Once again John Miles provided OFO birders with a memorable trip
through the Haldimand area. 54 birders in 20 cars managed to traverse
the backroads without a hitch thanks to John's leading and the use of
radios.
45 species were encountered despite heavy fog shrouding the
fields in the first part of the morning. As soon as the sun broke
through, an Eastern Screech Owl was found "sunbathing". Other good
finds before lunch included a Grackle, Horned Larks, 2 Coopers Hawks,
many Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, several Kestrels, Tufted
Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Cowbird, and Glaucous Gull.
Afternoon birding along Lake Erie resulted in all 3 Mergansers
and all 3 Swans being seen, plus a Mockingbird and 2 immature Bald
Eagles harrassing a dark-phase Rough-legged Hawk near Nanticoke.
Our final stop at the Fisherville Raptor Reserve was probably the
highlight of the day : first, a Harrier, then 9 Short-eared Owls all
perched along the road in full sunlight.
Thanks again to John for a great day !
Dave Milsom
OFO Fieldtrip Coordinator
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
References
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From: "Christina Lewis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "OFO Sightings" <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2005 20:46:06 -0500
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Subject: [Ontbirds]
Ottawa - Townsend's Solitaire, Carolina Wren, Gray Partridge,
Bohemian Waxwing
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Greetings again from Ottawa,
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was present again this morning, 5 Feb., at #38
Rothwell Dr. (enjoying a breakfast of buckthorn berries above the #38 street
sign) and also actively flying between this property and the one across the
street, between 7:20 and 9:00 AM. The bird seems to have an established
pattern (so far) of visiting this location in the morning before 10:00 AM,
as well as in the afternoon after 3:30 PM.
Of local interest, the CAROLINA WREN was seen & heard singing & calling
farther south along Rothwell Dr. between #106 and #112 today.
Please note that this is a very narrow and ice/slush-clogged residential
street, and endeavour not to obstruct driveways, i.e. if you see other
vehicles along the road, please park on the same side. The residents have
so far been interested and very friendly, and let's not jeopardize that.
Thanks!
A covey of GRAY PARTRIDGE have been faithful to a snow-covered knoll with
grain stubble near a derelict windmill at the intersection of Moodie Dr. and
Bankfield/Brophy Dr. since last Sunday 30 January and and were seen here
today.
A flock of approx. 80 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen on Rifle Rd. north of
Carling Ave. (Shirleys Bay area) at approx. 1:00 PM today, along with one of
Ottawa's innumerable Great Gray Owls!
(PS - to all the birders from America - groups from New York, New Jersey,
Maine and perhaps elsewhere who came up this weekend - we hope you-all
enjoyed your visit to Ottawa and our birds & hope we Canadians were kind to
you!)
DIRECTIONS:
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE & CAROLINA WREN:
From the west - take Hwy 417 east to the Blair Rd. exit and go north on
Blair, then right (east) on Ogilvie Rd, cross Montreal Rd. and then turn
left on Naskapi Dr. which becomes Rothwell Dr. as you head north.
From the east - take the St. Joseph exit, go west on St. Joseph which
becomes Montreal Rd. Turn right (north) on Ogilivie Rd. and proceed as
described.
GRAY PARTRIDGE:
From Hwy 416 heading south from Ottawa, take exit 57 (Bankfield/Brophy). Go
west to Moodie Dr. and the windmill
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS:
From Hwy 417 heading west from Ottawa, take the Moodie Dr. exit, go north to
Carling Ave. Left (west) on Carling and look for the large sign for the
Connaught Firing Range at Rifle Rd., and turn right (north) on Rifle.
Good birding!
Chris Lewis & Bob Bracken
Ottawa
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
