This afternoon, Dec. 11, I did some birding along the Rockcliffe Parkway in Ottawa's East end.
A male Wood Duck was present on the Ottawa River, in company of 2 Black Ducks, at the Eastern tip of Lower Duck Island. A Northern Shrike was present in the same area, along a trail South of the Parkway. Further West on the Parkway a large flock of Bohemian Waxwings landed in tall deciduous trees. Twice, a group of about 50 birds flew to the single buckthorn bush visible in the area and left after a few seconds (not much berries in that bush). After a couple of minutes the entire flock regrouped and took off. What a sight! Directions for Wood Duck and Northern Shrike: from the 417 going East take the 174 towards Rockland, exit at Montreal Rd and continue East on that road, which is named boul. St-Joseph passed the 174; turn left on the Eastern Parkway which becomes the Rockcliffe Parkway along the Ottawa River. After the long bend to the left, and the bridge that crosses the creek (Green's Creek) there is a parking lot on the South side of the Parkway and a trail that runs North-South. That trail will lead you to the River; Lower Duck Island is in front. The Shrike was along the trail near the parking lot. This morning Dec. 11, I checked the Rideau River at the location where a male Barrow's Goldeneye and an hybrid male Barrow's X Common Goldeneye have been reported, each on different days since December 2. Both birds were present in the same general area some 300 to 400 meters South of Donald St (Rideau Tennis Club) on the East side of the River. Both could be seen at the same time. Directions for Barrow's Goldeneye and the hybrid male Barrow's X Common Goldeneye: from the 417 exit at Vanier Parkway and go North on the Parkway, turn left on Donald St. There is parking at the Rideau Club near the River. Happy winter birding to everyone. Langis Sirois, Ottawa
