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.
  • Wilson Warbler – Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa.
  • Northern Parula  – Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa.

Redpolls, Casselman, by Arlene Harold. What’s the most fun thing about redpolls? These tough little birds can drop out of trees into snow and make tunnel roosts under the snow to stay warm. How many species do you see in this photo? Derek sees two. Got a different answer? That’s OK, taxonomists are debating whether there are 1, 3, or 6 species of redpoll. Any answer will be correct at some point in the future.

Female Northern Cardinal, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Judith Gustafsson. Female bird song is understudied for the most part, but cardinals are one species where female song is well documented.

American Crows, Huisman road, by Janet McCullough. Ever wonder how many crows there are in Ottawa? About 100,000, according to Birds Studies Ottawa. In winter crows form large communal roosts, sometimes with thousands of birds.

House Finch, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Judith Gustafsson. Looking at this perfectly adapted bird on a cold November Ottawa day, it’s hard to believe that this was a desert dweller of the American South West until a handful of birds were released in New York City in 1939. Since then it has become one of the most common songbirds of the North East.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 November 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Bean Goose – First seen Nov. 8 at the Masson Angers sewage lagoon in Gatineau, it crossed the Ottawa River to Cumberland with birders in hot pursuit.  It has appeared on and off in and over the fields and water bodies in the Sarsfield Area ever since.  No official word on which species–Tundra or Taiga–yet.  Reported as recently as Nov. 12.

Prothonotary Warbler – A late and lost bird was photographed in Beacon Hill on Nov. 9.

Tundra/Taiga Bean Goose, Sarsfield, by Tony Beck. This Eurasian visitor is so rare that birders from near and far are scouring every field and accessible waterbody in the Sarsfield area multiple times daily. This photo demonstrates how hard it would be to pick out this mega rarity if it were sleeping or feeding in a field of hundreds of Canada Geese, which it most certainly is, most of the time.

Tundra/Taiga Bean Goose, Sarsfield, by Bree Tucker. This zoomed photo shows the extend of orange on the bill, a key id feature to separate the species of Bean Goose.

Prothonotary Warbler, Beacon Hill, by Carol Vellan Cameron.
Gorgeous in any circumstances, the unique yellow of the Prothonotary Warbler really glows against the dark waters and shady woods of the swamps it normally breeds in. This bird looks than a little out of place, foraging in sedum and hanging out with Juncos in Ottawa in November.

Other notable sightings

  • Ross’s Goose – A pair of geese, possibly hybrids, seen south of Carling Road at Riffle Road, Ottawa. Nov. 08.  A clear Ross’s Goose showed up the same day at the Eagleson storm water ponds, Ottawa.  Two more in Embrun on the 9th. One off Nolan on the 12th.
  • Greater White-fronted Goose  – Reported from Russell, Prescott-Russell,  the Almonte Lagoons, Lanark, and Milton Road, Wall Road, and Trim Road, Ottawa.
  • Barnacle Goose- Reported Nov. 6, off Nolan Road, Prescott-Russell, and Nov. 12 off Sarsfield Rd, Ottawa
  • Throw in Brant, Canada, Snow and Cackling Geese, and there have been eight species of geese reported from the circle this week.
  • Bonaparte’s Gull – One reported Nov. 6, Lac Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Papineau.
  • Iceland Gull  – One reported at Bate Island, Ottawa, on Nov. 6, one at PN de Plaisance, Papineau, Nov. 7, and one –  Carleton Place pond, Lanark, Nov. 7.
  • Golden Eagle – One each reported from Fitzroy Provincial Park,, Nov. 7, Berry Side Rd, Nov. 7, and French Hill/Dunning road, Ottawa, Nov. 10.
  • White-rumped Sandpiper- up to 14 reported from Embrun,  and another from Nolan Road, Prescott and Russell.  Seven reported from Black Rapids, Ottawa.
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker – Continues at the Britannia Conservation Area. Others were seen along the Shirley’s Bay Dyke (restricted access), and in Kars, Ottawa, as well as Chemin du fer a cheval, Gatineau.
  • Tufted Titmouse – One individual has been visiting a feeder in Kars for a couple of weeks now.

Tufted Titmouse, Kars, by Bill Buchanan. These charming little gray birds have been expanding Northward into Southern Canada for decades. Maybe one day it will be as common as Northern Cardinals in Ottawa. In the meantime, Derek has chased this “don’t worry, it’s there everyday” bird from Niagara to Point Pelee, and all the way to Montreal to no avail.

  • Red Crossbills – A flock continues at High Lonesome Nature Reserve, Lanark.  Others have been seen at Indian Creek Road, The Nation, Prescott and Russell, Canaan Road, Prescott and Russell, and Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.
  • White-winged Crossbill  – Canaan Road, Prescott and Russell.
  • Hoary Redpoll  – Surprisingly common at the moment, usually single birds reported from Sixth Line Road, Vance’s Side Road,  Berry Side Road, and the Prescott-Russell Trail Link, all Ottawa, plus Catherine St, The Nation, and Canaan Road, Prescott and Russell.
  • Pine Grosbeak  – A flock of 5 seen at Voyageur Provincial Park, Prescott and Russell.

Special Note about Owl Woods

The privately-owned Owl Woods on Amherst Island will be closed for the annual hunt from 16th Nov to 6th December inclusive. Please respect this long-standing agreement and stay out of the woods. If visiting at other times and you do see owls, the owners insist that these must not be reported until the season is over, or birders risk losing access.

Long-tailed Duck, Andrew Hayden Park, by Natalie Feldman. These sometimes spectacular but sometimes just weird looking diving ducks migrate through the area each Spring and Fall.

Northern Mockingbird, Perrault Road, by Tony Beck. Every Mockingbird creates it own unique song from sounds copied from other species, but the mocker is still easy to identify by song alone. This the only local mimic to string phrases of three identical sounds in a row in the middle of it’s long and varied song.

Evening Grosbeak, Hammond, by Janet McCullough. Is there a more beautiful, or more grumpy looking, winter visitor to our area?

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 5 November 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Lark Sparrow –  The sparrow spent Halloween afternoon hanging with juncos at Tunney’s Pasture, Ottawa.

Lark Sparrow, Tunney’s Pasture, by Tony Beck. This pretty sparrow drew a fash mob of birders to an empty parking lot on Halloween, much to the amusement of the local dog walkers. The sparrow itself was unimpressed.

Black-legged Kittiwake – a kittiwake was photographed flying around Bate Island, Ottawa, on Nov. 2.

Neither bird has been refound.

White-breasted Nuthatch, Fletcher wildlife garden, by Judith Gustafsson. This is a very characteristic pose for this species, as it uses one eye to evaluate the situation before flying in.

Other notable sightings

Barrow’s Goldeneye  – A male continues with a flock of Common Goldeneye on the Rideau River between the Hurdman Bridge and St. Patrick’s St, Ottawa.  A female was seen at Andrew Hayden Park, Ottawa.

Red-throated Loon – Single birds were seen on the river off Clarence-Rockland, Prescott and Russell, and in Baie Simard, Gatineau.

Ross’s Goose – There have been a few in the region: one Nov. 3 off Dick Bell Park, Ottawa, one Nov. 1 at Embrun Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell, and a small flock at the St. Isidore Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell, the same day.

Just east of the OFNC circle, flocks of thousands of Snow Geese are staging, and well worth the drive for the inspiring sight and sound.

Iceland Gull – A first year bird was seen at the Rapides Deschênes, Gatineau, and at the Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa.

White-rumped Sandpipers – Winter birds may have arrived, but some shorebirds are still passing through, and this late in the season, peeps often turn out to be White-rumped Sandpipers, including  one at the Eagleson storm water ponds, and another at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.

White-rumped Sandpiper, Richmond Conservation Area, by Vladimir Branicki. Check out the flattened tip of the beak. Different shorebird species have a wide variety of bill shapes and sizes to match different feeding strategies.

American Golden-Plover – A single bird on Wall Road, Ottawa.

Golden Eagle – Eagles continue to migrate through the area, with sightings from Dick Bell Park, Shirley’s Bay (boat launch), both Ottawa, and Mississippi Mills, Lanark.

Red-headed Woodpecker  – At least one adult continues in Constance Bay, Ottawa.

Red-bellied Woodpecker – Surprisingly common this week with migrating birds seen on the Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Weatherly Drive, Britannia Conservation Area and a long-staying and wide-ranging bird (or birds) near the Chapman Mills Conservation area, all on the Ottawa side, as well as visiting a feeder in the Ch Fer-à-Cheval/Sentier des Libellules area, Gatineau.

Red-bellied Woodpecker, near Johnson’s Corner, by Pam Laprise. Pam carefully observed the bird’s habits, then figured out where to set up a trail-cam to catch the bird on its regular route. That observe and predict approach is a really great tool for birders and photographers. Figure out how the bird interacts with its environment, and position yourself or your camera to capture the image you want.

Northern Mockingbird – A long staying bird on Perrault Rd, Ottawa, and a second bird seen at the Moodie Drive Ponds, Ottawa.

All the winter finches were reported in the circle this week.

Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, has consistent (but never guaranteed) grosbeak sightings.

White-winged Crossbill  – Four on the Prescott-Russell Rec Trail east of Canaan Rd, and a pair at Clarence Creek,  Prescott and Russell.

White-winged Crossbill, Prescott-Russell Rec Trail , by Bree Tucker. It would be very easy to overlook this nondescript female finch unless you notice the enormous upper mandible, and how the lower bill crosses it. This unusual bill configuration is perfect for prying tasty pine nuts and other conifer seeds from cones.

Hoary Redpoll  – Multiple sightings of single birds reported on Galetta Side Rd, Ottawa, Berry Side Rd, Ottawa, as well as Beechgrove, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

Eastern Towhee  – One bird in Parc du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau (at the feeder between the lake and the bike path).  Another long staying bird in Fine Estate, Ottawa.

Late warblers:  Wilson’s Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler have been seen for a couple of days near the Rideau Tennis Club, Ottawa.

Bay-breasted Warbler, Rideau sports Centre, by Gregory Zbitnew. Unlike most harder-to-identify late fall warblers, this Bay-breasted still has a hint of namesake color on its flank.

Female plumage Red-breasted Merganser, Andrew Haydon Park, by Tony Beck. Note the serrated edge to the long narrow bill, perfect for catching slippery fish.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 29 October 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Little Gull  – a Little Gull showed briefly at the Shirley’s Bay boat launch, Ottawa, on the 29th.  Hopefully it will be found again.

Little Gull, Shirley’s Bay, by Aaron Hywarren. The easiest way to spot a rare Little Gull is to notice that too-dark-to-be-a-shadow underwing. This well-named gull is even smaller than the Bonnaparte’s Gulls it often associates with.

Notable sightings

Barrow’s Goldeneye  – a female over the Carleton Place boat launch, Lanark, and a male spotted at various locations on the Rideau River between the Hurdman Bridge and St. Patrick’s St, Ottawa.

Red-throated Loon  – one in Baie Fraser, Gatineau, another in Clarence-Rockland,  Prescott and Russell, and a pair in Baie Simard, Gatineau.

Seven species of geese this week, including:

  • Barnacle Goose – the continuing bird put in a brief appearance at Andrew Haydon Park East, Ottawa.
  • Ross’s Goose – photographed near Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.
  • Greater White-fronted Goose – one at Parc des Cèdres, Gatineau on the 25th.
  • Cackling Goose  – a flock at Parc des Cèdres, Gatineau, also on the 25th.

Glaucous Gull  – 1 confirmed off the Sentier des Voyageurs, Gatineau.

Golden Eagles – reported migrating over Dunrobin and over the Ottawa River east of the Deschenes rapids on the 24th.  Many other raptors migrated that day as well.

Red-headed Woodpecker  – at least one adult continues in Constance Bay, Ottawa.

Red-bellied Woodpecker – at least one reported at the Chapman Mills Conservation area, Ottawa, and coming to a feeder nearby.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – a somewhat late but extremely cooperative and well studied individual, photographed at Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa.

Northern Mockingbird  – seen briefly at Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.

Bohemians – the flock or flocks continued along Vance’s Side Road, Dunrobin, Ottawa, at least until Sunday.

All the winter finches were reported in the circle this week, but Evening Grosbeaks were suddenly everywhere in small flocks.

Hoary Redpoll – one in the Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa.

Non-breeding Snow Bunting, Andrew Haydon Park, by Tony Beck. A single bunting is always impressive, but a flock in blowing snow becomes mesmerizing as the back of the flock continually overflies the front and their plumage makes parts of the birds flicker or disappear as they move past each other.

Common redpoll, Palladium Drive, by Arlene harold. A poor crop of some species of birch has brought few south this winter.

Male Ring-necked Duck, Dow’s Lake, by Judith Gustafsson. This fall migrant is easily identified by the almost invisible brown ring around the neck… No, no, it isn’t. Surely this is one of the least useful names for a duck, and persists from the days when the only way to identify a bird was to shoot it and examine it in the hand. Maybe there is a ring – most birders will never get close enough to see it. The white edging around the bill, or the white spur on the side, does allow an easy id from a distance.

Evening Grosbeaks, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Judith Gustafsson. Unlike many of the winter birds that seek out fruit, the grosbeak uses its huge bill to scrape off the fruit and cush the hard seeds hidden within.

Bohemian Waxwings, Vance’s Side Road, by Janet McCullough. Another species that has been absent from the area for months, and a welcome visitor.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 22 October 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Overview

The birds of fall replace the last lingering summer birds.  Almost all the ducks of fall are represented this week,  including Long-tailed Duck and Northern Shovelers.  Northern shrikes arrived, and Rusty Blackbirds are all over.  Thrushes are rushing south, and warblers are few and far between, except for the Yellow-rumped Warblers.

 

Male Wood Duck, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Judith Gustafsson. Male Wood Ducks are showing the full range of appearances this week. This duck, still mostly in eclipse, demonstrates how well the plumage camouflages them in the summer. Other males in the area appear to be in full breeding plumage.

Notable sightings

  • American coot –  one at Dow’s Lake, Ottawa.
  • Scoters – all three species reported from Lac Deschenes this week. Look for them anywhere from Shirley’s Bay to Britannia Pier.
  • Greater White-fronted Goose – one reported with Canada Geese east of Chrysler.
  • Trumpeter Swan – one with Canada Geese at Central Park Blvd, Prescott and Russell.
  • Golden Eagle – one at Shirley’s Bay and one at Borrisokane and Barnsdale, Ottawa, on the 17th.
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker – one photographed on Chemin de la Baie Lochaber, Gatineau on the 17th.
  • Bohemian Waxwing – as many as 56 at Constance Creek at Vances Side Road, Ottawa.
  • Evening Grosbeak – small numbers from Jack Pine Trail, Manotick, and Richmond.
  • Common Redpoll – all on the north side this week:  three flying over the Sentier de la sucrerie, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, two in Hull, and three over Rue de Ganymède, Gatineau.

Adult winter Bonaparte’s Gull, Shirley’s Bay, by Tony Beck. These small, graceful, and beautiful gulls are easily ignored, but always worth a closer look.

Juvenile Pied-billed Grebe, Britannia, by Tony Beck. If birds didn’t already have enough breeding strategies, grebes build floating platforms for nests.

Fox Sparrow, Britannia, by Tony Beck. A real sparrow-lover’s sparrow. Huge, sneaky, and very musical in the spring. In the fall, just huge and sneaky.

Young tom Wild Turkey, Britannia, by Tony Beck. Despite the dogs and people, there have been Wild Turkeys at Britannia for a few years now.

Young Cooper’s Hawk, Central Park neighbourhood, by Anonymous. Juvenile accipiters can be tough to tell apart, but this bird’s enormous legs and talons separate it from the smaller Sharp-shinned hawk. Some predators kill with their beaks, but accipiters squeeze their prey to death, and the strong hunting gear of this bird enables
it to take large prey such as morning doves.

Northern Parula – Britannia, by Tony Beck. Enjoy the final warblers of 2020 while you can.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 15 October 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Hooded Mergansers, Brewer Park, by Judith Gustafsson. Notice how different the males’ heads look depending on how much they erect their crest.

Fall birding as ducks, geese and grebes increase, and all of the winter finches have been reported recently, at least in small numbers.

Any remaining warblers should be checked carefully as possible rarities.  Lots of not-eBird-rare but only-seen-on-migration birds such as Brant and Rusty Blackbirds are passing through.

Notable sightings

Barnacle Goose –  led a (probably) wild goose chase, appearing at Andrew Haydon Park several times, with flights to Wesley Clover Park and Mud Lake,  Ottawa, from the 10th to the 12th, always accompanying Canada Geese.

Barnacle Goose, Andrew Hayden Park, by Martha Burchat. Rare geese like this are often found in flocks of Canada Geese. Scanning a big flock is like playing a game of one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-others for adults. Or birders pretending to adult.

Canvasback – 3 on the 11th at Dick Bell Park, Ottawa.

Scoters – all three species have been seen in the area this week.

Glaucous Gull – 1 huge all-white gull digiscoped at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.

Hudsonian Godwit – 1 reported on the 12th at Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.

Rough-legged Hawk  – a dark morph on the 14th at the Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa, and a light morph over the fields leading to Constance Bay, Ottawa, on the 11th.

Bohemian Waxwing – absent for months, 3 were seen on the 14th in Dunrobin (Constance Creek), Ottawa.

Common Redpoll  – a flock of 6 in the Rockcliffe Airport Woods, Ottawa, and a single bird at the Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa, both on the 9th.

White-winged Crossbill – a pair overhead at the Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Ottawa, on the 9th, and 3 at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, on the 11th.

Evening Grosbeak  – on the 9th and the 12th on Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.

Pine Grosbeak – a single bird at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, on the 11th.

Snow Bunting – a small flock heard Wolf Grove Road, Lanark, on the 9th, and a single bird calling overhead at Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa, Ontario.

Nelson’s Sparrow  – continues at Constance Creek, Ottawa.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Britannia Conservation Area, by Tony Beck. The ruby crown is often hidden, but this preening bird is showing off its namesake.

Pine Siskin, Rockcliffe Airport woods, by Gregory Zbitnew. Feeding on asters.

Red-winged Blackbird, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Judith Gustafsson. Even though the breeding season is long over, this male is still singing away.

Mystery bird, South Keys/Greenboro, by David Allen. A leucistic sparrow-like bird. If you think you know what it is, suggest an answer in the comments. I’ll give the correct answer by Saturday, unless someone comes up with a better answer than me, then I’ll pretend that was my answer all along.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 8 October 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

  • Townsend’s Solitaire – seen on the 4th and 5th at Parc du Lac-Beauchamp, Gatineau.
  • Hudsonian Godwit – reported at the Giroux ponds, Ottawa, on the 4th.
  • Redpolls  – a Hoary Redpoll (and 3 Common Redpolls) seen in Constance Bay, Ottawa, on the 8th.
  • Tufted Titmouse – one in Orleans, Ottawa, on the 8th.  Add that to the sighting in Kars last week, and the one in Hawkesbury, and maybe titmice are on the move?

Tennessee Warbler – One week into October, and there are still migratory warblers staging through the Britannia Conservation Area. By Tony Beck.

Orange-crowned warbler, Britannia Conservation Area, by Deborah Mosher. This is a true fall migrant, hard to find, challenging to ID, and nearly impossible to photograph. The first hint that you’ve found an Orange-crowned is how faint all the field marks are, and a general sense of a very low contrast bird. Notice how the colour on this bird blends gradually, making the closely related Tennessee Warbler suddenly more colourful and contrasting.

Hermit thrush, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, by Judith Gustafsson.
Several species of thrushes are migrating through the area this week, making them easier to see than usual. This bird is showing off its reddish tail, in contrast to the cool brown body, making it one of the easiest thrushes to ID.

Overview

While there are still many warblers and thrushes passing through, and a few shorebirds migrating, this week someone flipped the switch to Fall birding.  Impossibly distant Golden Eagles soar high overhead; juvenile White-crowned Sparrows fill every bush, and rarer sparrows hide in the scrub and marshes, while snow buntings and redpolls call overhead.

Other notable sightings

Red-throated Loon – an immature seen from both the dyke and the boat launch at Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.

White-winged Scoter – more than 60 in a flock off Dock Bell park, Ottawa, with a few Redhead.

Ross’s Goose –  at the RA Centre, Ottawa, on the 4th, and another at the Moodie Quarry, Ottawa, on the same day.

Barnacle Goose  – one at Nolan Quarry, Prescott and Russell, from the 4th to the 6th.

Trumpeter Swan – a pair flying over Fine Estate, Ottawa.

Pomarine Jaeger – this bird very generously stayed until at least the 6th.

Snow Bunting – A single bird was heard calling as it flew over Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, on the 6th.

Nelson’s Sparrow  – continuing at Constance Creek, Ottawa, and photographed at other marshes along the Ottawa River.

White-winged Crossbill – for variety this week,  White-winged replaced the lingering Red Crossbills at Murphys Point Provincial Park, Lanark.

Orange-crowned warblers – passing through with sightings at Bate Island, Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, and elsewhere this week.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo – photographed at Baie Simard, Gatineu, on Oct. 8.

The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas

The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas website is now up-to-date and offers a great deal of information including the simple registration process.

You must register to participate. Please visit: https://www.birdsontario.org/

Everyone in the Ottawa Region who is interested in participating is asked to complete a short questionnaire available at https://forms.gle/6FuZohkLnLLMSv7i8. This will help the Ottawa Regional Coordinator to assess skill and interests, and to identify and assign “principal atlassers” for each 10km x 10km atlas square within our Region.

American Crows, including one individual with white wing patches – a rare but regular plumage variation. Britannia Conservation Area, by Tony Beck. Tony says this is the fifth time he has seen this American Crow plumage within the Ottawa District.

Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow, Hilda Road, by Derek Dunnett. This crisp plumage surprises me each fall, when suddenly there are flocks everywhere of these juveniles on their first migration south from the breeding grounds.

Hooded Merganser, Billings Bridge, by Judith Gustafsson. Just a really striking intermediate plumage for this male.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 1 October 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Pomarine Jaeger – It’s been a week of exciting chases between Andrew Hayden Park and Britannia Pier, Ottawa.  Well, exciting for the birders and the jaeger.  More terrifying for the Ring-billed Gulls.

Juvenile Pomarine Jaeger, Lac Deschênes, by Paul Lagasi. To a gull, this is the avatar of fear and hunger. Jaegers’ main hunting strategy is to harass gulls until they drop their catch or regurgitate their last meal.

Juvenile Pomarine Jaeger, Lac Deschênes, by Aaron Hywarren. Although the jaeger is barely an inch longer than a Ring-billed Gull, it’s 40% heavier, and yet somehow faster and more acrobatic than a terrified gull. And because the bird is so dark, those white flashes under the wing can be seen from a great distance.

Tufted Titmouse – A Tufted Titmouse has been photographed in Kars this week.

Nelson’s Sparrow  – Constance Creek, Ottawa. Several birders have pointed out that this individual can be seen at the edge of the marsh with a little patience, and does not require the use of playback or trampling over sensitive habitat.

Nelson’s Sparrow, Constance Bay, by Aaron Hywarren. Annual fall visitors to the marshes along the Ottawa river, Nelson’s Sparrow’s are secretive, colourful, and experts at aerial yoga.

American Coot – annual but not always easy to see, this bird spent a couple of days at the mouth of the western creek  in Andrew Hayden Park.

Overview

Summer sparrows are being replaced by fall and winter versions.

Warbler variety is falling. Some that were common two weeks ago now appear as rare on eBird. There are scattered reports of pipits and siskins.  Duck numbers and species are increasing.

Juvenile Chipping Sparrow, Brewer Park, by Judith Gustafsson. Fall is the season of the mystery bird. This first winter bird is confusing if you are expecting the smooth rufus cap of an adult, or the striped breast of a juvenile.

Other notable sightings

Snow Goose – a flock of 6 continues at the Halte routière, Lochaber, Papineau.  One bird was seen over Baie McLaurin, Gatineau, another at Billings Bridge, Ottawa, and a small flock in Baie Noire, PN de Plaisance, Papineau.

Adult Snow Goose, Andrew Haydon Park east, by Tony Beck. Waterfowl migration has begun with the first Snow Geese arriving. Zoom in on its serial killer grin, and you’ll never trust a goose again.

Cackling Goose – reported from Andrew Hayden park and Billings Bridge, Ottawa.

Black Scoter – a flock of six flew past Petrie Island on the 25th, Ottawa.

Trumpeter Swan –  a pair observed flying alongside Highway 7 near Ashton might be the pair reported earlier in the year.

Glaucous Gull – one report from Andrew Hayden Park.

Red-headed Woodpecker  – some continue in Constance Bay, while a juvenile, probably from this family, has dispersed into Dunrobin, Ottawa.

Least Flycatcher  –  Rockcliffe Airport Woods and Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – single birds were reported from Britannia Conservation Area, and Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.

Northern Mockingbird  –  a frustratingly brief appearance on Sep 27, Andrew Haydon Park East, Ottawa.

American Tree Sparrows  – arriving in small numbers in Dunrobin, and at Andrew Hayden Park, Ottawa.

Fox Sparrow – single birds at Chapel Hill and Richmond sewage lagoons,  Ottawa and in Montague, Lanark.

Evening Grosbeak  – a pair in Montague, Lanark.

Coming next week:  info about the next Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.

Female plumage Indigo Bunting, Britannia Filtration Plant, by Tony Beck. It’s a sparrow! No, warbler? Finch? …, it’s a Little Brown Bird? Always double-check the little brown birds for unexpected treasure. As Tony says – it’s not just warblers and vireos migrating along the Ottawa River’s riparian growth.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 24 September 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Pomarine Jaeger – for the first time in years, the local gulls feel the terror of the Pomarine Jaeger.  Reports started on the 22nd and continue to the 24th.  Apparently giving great views between Andrew Haydon Park and Britannia pier, Ottawa.  This is the first eBird record in the circle since 1973.

Juvenile Pine Warbler – Britannia Conservation Area, by Tony Beck. According to Tony: this is one of the most confusing fall warblers. Note the uniform gray colour, the subtle darkish auricular, the pale neck patch and the relatively thick bill. According to Derek: I would definitely misidentify this bird!

Other notable sightings

Great Blue Heron – The Arboretum, by Judith Gustafsson. Great Blues are opportunistic feeders and will take mammal prey as large as gophers.

Snow Goose – A single bird east of Quyon, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, another pair flying near the Rona, Gatineau, and another single at the Mississippi Lake Bird Sanctuary, Lanark.

Cackling Goose – Bell High School, Ottawa, Ontario.

Brant – A pair flying over Kanata, Ottawa, Ontario.

Redhead – A pair, also at the Mississippi Lake Bird Sanctuary,  Lanark.

White-winged Scoter –  A pair at Dick Bell Park, Ottawa, and a single bird at Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa.

Red Knot – Three still in partial breeding plumage reported from the Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa, on the 19th.

Red-bellied Woodpecker  – Hendrick Farm trail, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, Quebec.

Parasitic Jaeger – Deschenes rapids.

Yellow-throated Vireo – Sentier du Ruisseau-de-la-Brasserie, Gatineau. That trail has provided rarities in the past.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher – On the 20th at Parc Brebeuf, Gatineau.

Bohemian Waxwing  – 1 confirmed at the domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau.

Gray-cheeked Thrush – Reported from Gatineau, and  Chemin Eardley Masham, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

Red Crossbills – The flock continues at the High Lonesome Nature Reserve, Lanark.

Olive-sided Flycatcher – Rideau River, South of Mooney’s Bay, Ottawa.

Evening Grosbeak –  Hopefully a pair of harbingers for a finchy winter, Montague, Lanark.

Connecticut Warbler – On the 15th, and missed in last week’s report, Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa.

Canada Warbler – Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.

Orange-crowned Warbler –  Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.

Young male Wood Duck – Britannia Conservation Area, by Tony Beck. Tony found this bird sitting in the high scrub along the ridge at Britannia actively feeding on wild grapes.

Great Black-backed Gull – Brewer Park, by Judith Gustafsson. Much like last week’s Herring Gull, the pure white head of the breeding season has molted into something less neat and clean. The size of these enormous gulls is stunning close up.

White-throated Sparrow – Hilda Road feeders, by Janet McCullough. Although a few breed in the area, they are much more common right now as they are passing through in big flocks. If you listen for their high-pitched calls in the forest, you may realize there are dozens around you, even if only one or two are ever visible.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 17 September 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Shirley’s Bay, by Tony Beck. According to Tony: Kinglets become more visible in our region with fall migration. They normally come in as warbler numbers diminish. This individual is demonstrating the distinctive behaviour of continuously flicking their wings in a nervous manner, a character shared by both our kinglet species.

Highlights

  • A Barnacle Goose was seen at the Station d’épuration, Gatineau (Masson-Angers), on the 12th.  This bird was reported to have a more typical plumage than the individual that wandered around Ottawa this summer.
  • The Parasitic Jaeger continued hunting along the river until at least the 13th.
  • The Sabine’s Gull continued until the 11th.

Northern Parula, Britannia Ridge, by Janet McCullough. I have nothing clever to say; I just love these tiniest of warblers.

Overview

Migration continues.  Warbler diversity is still high with 19 species of warblers reported this week just on Britannia Ridge, Ottawa.  A couple of new shorebirds showed up today.

Other notable sightings

Common Goldeneye continues at Almonte Lagoons, Lanark.

Small numbers of Snow Geese (pairs and singles in flocks with Canada

Geese) appeared in Kanata, at Mud Lake, and on Barnsdale road, Ottawa.

A pair of Trumpeter Swan were reported in Ashton Station, Ottawa.

Sandhill Crane continue to be spotted here and there, in Dunrobin, Pankenham, over the Britannia Conservation Area, along Trim Rd., Frank Kenny, etc.

Both Golden Plover and Black-bellied Plover were visible at the same time in Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau, on the 17th, allowing a nice comparison study.

Least Bittern continue along the Rideau River between Mooney’s Bay and Leitrim Rd, Ottawa. A pair was seen at Baie McLaurin, Gatineau.

Five Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.

Instead of the usual small groups, a flock of 25 adult and juvenile Red Crossbills was seen at the High Lonesome Nature Reserve, Lanark.

Olive-sided flycatchers were in fashion this week, with individuals showing up at the Beechwood Cemetery, Remic Rapids, and the Rockcliffe Airport Woods.

A White-crowned Sparrow was seen at the Central Experimental Farm Arboretum, Ottawa.

Britannia Conservation Area provided both a much sought-after Canada Warbler, and a hybrid Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon’s).

Philadelphia Vireo, Rockcliffe Airport, by Gregory Zbitnew. In the fall many vireos have a faint yellow wash, but the Philly has a vibrant yellow throat and breast that sets it apart.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Strathcona park, by Judith Gustafsson. Judith found a flock of 8 migrating Yellow-rumps. Their plumage varies so much that in a flock that size, it’s possible that no two look alike.

Adult Ring-billed Gull, Andrew Haydon Park, Tony Beck. According to Tony: Adult Ring-billed Gulls have come into their winter plumage showing the gray streaks on their head and nape.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 10 September 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Red Phalarope, Remic Rapids, by Aaron Hywarren. The other two phalarope species show up in the circle annually, but Red Phalaropes mostly migrate from the arctic via the ocean, and are only seen here a couple of times a decade. Like many arctic birds, they are not particularly shy and will feed close to people.

Highlights

  • A Red Phalarope Thursday evening at Remic Rapids, feeding along the Ottawa shoreline at dusk.
  • An adult Parasitic Jaeger hunting and sitting at Rapides Deschênes, Gatineau.
  • A juvenile Sabine’s Gull flying with the Bonaparte’s at Rapides Deschênes, Gatineau.
  • Both the jaeger  and gull were seen by many birders from both shores of the river on Sept. 10.

Canvasback, Andrew Hayden Park, by Janet McCullough. These shockingly red-eyed ducks dive to the bottom to pick up aquatic plants and clams. They rarely come close enough to shore to be well photographed.

Overview

With a couple of nights of solid migration, the region had a great week.  Birders found at least 23 species of warbler in the OFNC circle in September so far.

Other notable sightings

A Canvasback  fed very close to shore at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, offering unusually good views of a usually distant bird.

A male Surf Scoter in partial eclipse off the Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa.

Common Goldeneye continues at Almonte Lagoons, Lanark.

Bufflehead at the Alfred Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.

Red-necked Grebe reported from Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.

Sandhill Crane continue to be spotted here and there, along March road as usual, but also in Wesley Clover Parks, Ottawa.

Least Bittern continue along the Rideau River between Mooney’s Bay and Leitrim Rd, and Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa.

Red-necked Phalarope were seen at Moodie Quarrys and the Giroux Road Ponds, Ottawa, as well at the Alfred Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.

Two juvenile Stilt Sandpipers were seen at the Richmond Sewage lagoons,  another at Shirley’s Bay Dyke, and a fourth at Giroux Road Ponds, Ottawa.  A Peregrine Falcon took one of the Richmond birds in front of surprised birders.

Grioux also provided a White-rumped Sandpiper.

A pair of Black Terns made a brief appearance at Andrew Hayden Park, Ottawa.

A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported in the Glebe, Ottawa.

Five Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.

With a big thrush movement this week, Gray-checked and Swainson thrushes were reported all over the circle.

A Northern Mockingbird in Russell, Prescott and Russell.

A Rusty Blackbird in Stony Swamp behind Bell Arena, Ottawa.

European Starling, Billings Bridge, by Judith Gustafsson. There is beauty and mystery in the common birds too. Most birds change their appearance by molting, but the Starling goes from spotted to dark in time fro mating season because the white feather tips are weaker than the dark parts of the feather, and wear away faster.

Stilt Sandpipers, Richmond Lagoons, by Janet McCullough. Although easily confused with Yellowlegs at a distance, in this photo the white eyebrow and the not yellow legs make the identification easy. Far off Stilts can still be id’ed by the rapid sewing machine motions they make deep in the water as they feed.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 3 September 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Juvenile male Northern Flicker. Fletcher wildlife Garden, by Judith Gustafsson. There a hint of the male mustache is just visible, as is the yellow shaft on the outermost primary, which gives our eastern subspecies its name.

Highlights

  • An adult Long-Tailed Jager thrilled long-time area birders with brief glimpses from the 27th to the 29th around the Deschênes Rapids.
  • A Western Kingbird just east of Perth was seen by many on the last two days of August.

Common Nighthawk, Craig Henry, by Ken Wagstaff. Although easy to see on the wing in migration, nighthawks are very well camouflaged and usually very difficult to find at roost, often blending perfectly with
branches. Unless they decide to sit in the open on your clothesline, that is.

Overview

Storm weather to the South and weird winds resulted in interesting birds all over Eastern Ontario, and the OFNC circle got its share.

Canada Warbler, Britannia Conservation Area Ridge, by Brendan Kelly. Despite the vibrant yellow of it’s throat and breast, the Canada warbler can be surprisingly hard to see as it flits through the shadows.

Other notable sightings

Juvenile male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, helping the buckthorn spread its seeds. Britannia conservation Area, by Janet McCullough.

New ducks continue to appear such as a Bufflehead at the Alfred Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell.

Small numbers of Sandhill Cranes continue to be reported in the region, often a pair with a colt.

A Black Vulture was seen in La Pêche, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

There was lots of shorebird action this week:

Nine Black-bellied Plovers were seen at Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.

A juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was seen for three days at the Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa.

Two Baird’s Sandpipers continue since the 31st at Shirley’s Bay Dyke), Ottawa.

A Whimbrel was seen briefly at Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa, before a hungry harrier chased it off.

There were two juvenile Stilt Sandpipers at the Richmond Sewage lagoons, Ottawa, on the 3rd.

Although a small number of Common Nighthawks breed in the OFNC circle, lucky birders enjoyed large flocks hawking insects over the past week as northern birds migrated through.

Five Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.

Carolina Wrens were reported at Champlain Marsh, Britannia Conservation Area, Frank Ryn & Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa, as well as Rue de Saint-Malo, Gatineau.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher reported at the Parc des Rapides-Deschênes, Gatineau, on the 3rd, and across the river at the Britannia Conservation Area on Aug. 26 and 30th.

A Gray-cheeked Thrush was seen at Britannia Conservation Area on Sept. 3, and more were heard migrating at night on the 30th and 31st.

There were early reports of Orange-crowned Warbler at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, on the 29th and 30th.

A Connecticut Warbler was reported from Parc des Rapides-Deschênes, Gatineau.

A surprise Evening Grosbeak was seen at Murphys Point Provincial Park, Lanark.

Four Rusty Blackbirds were hanging out in a large flock of blackbirds at the Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa, on the 31st.

Juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull. Petrie Island, by Tony Beck. According to Tony: First record for Canada – 1968. First record for Ottawa – 1971. So, where did this fresh juvenile come from? With no confirmed breeding records in Canada yet, research in the US suggests these old-world gulls are coming from their expanded breeding range in Western Greenland. However, it’s possible that there are undetected breeders in Nunavut or Labrador.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 27 August 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Cape May Warbler on Common Mullein, Britannia Conservation Area, by Tony Beck. Not just probing for an invertebrate snack, the bird appeared to be feeding on nectar like a hummingbird. According to Audubon, the Cape May sports a tubular tongue for sipping nectar, and it makes up a significant portion of their winter diet.

Highlights
A Buff-breasted Sandpiper made a brief appearance at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, on the 23, but despite much searching it was not found again.

Overview
A nice gentle week of fall migration, but the weather this weekend could drop more exciting birds, so keep an eye out.

Other notable sightings
Duck migration continues with Common Goldeneye and Ruddy Duck at the Almonte Lagoons, Lanark.  If you haven’t been there lately, they have added a large blind.

A Trumpeter Swan was reported from Heaphy Road x Dwyer Hill Road, Ottawa.

A pair of Sandhill Crane were reported from Burnt Lands Provincial Park, Ottawa.

An Upland Sandpiper was reported at  Gabert X South Boundary Road, Ottawa.

A Black-bellied Plover was confirmed at Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.

A Least Bittern continues along the Rideau River, North of Black Rapids, Ottawa.  Another was reported at Heaphy Road x Dwyer Hill Road, and a third at Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa.

Adult and first year Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen at Deschênes Rapids, Ottawa.  Adults  were seen at the Moodie Drive Quarry, and
Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.

Willow and Yellow-bellied flycatchers continue to flow through, with reports from all over the circle.

A Yellow-throated Vireo was photographed at Shirley’s Bay, and another seen at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.

Philadelphia Vireos were seen at Andrew Haydon Park, Britannia Conservation Area, and the Trans Canada Trail X Jinkinson Rd, Ottawa.

Carolina Wrens were reported at Britannia Conservation Area, and Fine Estate, Ottawa, as well as Rue de Saint-Malo, Gatineau.

Outside the OFNC circle, but not far,  a Prairie Warbler was reported from Young Road X White Lake Road, Renfrew.

Caspian Terns, Strathcona Park, Judith Gustafsson. Adult with the crisp colors on the left, and juvenile on the right. Why do so many juvenile birds have brown where the adults have black? The brown are weak juvenile fathers that grow fast and don’t last long. Black feathers are more expensive to produce, but stronger and more durable. The juvenile puts all its energy into rapid growth.

Female or juvenile Scarlet Tanager, Britannia Conservation Area, by Tony Beck. These are fairly common in Ottawa right now, but their silent sneakiness on migration helps them go unnoticed.

Pileated Woodpeckers on a locust tree by Jordan Milko. Jordan caught shots of both the red-mustached male and the subtler female.

2020 Ottawa Seedathon
The 2020 Ottawa Seedathon will take place Sunday,  August 30th.  As in the last few years, this will be a team effort where anyone can contribute. Participation in the seedathon is a fun and worthwhile way to contribute to bird records and to support the OFNC winter bird feeders. There are two ways you can contribute:

1. Bird anywhere within the 50K region anytime on August 30th , and share the results with the Seedathon eBird account (Ottawa_seedathon). It doesn’t matter where you go, how long you spend, or whether the area is covered by other people. Try for a “Big Day” or bird your yard, your neighborhood, or your favorite patch. However, if you are looking for something different to do, why not go to some good but less frequently birded area?  For example, we receive few contributions from Quebec, and some areas like Plaisance are excellent at this time of year.  Reports of previous seedathons

2. Make a financial contribution.  OFNC is grateful to those who have donated in previous years. All funds raised go specifically to pay for bird seed for the many OFNC sponsored winter feeders – Maps of OFNC feeder locations. To make a donation, click here and specify that the donation is for the seedathon. The number of species found during the seedathon will be reported. A donation of a lump sum, or an amount corresponding to the number of species found will be appreciated.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 August 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

A young Marbled Godwit spent a day feeding in the mouth of Pinecrest Creek, Ottawa, offering difficult views.  Adding to the drama, one observer reported a Peregrine Falcon attempting to hunt the godwit.

Juvenile Marbled Godwit. A spectacular and much sought bird that disappeared after one short day. Tony Beck, Pinecrest Creek/Ottawa River.

Overview
Spurred into movement by cold weather, mixed flocks of confusing Fall warblers and even more confusing vireos added some more excitement.

Other notable sightings
Lesser Scaup continues, seen this week from Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau.

Trumpeter Swans were seen in Goulbourn, Ottawa, and the Almonte Lagoons.

A family of  Sandhill Crane were seen on Perrault Rd, Ottawa.

A Pectoral Sandpiper and a couple of Stilt Sandpiper were seen on Route 148 at chemin Elm, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

A Least Bittern was reported from the Rideau River, Ottawa.

A flock of six Sandhill Crane were seen in Cumberland, Ottawa.

The Lesser Black-backed Gull continues at Rapides Deschênes, Ottawa.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.

Seasonal flycatchers continued with Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at Shirley’s Bay, Olive-sided at Mud Lake, and late Willow at Andrew Hayden, Mud Lake, and Giroux Road Ponds, Ottawa.

Carolina Wrens continue to be reported from multiple locations in Gatineau and Ottawa, including:  Rue de Saint-Malo, Ch McConnell, and the Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau, as well as Andrew Haydon Park, and Champlain Street Marsh, Ottawa.

Philadelphia Vireo were seen at Stony Swamp (Sarsaparilla Trail), Britannia Ridge, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, and Shirley’s Bay Dyke, Ottawa.

A Yellow-throated Vireo was photographed in the Winchester area.

A Red Crossbill was reported from High Lonesome Nature Reserve, Pakenham, Lanark.

The Northern Mockingbird continues on Carlsbad Lane, Ottawa.

A Grasshopper Sparrow was seen on the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail, Lanark.

Migrating Killdeer. Part of a flock of 25. Judith Gustafsson, Rideau River Parkway.

Cape May Warblers on Mullein. Gleaning spiders and insects, not seeds. Janet McCullough, Britannia Ridge.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 13 August 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Signs of a typical lazy Fall migration continue, with various shorebirds and flycatchers such as Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied passing through.  Cape May warbler numbers are increasing.  Check migrant traps like Britannia and Shirley’s Bay.

Black-billed Cuckoo. This image of a shy and impossible to photograph bird was captured by Tony Beck in Malakoff.

Highlights

The Lesser Scaup continues at Remic Rapids Lookout, Ottawa.

Least Bittern were seen on different sides of Ottawa at Shirley’s Bay Dyke and Champlain Marsh.

A pair of Mute Swans are hanging around Victoria Park,  Smiths Falls, Lanark.

A Northern Goshawk was seen hunting a Green Heron off  Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.

Three Sandhill Cranes were seen on Trail 51, near Anderson Road, Ottawa.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue at Rapides Deschênes, and Moody Drive Quarry, Ottawa.

A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported Aug 10, at Lac Philippe, in Parc de la Gatineau, at Smith Beach.

As many as 4 adult and 2 juvenile Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa.

Sedge wrens are suddenly everywhere: in Marlborough Forest (E6), Dwyer Hill Rd, and Torbolton Ridge Rd, Ottawa.

Carolina Wrens continue to be reported from multiple locations in Gatineau and Ottawa.

Red Crossbills continue to be widely reported in small numbers, especially in Lanark.

A possible and fairly early Orange-crowned Warbler was reported from Shirley’s Bay Dyke.

A family of Lincoln’s Sparrows were seen from the Mer Bleue Bog boardwalk.

Green Heron. Another very shy bird, Green Herons can wander close to people while intent on their prey. Judith Gustafsson, Strathcona Park.

2020 Ottawa Seedathon

This year’s Seedathon to keep the feeders full will happen on Sunday, August 30.  Anyone can contribute by eBirding in the OFNC circle on the 30th or by donating.  Details to come.  Plan a Big Day with your friends.

Juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs. Judging by bill length, probable female. Most Yellowlegs in the OFNC circle right now are Lessers. Tony Beck, Richmond Lagoons.

Vesper Sparrow. With about 14 species of sparrow in the area annually, this little brown job is an excellent reminder to check every sparrow twice. Judith Gustafsson, Arboretum.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 August 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Semipalmated Plover in adult breeding plumage, stopping over in Ottawa to refuel before continuing to migrate South for the winter. Richmond Conservation Area, Tony Beck

The Barnacle Goose is found frequently at Walter Baker Park (Kanata), Ottawa, and nearby areas.

A Lesser Scaup  was seen at Shirley’s Bay dyke and Remic rapids. Other more expected waterfowl have returned as well.

A pair of Trumpeter Swans were seen at the Almonte lagoons on Aug. 2.

A Red-necked Grebe has been seen by many observers on Sarsaparilla Trail, Ottawa.

A Whimbrel flew by Constance Bay, Ottawa.  A variety of less rare shorebirds has been returning through the region as well.  Many reports are from Richmond lagoons, Ottawa.

Lesser Black-backed Gull observed at Rapides Deschênes and Moody Drive Quarry.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen feeding a young bird in Parc de la Gatineau, secteur P5, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

The pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa, also appear to be feeding young.

The sedge wrens in Marlborough Forest (E6) continue to be seen and/or heard by many birders, all of whom got a better view than this reviewer.  With patience they are easy to hear, tough to see, and nearly impossible to photograph.

Carolina Wrens continue to be reported from various locations in Ottawa as well as the Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau.

Red Crossbills continue to be widely reported in small numbers, especially in Lanark.

Northern Mockingbird continues on Carlsbad lane and at the Ottawa Airport.

Spotted Sandpiper breed in Ottawa, and are easily identified from a distance by their tail-wagging. Strathcona Park, Judith Gustafsson.

This female plumage Merlin would happily refuel on either of the first two birds. Trail Road, Tony Beck.

Double-crested Cormorant drying its wings. Billings Bridge, Judith Gustafsson. It’s clearly thinking “I’m Batman.”

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 30 July 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Adult Solitary Sandpiper, alone again; north of Burritt’s Rapids. Photo by Tony Beck.

The thin edge of Fall migration has arrived. Last week’s scattering of shorebirds has been followed by some returning waterfowl.

A Trumpeter Swan was seen in Richmond on Purdy Rd, Ottawa.

Common Goldeneye was seen at the  Almonte Lagoons, Lanark, and Dow’s Lake Ottawa.

Shorebird habitat is in short supply, although the Richmond lagoons had mixed groups on the weekend.

Sandhill Crane were reported from Fine Estate, Ottawa.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers continue at Constance Bay, Ottawa.

Lincoln’s Sparrow continues on Dolman Ridge Road, Ottawa.

While horrified by the Rose-breasted Grosbreak’s table manners, the Baltimore Oriole remains too polite to say anything. Hammond, Bree Tucker.

Carolina Wren may be having a good year.  They have been reported at Frank Ryn & Elmhurst  Parks, Ottawa ,  Lytle Park, Kanata, and Wychwood, Gatineau, this week.

Much anticipated, Sedge Wrens finally showed at Marlborough Forest off Roger Stevens, Ottawa, as well as Carroll Rd, Drummond/North Elmsley and Carroll Rd, Montague, Lanark.

The “gyp gyp gyp” call of the Red Crossbill can be heard widely across Gatineau, Ottawa and Lanark.

Continuing the Fall theme, a Tennessee Warbler was seen on the 29th at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was reported on the Black Rapids Creek Greenbelt Pathway, Ottawa.

Several Northern Mockingbirds continue in the region.

Three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were photographed at PN de Plaisance, Marais aux rubaniers, Papineau, on the 23rd.  From the description, it may have been a family unit, which implies breeding.

Striking a well practiced regal pose, the Eastern Kingbird surveys his lands. Dow’s Lake, Judith Gustafsson.

Good news about Shirley’s Bay Causeway as of July 30-2020: OFNC members can now access the causeway again. OFNC members on the access list must call Range Control (613-991-5740) to provide their names, how long they intend to be out on the causeway, and a mobile number they can be reached at in the event of an emergency or if we do not hear back from them.

There is a new 5 person limit on the causeway and this will be strictly enforced. As well, members must comply with any applicable COVID related municipal/provincial regulations. At the time of departure, you must phone and advise Range Control that you are clear of the property. DND also requests that you inform them of any known trespassing on the causeway.

As of the 29th, there was no shorebird habitat at Shirley’s Bay.

Good birding, and stay safe.

Juvenile Green Heron just doing it for the gram at Andrew Haydon Park, Tony Beck.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 23 July 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Black-crowned Night Heron photographed at Billings Bridge by Judith Gustafsson.

Many of us have spent the last few months close to home, but that
didn’t stop the birds from migrating, or even the odd surprise from
showing up.  Here are some of the regional highlights since the
beginning of April:

An American Avocet was seen on April 20 at the Station d’épuration, Gatineau.

A Summer Tanager was reported in Cantley, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais,
on April 30.

Two Glossy Ibis stopped briefly at the Richmond Sewage Lagoons,
Ottawa, on May 2.

A Western Meadowlark was seen for a couple of days in mid-May along
chemin Terry-Fox, Pontiac.

May 25 was a good river day with a Parasitic Jaeger at Shirley’s Bay,
and a Little Gull at Britannia Pier, Ottawa.

A Black-legged Kittiwake made a brief appearance on the First of June
at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.

That same day a Lark Sparrow was photographed at the Parc national de Plaisance, Papineau.

A Sage Thrasher was photographed at Burnt Lands Provincial Park on 18
June.  Despite the efforts of many birders it was not refound.

A Dickcissel sang from cover on June 28, on Kinburn Side Rd, Ottawa.

The Barnacle Goose seen along the Rideau River in May was seen again
by many birders in June and July at Wesley Clover Parks, Ottawa. The
last report was on July 8.

Sandwiching these sightings, a Black Vulture was seen from a yard in
Richmond on 5 April, and the same or another bird was seen on July 7
in  Parc de la Gatineau at Vallée Meech.

Recent highlights

It’s breeding season, and all the expected local birds are working
hard to feed the kids.

Less expected are several sightings of small groups of Red Crossbills
along the eastern edge of Lanark, as well as  Constance Bay Ottawa.

The Redheaded Woodpecker pair continue at Constance Bay again this
year.  They are presumably more welcome than all the non-local
beachgoers.

There appear to be several Northern Mockingbirds around the region.
The one on trim Road seems reliable.

Also, surprise!  The pause between migrations is over.  The first
shore birds have returned from their northern breeding grounds.
Sanderlings, Least Sandpipers, and both Yellowlegs species have been
reported this week.  The first shorebirds to pass through are usually
unsuccessful breeders.

Unlike the Spring migration that many of us missed, the Fall migration
is a leisurely, drawn out affair,  offering lots of time to safely
catch up on our bird lists.

Good birding, and stay safe.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 2 April 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Milton Road gets its own section this week.  There were TUNDRA SWANS, ROSS’S GOOSE (2), GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, CANVASBACK, and lots of other waterfowl.

There are 15 million Snow Geese in the world. Some years you can see flocks of tens of thousands in the OFNC circle, and the sight and sound is stunning. How overwhelming must a flock of a billion Passenger Pigeons have been? A slice of a 32,000 bird flock by Nina Stavlund.

Spring arrived, bringing too many new species to list, so here are just a few notable sightings:

SNOW GOOSE are everywhere East, South and West of Ottawa.

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were reported from Carp River and Milton Rd.

GADWELL, REDHEAD, and NORTHERN SHOVELER were reported around Britannia
Park and/or Conservation Area.

TRUMPETER SWANS were reported from Constance Lake.

SANDHILL CRANES were seen  on Chemin Crégheur, Pontiac.

An adult GLAUCOUS GULL with all white wing tips was seen downriver from Britannia Conservation Area.

OSPREY have returned, including one on Twin Elm.

GOLDEN EAGLES were sighted over the Carp River, and in The Nation, Prescott and Russell.  If you find swirling panicked geese, look above the geese.

A very early TREE SWALLOW showed up on Wolf Grove Road, Lanark.

A pair of CAROLINA WREN were seen (and heard singing) in Bridlewood, along the Trans Canada trail.

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues at Perrault off Milton.

The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER continues near the Rideau Tennis Club.

A  WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen on Glen St., Ottawa (Metcalfe).

Can you tell which species contributed genes to this confusing goose? Hybrid by Janice Stewart.

This is the easiest to see of the three shorebirds that show up locally by April 1st. Can you name the other two species? Killdeer by Jarrett Hather.

A close look reveals a blackbird is rarely appears entirely black. Common Grackle by Judith Gustafsson.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 26 March 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

This male Tom singled out this female and separated her from from his harem. Wild Turkey by Tony Beck.

Highlights

Spring waterfowl are here!  The most exciting new birds might be the CANVASBACK pair seen first below and then above the Deschenes rapids.  These huge and beautiful ducks were seen from both provinces.

Other notable sightings

SNOW GOOSE are being reported everywhere – Carp, Milton Rd., Baxter Conservation Area,  John Shaw, etc.

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were reported from Carp.

These rare but annual visitors to Ottawa are very easy to spot among huge flocks of Canada Geese when showing their orange bills or legs. And impossible to re-find a second later when you want to show someone else. Greater-white Fronted Goose by Janice Stewart.

Two ROSS’s GEESE, of apparently very debatable parentage, have been seen in both Carp and on Milton Rd.

The BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues on the Ottawa on the Rideau River at Strathcona Park, Ottawa.

NORTHERN SHOVELER were reported downriver from Deschenes rapids.

One or more pairs of TRUMPETER SWANS were first reported from Mississippi Mills, then Constance Creek.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS continue at Parc Mousette, Gatineau.

GOLDEN EAGLES were sighted over the Carp River, above Frank Kenny, and in The Nation, Prescott and Russell. Basically anywhere huge flocks of geese are gathered.

CAROLINA WREN continues in Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues at Perrault off Milton.

The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER continues near the Rideau Tennis Club.

A FOX SPARROW dined at a feeder in Val-Tétreau, Gatineau.

A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was spotted at the Reveller feeders.

Translation: “Mine! And I will fight you!” Red-winged Blackbird by Judith Gustafsson.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 March 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights

Spring brought the geese: several species of geese were reported this week.  In addition to CANADA GOOSE, Milton Road provided SNOW GOOSE, and CACKLING GOOSE.   GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE were seen on Barnsdale on Tuesday.  A CANADA x SNOW GOOSE hybrid was photographed in multiple locations.  A ROSS’S x SNOW GOOSE was photographed on Milton as well.

SANDHILL CRANES were heard from Heritage Dr. in Lanark.

Hybrid heartbreak: Ross’s x Lesser Snow Goose by Keith Wickens.

Other notable sightings

The BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continue on the Ottawa on the Rideau River at Strathcona Park.

A NORTHERN SHOVELER was seen on the Iber Stormwater Pond.

A LONG-TAILED DUCK was spotted in the Deschenes Rapids.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS continue at Parc Mousette, Gatineau.

Two GOLDEN EAGLES were sighted from the Greenland Rd. Hawk watch.

A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was photographed at the Richmond Lagoons.

WINTER WRENS were reported from different locations around Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa.

EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were seen near the Greenland Rd. Hawkwatch.

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS were reported from Perrault off Milton, and Saw Mill Creek Pathway.

SONG SPARROWS are singing from the Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, and Munster.

The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER continues near the Rideau Tennis Club.

Brown Creeper by Tony Beck. This bird is impossible to photograph, and this photo fills the compiler with jealousy.

Ring-billed Gull by Judith Gustafsson. The red orbital ring around the eye and the red gape at the base of the bill tells us that the bird is in breeding condition. The pizza tells us the bird is not afraid of a few carbs.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 March 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

First-year male Red-winged Blackbird, photographed at Britannia by Tony Beck.

Highlights
Five species of gull reported this week from either side of the Deschenes  rapids, as well as Parc Moussette, Gatineau. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and ICELAND GULL are out on the ice, hidden among all the RING-BILLED and HERRING GULLS.

Other notable sightings
The BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues on the Ottawa on the Rideau River at Strathcona Park.

BELTED KINGFISHER hunting Thomas A Dolan, Ottawa.

NORTHERN FLICKERS were reported from Marais Lamoureux, Gatineau, Bruce St, Metcalfe, and the Jack Pine Trail.

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported from Canaan Rd., Prescott and Russell, and Touraine, Gatineau.

CAROLINA and WINTER WREN continue in Britannia Conservation Area.

The GRAY CATBIRD continues at Marais Lamoureux.

The Rue Leblanc NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD has started singing.

As many as five EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were sighted near the Greenland Road hawk watch site in Dunrobin this week.

CHIPPING SPARROWS continue at Shirley Avenue and Jean Talon Blvd, Ottawa, as well as la ferme Moore, Gatineau.

More RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS flooded into the circle, reinforced by COMMON GRACKLE.

A lone EASTERN MEADOWLARK was photographed on Akins, Ottawa.

At first glance, it’s a scruffy-looking male Mallard, maybe a hybrid? But the black on the top of the bill is a major clue that something else is going on. This is a old female whose hormone levels have changed and no longer repress the male plumage pattern. Photographed at Strathcona Park by Judith Gustafsson.

Cooper’s Hawk terrorizing pigeons in Manor Park. Photo by Andrea Stewart.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 5 March 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Male Red-winged Blackbirds race north in the spring to claim the best territory. This year the leading edge is well ahead of natural food sources, so expect them at feeders. Photo by Susan Jenkins, Munster.

Ring-billed Gulls in crisp breeding plumage are big beautiful birds. Photo by Tony Beck, Britannia.

Opinion may vary on whether these are highlights or lowlights, but the influx of RING-BILLED GULLS and male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS starting last week heralds a change of seasons.

Other notable sightings

The BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continue on the Ottawa on the Rideau River at Strathcona Park.  After March they will be much harder to find until next winter.

A single GRAY PARTRIDGE was reported off Hazeldean on the 1st.

A GOLDEN EAGLE flew over the Jack Pine Trail on Feb. 28.

The eternal clash of the raptor and the corvid – Bald Eagle edition. The size and species change, but the conflict endures. Photo by Kim Séguin,
Rockcliffe. Can you identify the corvids?

The Northern Flicker at the Richmond lagoons has successfully overwintered into March.

The CAROLINA WREN continues in the south-west of Britannia Conservation Area.

WINTER WRENS were reported from different locations around Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, and Ch. Lamoureux, Gatineau (near the GRAY CATBIRD).

All three mimics made it to March:  the Rue Leblanc NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, the GRAY CATBIRD at Marais Lamoureux, and the BROWN THRASHER south-west of Forêt-la-Blanche.

RED CROSSBILL and WHITE_WINGED CROSSBILL continue in les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.   Singing WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs may be attempting to nest in the area.

A CHIPPING SPARROW was reported from Jean Talon St. Ottawa.

Horned lark actually showing off its namesake horns. Photo by Janice Stewart, Wall Road.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 27 February 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

This surprising Vesper Sparrow is too neatly feathered to be any of the usual suspects. Always check the sparrows twice! – Tony Beck

Highlights

The find of the week was a much unexpected Vesper Sparrow on Drouin Rd in Prescott and Russell.

A COMMON GRACKLE was photographed around Fitzroy.

In contrast to the winter gray this week, many male ducks like this Hooded Merganser are in full breeding plumage – Judith Gustafsson

On the other hand, this immature male Common Goldeneye has yet to develop his breeding finery – Jack Pelletier

Other notable sightings

Single pairs of WOOD DUCKS continue along the Rideau at Billing Bridge and along the Ruisseau de la Brasserie, Gatineau.

BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continue on the Ottawa at Parc Moussette, and on the Rideau at Strathcona Park.

The GRAY PARTRIDGE were last reported off Hazeldean on the 21st, but
are probably just hiding well.

The immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continues daily at the Trail Road landfill.

Golden eagle was reported from the 417 south-east of Ottawa, and as
usual from Chemin Eardley Masham in les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

A BELTED KINGFISHER continues at Eccolands Park, Ottawa, and another was reported from Val-des-Monts, les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

CAROLINA WREN were reported from Britannia Conservation Area,  Trend Arlington Park, Elmhurst Park, and Navan.

WINTER WRENS were reported from different locations around Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, and Ch. Lamoureux, Gatineau.

All three mimics continue to overwinter successfully: the Rue Leblanc,
Gatineau, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, the GRAY CATBIRD at Marais Lamoureux, and the BROWN THRASHER southwest of Forêt-la-Blanche.

Winter finches continue north of the Ottawa River and but went
unreported south of it this week.  Look for PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH,
and RED CROSSBILL around Mayo in the East and Chemin Bradley in the West.

Proof that there is always a blackbird lurking unreported somewhere, a
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD was reported from Dewberry Trail.

The Quebec half of the circle may have all the winter finches, but the Ontario side is full of winter birds too – small flocks of Horned Larks and huge numbers of Snow Bunting like this one shot by Janice Stewart.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 February 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Cedar Waxwings in Gatineau Park show off their namesake wings tips, dipped in bright yellow wax. Photo by Claudia Benz.

BARROWS GOLDENEYE and the pair of WOOD DUCKS continue along the Rideau.

GRAY PARTRIDGE continue off Hazeldean.  Their numbers may have dwindled to 5.

The immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continues daily at the Trail Road landfill.    It’s been reported from a wide-variety of perches along
more than a kilometer, so if you don’t see it right away, don’t give
up.

NORTHERN GOSHAWKS were reported from Hammond, Ramsay Con. 7B in Lanark, and the 417/174 spilt in Gloucester.

A first-year Lapland Longspur surrounded by Horned Larks near the village of Ormond. Photo by Tony Beck.

A NORTHERN FLICKER is visiting feeders daily in Kanata North.  Another was seen on Chemin de la Sapinière, Luskville.

CAROLINA WREN were reported from Britannia Conservation Area, Trend Arlington Park, Elmhurst Park, and Navan.

WINTER WRENS were reported from different locations around the
Britannia Conservation Area in Ottawa, and Ch. Lamoureux, Gatineau.

The Rue Leblanc, Gatineau, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues to be seen most days.

The GRAY CATBIRD at Marais Lamoureux, Gatineau, was seen again this week.

The BROWN THRASHER was reported again South-West of Forêt-la-Blanche.

At least one EASTERN BLUEBIRD continues on Chemin Steele, Les
Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

Winter finches continued to be very findable north of the Ottawa River
and very rare south of it.  Look for PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH, RED
CROSSBILL, and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL around Mayo in the East and Chemin Bradley in the West.  Single PURPLE FINCH were reported from Richmond and Hammond.  A flock of 9 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS flew over Old Almonte Rd. on the 14th.

A big increase in sparrow (and wren) reports this week is more likely
the result of the Great Backyard Bird Count, and not a harbinger of
spring.

CHIPPING SPARROWS were reported from Carleton Place, Bells Corners,
and along the Rideau.

A single Song Sparrow was reported from Ottawa Valley Rail Trail, Lanark County.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were reported from Russell, Fletcher Wildlife
Garden, and Britannia Conservation Area.

Northern Shrike checks out the menu at a bird feeder in Munster. Photo by
Susan Jenkins.

Snow Buntings photographed on Giroux by Keith Wickens.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 13 February 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Icy Wood Duck, photographed by Judith Gustafsson

The pair of WOOD DUCKS, the NORTHERN PINTAIL, and the BARROWS GOLDENEYE all continue along the Rideau.

The GRAY PARTRIDGE continue sneakily off Hazeldean.

The Hammond NORTHERN GOSHAWK continues its feeder patrol.

GOLDEN EAGLE were reported on Bellamy Road, Lanark, as week as Chemin Bradley, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

The immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK hanging around the Trail Road landfill Ottawa, offered many observers amazing views, but only frustration to many others.

Red-Shoulder Hawk holding prey, photographed by Ken Ball

An immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported at the Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Ottawa, not far from the January sighting at Beryl Gaffney Park.  Is this the same bird?

CAROLINA WREN continues at Britannia Conservation Area and in Trend Arlington Park, Ottawa.

WINTER WREN were reported from Gatineau.

The GRAY CATBIRD at Marais Lamoureux, Gatineau., was seen by many observers this week.

A BROWN THRASHER was reported again from private property near Forêt-la-Blanche.

The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues on Rue Leblanc.

PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH, RED CROSSBILL, and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL all continue on the north side of the river.

PURPLE FINCH creeped across the river into Mississippi Mills, Hammond and the Eccolands Park in Ottawa.

PINE SISKIN was reported from Fitzroy Harbour.

Groups of CEDAR WAXWINGS were reported from Gatineau Park and Shirley’s Bay.

CHIPPING SPARROWS were reported from Morris St., Carleton Place, and Shirley Ave., Ottawa.

The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW over-wintering at Fletcher was spotted again this week.

The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER went unreported this week, but some intel came in that the bird had been at this location for a couple of weeks before it was first reported to eBird, a reminder of how much can still be out there in well-birded locations.

Flock of Cedar Waxwings photographed by Tony Beck

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 February 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Highlights
The first warbler of 2020 is a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER seen just south of the Rideau Tennis Club in Ottawa on January 30, and several times since.  This tough species can be the last warbler leave and first to return. It would be interesting to know if this individual is coming or going.

Other notable sightings
The pair of WOOD DUCKS, the NORTHERN PINTAIL, and the BARROWS GOLDENEYE continue along the Rideau.

The Billings Bridge male Northern Pintail has
spectacular plumage from any angle. Photo by Judith Gustafsson

The GRAY PARTRIDGE continue off Hazeldean.

NORTHERN GOSHAWKS were reported from Hammond, Carleton Place, and Dunrobin.

Dunrobin also produced a GOLDEN EAGLE.

A male NORTHERN HARRIER was seen on Old Almonte Road, Ottawa.

The immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continues at the Trail Road landfill, Ottawa.

The Red-shouldered Hawk at Trail road shows off its beautiful wings. Photo by Susan Jenkins

A BELTED KINGFISHER continues at the Strandherd Drive Stormwater management pond.

NORTHERN FLICKERS were reported from Rideau Hall and Kanata.

CAROLINA WRENS continue at Britannia Conservation Area and in Trend Arlington Park, Ottawa.

Multiple WINTER WRENS were reported from the South March Highlands and at least one, maybe more continue at Britannia Conservation Area.

Female plumage Brown-headed Cowbirds like this are frequently mis-identified. This was one of eight visiting a feeder in the village of Cheney on Saturday, Feb 1. Photo by Tony Beck

The Rue Leblanc NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues in Gatineau, but with two new additions, all three local members of the mimic family were reported from the Quebec half of the circle this week, with a GRAY CATBIRD at Marais Lamoureux, Gatineau, and a BROWN THRASHER in Forêt-la-Blanche.

A HERMIT THRUSH was reported from Parc du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau.

An EASTERN BLUEBIRD continues on Chemin Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH, RED CROSSBILL, and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL all continue in the Chemin Steele  and Chemin Eardley Masham area. PURPLE FINCH were also reported across the river near Constance Bay. Six WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL were seen on the 2nd on Russell Road and 5 more were photographed just North of Mayo.

A CHIPPING SPARROW was seen in Vanier.

White-winged Crossbills have a dangerous habit of
gathering grit from roads. Photo by Keith Wickens

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 30 January 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

White-throated Sparrow photographed by Judith Gustafsson

Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais seem to be the place to be this week, with
many reports of Northern Finches, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and GOLDEN EAGLES.

Other notable sightings

The pair of WOOD DUCKS and a male NORTHERN PINTAIL continue to pop up
at Billings Bridge.  Another female WOOD DUCK was spotted along
Ruisseau-de-la-Brasserie, Gatineau.

At least one male BARROWS GOLDENEYE continues along the Rideau.

Two MUTE SWANS performed a brief flyover on Old Almonte Road.

The female GREEN-WINGED TEAL may have relocated from the Arboretum to
Nepean Creek, Colonnade Road, Ottawa.

The GRAY PARTRIDGES continue off Hazeldean.

A GREAT BLUE HERON flew over the Corridor du Ruisseau-des-Fées, Gatineau.

NORTHERN GOSHAWKS continue in Hammond and Russel.

Northern Goshaw photographed by Bree Tucker

GOLDEN EAGLE continues in Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais along Chemin
Steele and along Chemin Eardley Masham.

A male NORTHERN HARRIER hunted on Cope Drive, Ottawa.

A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was photographed at the Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa.

One or more BELTED KINGFISHERS continue at the Strandherd Drive
Stormwater management pond and the nearby Chapman Mills Conservation
Area in Ottawa.

NORTHERN FLICKERS were reported from both sides of the river, in Les
Collines-de-l’Outaouais, and along March Valley Road in Ottawa.

CAROLINA WRENS continue at Britannia Conservation Area and in
Trend_Arlington Park, Ottawa.

A WINTER WREN continues at Britannia Conservation Area.

The Rue Leblanc NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues in Gatineau.

HERMIT THRUSHES were reported from Gatineau Park and Parc  Moussette
on the Quebec side, as well as Beckett Creek Bird Sanctuary,
Cumberland.

A couple of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS have been hanging around on Chemin
Steele, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, since November.

Multiple reports of PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH, RED CROSSBILL, and
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL along either Chemin Steele or Chemin Eardley
Masham.  A single RED CROSSBILL North of Constance Lake and a trio of
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Larose Forest give faint hope to the
Ontario listers.

A single Pine Grossbeak reported from Lac Meech brings the weekly
count up to 5 Northern Finches in the OFNC circle.

A RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD visits a feeder daily between Richmond and North Gower.

Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage
everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of
the entire birding community.

Bald Eagle photographed by Tony Beck

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 23 January 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

White-winged Crossbill photographed by Gregory Zbitnew

Five species of Northern Finches have been reported in the circle this week.  In the northwest: multiple reports of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, RED CROSSBILL, PINE SISKIN, and PURPLE FINCH along Chemin Eardley Masham, and a single report of EVENING GROSBEAK somewhere in Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.  In the Northeast of the circle, both crossbill species, PINE SISKIN and PURPLE FINCH were seen near Mayo.

Both WOOD DUCKS and BARROWS GOLDENEYES continue along the Rideau.

The male NORTHERN PINTAIL, last reported on Jan 8, reappeared on Jan 22.  Where was it hiding? Who else was hiding with it?

The GRAY PARTRIDGE continue off Hazeldean.

A GREAT BLUE HERON was flushed from Bilberry Creek in Orleans.

NORTHERN GOSHAWKS patrol the edges of the circle in Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, Hammond, and Russel.

GOLDEN EAGLES continue in Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

Pine Siskin photographed by Tony Beck

The Strandherd Drive Stormwater pond produced the first BELTED KINGFISHER of the year for Ottawa County. This tiny bit of water beside the Home Depot parking lot has been very generous with good birds over the last couple of years. An earlier kingfisher in Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais on the 15th escaped the last report.

A couple of CAROLINA WRENS continue, as do at least 6 WINTER WRENS, which is surprising as unlike the homebody CAROLINA WRENS, the WINTER WRENS are supposed to pack up for warmer climes by the first heavy snowfall.

The Rue Leblanc NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues in Gatineau.

Multiple HERMIT THRUSHES continue on both sides of the river.

A single EASTERN BLUEBIRD was reported on Scotch Pine road.

A CHIPPING SPARROW was photographed January 19 along Shirley Avenue, an area that has produced several good reports this winter.

Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community.

Chipping Sparrow photographed by Brendan Kelly

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 16 January 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Fewer reports this week, probably due to weather, not fewer birds.

Highlights: The 7 GRAY PARTRIDGE South of Hazeldean continue.

After weeks of scattered and unsatisfying flyover reports, a male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL was observed singing on territory on Eardley Masham Road.

This adult male White-winged Crossbill was seen singing on territory with a seemingly responsive female close by. Most North American bird species migrate and breed on a seasonal cycle, but White-winged Crossbills set up breeding territory where ever and whenever they find good numbers of Spruce or Tamarack with dense seed crops. Photo by Tony Beck


Other notable sightings

Joined by a female and a second male, the 3 BARROW’S GOLDENEYE on the Rideau can be found mainly between the Hurdman and the Adawe footbridges.

The female GEEN-WINGED TEAL continues at the Arboretum.

The pair of WOOD DUCKs continues at Billings Bridge.

Two or more GREAT BLUE HERON are attempting to overwinter in the circle. Birds were reported from Boulevard Saint-Raymond on the Gatineau side, and Moodie Drive and Abbott Street East on the Ottawa side.

A TURKEY VULTURE was photographed flying above Etang Grimes, Gatineau.

At least three GOLDEN EAGLEs currently hunt the Eardley Escarpment. A single bird was seen in Pakenham on the 13th.

The name NORTHERN GOSHAWK might invoke visions of remote wilderness, but an immature has been spotted more than once this month patrolling the same section of the Rideau as the Barrows. If you see an enormous accipiter, check it twice. The adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nolan in Hammond was seen again this week.

Northern Goshawk waiting for the Mourning doves to return in Hammond. Photo by Bree Tucker


Homemade suet attracted a NORTHERN FLICKER on Shirley Avenue.

The CAROLINA and WINTER WRENS continue at Britannia Conservation Area. Another CAROLINA WREN in Trend Arlington Park continues from the Fall.

HERMIT THRUSH were reported from Sentier Gamelin, Parc de la Gatineau, the Greenbelt pathway south of Davidson Road, Ottawa, and Berry Side Road, Dunrobin.

The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues in Gatineau.

REDCROSSBILLs were reported from Eardley Masham (as well as Mer Bleue). PURPLE FINCHES and PINE SISKINS along this same road may give hope to birders South of the Ottawa River.

Mourning Dove fluffed up for insulation from the cold. Photo by Judith Gustafsson

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 9 January 2020

by Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca

Hooded Merganser photographed at Billings Bridge by Judith Gustafsson

The only big change from last week was a HORNED GREBE that was seen on the 7th and 8th between Bate Island and Parc Moussette. A scope is recommended to see this bird.

The small flock of GRAY PARTRIDGE South of Hazeldean continued to delight and/or frustrate birders until at least Jan 7. These stealthy birds went mostly unreported from April until December. It can take patience to see them.

Other notable sightings

The female GEEN-WINGED TEAL continues at the Arboretum.

The male BARROWS GOLDENEYE continues near the Hurdman foot bridge.

The pair of WOOD DUCKs continues at Billings Bridge, and the male is in brilliant breeding plumage.

At least one GOLDEN EAGLE still hunts the Eardley Escarpment.

Not surprisingly, the extra attention from the pursuit of the
partridge family led to other good winter birds such as NORTHERN HARRIER and NORTHERN FLICKER at the same spot. Several flickers remain in the circle.

Both a CAROLINA and a WINTER WREN skulk around the fallen trees at Britannia Conservation Area.

Carolina Wren at Britannia photographed by Gregory Zbitnew

14 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were counted in the Dunrobin CBC on the 4th.

Eastern Bluebird photographed near Constance Creek by Tony Beck

Like their bluebird cousins, a couple of HERMIT THRUSH are hanging tough at Parc du Lac-Leamy and Shirley’s Brook Park.

The reliable NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in Gatineau continues.

Check every flock of starlings carefully, as there are scattered reports of BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS around the region this week.

Finches continue to tantalize with 4 RED CROSSBILLS at Baie Noire but more just Northeast of the circle, and 5 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS on Kinburn Side Road on the 4th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 2 January 2020

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

Hermit Thrush photographed by Gregory Zbitnew at Pine Grove Trail

A minor highlight this week was 7 GRAY PARTRIDGE off Hazeldean west of Terry Fox that were seen there regularly on the 1-2nd. Suitable habitat for the species in that area is in rapid decline but they will likely attempt to stay the winter.

Continuing fairly mild temperatures and calm conditions prevailed during the week, despite the wintery blast on the 30-31st that has finally coated the ground with a normal depth of snow. While there was little change to the bird population, conditions were good for a number of local Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), where there was a small assortment of lingering birds. The new birding year started off fairly well, with at least 60 species found in the region to date.

The regular winter DUCKS continue to be seen, exceptions being a GREEN-WINGED TEAL continuing at the Arboretum as of the 31st and 2 WOOD DUCKS continuing at Billings Bridge as late as the 31st.

Female Mallard photographed by Judith Gustafsson at Billings Bridge

Other notable sightings this week included:

  • A GREAT BLUE HERON in Stittsville on the 29th.
  • Up to 3 GOLDEN EAGLES are being seen on the Eardley Escarpment.
  • A NORTHERN HARRIER off Hazeldean Road on the 2nd.
  • A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen on the Carleton Place CBC on the 27th.
  • A NORTHERN FLICKER was in the Richmond area on the 28th-1st, and another was off Steele Line Road on the 1st.
  • An EASTERN BLUEBIRD was near Steele Line Road on the 1st.
  • HERMIT THRUSHES were seen at Hurdman, Pine Grove Trail, and Lac Leamy this week.
  • WINTER WRENS were in Britannia and Almonte on the 1st, and a CAROLINA WREN was in Britannia on the 1st-2nd.
  • NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues in Gatineau as of the 2nd.
  • A RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD near Richmond on the 28th.
  • BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD at the Trail Road landfill on the 1st.
  • A COMMON GRACKLE was in or near Richmond on the 28th-31st.
  • CHIPPING SPARROWS continue at feeders in Constance Bay as of the 2ndand Carleton Place as of the 31st.
  • A COMMON REDPOLL in the Fallowfield area on the 29th.

American Crow photographed by Judith Gustafsson at Billings Bridge

Again this week there were multiple and seemingly random sightings of both RED and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, but except for the Eardley-Masham Road (both species as well as PINE SISKIN) and a near-inaccessible area of the Mer Bleue (WHITE-WINGED), they are just flying over.

Thanks to everyone who contributed 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 26 December 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

The weather was generally conducive to birding, being relatively mild, dry and calm, with only a few cold days, and a surprising green Christmas. Unfortunately, there were just not a whole lot of birds around in most areas. About 70 species were seen in the last week, which is about the typical early winter level in the region. Most of these were isolated lingering species.

9 species of DUCK were seen in the last week. Notable only was a GREEN-WINGED TEAL continuing at the Arboretum as of the 26th and 2 on Chemin de Golf on the 22nd.

Green winged Teal photographed at the Arboretum by Judith Gustafsson

Some notable sightings included:

  • A GREAT BLUE HERON was seen in Centretown on the 22nd.
  • A NORTHERN HARRIER was in Richmond on the 22nd.
  • A BELTED KINGFISHER was north of Lac St. Pierre in Val des Monts on the 24th.
  • A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on Chemin Thérien on the Eardley Escarpment on the 22nd.
  • WINTER WREN in Almonte on the 23rd.
  • HERMIT THRUSH north of Quyon on the 21st. Another at Lac Leamy on the 22nd.
  • NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD at the Reveler Trails on the 20th. Continuing in Gatineay as of the 24th.
  • CHIPPING SPARROWS were in the Deschênes area of Aylmer as of the 24th, in Constance Bay as of the 20thand in Carleton place as of the 25th.
  • FIELD SPARROWS were seen on Grant’s Side Road and at the Reveler feeders on the 25th.
  • A COMMON GRACKLE was in Sainte-Cécile-de-Masham on the 24th. and in Russell on the 23rd.

An exception to the “few birds” rule that seems to be applying this fall, is that there have been FINCH sightings this week in a number of areas, mostly well outside the urban core. Spruce trees in general are bearing a good crop of cones, but there are far more cones than birds now. On a trip on the Eardley-Masham Road in Western Gatineau Park on the 22nd there were PINE SISKINS, 80 PURPLE FINCHES (50 in one large flock) and 15 RED CROSSBILLS. On the 23rd there were 2 each of RED CROSSBILL, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL and PURPLE FINCH, all in the black spruce north of Lac Ramsey. Elsewhere there were both species of CROSSBILLS on Bellamy Road and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Almonte, Stony Swamp, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden and in Dunrobin this week.

Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community.

Barrow’s Goldeneye photographed at Strathcona Park by Judith Gustafsson

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 December 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

Rock Pigeon photographed at Billings Bridge by Judith Gustafsson

The highlight of the week was a NORTHERN FULMAR, seen in the Deschenes Rapids on the 15th during the Ottawa/ Gatineau Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The bird was seen in both Ontario and Quebec for a few hours until dusk, but unfortunately was not seen the next day.

Preliminary results from the CBC are in, with only 61 species, the 3rd lowest in the last 30 years, which was hampered by very windy conditions all day. WILD TURKEY totals set a new record, with near or at the record for BALD EAGLE, AMERICAN CROW and COMMON RAVEN. Other highlights included 2 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS and a GRAY CATBIRD in Gatineau, and BROWN THRASHER in Gloucester.

Temperatures were generally seasonal to well above, but turned much colder with the coldest day of the season on the 19th. Snow cover remains below average.

Wood Duck photographed at Billings Bridge by Judith Gustafsson

12 species of DUCKS were seen this week, with the most unusual being a CANVASBACK in Carleton Place on the 15-18th. A NORTHERN PINTAIL and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER were at Britannia on the 16th. A GREEN-WINGED TEAL was in the Arboretum as late as the 18th.

A GREAT BLUE HERON was at Lac McGregor on the 13th. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was near Andrew Haydon park on the 14th. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK has been seen from time to time near Nolan/ Belvedere in Prescott-Russell, and one was seen on Berry Side Road on the 16th.

Some other notable sightings of the week included:

  • A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was at the Reveler Recreational Trails on the 18th.
  • A HERMIT THRUSH was at Lac Leamy on the 17th.
  • 1 EASTERN BLUEBIRD was seen in the Thomas Dolan/ Greenland Road area on the 16th.
  • A RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD was in Richmond as recently as the 15th, in Kanata on the 16th, and 2 were in Riverside park South on the 15th.
  • A COMMON GRACKLE was in Masson on the 17th.
  • Up to 2 CHIPPING SPARROWS have been at Ferme Moore on the 13-15th, and one was in Constance Bay on the 19th.
  • A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was on Bate Island on the 16th.

Finally, while the FINCH numbers are, in general, very low, both WHITE-WINGED and RED CROSSBILLS have been in the black spruce in the Mer Bleue southeast of the Dolman Ridge Feeder but unfortunately they are not near a trail.

Thanks to everyone who contributed 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 12 December 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

Some very mild weather until the 10th melted the little snow on the ground, again making it a bit easier for lingering birds and keeping the rivers open. More seasonal weather followed with very little snow. Birds are quite sparse in most areas outside the rivers or feeders.

Note: “Tis the season” to be counting birds-it’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) season again! The CBC is an annual survey by the Audubon Society, and thousands of individual counts are held all over the world from December 14-January 5. This season there are 10 counts all or partly within the 50K study region, starting with Ottawa/ Gatineau on the 15th. If you want to get involved, you can see the list here.

11 species of DUCK were in the region this week. Aside from the 4 common regular wintering ones, there are:

  • 2 BARROW’S GOLDENEYE were on the Rideau River between Hurdman and Strathcona Park.
  • GREEN-WINGED TEAL (a female) continues in the Arboretum as of the 10th, and one was on Grimes in Gatineau on the 8th. WOOD DUCKS are in Gatineau and probably on the Rideau River too.
  • HOODED MERGANSER on the Rideau River, and
  • RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, LESSER SCAUP, and BUFFLEHEAD on the Ottawa River

Barrow’s Goldeneye photographed by Judith Gustafsson at Strathcona Park

Common Goldeneye also photographed by Judith Gustafsson at Strathcona Park

A CACKLING GOOSE at Britannia on the 10th rounded out the WATERBIRD list.

2 GOLDEN EAGLES were in Gatineau Park West on the 10th. A BELTED KINGFISHER continues on Ruisseau de la Brasserie in Gatineau as of the 8th.

Despite the general scarcity of birds, as always there are always a few interesting lingerers:

EASTERN BLUEBIRDS continue near Thomas Dolan/ Greenland Road/ Berry Side Road as of the 12th, and also in Pontiac (Chemin Steele) as of the 5th.

For some reason, there are a number of WINTER WRENS still lingering, at least 4: Rapides Deschênes on the 7th, Almonte as of the 10th, Emerald Meadows as of the 9th, and Britannia as of the 11th. A pair of CAROLINA WRENS was in Bridlewood on the 9th, and a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was in the Arboretum on the 9th.

A CHIPPING SPARROW was in Vanier on the 9th.

A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues in the District des promenades in Gatineau as of the 10th.

2 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were at the Trail Road Landfill on the 8th. Up to 4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS have been on Akins road, most recently on the 7th. Finally, 4 COMMON REDPOLLS were in Trend-Arlington Park on the 10th.

Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community.

Good birding.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 5 December 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

Dark-eyed Junco photographed by Judith Gustafsson at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Like last week, temperatures were near normal with no snow until the 4th. Birding was quiet again, but at least with a few interesting lingerers. LANDBIRDS have not made any movement to feeders, and WATERBIRDS are not concentrated yet due to the extensive areas of open water. Since the start of the birding winter on December 1 (as of the 4th), about 70 species have been seen in the region.

14 species of DUCK were seen this week. A smattering of lingering DABBLING DUCKS were included, specifically NORTHERN PINTAILS at the Iber Road storm outlet, and near the Masson water treatment plant; a GREEN-WINGED TEAL at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden on the 4th and 2 in Gatineau (Etang Grimes ) on the 3rd; WOOD DUCKS at Sawmill Creek, Petrie Island, Ruisseau de la Brasserie and Billings Bridge; and a GADWALL at Britannia on the 2nd. 3 BLACK SCOTERS at Britannia on the 3rd rounded out the list of exceptional DUCKS.

A BELTED KINGFISHER was on Ruisseau de la Brasserie in Gatineau on the 3rd, while a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON at Strathcona Park on the 29th was quite unusual.

ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS are still at the Trail Road Landfill. A GOLDEN EAGLE was at Lac McGregor on the 2nd, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was in Sarsfield on the 4th, and a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was in Carleton Place on the 2nd.

WINTER WRENS were at both Britannia and Almonte on the 3rd. A CAROLINA WREN was in Richmond on the 29th. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, from 1 to 15, have been seen regularly, but not always, near Thomas Dolan and Greenland Road, most recently on the 3rd, and also on Berry Side Road, most recently on the 4th.

A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues on Perrault at Milton as late as the 5th and another continues as of the 4th in Gatineau (District des Promenades).

3 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were on Barnsdale on the 1st, and COMMON GRACKLES were in Russell and in Gatineau (Chemin du Fer à cheval) on the 1st.

For those who are interested in a sighting outside the 50K region, a HARRIS’ SPARROW has been regular at a feeder on Ault Island near Morrisburg.

Finally, perhaps the most unusual of the lingerers was an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER in the Monaghan Forest on the 30th.

Northern Cardinal photographed by Judith Gustafsson at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 28 November 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

Cooper’s Hawk photographed at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden by Judith Gustafsson

The highlight of the week were 2 sightings of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS: 2 on the 24th on Berry Side Road and 1 on the 25th on Greenland Road.

It was a pleasant week weatherwise with mostly above average temperatures and conditions conducive to good birding. However, the volume and variety of birds is typical of early winter. A few interesting lingerers are here, but while snow cover is gone the forests are pretty empty. Rivers are wide open as of the 28th but there are few WATERBIRDS aside from COMMON GOLDENEYE.

Although 17 species of duck were seen in the region, mostly of these were isolated sightings; in particular there are very few lingering DABBLING DUCKS about. The HARLEQUIN DUCK continues in Strathcona Park as of the 24th, and up to 2 BARROW’S GOLDENEYE are there as well. A RED-THROATED LOON was in Aylmer on the 26th, and at Shirley’s Bay-Grandview on the 23rd.

A BONAPARTE’S GULL was at the Moodie Drive ponds on the 26th, and both ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS are there from time to time. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Dick Bell Park on the 27th.

A BELTED KINGFISHER was at Lac Meech on the 25th.

70 SANDHILL CRANES were flying over Metcalfe on the 24th and a NORTHERN FLICKER was in Dunrobin on the 23rd.

The CAROLINA WREN was in Britannia most recently on the 28th. At least 2 WINTER WRENS have been there Britannia as late as the 28th and there is a continuing one in Almonte as of the 26th.

2 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS continue on Perrault near Milton as of the 25th. Another was in Gatineau (District des Promenades) on the 24th. A HERMIT THRUSH was at Val des Monts on the 23rd. 13 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were near Greenland Road on the 24th, while a single was on Berry Side Road on the 28th. A GRAY CATBIRD was in Barry Mullen Park on the 24th.

15 CEDAR WAXWINGS at the Fletcher on the 27th. This spot merits regular checking due to the excellent fruit crop.

8 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were at the Trail Road Landfill on the 27th and 4 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were in Richmond on the 24th.

Finally, although the CROSSBILL sightings recently have not been repeated, it seems likely that there is a small movement through the region, although it is not expected to be a good winter here for them. Therefor any suitable habitat is worth checking out. Small numbers of PINE SISKINS have been seen in the northern reaches of the region.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 21 November 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

Canada Goose photographed at Britannia by Bailey Wright.

The TUFTED DUCK continued at Shirley’s Bay until the 16th, and was seen again briefly on the 18th. There were 2 sightings of RED CROSSBILL, the first sightings since January. 1 was north of Lac la Pêche on the 17th and 2 were at the Mer Bleue on the 20th. 2 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS were on Perrault Road as late as the 20th.

Weather improved from appalling to near normal by the end of the week. Most areas are quite quiet, but there have been some good days on the rivers, and there a number of lingering birds on the land, most at feeders. Snow on the ground has diminished somewhat and is not significantly hindering travel.

Blue Jay photographed by Keith Wickens on Limebank Road

19 species of DUCK were seen this week including all 3 SCOTERS and all 3 MERGANSERS. Most, aside from MALLARDS, are COMMON GOLDENEYE. There were some especially good viewing conditions on the Ottawa River on the 19th. Most ponds, in particular the Moodie Drive Ponds, are iced over for the season. Sheltered bays on the Ottawa River have a thin layer of ice, which might well clear for a few days with this predicted rain and thaw. The HARLEQUIN DUCK is still at Strathcona Park as of the 21st. A ROSS’S GOOSE was on Limebank Road on the 16th, and an AMERICAN COOT was at Dow’s lake on the 15th.

Up to 5 species of GULL have been at the Trail Road landfill this week. Numbers are far from large and consistent, but with persistence you will find the 3 scarcer species: LESSER BLACK-BACKED, ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS.

There have been a number of lingering species all over the area, some more surprising than others. Here are the more interesting ones:

  • A TURKEY VULTURE in Crysler on the 18th
  • A CHIPPING SPARROW at the Deschênes Rapids on the 21st, and at the Experimental Farm on the 19th
  • A HERMIT THRUSH at Britannia on the 21st, and in the Glebe on the 20th
  • An AMERICAN PIPIT at Dick Bell Park on the 19th, and Shirley’s bay on the 21st
  • A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden on the 20th
  • 3 WINTER WRENS at the Nortel Marsh on the 21stand a surprising 5 at Britannia on the 18th
  • A NORTHERN FLICKER at Baie Noire on the 19thand one at Strathcona park on the 18th
  • A FOX SPARROW in the Honey Gables area on the 18th
  • A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW near Munster on the 16th
  • An EASTERN BLUEBIRD at Parc Aquamarine in Gatineau on the 19th, 2 on Chemin Steele on the 19th, and 2 on 5thLine Road on the 20th
  • A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Fitzroy Provincial park on the 17th

While not particularly late, there were 16 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and 10 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS at the Reveler Recreation Trails on the 15th, 20 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS at the Trail Road Landfill on the 20th and 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at the Richmond CA on the 17th.

2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were at Baie Cornu (east of Quyon) on the 17th, and 2 were in North Gower on the 15th.

In the FINCH front while very sparse, there were 2 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Larrimac on the 20th; 5 PINE SISKINS on the Eardley-Masham Road on the 19th and 16 on Clayton Road on the 19th; and 2 COMMON REDPOLLS at Parc Brébeuf on the 15th.

Northern Mockingbird photographed by Norbert Haché on Perrault Road

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 14 November 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

The bird of the week was a female TUFTED DUCK, found just east of the Shirley’s Bay boat launch on the 14th, and seen by many observers so far. This is the first sighting of this species in 7 years, in more or less the same spot. Next was a WHITE-EYED VIREO at Ferme Moore on the 10th but not reported again. In a distant 3rd place, there were 2 very late sightings: a WOOD THRUSH was at Ferme Moore on the 13th, and a SCARLET TANAGER in Brantwood Park on the 9-10th

Female Hooded Mergansers photographed at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden by Judith Gustafsson.

Winter arrived on the 11th, with heavy snow and unspeakably early cold. Unfortunately it is shaping up to be a repeat of last year’s early winter, or worse. Thus any surviving lingering land birds will be headed to feeders, and with ponds rapidly freezing up, the rivers are the places to go.

WATERBIRDS in general were here in good variety, with 23 species of DUCKS seen, although the numbers are not large, and as usual Shirley’s Bay to Britannia is the best area. Expect big drops as everything ices up. On the rivers, at least, ice currently restricted to the shore. The HARLEQUIN DUCK continues near the Adawe Bridge as of the 13th and 2 RUDDY DUCKS were at the Moodie Drive Ponds on the 11th. A RED-THROATED LOON was at Shirley’s Bay on the 14th, and an AMERICAN COOT was at Dow’s Lake on the 13th.

KILLDEER and GREATER YELLOWLEGS at Emerald Meadows on the 10th were the last SHOREBIRDS reported.

A GOLDEN EAGLE was on Chemin Steele on the 9th. There have been a few scattered sightings of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.

An ICELAND GULL was at the Moodie Drive Ponds on the 11th, with 5 other common species there from time to time.

House Finch photographed at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden by Judith Gustafsson.

Among the FINCHES, a WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL was in Gatineau on the 13th and there have been a few scattered sightings of PINE SISKIN here and there.

A number of late/ lingering birds were of note:

  • FOX SPARROW in Richmond on the 13th.
  • EASTERN BLUEBIRD in Almonte on the 14th.
  • WINTER WRENS in Forêt Boucher on the 8th, Britannia on the 9th, and one near Almonte on the 10th.
  • CAROLINA WREN in Britannia on the 9th.
  • RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET near Munster on the 14th
  • NORTHERN PA RULA in Kanata on the 8th.
  • YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER in Brantwood Park on the 10th.
  • CHIPPING SPARROW on the 14thnear Hawthorne and St. Laurent.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 7 November 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

Harlequin Duck photographed by Judith Gustafsson at Strathcona Park.

The highlight of the week was a HARLEQUIN DUCK, which was found in the swift water around the Adawe Bridge on the 2nd, and was still there on the 4th. This was the first sighting of this species in over 2 years. Another good bird was the first sighting of the fall: 2 female CANVASBACKS at Shirley’s Bay (the inner bay) on the 4th, and at least one was still there on the 5th.

This week, among the land birds only a few hardier lingering ones, fewer than usual it seems, were notable: it was quite quiet away from the water. Temperatures were below seasonal most of the week, with the first snow of the season on the 7th. Very cold weather is in the forecast for several days, so expect some freezing of shallow ponds to start and the variety of birds to drop further, especially away from the rivers.

There was a good variety of WATERBIRDS this week, although the numbers were not large: about 500 at times at Shirley’s Bay, and as usual, Shirley’s Bay to Britannia was the best place. 25 species of DUCK were seen in the region this week. Up to 2 BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continue at Shirley’s Bay. Up to 3 RUDDY DUCKS have been at the Moodie Drive ponds. A BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Andrew Haydon Park on the 1st was late. A ROSSES GOOSE was near Winchester on the 6th, while flocks of 100+ BRANT have been seen flying/ on the river near Andrew Haydon Park.

Hooded Mergansers photographed by Judith Gustafsson at Dow’s Lake

A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON at Strathcona Park and Billings Bridge on the 3rd was late. An ICELAND GULL in the Deschênes rapids on the 3rd was the first for the fall.

A last few straggling TURKEY VULTURES were soaring over the city on the 5-6th. 2 sightings of GOLDEN EAGLE were on the 3rd over Tunney’s Pasture and on the 6th at Shirley’s Bay.

Among late SHOREBIRDS, a LESSER YELLOWLEGS was in the Cumberland Forest on the 6th and an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was in Sarsfield on the 6th.

A few other late sightings were notable:

  • A BLUE-HEADED VIREO was on the Pinecrest Creek Pathway on the 2nd.
  • A FIELD SPARROW was at the Almonte lagoons on the 3rd.
  • 8 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS was in Almonte on the 5th.
  • A SWAMP SPARROW was at Dow’s lake on the 6th.
  • A HERMIT THRUSH was at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden on the 5th
  • A WINTER WREN was in downtown Ottawa on the 5thand another was on Petrie Island on the 6th.
  • A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was at the Old Quarry trail on the 2nd.

Fox Sparrow photographed by Eric Lay at Brewer Park

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 31 October 2019

by Greg Zbitnew at sightings@ofnc.ca

There was one “treat” this week, a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER at Parc Brébeuf on the 26th.

There was a fair bit of rain and generally above-seasonal temperatures, but it only translated into quite quiet conditions, especially as so many SHOREBIRDS and PASSERINES have cleared out. There will be a big “Trick” next week with near winter conditions expected, so a big change to the bird population is likely.

American Wigeon at Britannia, photographed by Jack Pelletier.

WATERBIRDS at least are in good supply. At the traditional areas of concentration, about 200 DUCKS of 8 species were at Baie Noire on the 29th, most of them AMERICAN WIGEON. On the 25th there, though, a thorough search turned up 1300 DUCKS of 16 species of DUCK, including a EURASIAN WIGEON and 5 REDHEAD. Most were RING-NECKED DUCKS and AMERICAN WIGEON. About 500 ducks of 13 species at Shirley’s bay on the 26th. Getting late were up to 3 BLUE-WINGED TEALS at Andrew Haydon Park at least until the 30th. The first of the season, an adult male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was at Remic Rapids on the 28th. While 24 species of DUCK were seen this week, probably number and variety have peaked.

Aside from DUCKS, a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was at Crysler on the 29th and a RED-THROATED LOON was at Britannia pier on the 28th.

Among other WATERBIRDS, a COMMON GALLINULE was at the Almonte Lagoons and Baie Noire on the 25th, while 2 were at Shirley’s Bay on the 26th.

A late AMERICAN BITTERN was at Petrie Island on the 25th, and 2 late BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were at Strathcona Park on the 31st.

7 species of SHOREBIRD were seen this week, but they were rather scattered sightings in small numbers. The heavy rain on the 31st-1st will likely wipe out the river SHOREBIRD habitat.

Sandhill Cranes photographed by Norbert Haché on McFadden near Frank Kenny Road.

A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were at Stony Swamp on the 26th.

There were 2 very late sightings of RED-EYED VIREO: at Britannia on the 26th and in Richmond on the 30th. A GRAY CATBIRD in Almonte on the 26th was a bit late.

AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS have nearly reached their winter levels, with the others declining rapidly. A SAVANNAH SPARROW at Andrew Haydon Park on the 29th was a bit late.

There have been a couple of flyovers of COMMON REDPOLLS in Gatineau and Ottawa, the first of the season. Unfortunately this will not be a good winter for this species.

Finally, and this is disappointingly early but expected, WARBLERS have pretty much disappeared. Aside from a late BLACKBURNIAN WARLER at Meech Lake on the 28th, the last sighting was 7 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS on Dolman Ridge Road on the 29th.