Left: Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker photographed by Judy Valentine on Second Line Road (28 June 2010)

Can't find Milton Road? Not sure where the Sarsaparilla Trail is? Check the Birds Committee's location guide, complete with species to watch for and directions for getting to the best birding spots in the Ottawa region.

NOTE: Due to increasing and widespread concerns regarding disturbance of wildlife and property, the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Birds Committee has adopted a policy of no longer publicizing OWLS on the Bird Status Line or on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to the Bird Status Line for the purpose of maintaining local records. Please refer to the OFNC Code of Conduct.

Please note: Earlier reports (back to 1998) are still available from the webmaster on request.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 30 August 2010

from Chris Lewis

Most of the past week's reports again came from areas along the Ottawa River, especially the ever-popular Britannia Conservation Area and the causeway at Shirley's Bay. Gatherings of BLUE-WINGED TEAL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL and COMMON MERGANSERS are increasing, and three COMMON GOLDENEYE were seen near the Champlain bridge on the 30th. An amazing 30 GREAT EGRETS were counted roosting on the island in the Deschenes rapids on the evening of the 21st; singletons were found in a wide range of locations in and around Ottawa since then, and at least 13 were at Shirley's Bay on the 27th. GREEN HERONS were noted in several locations, and 13 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS of various ages were seen on the west end of the Deschenes island on the 26th.

A good variety of raptors have been hunting along the river including several OSPREYS, an adult and 2 juvenile BALD EAGLES, NORTHERN HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS, a female AMERICAN KESTREL in the same tree with a male MERLIN at Shirley's Bay, and at least two PEREGRINE FALCONS were noted by many observers at Andrew Haydon Park and in the Carlingwood area.

Assortment and numbers of shorebirds continue to vary from day to day, with moderate concentrations at Shirley's Bay. SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, KILLDEER, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS and up to 50 LEAST SANDPIPERS were joined by three BAIRD'S, two PECTORAL and one STILT SANDPIPER from the 25th to the 29th. A juvenile RUDDY TURNSTONE and three STILT SANDPIPERS were at the Casselman sewage lagoons on the 28th, and a SANDERLING was among small scattered groups of mostly Killdeer and Lesser Yellowlegs at Andrew Haydon Park on the 24th.

On the 27th three BONAPARTE'S GULLS were on the river east of Britannia and a juvenile has been hanging around Shirley's Bay where at least 6 CASPIAN TERNS were still present on the 27th. An impressive 47 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were observed at Deschenes on the 21st and from the 23rd to the 25th good numbers were also reported at Britannia and in Carleton Place.

A visit to the Embrun sewage lagoons on the 28th produced some good sightings including a very early female BUFFLEHEAD, seven juvenile COMMON MOORHENS, and large numbers of SWALLOWS, including approx. 1,000 TREE and smaller numbers of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, BANK, CLIFF and BARN. Several hundred swallows (mainly Tree) were also noted at Deschenes on recent evenings.

Songbird migration has finally stepped up! A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was singing at the base of the Shirley's Bay causeway on the 29th, BLUE-HEADED, WARBLING, PHILDELPHIA and RED-EYED VIREOS were all reported over the past week, and a movement of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES was noted on the weekend. From the 25th to the 29th, 19 species of WARBLERS included TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, NORTHERN PARULA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, CAPE MAY, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACKBURNIAN, PALM, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, BLACK-AND-WHITE, WILSON'S and CANADA. LEAST FLYCATCHERS, SCARLET TANAGERS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS and BALTIMORE ORIOLES have become more evident in the local landscape as well.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 24 August 2010

from Chris Lewis

The main local highlights were GREAT EGRETS and CASPIAN TERNS, with record high numbers of both seen along the Ottawa River. For at least the past 2 weeks up to 18 GREAT EGRETS have been roosting every evening on or near the island in the Deschenes rapids, and up to 14 have been spending the day at Shirley's Bay and elsewhere along the river; three were also seen at the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. on the 18th. At least 16 CASPIAN TERNS were still on the river off Innis Point on the 18th and varying numbers continue to be reported almost daily from Shirley's Bay.

Fluctuating water levels on the Ottawa River and the eastern sewage lagoons provided mixed success for shorebird seekers. During heavy intermittent thundershowers on the 14th and 15th up to 16 species of shorebirds dropped in on the mudflats at Shirley's Bay including BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, WHIMBREL, RUDDY TURNSTONE, SANDERLING, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER and RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, but most did not linger. The most frequently reported species continue to be KILLDEER, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and SEMIPALMATED, LEAST and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. On the 22nd nine STILT SANDPIPERS were observed on the Quebec side at the Aylmer marina, and on the 23rd Shirley's Bay and the Moodie Dr. pond each hosted three RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.

Other reports of note included an early SNOW GOOSE in flight over Andrew Haydon Park and Britannia on the 22nd, and multiple sightings of BALD EAGLES and PEREGRINE FALCONS at Shirley's Bay as well as other locations. Several AMERICAN KESTRELS were out and about in rural areas last weekend, including a family group of six all lined up on the wires along Giroux Rd. off Frank Kenny Rd. on the 21st. On the 20th an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was spotted among the increasing numbers of regular gull species on the river at Andrew Haydon, and a 2nd-year bird continues to frequent the Deschenes gull roost. The same evening, good numbers of COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were noted in the Carp and Dunrobin areas.

Still not much news on the passerine front; the most interesting report was of two RED CROSSBILLS at Britannia on the 22nd.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 13 August 2010

from Chris Lewis

The focus continues to be on water birds with most reports coming from the Ottawa River, as well as the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd.

An increase in the variety and number of ducks was noted at Shirley's Bay on the 9th including single COMMON GOLDENEYE, GREATER and LESSER SCAUP, and two RING-NECKED DUCKS. The Moodie Dr. pond also hosted two GADWALL, four REDHEAD and a dozen RUDDY DUCKS on the 10th, along with 26 PIED-BILLED GREBES.

Eight GREAT EGRETS were at Shirley's Bay on the 9th and the follwowing day at least seven were reported from the Deschenes rapids. An adult BALD EAGLE was the victim of harassment by several COMMON RAVENS at the Moodie Dr. pond on the 10th and on the 12th and 13th a juv. PEREGRINE FALCON kept the shorebirds on their toes at Shirley's Bay where multiple hundreds of "peeps" were present, mostly juvenile LEAST SANDPIPERS as well as smaller numbers of SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, one PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and a juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. Back on the 9th a WHIMBREL flew over, and the first seasonal report of a juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was on the 10th at Constance Bay.

A juvenile LITTLE GULL appeared among the BONAPARTE'S GULLS at the Moodie Dr. pond on the 9th but unfortunately was not seen again. Approx. 10 juv. Bony's were here on the 9th and 10th. The number of CASPIAN TERNS at Shirley's Bay reached a record high of 17 individuals on the 9th!

A small movement of COMMON NIGHTHAWKS was noted in the Britannia area on the evening of the 10th, approx. 15-20 CHIMNEY SWIFTS were very active over the Hampton Park area on the 13th, and increasing flocks of BOBOLINKS have been noted in rural areas. There has been very little mention of other passerine species in recent days, but more action is sure to begin soon!

Finally, just a reminder with regard to birding at Shirley's Bay and the Moodie pond: The Shirley's Bay causeway is on DND property and is monitored by Range Control - to obtain permission to access the woods and causeway please call 613-991-5740. The Moodie Dr. pond is an active sand & gravel quarry on private property - please view the pond from the road and do not cross the fence.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 9 August 2010

from Chris Lewis

It's still early for any significant bird migration events in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, but there have been several very interesting observations.

The number 1 highlight was an unprecedented number (for Ottawa) of 13 CASPIAN TERNS at Shirley's Bay on Aug. 2nd. Most were seen between the islands along the causeway, and at least four were still present and actively fishing west of the causeway on the 7th. On the 8th, six GREAT EGRETS were hanging out together west of the causeway, and two were seen the same morning at Andrew Haydon Park. Eight were also reported from the Quebec side of the Deschenes rapids from July 30th - Aug. 1st....which begs the question: how many Great Egrets are there on the Ottawa River?

Waterfowl numbers have remained fairly static on the river and at the eastern sewage lagoons, however numbers of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are building up, as are those of GREAT BLUE HERONS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS.

Recent raptor highlights included BALD EAGLES in a wide variety of locations. From July 30th - Aug. 8th, an adult was seen in a backyard in Dunrobin, immature birds flew over Cumberland and the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of the Trail Rd. landfill, and at least 3 individuals of different ages were seen in the Shirley's Bay area. A PEREGRINE FALCON was at the east end of Andrew Haydon Park on the 5th, and multiple MERLINS have been frequenting the Ottawa River shoreline and stirring up the shorebirds on the ever-increasing mud flats.

The variety and numbers of shorebirds have not changed very much since the last local update. LEAST SANDPIPER continues to be the most numerous species, with more juveniles beginning to appear. New arrivals included one BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER at Shirley's Bay on the 5th and three at the Casselman sewage lagoons on the 8th, and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER and an immature RED-NECKED PHALAROPE at the Embrun lagoons on the 8th.

Numbers of juvenile BONAPARTE'S GULLS have begun to increase, with eight seen on the Ottawa River east of Andrew Haydon Park on the 7th and a dozen at the Moodie Dr. pond the same day. A second -year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL first seen at the Deschenes rapids back on July 23rd was still present on Aug. 3rd. Varying numbers of COMMON TERNS (many of them young birds) continue to be seen on the Ottawa River, especially at Shirley's Bay.

From the 2nd to the 7th of Aug., two adult and one juvenile RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS have been observed in the Constance Bay area - this is the 9th consecutive successful breeding season for this species at this location.

Serious songbird migration has yet to begin, but post-breeding movement continues. Good numbers of CHIMNEY SWIFTS were noted at Britannia on the 7th and five species of swallows were seen at the Embrun lagoons on the 4th. Warblers reported over the past week included NASHVILLE, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, CAPE MAY, YELLOW-RUMPED, BAY-BREASTED, BLACK-AND-WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and a female SCARLET TANAGER with a juvenile were spotted at Britannia on the 7th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 30 July 2010

from Chris Lewis

Another somewhat static week for bird sightings, but not without highlights and the beginnings of some changes in the local scenario.

Increased numbers of waterfowl noted at Shirley's Bay on the 29th included WOOD DUCK, AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, LESSER SCAUP and HOODED MERGANSER. RUDDY DUCKS with downy young were seen at the Embrun sewage lagoon on the 25th along with several COMMON MOORHENS with young of various ages. An adult PIED-BILLED GREBE with two flightless young were noted on Mud Lake in the Britannia Conservation Area on the 28th, and the adult RED-NECKED GREBE at the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. was still present as of at least the 24th; no young were observed on that day, but evidently 2 were seen here last week.

Up to seven non-banded GREAT EGRETS have been seen at Shirley's Bay as of the 28th, and five were seen roosting on the same evening at the island in the Deschenes rapids. A few juvenile BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were seen at the Deschenes island on the 25th, and five were observed at Mud Lake on the 28th. Also at Britannia on the 28th an immature PEREGRINE FALCON was being harrassed by a COOPER'S HAWK.

Although the habitat along the Ottawa River continues to be excellent for shorebirds, only ten species were reported from the 21st to the 29th, mostly the expected ones with KILLDEER, SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, LESSER YELLOWLEGS and LEAST SANDPIPERS constituing the majority. Otherwise, a few SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SOLITARY, SEMIPALMATED and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were noted from the 20th to the 29th. An adult BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was a stand-out at "Ottawa Beach" (the east end of Andrew Haydon Park) on the 20th. The scenario was similar at the sewage lagoons east of Ottawa, with the Casselman lagoons having the best habitat on the 25th and at least 200 LEAST SANDPIPERS present.

Single adult BONAPARTE'S GULLS were seen at the Moodie Dr. quarry pond on the 24th, and at Shirley's Bay and Britannia on the 28th and 29th, and a very young BLACK TERN was spotted at the Embrun lagoons on the 24th.

On the passerine front, Shirley's Bay and Britannia were quite active in recent days. Among the vanguard of post-breeding migrants reported since the 21st were the first YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS of the season!

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 July 2010

from Chris Lewis

A welcome break in the extended heat wave has provided more comfortable temperatures for birding. Noteworthy sightings over the past few days included the following.

An adult RED-NECKED GREBE discovered at the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. on the 17th was in itself a rare sight for Ottawa in July, but even more exciting was the fact that it was with a partly grown chick - a first breeding record for the Ottawa area.

Please note that this site is an active sand and gravel quarry on private property. The pond can be viewed from the road. Do not cross the fence.

As of the 17th up to five GREAT EGRETS have appeared together at Shirley's Bay (none of the birds appeared to have leg bands), and a sub-adult BALD EAGLE was also present here on the 18th along with an adult CASPIAN TERN. A Caspian Tern was also seen at the Deschenes rapids on the 16th.

For permission to access the Shirley's Bay causeway please call the DND Range Control office at 613-991-5740.

Shorebird numbers and species have remained quite static since last week; various sites on the mud flats along the Ottawa River again hosted mainly KILLDEER, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED, SEMIPALMATED and LEAST SANDPIPERS. A couple of SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were also seen in recent days.

At least seven COMMON TERNS were noted at Shirley's Bay on the weekend and a few were also seen at Andrew Haydon Park and the Moodie Dr. pond.

The Shirley's Bay area has also been quite productive for a good variety of songbirds.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 15 July 2010

from Chris Lewis

Local reports over the past week were dominated by herons and shorebirds. On the 11th a LEAST BITTERN was heard in the marsh at the north end of the boardwalk at the Mer Bleue conservation area, and AMERICAN BITTERNS were seen at the Bill Mason Centre west of Dunrobin as well as in the Constance Creek marsh on the 12th. GREAT EGRETS were again reported from the Ottawa River with single birds noted at Andrew Haydon Park and the Deschenes rapids, and up to three at Shirley's Bay from the 10th to the 14th. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS have also been seen almost daily, with most sightings coming from the Ottawa River in the Britannia / Deschenes area.

Shorebird movement has definitely picked up in recent days. Local breeders such as KILLDEER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER and WILSON'S SNIPE were noted in a wide variety of locations. New arrivals since the 10th included SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SOLITARY, SEMIPALMATED and PECTORAL SANDPIPER and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and numbers of LESSER YELLOWLEGS and LEAST SANDPIPERS have increased significantly. The extensive mud-flats along the Ottawa River from Britannia Bay through Shirley's Bay should continue to be very attractive for shorebirds, and the Embrun, St. Albert and Casselman sewage lagoons also appear to be fairly productive.

In other reports: An AMERICAN COOT and a BLACK TERN were seen at the Embrun lagoons along with the usual duck families on the 11th and a MERLIN was hunting the shorebirds here on the 14th; on the 11th SANDHILL CRANES were heard calling in the Mer Bleue area; and signs of post-breeding dispersal among several passerine species have also begun.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 July 2010

from Chris Lewis

Summer rolls on, with few changes on the local birding front. Still, there's always something interesting out there.

The TRUMPETER SWAN family of 2 adults and four young was most recently seen on June 27th south of the bridge on 9th Line Beckwith near Carleton Place. Many duck species with young were observed at the Embrun sewage lagoons on July 1st, and a few probably summering adult AMERICAN WIGEON and RING-NECKED DUCKS were seen at the large quarry pond along Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. on the 2nd, as well as several PIED-BILLED GREBES with young.

A GREAT EGRET and a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON were at the Bruce Pit on Cedarview Rd. on the 25th. Monitoring of the GREAT EGRETS at the Ring-billed Gull colony in the Deschenes rapids of the Ottawa River has yet to reveal confirmed nesting at this site. On the 26th, seven BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were also seen at this location.

A few inklings of southbound shorebird migration have begun: on Canada Day, a visit to the Almonte sewage lagoons produced one LESSER YELLOWLEGS and eight LEAST SANDPIPERS, and there were nine LEAST SANDPIPERS at the Embrun lagoons the same day.

CASPIAN TERNS are rare but annual transient summer visitors to our region. On June 25th, one was noted at McLaurin Bay in Gatineau, and one was seen at Andrew Haydon Park in Ottawa on July 3rd.

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS were reported from two Quebec breeding bird atlas squares in the Poltimore area on the 27th, and on the 25th a single bird was again noted in Gatineau Park at the Champlain lookout. Many common breeding birds continue to be very active (before the day's temperature gets too hot!) and a few less common and very local breeders such as the eastern or "yellow"PALM WARBLER and LINCOLN'S SPAROW were reported from the Mer Bleue boardwalk from June 27th and July 5th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 24 June 2010

from Chris Lewis

As expected, a slow week for bird news, but not without some interesting reports.

The most recent report of the TRUMPETER SWAN family on the Jock River near Carleton Place was on the 19th, although they are no doubt still in or near the area. At least one of the GREAT EGRETS at the Ring-billed Gull colony in the Deschenes rapids was observed probing among the branches and on the ground on the 22nd and 23rd, and seems to have a very consistent flight routine to and from the thicket near the centre of the island. A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was also observed on the 23rd, carrying a stick as it over the Britannia Conservation area towards towards the Ottawa River.

Several good sightings from participants in the current Quebec breeding bird atlas included a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO along the main road north of the Mont Cascades ski resort on the 21st, as well as UPLAND SANDPIPER and NORTHERN PARULA elsewhere in the same atlas square. On the 20th a wetland on the edge of Gatineau Park north of Quyon was productive for LEAST BITTERN, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, UPLAND SANDPIPER, WHIP-POOR-WILL, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. A nice variety of common and uncommon breeding species was also reported from several locations around Ottawa.

The resident pair of PEREGRINE FALCONS evidently failed to hatch the three eggs laid in early May on the Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Ottawa. However, on the 23rd it was reported that the female has laid a new egg after removing one of the originals. It will be interesting to see what comes of this very late attempt to start another family!

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 18 June 2010

from Chris Lewis

The most interesting reports from the past week involved breeding or potentially breeding species.

The discovery of two adult TRUMPETER SWANS with four young on the Jock River near Carleton Place on June 13 created some local excitement. Most recently spotted on the evening of the 17th, they are not always easy to see among the vegetation near the bridge on 9th Line Beckwith. Their fidelity to this site seems to indicate that they nested nearby, and would make this the first breeding record for the Ottawa-Gatineau 50 km area.

Many reports of GREAT EGRETS have come in from both the Ontario and Quebec sides of the Deschenes rapids since the middle of April. Since June 11, at least three have been seen flying around and disappearing into the vegetation among the Ring-billed Gull colony on the islet in the rapids. Although this may just be a roosting site, possible nesting activity cannot be ruled out. If this is confirmed, we have yet another first breeding record for the 50K.

Breeding evidence for YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was also noted in the Cumberland area - an adult was heard earlier in the month, and on the 15th one was seen carrying a fecal sac. (The specific location is not given, as this is a rare local breeding species). It's been an interesting season for Yellow-billed Cuckoos in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, with reports from widespread locations including Gatineau Park and the Low-Poltimore area in Quebec, and the Shirley's Bay and Cumberland areas in Ontario.

An excursion along Paugan Rd. from Poltimore to Low on the 13th was successful for many breeding species including pairs of RED-SHOULDERED and BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, a singing male OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, and other territorial passerines.

Other recent reports of note were three RED KNOTS in breeding plumage and a few SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS at the St. Albert sewage lagoons on the 14th. The Embrun lagoons also hosted a few SEMIPALMATED and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS and a BLACK TERN on the 12th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 9 June 2010

from Chris Lewis

No real surprises on the local scene as shorebirds are winding up their northward migraton and most passerines are where they want to be, on breeding territories.

A good number and variety of ducks were still at Shirley's Bay on the 7th. Among the multitude of MALLARDS in the incredibly shallow water on the west side of the causeway were WOOD DUCK, GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a single male NORTHERN PINTAIL, several GREEN-WINGED TEAL and a single male REDHEAD that has been here for several days.

Single GREAT EGRETS were seen again on the Ottawa River at Britannia on the 5th and Shirley's Bay on the 7th. The Embrun sewage lagoons hosted a good number of shorebirds on the 6th including 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 350 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, and one each of WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER and DUNLIN. The same day at the Casselman lagoons there were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 60 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, one each of LEAST & WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER and DUNLIN, and a late-for-Ottawa PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Shirley's Bay was disappointing for shorebirds other than a few SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and SANDPIPERS on the 6th, and on the 7th the only species were resident KILLDEER and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS.

Both YELLOW-BILLED and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were found again in Gatineau Park last week, the first local report of COMMON NIGHTHAWK (that this compiler is aware of) came from the Carp ridge along Thomas Dolan Parkway on the 5th, and if there is only one PINE SISKIN in town, it was at a feeder in Cumberland on the 7th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 1 June 2010

from Chris Lewis

Another week of mostly very warm and very dry weather brought in a nice variety of bird sightings.

No real news in the waterfowl dept., although a single SNOW GOOSE was still at the Alfred lagoons on the 30th, a BRANT was literally on the rocks in the Deschenes rapids of the Ottawa River on the 28th, and seven WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen on the river north of Petrie Island. AMERICAN BITTERN was reported from the eastern lagoons and the Constance Creek marsh by the Thomas Dolan Parkway, and the first local report of LEAST BITTERN came from Constance Creek on the 29th and 30th. At least one GREAT EGRET was at Shirley's Bay on the 28th and another was in the Petrie Island marsh on the 30th. A pair of SANDHILL CRANES, followed by a group of seven, flew over Pakenham on the evening of the 28th.

A good movement of shorebirds occurred from the 26th through the 31st, including up to 10 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and 7 RUDDY TURNSTONES in the Deschenes rapids and a RED KNOT that made a brief appearance at the west end of Andrew Haydon Park on the 29th. Numerous SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Shirley's Bay and the Embrun sewage lagoons. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS began to outnumber the LEAST SANDPIPERS in several locations. Three WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were at Shirley's Bay on the 26th and two were at Embrun on the 30th along with 20 DUNLIN. A few local showers on the 26th brought 14 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE down to the extensive mud flat at Shirley's Bay. Eight female WILSON'S PHALAROPES were reported from Embrun on the 25th and a female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was also at Alfred on the 30th. Approx. 15 BONAPARTE'S GULLS at Deschenes rapids on the 30th were joined by a BLACK TERN on the 31st. A highlight on the 30th was a CASPIAN TERN at Andrew Haydon Park. Now is prime time for ARCTIC TERNS - two were observed at the rapids on the 28th.

Two separate sightings of YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO came from the trails off the Champlain lookout in Gatineau Park on the 26th, and the same observer had an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER in the park at Champlain Rd. and the road to Lac Fortune. Two or three transient OLIVE-SIDED'S were vocalizing and fly-catching along a trail off Timm Dr. in Bells Corner's the same day. ALDER and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS are in good voice on their breeding grounds, SEDGE WRENS were found in traditional areas in the Richmond-Munster and Kilmaurs-Woodlawn areas. Additional waves of SWAINSON'S and a few GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES flew over during several clear nights last week, and a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD popped up at Timm and Haanel Dr. in Bells Corners on the 26th.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS were buzzing away on the Carp Ridge along the Thomas Dolan Parkway on the weekend, and the Larose forest as well as forests on the Quebec side were as usual great places to find breeding songbirds. Eighteen species of warblers, mostly breeders, were found in the Lac Lablanche area north of Mayo, Quebec on the 29th along with other species of northern affinity such as BLUE-HEADED VIREO, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and PURPLE FINCH. Field species of interest included five CLAY-COLOURED and two GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS in the Burnt Lands near Almonte, and BOBOLINKS are displaying in their typical habitats.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 25 May 2010

from Chris Lewis

Unseasonably warm weather continues, and birds continue to move through with many species now on their breeding gounds or well on their way.

The only report of BRANT so far was of a single bird at Shirley's Bay on the 24th, and back on the 18th 60 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS briefly appeared here. Most of the regular puddle ducks could be found at this location, as well as at some of the sewage lagoons east of Ottawa.

Four GREAT EGRETS at Shirley's Bay on the 23rd was an unusual number for this time of year in our region; two were also reported from Alymer, Quebec on the 20th and a single bird was again sporadically seen in or near the Britannia Conservation Area. A couple of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were noted in the vicinity of Andrew Haydon Park and Britannia, and a MERLIN evidently had some success preying on the PURPLE MARTIN colony at Dick Bell Park on the 20th.

Shorebird-watching was rewarding at Shirley's Bay as well as the Embrun and St. Albert lagoons on the Victoria Day weekend, with LEAST SANDPIPER the most numerous species. Many SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, a couple of rather late GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a few LESSER YELLOWLEGS and DUNLIN were noted, and the first reports of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER came from the 22nd to the 24th.

The LITTLE GULL at the Deschenes rapids was last reported on the 21st and most of the BONAPARTE'S GULLS have cleared out, with only two present at the rapids on the 24th. At least 50 BLACK TERNS are back on their breeding grounds in the Marais aux Grenouillettes east of Gatineau, Quebec and good numbers of COMMON TERNS were seen on the Ottawa River from Britannia though to Shirley's Bay.

Both species of CUCKOOS were found in Gatineau Park on the weekend and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was also noted elsewhere. The first local report of WHIP-POOR-WILL came from Chelsea, Quebec on the evening of the 22nd.

ALDER and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS have arrived, a PHILADELPHIA VIREO was found among the numerous RED-EYED VIREOS along a trail off the Champlain lookout in Gatineau Park on the 24th, and CLIFF SWALLOWS are once again nesting under the Champlain bridge between the provinces. Also back on territory was a SEDGE WREN along the drive to Marais aux Grenouillettes, and two MARSH WRENS were singing at Shirley's Bay on the 23rd. Clear nights from the 19th to the 23rd prompted a flight of SWAINSON'S THRUSHES. Among 17 species of warblers found in Gatineau Park on the weekend were TENNESSEE, CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, BLACKBURNIAN, MOURNING, BLACKPOLL, WILSON'S and CANADA, and SCARLET TANAGERS, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, INDIGO BUNTINGS and BALTIMORE ORIOLES are now abundant and vocal in their breeding areas.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 19 May 2010

from Chris Lewis

The middle of May is usually a dynamic time for migration and the past week did not disappoint!

Waterfowl for the most part are well-established in breeding habitats, although 16 SNOW GEESE were still at the Alfred lagoons on the 18th and a couple of late COMMON GOLDENEYE were still on the Ottawa River at Britannia on the 17th. CANADA GEESE and MALLARDS have hatched their first broods. New on the scene were 7 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS at Dechenes rapids on the 18th. A lone and rather late RED-NECKED GREBE was seen on both the river and the pond at Britannia from the 14th to at least the 18th. A GREAT EGRET was seen again at Britannia on the 15th and GREEN HERON and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON were present here as well.

Shorebird sightings from the Ottawa River included small numbers of LEAST SANDPIPERS, DUNLIN and two SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS at Shirley's Bay on the 16th, a RUDDY TURNSTONE on the rocks in the Deschenes rapids and a dozen LEAST SANDPIPERS at the west end of Andrew Haydon Park on the 17th. Small numbers of SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED SANDPIPERS and up to 16 LEAST SANDPIPERS were at the stormwater pond along Eagleson Rd. at Fernbank Rd. from the 16th to the 18th. A visit to the eastern sewage lagoons on the 18th yielded a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 7 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and 25 LEAST SANDPIPERS at Alfred, as well as 20 each of SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and 50 each of LEAST SANDPIPERS at St. Albert and Embrun. WILSON'S PHALAROPES were again noted at the lagoons.

The most exciting bird of the week was a 1st-summer LITTLE GULL discovered at the Deschenes rapids on the 16th, coinciding with a large emergence of mayflies typical for this time of year. The gull was still present as of at least the 18th. The flying feast also attracted good numbers of BONAPARTE'S GULLS - 74 were counted on the 16th and varying numbers have been seen since then. Rather early was a flight of ARCTIC TERNS up the river with two on the 16th and 5 on the 17th all seen from the shore by Britannia filtration plant. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was heard several times on the 17th in Gatineau Park near the Champlain lookout.

Passerines were well-represented all over the area. EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES were first reported on the 17th, LEAST FLYCATCHERS are now widespread, and BANK SWALLOWS are back in good numbers at the Moodie Dr. quarry pond south of Trail Rd. VEERIES, HERMIT THRUSHES, WOOD THRUSHES and GRAY CATBIRDS are on territory, and the only expected warbler species yet to be reported are ORANGE-CROWNED and WILSON'S. The Britannia Conservation Area and other migrant traps were hopping with warblers on the weekend, and two territorial male GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS were found in a traditonal location along the railroad tracks off Huntmar Dr. south of Old Carp Rd. on the 15th. Many more reports of SCARLET TANAGERS, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS and BALTIMORE ORIOLES have come in, and another sighting of a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was reported on the 17th, flying over the town of Embrun with COMMON GRACKLES, but was not seen again.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 12 May 2010

from Chris Lewis

Although the weather in the National Capital region was not as severe as in other parts of the province, cold temperatures and strong winds slightly slowed migration. Even so, seasonal progress has continued. SNOW GEESE were still moving through on the 9th, with 2000-3000 seen along Hwy 417 near km. 18. On the 5th a GREAT EGRET appeared at Mud Lake in Britannia, and 2 SANDHILL CRANES flew over the Carlington quarry the same day. Several sightings of Sandhill Cranes were also reported from various locations on the Quebec side in recent weeks.

As of at least the 4th, the female of the resident pair of PEREGRINE FALCONS appears to have settled on a site on the same ledge of the Crowne Plaza hotel where she nested last year. Current updates on the Peregrines' progress, as well as info about this year's Falcon Watch, can be viewed on the OFNC website.

Shorebird movement picked up last week. On the 5th and 7th increased numbers of GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS as well as the first LEAST and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and DUNLIN appeared at sewage lagoons south and east of Ottawa. An UPLAND SANDPIPER was seen near Constance Bay on the 4th, and WILSON'S PHALAROPES were again reported from the Embrun lagoons as well as the Chesterville lagoons.

During the summer-like weather on the 4th, three RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS were seen at a feeder in Manotick. The first reports of LEAST FLYCATCHER and EASTERN KINGBIRD came in last week, and many of the local nesting COMMON RAVENS have fledged young. Approx. 50 nests have been informally monitored by several observers and the species obviously continues to be very successful in rural and urban areas. Good numbers of AMERICAN PIPITS were seen in rural areas on the 7th and 8th.

New warblers reported since the 5th were TENNESSEE, NORTHERN PARULA, CAPE MAY and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, bringing the local species total to 17 so far. CLAY-COLOURED and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS are now back on territory south of the international airport, as are BOBOLINKS and BALTIMORE ORIOLES in their preferred habitats. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS continue to arrive and move through, a sizeable flock of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS was singing in the woods along Berry Side Rd. east of Dunrobin on the 5th, another lone PINE SISKIN was heard in flight, this time in the Carp hills along Thomas Dolan Parkway, and EVENING GROSBEAKS continue to visit a feeder along Clarence-Cambridge Rd. at the western end of the Larose forest.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 5 May 2010

from Chris Lewis

A significant movement of expected migrants occurred over the past week, as well as a few unexpected individuals. A spectacular male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD showed up in a backyard in the Queenswood Heights area of Orleans on the 27th but has not been reported since the 28th, and an incredibly early BLACKPOLL WARBLER in the Britannia Conservation Area on the 2nd coincided with other observations south of our area.

The main thrust of waterfowl migration has wound down, although many CANADA GEESE are still around and moving through, and mainly local breeding ducks were reported from several locations. A couple of COMMON GOLDENEYE and BUFFLEHEAD were still on the Ottawa River at Shirley's Bay on the 2nd, and a male hybrid COMMON X BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was reported from the Quebec side of the Deschenes rapids on April 29th.

A GREAT EGRET was seen at Marais aux Grenouillettes near Masson, Quebec, on the 30th, and AMERICAN BITTERN, GREEN HERON and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON were all found in traditional breeding areas as were VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, and COMMON MOORHEN. A flight of BROAD-WINGED HAWKS was noted, with several individuals seen heading north from the 27th to the 2nd. MERLINS were again spotted in a wide variety of urban and suburban locations, performing their distinctive vocal and flight displays.

Despite the excellent shorebird habitat along the Ottawa River and some of the eastern sewage lagoons, species and numbers have so far been only minimal. Recent observations included only a few KILLDEER, SOLITARY and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, a smattering of GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS and WILSON'S SNIPE, an UPLAND SANDPIPER near Franktown and Dwyer Hill Rds., and 2 pairs of WILSON'S PHALAROPES at the Embrun lagoons.

At the Trail Rd. landfill on the 30th there were 6 species of gulls including single very late lingering ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS as well as (again) an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL; single ICELAND and GLAUCOUS (perhaps the same individuals) were also seen at the Deschenes rapids on the 2nd. At least three COMMON TERNS were back at Shirley's Bay as of the 2nd, and the first local report of CHIMNEY SWIFTS came in on the 30th.

Lots of action on the passerine front certainly livened up the local landscape. GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, BLUE-HEADED, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREO, HOUSE WREN, WOOD THRUSH and GRAY CATBIRD are all back. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was somewhat elusive at Shirley's Bay on the 2nd, but BROWN THRASHERS and CEDAR WAXWINGS are now widespread. An AMERICAN PIPIT flew over Shirley's Bay on the 1st.

Thirteen species of warblers have now been reported, with NASHVILLE, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACKBURNIAN, BLACK-AND-WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART and OVENBIRD new since the 30th. No doubt many more species will be reported soon. EASTERN TOWHEES are back on territory in the Carp hills, and seven breeding species of sparrows were singing in their typical habitats on the weekend, with only CLAY-COLOURED and GRASSHOPPER yet to arrive. A major influx of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS was noted on the 1st, a couple of ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS were seen at Britannia on the 2nd, and single RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were present at Shirley's Bay and Britannia on the 4th.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 27 April 2010

from Chris Lewis

Visits to a variety of traditional birding locations revealed that migration and breeding activity are pretty much as expected for the time of year.

At the Alfred lagoons on the 20th there were still approx. 3000 - 5000 SNOW GEESE in and around the ponds, as well as a good selection of ducks including NORTHERN SHOVELER, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, REDHEAD, BUFFLEHEAD and RUDDY DUCK. The Embrun lagoons hosted GADWALL, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS and two WILSON'S PHALAROPES on the 24th.

A GREAT EGRET discovered at Shirley's Bay on the 18th has not been reported since then, however on the 20th a pair of REDHEAD was noted at this location, and on the 24th six RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and a COMMON LOON were seen in the bay off Innis Point. From the woods at the Innis Point Bird Observatory came the first reports of YELLOW WARBLER (24th) and PALM WARBLER (18th).

A report from the Trail Rd. landfill on the 21st mentioned a very out-of-season 2nd winter ICELAND GULL as well as three LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. On the 25th at the Eagleson / Fernbank Rd. ponds there was a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON.

The ever-popular Britannia Conservation Area was as usual quite busy, often with more people than birds. A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was spotted flying north towards the river on the 24th and a BROAD-WINGED HAWK was a fly-over migrant on the 20th. Although the woods were rather quiet in recent days (except for human traffic), species found here included BLUE-HEADED and WARBLING VIREO among the now common RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, YELLOW-RUMPED and PINE WARBLERS. A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER was found here on the 25th.

Wetlands in the Dunrobin area were productive for AMERICAN BITTERN, VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, RUSTY BLACKBIRD and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER on the weekend. An UPLAND SANDPIPER was back on territory near Constance Bay on the 24th, and several AMERICAN KESTRELS were seen in rural areas west of the city. PURPLE MARTINS are back at the martin houses in Dick Bell Park, and more reports have come in of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and BARN SWALLOWS in many areas. HERMIT THRUSHES, BROWN THRASHERS, CHIPPING, SAVANNAH and SWAMP SPARROWS are enthusiastically proclaiming territories, as are a few FIELD and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. Good numbers of DARK-EYED JUNCOS continue to move through.

And finally, a couple of interesting birds were reported from feeders: an early ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK showed up in Manotick on the 19th and 20th, and a lone PINE SISKIN visited a feeder in Cumberland on the 22nd and 23rd.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 20 April 2010

from Chris Lewis

Lots of activity over the past week, and many reasons to get out there and enjoy life! A GREAT EGRET discovered at Shirley's Bay on the 18th was not record early, but a treat to see nonetheless. Eleven species of waterfowl were seen at Shirley's Bay on the 18th as well as two HORNED GREBES and a RED-NECKED GREBE, and a flight of raptors over the bay was a surprise considering the cool northwest winds. ** Please remember to call the DND Range Control Office (613-991-5740) for permission to access the causeway.** Visits to other waterfowl magnets such as the Ottawa River, the large quarry pond along Moodie Dr. as well as the eastern sewage lagoons were also productive, with at least 20 species reported since last week.

Several WILD TURKEYS were spotted from Milton & Smith Rds. southwest of Navan on the 17th and another one of those independent types was flying and running around in the Carlington area on the 15th. As previously mentioned, a flight of raptors occurred on the 18th (many were likely local breeders) and included TURKEY VULTURE, OSPREY, BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, COOPER'S HAWK, AMERICAN KESTREL and MERLIN. An AMERICAN COOT was spotted at the Moodie Dr. pond on the 16th, VIRGINIA RAILS were vocal at Petrie Island, and several SANDHILL CRANES calling and displaying in the Milton / Smith Rd. area were crowd-pleasers for an OFO excursion on the 17th. The only "new" shorebird reported recently was a single LESSER YELLOWLEGS at the Embrun lagoons the same day. A PURPLE MARTIN was heard flying over Shirley's Bay on the 18th, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and BARN SWALLOWS are also back in town.

A major influx of songbirds has occurred. Many sightings from widespread locations included multiple WINTER WRENS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, HERMIT THRUSHES, BROWN THRASHERS, YELLOW-RUMPED and PINE WARBLERS, CHIPPING, FIELD, VESPER, SAVANNAH, FOX and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, and PURPLE FINCHES. An observation of a small mixed flock of BOHEMIAN and CEDAR WAXWINGS was interesting at Shirley's Bay on the 18th, as was a fly-over of a single PINE SISKIN at Britannia the same day. Good numbers of EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen at feeders near the Larose forest and in Pakenham on the weekend.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 14 April 2010

from Chris Lewis

A change to near-normal temperatures and northwest winds did not deter expected migrants.

After the early "main event" in eastern Ontario in mid-March, SNOW GEESE continue to move through; 3000-5000 were at the St-Isidore sewage lagoons and 6000-8000 were at the Alfred lagoons on the 13th. Several thousand were also noted from Chesterville and eastward in the past week. The Alfred lagoons and the marshes along the Ottawa River on the Quebec side were also productive for waterfowl in the past few days - all of the common puddle ducks are "common", and it's no surprise that REDHEAD, RUDDY DUCK and AMERICAN COOT were all back at Alfred as of at least the 13th. A male EURASIAN WIGEON was still present at Baie Noire in Parc National de Plaisance on the 9th. A pair of GREATER SCAUP were on Shirley's Bay on the 12th along with varying numbers of LESSER SCAUP and BUFFLEHEAD, which were also noted at other locations.

PIED-BILLED GREBES are now abundant in local marshes, and at Shirley's Bay on the 11th there were two HORNED GREBES as well as up to five RED-NECKED GREBES that have been present here since at least the 9th.

On the 11th, seven immature BALD EAGLES were seen flying over the Thurso, Quebec area and five individual RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS were reported from traditional breeding areas in Constance Bay and Dunrobin on the 8th. A few ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were again noted on both the Ontario and Quebec sides, and an immature GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted heading north over Carling Ave. and Moodie Dr. on the 9th.

Reports from the Embrun lagoons since the 7th mentioned excellent shorebird habitat but very few birds; however two PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen here on the 7th, and single GREATER YELLOWLEGS were also noted here as well as at Alfred on the 13th.

The first report of an adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER back on territory in Constance Bay came in on the 8th. The first reports of WINTER WRENS came from the Jack Pine Trail in the Stony Swamp and the Britannia woods on the 11th and 12th, a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was found at Britannia on the 9th, and PINE WARBLERS reported from Jack Pine and Britannia on the 9th and 11th were very early for this "neck of the woods". A few CHIPPING, SAVANNAH, FOX, and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were found in widespread locations, and a couple of recent reports also mentioned PURPLE FINCHES at feeders.

Ottawa and area bird sightings to 6 April 2010

from Chris Lewis

What a fabulous week and holiday weekend for enjoying the weather and life returning to the landscape!

Recent waterfowl highlights included a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE south of Kars on the 30th, seven TUNDRA SWANS along Hwy 148 east of Thurso, Quebec, on the 25th and 31st, and a male EURASIAN WIGEON at Baie Noire in Parc National de Plaisance from the 28th until at least the 3rd. Over the past few days, the extensive wetlands on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River have contained GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RING-NECKED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, and HOODED & COMMON MERGANSER. On the Ontario side, many of the above were also seen, as well as up to 5 CACKLING GEESE and 20 RUDDY DUCKS at the large quarry pond on Moodie Dr. Numbers of LESSER SCAUP have increased at Shirley's Bay, the first reports of a few RED-NECKED GREBES came from this location on the 4th, and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS have begun to arrive as well. The first reports of PIED-BILLED GREBE and COMMON MOORHEN came from the Masson -Thurso marshes on the weekend.

A nice flight of raptors coincided with the southwest winds and warm temperatures from the 2nd to the 4th. Observations from both the Ontario and Quebec sides included impressive numbers of TURKEY VULTURES, as well as multiple BALD EAGLES, NORTHERN HARRIERS, COOPER'S HAWKS, NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, RED-SHOULDERED and RED-TAILED HAWKS. The 4th of April is an early return date for locally-breeding OSPREYS - pairs were seen at nests on Rifle Rd. by Shirley's Bay and Steeple Hill Cr. by the Jock River. A few ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were moving through on the weekend, and a sub-adult GOLDEN EAGLE was seen near Kemptville on the 1st. All of our species of falcons were reported, with AMERICAN KESTRELS and MERLINS in the majority, and a report from Plaisance, Quebec on the 3rd included both a grey morph GYRFALCON and a PEREGRINE FALCON.

VIRGINIA RAILS are back at the Bill Mason Centre in Dunrobin. The first report of GREATER YELLOWLEGS came from Constance Creek at Vances Side Rd. on the 30th. WILSON'S SNIPES and AMERICAN WOODCOCKS continue to be reported from appropriate habitats. A couple of adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were in fields along Carling Avenue on the 30th and Barnsdale Rd. on the 5th, and a 1st summer ICELAND GULL was also at the latter location. BELTED KINGFISHERS, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and NORTHERN FLICKERS are back since the 1st as well.

EASTERN PHOEBES were first reported on the 30th and are now widespread, as are TREE SWALLOWS, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS. The first local WARBLER was a YELLOW-RUMPED on the 5th, the first SAVANNAH and SWAMP SPARROWS were heard on the weekend, and an early movement of FOX SPARROWS occured from the 2nd to the 5th. EASTERN MEADOWLARKS are back right on time, small numbers of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS have been found in widespread locations since the 30th, and at least 1 PINE SISKIN was discovered in Rothwell Heights where this species nested last summer.