After Bruce Di Labio reported a hybrid Common x Barrow's Goldeneye in
Ottawa on Friday to Ontbirds, I left early Saturday morning for Ottawa to
see it. This is one hybrid that I've wanted to see for many years. I was at
the spot five hours later. I soon saw the hybrid almost with about 45 male
and female Common Goldeneyes in a small area of open water on the Rideau
River. The hybrid was close. I watched it for several hours yesterday. As I
was leaving another birder arrived who was looking for a male Barrow's
Goldeneye reported there. I told him that the Barrow's was a hybrid. Later
I discussed the hybrid with Bruce; we figured that the hybrid had been
misidentified as a Barrow's Goldeneye. Before returning to Toronto this
morning, I decided to see the two male Barrow's Goldeneyes wintering at
Remic Rapids on the Ottawa River. I found them easily. One was very close
so I compared it with the hybrid, which was now printed in my memory. After
seeing the Barrow's, I decided to go for the hybrid goldeneye again to list
both parent species and hybrid on the same day. When I arrived along the
Rideau River, I immediately saw the hybrid with the naked eye. However,
when I got it in the scope, it turned out to be a male Barrow's Goldeneye.
I couldn't believe my eyes because I expected to see the hybrid. Within a
minute I saw the hybrid too. I wasn't going crazy. For more than an hour
today I watched a Barrow's, a hybrid, and Common Goldeneyes at close range
often in the same scope field!
Directions: 1. The hybrid goldeneye and male Barrow's are in a small area
of open water on the Rideau River beside the Rideau Tennis Club. Exit
Highway 417 at exit 117 to Vanier Parkway/Riverside Drive. Go north on
Vanier four traffic lights past the RCMP Headquarters to Donald Street,
turn left and go two blocks to the Rideau River. 2. Remic Rapids viewing
area is off the Ottawa River Parkway east of the Champlain Bridge (to
Quebec) and Parkdale Avenue, but the Remic parking lot was closed so I
parked in the lot across the parkway used by Health Canada employees on
week days. It's a short walk to the river.
Ron Pittaway
Minden and Toronto
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
P.S. Jean's in Cuba leading a Quest Nature Tour so no photos were taken.
However, Bruce has a photo of the hybrid that maybe he'll post to the OFO
Photo Page.
