Hello Ontbirders, The regular format for the OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' CLUB BIRD STATUS REPORT is on hold for a week or so, while our usual faithful transmitter, Gordon Pringle, is away. _______________
Here is the OFNC Bird Status Report at 9:15 PM on Sunday May 9, 2004. This is Chris Lewis reporting. Migration was stalled for most of last week due to cold weather and northwest winds. The RUFF at the Embrun sewage lagoons was not seen since May 3rd, but an adult Tundra Swan was still here on the 7th. Numerous Northern Shovelers and Northern Pintails and 2 male Ruddy Ducks were also still at Embrun the same day, along with increased numbers of both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Least Sandpipers. Wilson's Phalaropes were observed performing courtship displays. On the 8th and 9th the Britannia Conservation Area had a total of 14 species of warblers, with many Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers as well as new arrivals such as Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian, Blackpoll and Ovenbird. Also at Britannia this weekend were an Eastern Kingbird and a male Scarlet Tanager. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles have been widely reported as well. In the Shirleys Bay woods on the 8th there were both Hermit and Wood Thrush. The water levels of the Ottawa River are even higher now, and no birds of note were reported from the river other than a Horned Grebe in breeding plumage at Shirleys Bay. At Petrie Island on the 8th there was a House Wren, many Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers...and a non-avian highlight - an American Black Bear. The local sparrow total for the past two weeks is now at 12 species. The most recent arrivals were Clay-coloured and White-crowned Sparrows. A very late American Tree Sparrow was seen along the trail between Nortel and the Equestrian Park on the 8th. Thank you - Good Birding! ________________ Chris Lewis Ottawa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
