Greetings Ontbirders, Today (June 1st) winds were very strong, up to 30 KPH from the north. In anticipation of a movement of Arctic Terns, we went to the Ottawa River at Britannia (Deschenes rapids east of the Britannia water purification plant) to search for interesting larids. It is well known that in the Ottawa region these terns can show up any time between the last week of May and the 1st two weeks of June (virtually an annual occurrence). This is the time when a mass emergence of Ephemeroptera (mayflies) occurs. Among the countless 1000's of Ring-billed-Gulls hawking for these insects other rarities such as jaegers & rare gulls are possible.
Shortly after our arrival, we discovered the 1st of 3 ARCTIC TERNS (at 2:15 PM). We watched this bird for approx. 1/2 hour until it moved west up the river. Subsequently, 2 others were seen flying up the river then lingering below the rapids (3:00 - 3:30 PM). Also present during our visit were 24 1st summer Bonaparte's Gulls and 1 Black Tern. DIRECTIONS: The Britannia Conservation Area & water purification plant are along Cassels St. From Hwy 417, take exit 129 (Pinecrest Rd.). Turn right onto Richmond Rd. the left (north) onto Poulin Ave. Take Poulin around the curve to the west where it becomes Howe St. then turn right (north) onto Britannia Rd. Turn right (east) onto Cassels St. You are now in the Britannia Conservation Area. Proceed east beyond Mud Lake past the fork and keep left, go to the small gravel parking area at the fence behind the filtration plant. Here is a nice vista overlooking the base of the Deschenes rapids as well as the Ottawa River to the east. Good birds to all, Bob Bracken & Chris Lewis [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Christina Lewis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
