Left: Merlin photographed near CHEO by Ted Billey (August 2011). Merlins are often mistaken for peregrine falcons, but peregrines are much larger and almost never seen in urban/suburban backyards.

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Ottawa and area bird sightings to 2 February 2012

from Bob Cermak

The adult male VARIED THRUSH was last reported on January 27th at the feeders on Calypso road east of Ottawa (east of Limoges).

Some of the most interesting lingering birds have been:

• AMERICAN ROBINS continue to be present all over the Ottawa/Gatineau area
• a male NORTHERN PINTAIL continues on the open water at the Manotick mill/dam
• a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD continues at the Hilda feeders
• a WINTER WREN and a BELTED KINGFISHER were seen from the ridge at the Britannia Conservation area on January 29th
• the CAROLINA WREN continues to be seen along the fence on the west side of the Britannia Conservation area

The Eardley-Masham Road in Quebec continues to be very active. RED CROSSBILLS, PINE SISKINS, PURPLE FINCHES, BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and RUFFED GROUSE a regularly being seen.

Some of the more interesting seasonal birds have been:

• BALD EAGLES at several locations
• BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS at many locations
• single GOLDEN EAGLES were seen on January 29th from Therrien road (just east of the Eardley-Masham road) and on February 2nd from the Eardley-Masham road
• a female BLACK-BACKED WP, 8 EVENING GROSBEAKS and several WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen on January 26th in the area of the Calypso road feeders
• an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen from the Lafleche dump road east of Casselman on January 29th
• WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and HOUSE FINCHES were seen in Crystal Beach on January 29th
• 11 GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen on February 1st near the intersection of Kinburn Side Road and Moore's Road

I appreciate receiving your bird observations - sightings@ofnc.ca.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 26 January 2012

from Bob Cermak

The adult male VARIED THRUSH continues at the feeders on Calypso road east of Ottawa (east of Limoges). It was last reported on January 24th but may still be present.

Some of the most interesting lingering birds have been:

• flocks of up to 41 AMERICAN ROBINS continue to be present all over the Ottawa/Gatineau area
• a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER continues at a feeder in Navan, last reported on January 19th
• a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continues at Fletcher Garden and one was seen at a feeder in the east end of Ottawa on January 19th
• a male NORTHERN PINTAIL continues on the open water at the Manotick mill/dam
• 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS continue at the Hilda feeders
• a male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, seen on January 20th, continues in the area around the church and cemetery near Renfrew Street in Pakenham
• 5 male COMMON MERGANSERS were seen at the top of the Ottawa river Deschenes rapids on January 22nd
• an extremely late LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen in Perth on January 22nd

The Eardley Masham Road in Quebec has been very active since January 25th. On that day a THREE-TOED WP, RED CROSSBILLS, PINE SISKINS and a GRAY JAY were seen. On January 26th the GRAY JAY and THREE-TOED WP were not found but 1 male PURPLE FINCH, 8 RED-CROSSBILLS, 100+ PINE SISKINS, 20+ COMMON REDPOLLS, 3 RUFFED GROUSE and 1 sub adult BOLD EAGLE were seen on the same road.

Some of the more interesting seasonal birds have been:

• BALD EAGLES at several locations
• 15 COMMON REDPOLLS were seen in Larose forest on January 21st
• 30+ CEDAR and up to 5 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to be seen near the east end of the Hurdman bridge over the Rideau river
• PEREGRINE FALCON was seen on the Coate's building in Tunney's Pasture on January 24th and also over the Bank Street Billings bridge on January 26th
• a MERLIN and a COOPER'S HAWK were seen in the Britannia woods on January 26th
• BARROW'S GOLDENEYE continue to be seen from Bate Island on the Ottawa river and on the Rideau river behind the tennis club

I appreciate receiving your bird observations - sightings@ofnc.ca.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 January 2012

from Bob Cermak

The adult male VARIED THRUSH has been seen at the feeder on Calypso road east of Ottawa (east of Limoges) on January 14, 15, 16, and today, January 19.

Some of the most interesting lingering birds have been:

• a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW has been seen since January 14th feeding on bird seed under a conifer on the north side of Trail Road near the second entrance to the landfill site
• a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at Fletcher Garden on January 16th
• a male NORTHERN PINTAIL continues on the open water at the Manotick mill/dam
• a male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER continues in the area around the church and cemetery near Renfrew Street in Pakenham

Some of the more interesting seasonal birds have been:

• BALD EAGLES at several locations
• WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS continue in the Pakenham area
• GLAUCOUS and ICELAND GULLS are being seen at the Burnside pit on Moodie and at the dump on Trail road
• GRAY PARTRIDGE continue to be seen on Barnsdale road between Moodie and Twin Elm roads and on January 15th near the corner of Ca'naan road and Colonial road
• on January 19th there was a variety of birds in the Hurdman Woods (east side of the Rideau river, south of the 417 bridge over the Rideau river); 12 CEDAR WAXWINGS, a singing male HOUSE FINCH, 10 AMERICAN ROBINS and 10 EUROPEAN STARLINGS
• of interest outside the Ottawa/Gatineau birding area on the fields beside Lafleche Road (which is the road into the landfill site south east of Casselman) on January 15th there were; 35 GLAUCOUS, 15 ICELAND, 1 adult THAYER'S gulls along with numbers of GREAT BLACK-BACKED and HERRING GULLS, a MERLIN, HORNED LARKS, SNOW BUNTINGS and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR
• an AMERICAN KESTREL was seen south east of Russell on January 19th

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 January 2012

from Bob Cermak

A few birders were able to celebrate the New Year with a rare western visitor to the Ottawa/Gatineau birding area. An adult male VARIED THRUSH was found at a feeder on Calypso road east of Ottawa (east of Limoges) on January 8th. Unfortunately this bird has not been seen since.

Some of the most interesting lingering birds have been:

• a female BUFFLEHEAD continues on the Ottawa river between the Deschenes rapids and the Champlain bridge and on January 10th on the Rideau river behind the tennis club
• a single COMMON REDPOLL was seen at the Hilda road feeders on January 6th
• up to 3 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS continue to be seen at the Hilda road feeders
• a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER continues at a feeder on Trim Road in Navan
• an adult male BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen briefly at the east end of the Clarence-Cambridge road on January 8th
• a BROWN THRASHER continues at a feeder on Lincoln Heights road (can be seen from the bike path)
• a HERMIT THRUSH continues on Blackburn road in Val Des Monts and was seen on January 12th on Fileury road and on Childs road in Chelsea
• a CAROLINA WREN continues at a feeder in Norway Bay, Bristol, Quebec
• the NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues on Grandview near Hastings road
• AMERICAN ROBINS at many locations

Some of the more interesting seasonal birds have been:

• BALD EAGLES at many locations
• an adult GOLDEN EAGLE was reported on Steele road in Quebec on January 9th
• RED-CROSSBILLS and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS continue on the Eardley-Masham road and in Larose Forest and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were also seen on Bernard road on January 9th
• a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen near the VARIED THRUSH feeders on Calypso road on January 11th
• GLAUCOUS and ICELAND GULLS are being seen on the Rideau river at the 417 bridge
• BARROW'S GOLDENEYE continue on the Rideau river (behind the tennis club and near the 417 bridge) and on the Ottawa river between the Champlain bridge and the Remic rapids
• GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen on Barnsdale road between Moodie and Twin Elm roads, in the Giroux road, Regimbald road, O'toole road area, Maple Grove road and on conc. 19 east of Casselman
• flocks of up to 500 SNOW BUNTINGS and a flock of over 100 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on conc. 21 east of Casselman
• 30 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen near Steele road in Quebec
• an adult THAYER'S GULL was reported last week near the Ottawa river Deschene's rapids
• a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen on Giroux road January 9th

Appreciate receiving your bird observations - sightings@ofnc.ca.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 January 2012

from Bob Cermak

Happy New Year and best wishes for an enjoyable 2012 birding year. I will be looking after and reporting for the OFNC Bird Status Line from now on.

Many thanks to Chris Lewis for looking after this service for the last 11 years. Chris's years of dedicated and superior service to the Ottawa/Gatineau birding community via this status line has been really appreciated by the local and provincial birding community. Her good humour, excellent ornithological commentary and dedication to getting the "birding news" out has been really appreciated. Thanks also to Bob Bracken for his expert advice and unwavering support to her and to the entire naturalists community.

The first week of 2012 has seen an interesting mix of lingering birds and some that are more expected for the season. Some of the most interesting lingering birds have been:

• a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD continues on Grandview Road
• a CAROLINA WREN continues in the Britannia Conservation Area (Mud Lake). It has been seen/heard since early September, most often along the fence line about 100 meters south of the Rowatt Street entrance
• a BROWN THRASHER was seen at a feeder in the same area on January 1st and 2nd
• an EASTERN BLUEBIRD was seen on January 2nd on Rue du Golf in Gatineau
• a YELOW-RUMPED WARBLER seen at a feeder on Trim Road in Navan on January 1st and 4th has probably been present all winter
• flocks of AMERICAN ROBINS are being found in many areas
• RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS continue at the feeders on Hilda road
• single WHITE-CROWNED and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were seen in Orleans and Barhaven
• single RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS have been seen in Pakenham and on Gouralay Lane near the Old Carp Road
• a single BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was reported in the cemetery woods in Pakenham on January 3rd
• an AMERICAN COOT continues (since December 18th) on the Rideau river at the Bank street Billings Bridge
• a NORTHERN FLICKER continues in the Britannia Conservation area

Some of the more interesting seasonal birds have been:

• BALD EAGLES at many locations
• RED-CROSSBILLS on the Eardley-Masham road and in Larose Forest
• a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen at the north end of Kennedy road near Eardley on December 31st
• GLAUCOUS and ICELAND GULLS were reported near the Ottawa river Deschenes rapids
• BARROW'S GOLDENEYE continue on the Rideau river (behind the tennis club and near the 417 bridge) and on the Ottawa river between the Champlain bridge and the Remic rapids
• a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK has been seen again this year near Rue du Golf (January 2nd)
• EVENING GROSBEAKS (7 on January 5th) are being seen again this year at the feeders near the east end of the Clarence-Cambridge road
• 4 GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen at the Maple Grove Road City of Ottawa public works garage
• the flock of 40 HORNED LARKS being seen on Giroux road included a single LAPLAND LONGSPUR on January 5th

Appreciate receiving your bird observations - good birding - sightings@ofnc.ca

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 30 December 2011

from Christina Lewis

The end of the year saw an interesting mix of lingering birds and some that were more expected for the season. Back on the 22nd there were still 2 SNOW GEESE at the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd., a GREEN-WINGED TEAL was a first record for the Pakenham-Arnprior Christmas Bird Count on the 26th, and 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were on the Ottawa River off Andrew Haydon Park on the 22nd. A female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was on the river by the Champlain bridge on the 26th.

Other late water-birds included a RED-THROATED LOON at the Deschenes rapids from the 22nd to the 27th, and a smattering of COMMON LOONS, HORNED GREBES and RED-NECKED GREBES in various locations over the past two weeks. A GREAT BLUE HERON was on a frozen pond on Giroux Rd. east of Frank Kenny Rd. on the 26th where an adult BALD EAGLE was attending a deer carcass. Additional reports of BALD EAGLES came from other locations mostly east of Ottawa, and an AMERICAN COOT was among the many MALLARDS on the Rideau River at Billings Bridge on the 22nd and 23rd.

On the 26th a covey of 9 GRAY PARTRIDGE was flushed from a field by a COMMON RAVEN along Terry Fox Dr. south of Richardon Side Rd. in Kanata. Acouple of GLAUCOUS GULLS were spotted near the Trail Rd. landfill as well as on the Ottawa River. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS previously reported earlier in the month are evidently still in Pakenham and Carleton Place.

NORTHERN SHRIKES were again reported around the region, the NORTHERN FLICKER and CAROLINA WREN in the Britannia Conservation Area were alive and well as of the 22nd. Six EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on the 27th were a surprising number for this date and a new species for the Carleton Place Christmas Bird Count. A HERMIT THRUSH that showed up at a property on Ch. Blackburn in Val-des-monts, Quebec on the 24th was still feeding on berries and suet on the 28th, and numerous AMERICAN ROBINS continue to persist in several locations.

Late sparrows included a CHIPPING SPARROW seen again on Ch. Sunset in Gatineau on the 23rd, a FOX SPARROW on private (inaccessible) property in Dunrobin from the 22nd until at least the 27th, and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW on a property in Orleans on the 27th. A report of 100's of LAPLAND LONGSPURS with a few HORNED LARKS and good numbers of SNOW BUNTINGS came in on the 26th, from Bolt Rd. north of Alfred. Finch reports included a half-dozen PURPLE FINCHES (at the same property with the Hermit Thrush) on the 28th, and at least 6 RED CROSSBILLS on the Eardley-Masham Rd. in the Gatineau hills on the 23rd.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 December 2011

from Christina Lewis

The main event of the week was the 92nd Ottawa-Gatineau Chistmas Bird Count on Dec. 18th. A preliminary total of 78 spp. was recorded. A full report will be posted when the information is finalized.

Several record high numbers included BUFFLEHEAD, WILD TURKEY, COMMON LOON, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, AMERICAN ROBIN and DARK-EYED JUNCO.

Among the 14 spp. of waterfowl were nearly 2,900 CANADA GEESE (not a record, but impressive for this time of year) and a few lingering species such as GREEN-WINGED TEAL, SURF SCOTER and LONG-TAILED DUCK. At least 4 BARROW'S GOLDENEYE and all 3 species of MERGANSERS were also seen. Not reported on the count were a male NORTHERN PINTAIL in Parc des cedres near the marina in Aylmer, Quebec, and a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT that has apparently been hanging around on the river near the marina in Hull, Quebec for several days - it was seen again on the 19th.

At least 3 BALD EAGLES, 5 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, and one each of AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN and PEREGRINE FALCON were seen within the count circle, as were several ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS amid good numbers of RING-BILLED, HERRING and GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS. A couple of NORTHERN FLICKERS were good finds for this time of year, and 15 NORTHERN SHRIKES was a good number for what is essentially an urban bird count. Significant numbers of COMMON RAVENS also reflect the success of this species in urban areas in recent years.

A CAROLINA WREN persists in Britannia, BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were greatly outnumbered by CEDAR WAXWINGS, and a nice assortment of SPARROWS included AMERICAN TREE, CHIPPING, SONG and WHITE-THROATED. PURPLE FINCH, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, COMMON REDPOLL and PINE SISKIN were found in small numbers in widespread locations. HOUSE FINCH numbers were much impoved compared to recent winters, and a grand total of 2 EVENING GROSBEAKS, both in the Hull sector, were an indication of another recent species trend.

Finally, going back to waterfowl, approx. 5,000 SNOW GEESE east of Ottawa near Embrun on the 16th was a good number for this time of year in our region.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 15 December 2011

from Christina Lewis

The Ottawa-Gatineau Christmas Bird Count is coming up this weekend (Sunday Dec. 18), and so far it looks like there will be no snow on the ground, and lots of open water on the local rivers - very much like the conditions on this CBC 5 years ago.

In the meantime, a good variety of sightings came in over the past week. SNOW GEESE continue to move through, with large flocks reported from the Winchester, Chesterville, Casselman and St-Isidore areas in recent days, and at least 40,000 were observed roosting at the Moose Creek sewage lagoons on the 7th and 8th. Approx. 200- 300 were still in the area of Moodie Dr. and the Trail Rd. landfill on the weekend, along with a possible hybrid ROSS'S X SNOW GOOSE and a CACKLING GOOSE.

Lingering ducks on the 9th included NORTHERN SHOVELER and GREEN-WINGED TEAL at the sewage ponds on Chemin de la Rive in Masson, Quebec, and a male CANVASBACK at Petrie Island. A few LONG-TAILED DUCKS and all 3 species of MERGANSERS continue to be seen in various locations. A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE on the Ottawa River above Deschenes rapids on the 9th is probably the same individual that has been here since late November.

Flocks of WILD TURKEYS were noted in rural areas, a COMMON LOON was at Petrie Island on the 9th, and single HORNED GREBES were still on the river below both Deschenes and Remic rapids on the 11th.

BALD EAGLES continue to haunt the Ottawa River. Several reports of NORTHERN HARRIERS and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS came in from around the region over the past week. Four GLAUCOUS GULLS were seen by the Trail Rd. landfill on the 11th. A few SNOWY OWLS spotted in widespread locations may still be on the move. As of the 11th a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was still visiting feeders in Carleton Place, and an adult pair was still hanging around in Pakenham as of the 7th.

On the 8th a NORTHERN SHRIKE and a couple of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were still at Shirley's Bay. Eight AMERICAN ROBINS and 75 CEDAR WAXWINGS were feeding on mountain ash berries in Manotick on the 9th, and there were a couple of reports of late CHIPPING SPARROWS on private properties on both the Ontario and Quebec sides - one on the 9th in Manotick and another on the 10th in Aylmer. A COMMON GRACKLE came to a feeder in Carleton Place on the 10th, and recent visits to the Eardley-Masham Rd. in Gatineau Park yielded RED CROSSBILL, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, COMMON REDPOLL and PINE SISKIN. Perhaps stimulated by the mild sunny weather on the 12th, both species of crossbills were heard in full song.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 7 December 2011

from Bob Cermak

The first week of December has been exciting for Ottawa/Gatineau area birders. There has been a significant influx of CANADA GEESE, SNOW GEESE, SNOWY OWLS, CANVASBACK DUCKS and AMERICAN CROWS. There are also numbers of lingering interesting waterfowl.

Thousands of CANADA GEESE are feeding in the OFNC area corn fields.

Numbers of SNOW GEESE are being seen including 300 on Moodie Drive at Barnsdale on Dec 4th and over 2000 east of Casselman early in December.

Single and on one occasion three SNOWY OWLS were seen at various locations over the last week.

An adult male CANVASBACK DUCK was seen by many from December 2nd to 4th south of Petrie Island and another 4 adult male CANVASBACK'S were seen from Britannia point on December 4th. A first winter THAYERS GULL and an extremely rare albino RED-NECKED GREBE were seen from Ottawa beach on December 4th.

On December 5th a late BLACK SCOTER and a lingering HERMIT THRUSH were observed at Shirley's Bay. SANDHILL CRANES, up to 71 on December 1st, continue to be seen on Milton and Smith road in the east end of Ottawa. Perhaps due to the unseasonably warm weather a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was feeding on the Ottawa river at Andrew Haydon Park on the 3rd.

On December 1st there was an excellent selection of waterfowl at Black Bay (Baie Noir) on the Quebec side of the river. Present were 500 AMERICAN WIDGEON, 22+ GADWALL, 26 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 5 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 50+ HOODED MERGANSER, 2 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 1 WOOD DUCK, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE and a possible EURASIAN WIDGEON. Single AMERICAN KESTRELS were seen on December 4th at the 417 exit at Casselman and near highway 148 west of Alymer.

A CACKLING GOOSE and some LESSER SCAUP were seen at Andrew Haydon Park on December 3rd.

A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER visited a feeder in Carlton Place on the 2nd.

During the last week 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, an ICELAND GULL, HORNED GREBE, SNOW BUNTINGS and several GREAT BLUE HERONS were seen at various locations. There were 9 very late RUDDY DUCKS at the Moodie Drive gravel pit on December 4th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 30 November 2011

from Chris Lewis

As we head into December there's still lots of life out there. A flock of 100 - 200 SNOW GEESE continued to favour the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. as of at least the 27th, and an adult ROSS'S GOOSE was still associating with this flock on that date. All 3 species of SCOTERS (mostly singletons), a few LONG-TAILED DUCKS and all 3 MERGANSERS were still present on the Ottawa River from Shirley's Bay to Britannia Bay on the weekend. The numerous RING-NECKED DUCKS, LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS on our local ponds, lakes and rivers usually linger until a serious freeze-up, which seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. A count of 28 RUDDY DUCKS on the 28th at the Moodie Dr. pond was an impressive number for this date in Ottawa.

A RED-THROATED LOON was at Shirley's Bay on the 28th along with 5 COMMON LOONS. A few HORNED GREBES were still here on the 26th and a GREAT BLUE HERON has been hanging around the west end of Andrew Haydon Park for at least a week. From the 24th to the 28th, 3 BALD EAGLES of various ages were noted at both Britannia and Shirley's Bays. Over 90 SANDHILL CRANES were reported in the fields along Smith Rd. west of Milton Rd. in the Navan area on the 23rd.

PURPLE SANDPIPER is a rare but annual visitor to the Ottawa River in late fall, usually during adverse weather conditions. A brief blast of winter on the 23rd brought at least one to the rocky shores at Dick Bell and Andrew Haydon parks - perhaps the same bird that lingered here until the 26th. GULLS of interest included ICELAND, THAYER'S, LESSER BLACK-BACKED and GLAUCOUS, with most observations from the the Trail Rd. landfill and the east end of Andrew Haydon park.

Several reports of NORTHERN SHRIKES came in during the past week, again from various locations. A late EASTERN BLUEBIRD was spotted at Old Montreal Rd. and the Camelot golf course on the 23rd, and a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen in the Crystal Bay area on the 26th. On the 27th, flocks of WAXWINGS in different areas west of Ottawa (approx. 120 CEDARS in Carleton Place and 19 BOHEMIANS in Pakenham) represented the "outgoing" and the "incoming". The only recent local report of "winter finches" came from the Qualicum-Graham Park neighbourhood in the west end of Ottawa where a flock of approx. 25 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS was feeding in the conifers on the 27th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 22 November 2011

from Chris Lewis

Waterfowl and migratory restlessness are the dominant themes at this time of year, with species and numbers arriving, departing and constantly moving around. A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE appeared briefly at Andrew Haydon park on the 18th. Approx. 200 SNOW GEESE continue to visit the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. On the 19th an adult ROSS'S GOOSE was among them, as well as a possible ROSS'S x SNOW GOOSE hybrid. At least 1500 SNOWs were in the Casselman area on the 17th and 18th. A couple of BRANT are still around, but at no fixed address, and the 2 adult and 3 immature TRUMPETER SWANS were still being seen on the Mississippi River in Carleton Place as of the 18th. Varying numbers of WOOD DUCK, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP, and all 3 species of SCOTERS and MERGANSERS continue to be seen in widespread locations. A female LONG-TAILED DUCK lingered off Andrew Haydon park until at least the 19th, and a few RUDDY DUCKS were on the Moodie Dr. quarry pond the same day. On the 20th a RED-THROATED LOON was seen off Andrew Haydon, and a few HORNED GREBES were still on the river last week.

NORTHERN HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, COOPER'S HAWK and RED-TAILED HAWK were all noted, and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS appear to be increasing in rural areas around Ottawa as well as in the Gatineau hills on the Quebec side. Two DUNLIN at the Casselman sewage lagoons were the only shorebirds reported as of the 18th.

A few NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen here and there, a CAROLINA WREN may be settling in for the winter in the Britannia Conservation Area, and many AMERICAN ROBINS are in the landscape - at least 60 were in the woods by Shirley's Bay on the 16th. DARK-EYED JUNCOS and AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS continue to move through and may also spend the winter in areas with sufficient food and shelter.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 15 November 2011

from Bob Cermak

A combination of good weather and interesting birds made for an enjoyable week.

SNOW GEESE numbered up to 250 in and around the Moodie Dr. quarry pond all week, and 150 were at the Casselman sewage lagoons on the 9th. BRANT are still moving through - aside from the usual couple of "lawn ornaments" that linger at parklands along the Ottawa River every autumn, a flock of 22 flew over the river on the 13th. CACKLING GEESE were again noted here and there among the large flocks of CANADAs. Good numbers of dabbling ducks including GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELER and NORTHERN PINTAIL were found west of the Shirley's Bay causeway as well as at Baie Noire on the Quebec side. 581 RING-NECKED DUCKS were counted on Mud Lake in Britannia on the 11th, good-sized rafts of LESSER SCAUP and small numbers of all 3 SCOTERS continue on the river along with ever-increasing BUFFLEHEAD and COMMON GOLDENEYE. On the 10th, the 1st seasonal male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE arrived in a now-traditional location, the Rideau River north of the Hwy 417 bridge, and a male BARROW'S X COMMON HYBRID was at Shirley's Bay on the 12th. All 3 species of MERGANSERS continue on the river as well as at some of the larger ponds east and west of the city.

A couple of reports of GRAY PARTRIDGE came in over the past week from fields near the town of Richmond, and groups of up to a dozen WILD TURKEYS were noted in several locations. Single RED-THROATED LOONS were on the Ottawa River off off Andrew Haydon Park on the 12th and 13th , along with at least 8 COMMON LOONS and a few each of HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBES.

An immature BALD EAGLE stirred things up at Andrew Haydon on the 13th. Only a few ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS have been reported this season (a couple were in the Shirley's Bay and Navan areas in recent days). A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen at Deschenes rapids on the 10th. At least 5 AMERICAN COOTS were in Baie Noire on the 13th and an odd location for one was Mud Lake in Britannia on the 14th. Over 100 SANDHILL CRANES are still in the fields south of Smith Rd. west of Milton Rd. in the Navan area and will likely linger until we get some serious snow.

The only shorebird reports came from the Casselman sewage lagoons - from the 9th to the 13th there were 1 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 1 KILLDEER, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 3 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER and 2 DUNLIN. On the other hand, gull diversity has begun to get more interesting. Five rather late BONAPARTE'S GULLS were at Andrew Haydon Park on the 14th, the first seasonal reports of THAYER'S, ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS have come in since the 1st week of November, and up to 11 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were in the vicinity of the Trail Rd. landfill on the 10th with several seen in the area since then. A 1st-winter and an adult "NELSON'S" GULL (HERRING X GLAUCOUS HYBRID) were also reported from the Trail Rd. area and the Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon on the the 12th and 13th respectively.

A NORTHERN SHRIKE has been a regular in the Shirley's Bay area all week, and another was in the Trail Rd. area on the 14th. A CAROLINA WREN persists in the Britannia Conservation Area, and another visited a feeder in the Wychwood area of Aylmer, Quebec on the 13th. A late EASTERN TOWHEE was at a feeder in Carleton Place on the 14th, a couple of late-ish FOX SPARROWS were still around in a few locations on the weekend, and at least 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR was among a flock of perhaps 600 SNOW BUNTINGS at the St. Albert sewage lagoons on the 13th. Smaller but growing flocks of Snow Buntings have also begun to appear elsewhere around the region.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 8 November 2011

from Bob Cermak

No report of the WESTERN GREBE this past week and the last sighting of the RAZORBILL was on November 1st on the Ottawa river east of the Deschenes rapids.

There was a bit of a Finch movement throughout eastern Ontario this week with numbers of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS seen on November 6th at Mer Bleue, Rothwell Heights and Qualicum-Graham Park. PINE SISKINS were also at Mer Bleue on the 6th.

Species reported at various locations on the Ottawa river this past week were RED-THROATED LOON, COMMON LOON, all three SCOTERS (BLACK, SURF and WHITE-WINGED), all three MERGANSERS (HOODED, COMMON and RED-BREASTED), two Grebe species (HORNED and RED-NECKED), LESSER SCAUP and increasing numbers of COMMON GOLDENEYE and BUFFLEHEAD.

On November 4th 4 GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen in the corn stubble at the corner of Barnsdale and Twin Elm. Late shorebirds seen at the Casselman lagoon on the 4th were; 1 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 DUNLIN, 3 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS and 5 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. There were also 5 AMERICAN COOTS at the Embrun lagoon on that date.

150 SANDHILL CRANES (an OTTAWA record number) were seen south of Smith road and west of Milton road on November 7th.

5 TRUMPETER SWANS (2 adults and 3 juveniles all unbanded) were seen on the Mississippi river in Carlton Place on the 7th. These are likely the same adults that nested on the Jock River south east of Carlton Place this spring. A female LONG TAILED duck was seen all week at Andrew Haydon Park and more could usually be found at Shirley's Bay.

On November 6th around 10:30 am a Jaeger (species unknown) was reported harassing gulls at the east end of the Deschenes rapids for a few minutes then was last seen flying west up the Ottawa river.

A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen at Bate Island on the 8th. BRANT were seen at various locations on the Ottawa river as well as 2 at Andrew Hayden on the 5th and the 7th and 1 at the Deschene lookout on the 5th. On the 5th at Shirley's Bay there were 78 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 10 GADWALLS and 8 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. On the 7th 200 SNOW GEESE were seen at Burnside Pit on Moodie and 2000 were seen near km 54 along Hwy 417 east of Casselman.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 2 November 2011

from Chris Lewis

Again, most of the local excitement was concentrated on the Ottawa River.

The RAZORBILL first discovered on Oct. 22nd was still present and doing well below the Deschenes rapids on Nov. 1st. The WESTERN GREBE found in the same area on the 23rd was last reported on the 29th. Other exciting finds were a brief appearance by an adult BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE on the river off the north end of Thomas Dolan Parkway on the 25th, and a juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER was found northwest of Bate Island on the 27th - a JAEGER SPECIES was also seen flying the same general area on the 29th but not since then.

SNOW GEESE are beginning to move through in increasing numbers - approx. 200 -300 were seen in and near the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. on the 29th and at least 17 were present in the pond on the 1st. Approx. 500 flew over the St. Albert sewage lagoons, also on the 29th. A few BRANT are still around - singletons and duos were seen on the river, as well as on the lawn in front of the R.A. Centre on Riverside Drive near Billings Bridge. A CACKLING GOOSE was reported from Britannia Bay on the 30th, and surely more are tucked-in among the multiple 1000's of CANADA GEESE all over the region. Duck numbers continue to be good - highlights included 2 female CANVASBACKS on the river off Andrew Haydon Park on the 30th, good-sized flocks of LESSER SCAUP, all 3 species of SCOTERS, and several LONG-TAILED DUCKS and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. Numbers of COMMON GOLDENEYE are increasing every day.

At least 2 RED-THROATED LOONS and a few COMMON LOONS were on the river on the weekend. Many HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBES were noted as well, and were given "special attention" because of the elusive WESTERN GREBE! A visit to the Lac Lablanche area north of Mayo, Quebec on the 29th was productive for eagles - 9 BALD and 2 GOLDEN EAGLES were observed in this area. The only recent SHOREBIRD reports were of single birds: an AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER at the mouth of Graham Creek at Andrew Haydon Park on the 25th, a WILSON'S SNIPE at the east end of Andrew Haydon on the 28th, and a RED PHALAROPE still at the Casselman sewage lagoons on the 25th.

A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER appeared briefly at a feeder in Carleton Place on the 28th. On the 1st a NORTHERN SHRIKE was hunting in the Shirley's Bay area. A CAROLINA WREN is still active in what may become its winter territory in the Britannia Conservation Area. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD found last week on a farm along Ch. Proulx north of the Gatineau airport was seen again on the 30th. Lots of DARK-EYED JUNCOS are around in their "prime time", approx. 50 SNOW BUNTINGS flew over Andrew Haydon Park on the 30th, and on the 29th an unspecified number of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were noted in the Lac Lablanche area along with the first seasonal report of a COMMON REDPOLL.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 25 October 2011

from Chris Lewis

Dynamic weather brought some dynamite birds to Ottawa-Gatineau, including more than our usual share of rarities.

Waterfowl were well-represented. BRANT moved though in flocks of 40-60 and varying numbers have been scattered along the Ottawa River since the 20th. A few CACKLING GEESE were again reported among flocks of CANADAs, good numbers of migrant and resident dabbling ducks were noted in various locations, and 2 male EURASIAN WIGEON were still in Baie Noire on the Quebec side of the river on the 22nd. Rafts of diving ducks continue to build up - a mixed flock of RING-NECKED DUCK and both species of SCAUP totalling perhaps 400 birds were on the river below Deschenes on the 24th. On the 20th a significant movement of SCOTERS occurred, and small numbers of all 3 species have been present through the 24th. Several LONG-TAILED DUCKS, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE and all 3 species of MERGANSERS have been seen daily. At least 200 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen on the river between Shirley's Bay and Britannia Bay on the 20th, with several remaining since then.

Up to 5 RED-THROATED LOONS were counted on the river on the weekend, and a large flight of GREBES brought at least 60 each of HORNED and RED-NECKED along with a very rare WESTERN GREBE on the 23rd. Attempts to relocate this bird on the 24th were unsuccessful. A brief fly-by of a juvenile NORTHERN GANNET contributed to the excitement on the 22nd but evidently it just kept heading west as most do when they stray to Ottawa.

The most recent report of HUDSONIAN GODWITS was of 4 in the Deschenes rapids on the 19th, a single DUNLIN flew over Andrew Haydon Park on the 21st, and single RED PHALAROPES were at the Alfred lagoons on the 21st and 22nd, and the Casselman lagoons on the 23rd. A couple of BONAPARTE'S GULLS were still on the Ottawa River on the 23rd.

The undisputed highlight was a first winter RAZORBILL discovered below Deschenes rapids on the 22nd (photo by Mark Gawn). It was still present and quite active as of at least the 24th. This is the first record of this species in the Ottawa-Gatineau 50 km circle! (Photo at right by Mark Gawn)

Recent sightings of RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER in the village of Pakenham and CAROLINA WREN in the Britannia Conservation Area serve as a reminder to get those bird feeders up for the cold season to come. A possible 2nd CAROLINA WREN was also seen father west near Andrew Haydon Park. Both species of KINGLETS were in several locations on the weekend, and back on the 17th 4 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS visited a backyard in the Beacon Hill neighbourhood. AMERICAN PIPITS continue to move through, and lots of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS are still around. Three late CHIPPING SPARROWS continue to visit a feeder near Andrew Haydon Park, at least one FIELD SPARROW was still in the Shirley's Bay area on the 21st, and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW was at Britannia on the 23rd. WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS are ubiquitous, PURPLE FINCHES were again reported from diverse locations, and a small number of EVENING GROSBEAKS were in Pakenham on the weekend.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 18 October 2011

from Chris Lewis

A fun week with lots of variety culminated in the 17th annual Fall Bird Count on the 15th and 16th. With additional information received after the weekend, a record high total of 148 species were reported, plus one "exotic" - a EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH in the northwest sector on the Quebec side.

Twenty-six species of waterfowl included 1 ROSS'S GOOSE, 10 CACKLING GEESE, 2 EURASIAN WIGEON, 17 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, 47 RUDDY DUCKS, record high numbers of BLUE-WINGED TEAL and NORTHERN PINTAIL, and the first fall reports of BUFFLEHEAD and COMMON GOLDENEYE. Only 3 GRAY PARTRIDGE was yet another indicator of the scarcity of this species in recent years. A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at Shirley's Bay on the 16th, and 7 GREAT EGRETS were a record high for this count - another group of 7 seen at a different time of day were probably the same flock. A GREEN HERON was also quite late for our region.

Among the 14 species of raptors were a record high number of TURKEY VULTURES, 2 late BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, the first seasonal observations of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 2 GOLDEN EAGLES and 6 MERLINS. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen flying over the Bayshore area of Ottawa on the 17th was also late for our neck of the woods. A SORA flitted across the Mer Bleue boardwalk on the 16th, and 98 SANDHILL CRANES was a record high for the fall count, but no real surprise considering the annually increasing numbers that gather east of Ottawa in the fall.

Shorebirds totalled 15 species, with the highlights being 7 HUDSONIAN GODWITS and 7 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS along the Ottawa River. Some of these were still present on the 17th. An extremely late WESTERN SANDPIPER was reported from the the Ottawa River shoreline at the end of Parker Rd. between Eardley and Luskville in Quebec on the 16th, and a late COMMON TERN was seen the same day at the Deschenes rapids.

The first NORTHERN SHRIKES of the season were found on the weekend, HOUSE WREN and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD were new species for the count, and 62 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS was a new record high as were 14 SWAINSON'S THRUSHES. NASHVILLE, NORTHERN PARULA, MAGNOLIA and BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were all on the late side, a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (not reported on the count) was seen at the east end of Andew Haydon Park on the 16th, and everybody's favourite YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS hit a new record of 358 individuals! A late AMERICAN REDSTART found on the 14th in the Rockcliffe area did not show up on the weekend, nor did a CAROLINA WREN discovered east of Andrew Haydon Park, also on the 14th.

Sparrow numbers were generally low, probably due to the strong west winds. Again a total of 14 species included 1 NELSON'S SPARROW at Constance Bay (see photo by Mark Gawn) - still present on the 17th. A flock of 30 SNOW BUNTINGS was a sign of the season to come. PURPLE FINCHES were noted in 3 of the 4 count sectors, a single WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL flew over the the Mer Bleue boardwalk on the 16th, and 122 PINE SISKINS were found in the various count sectors.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 October 2011

from Chris Lewis

It was another action-packed week, with great weather and great birds including the first seasonal report of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE at the Nepean Equestrian Park at Moodie Dr. and Corktown Rd. on the 11th, and several ROSS'S GEESE from the 9th to the 11th - one was at the Moodie Dr. quarry pond and 3 were at a quarry on Giroux Rd. northeast of Navan. More SNOW GEESE are beginning to arrive, 41 BRANT were in Britannia Bay on the 10th and at least 1 CACKLING GOOSE was in this location on the 9th among the ever-growing numbers of CANADA GEESE. An influx of ducks in recent days included a EURASIAN WIGEON in Baie Noire on the Quebec side of the river on the 9th, and both sides of the river now have many AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP, HOODED and COMMON MERGANSER. Other species noted over the week were REDHEAD, GREATER SCAUP, all 3 species of SCOTERS, LONG-TAILED DUCK and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.

An immature RED-THROATED LOON was at Shirley's Bay on the 10th along with several HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBES. On the 4th, 15 GREAT EGRETS were counted at Shirley's Bay and at least 5 were still here on the weekend. A late-ish OSPREY was at Constance Bay on the 9th, BALD EAGLE and PEREGRINE FALCON sightings continue almost daily along the river, COMMON GALLINULE and AMERICAN COOT were noted at Baie Noire on the 9th, and on the 3rd several SANDHILL CRANES were seen again in the Navan area.

SHOREBIRDS were plentiful with 17 species reported. The most numerous in recent days were BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, WHITE-RUMPED and PECTORAL SANDPIPER and DUNLIN. Up to 5 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at Constance Bay from the 9th to the 11th and a total of 33 HUDSONIAN GODWITS were still on the Ottawa River from Constance Bay to the Deschenes rapids on the 9th, with flocks dispersing and coming together in different combinations every day. Eight were also seen at the Giroux quarry on the 11th. A BARN SWALLOW was on the late side at Shirley's Bay on the 5th.

A plethora of passerines has made woodland and field birding enjoyable. Many locations had multiple BROWN CREEPERS, WINTER WRENS, both species of KINGLETS, HERMIT THRUSHES, AMERICAN PIPITS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS along with a few ORANGE-CROWNED, NASHVILLE, NORTHERN PARULA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACKPOLL and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. A WILSON'S WARBLER was at Tunney's Pasture on the 4th. A movement of NELSON'S SPARROWS provided some excitement from the 8th to the 11th - at least a dozen (probably more) were in the cordgrass at the mouth of Constance Creek, and others were found at Baie Noire and Petrie Island. AMERICAN TREE, CHIPPING, FOX, WHITE-THROATED and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS are widespread, many in good numbers. Flocks of PURPLE FINCHES and PINE SISKINS were noted since the 4th, and a small number of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS flew over the Shirley's Bay area on the 6th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 4 October 2011

from Chris Lewis

The past week was dynamic for both weather and bird activity. More SNOW GEESE are arriving - groups of 25 or more appeared in a wide variety of locations, and the first seasonal reports of CACKLING GEESE came in since the 29th. Increased numbers of puddle ducks and diving ducks are showing up. It's getting late for GREEN HERONS but no real surprise that at least one was still at Mud Lake in Britannia on the 2nd. BALD EAGLES were again seen on early every visit to the Ottawa River, especially Shirley's Bay, along with both MERLIN and PEREGRINE FALCON.

There was lots of action on the shorebird scene. The High Falls Conservation Area in Casselman hosted 7 species on the 27th including SANDERLING and STILT SANDPIPER. A cold front with rain and northeast winds brought at least 14 species to the mud flats west of the Shirley's Bay causeway on the 2nd and 3rd. Numbers varied with the time of day and the presence of predators, but many observers reported at least 10 BLACK-BELLIED, 3 AMERICAN GOLDEN and up to a dozen SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, as well as several LESSER YELLOWLEGS and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS, perhaps 60 WHITE-RUMPED, 1 BAIRD'S, 50 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and 30 DUNLIN. More exotic visitors were 31 HUDSONIAN GODWITS and a RED PHALAROPE that spent most of the 3rd feeding and dodging falcons, and a MARBLED GODWIT was also reported from this location but was not seen after 9:00 AM. Back on the 29th a juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was still at the Richmond lagoons off Eagleson Rd. but has not been reported since.

On the 2nd the Deschenes rapids of the Ottawa River hosted 5 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and single LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were found at the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. and at Shirley's Bay.

The picture of passerine migration is also changing. A major movement of BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, WINTER WRENS and GOLDEN-CROWNED and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS was noted in the past few days. ORANGE-CROWNED, NORTHERN PARULA and BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS were found among the YELLOW-RUMPED flocks. The first seasonal reports of FOX SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO and SNOW BUNTING came in since the 30th, and an unusual visitor to a feeder in Pakenham was a FIELD SPARROW on the 1st.