Tony Beck led a group of birders who braved the cold this morning around
areas east of Ottawa.
Highlights included locating three Snowy Owls in the vicinity of St-Isidore
and the village of St-Rose.
The first was a young bird born this year found perched in a tree north of
Concession 19. Traveling west on Concession 19 between St-Isidore Road and
Desnoyer Road a second Snowy Owl was spotted also perched at the top of a
tree. As we watched this second bird it appeared preoccupied and within a
few minutes we could see why as we watched it take pursuit of a Gray
Partridge that appeared injured. With wildlife drama unfolding before our
eyes we witnessed the partridge avoid capture by burrowing into deep snow
adjacent to a telephone pole. We left the area with the owl still nearby and
the outcome for the partridge undetermined. A third Snowy Owl was sighted
as we departed the area heading for home.
Other sightings of note during the morning's travels included a total of
four Northern Shrike and five Rough-legged Hawks.
Directions:
From Hwy 417 east past Casselman take exit 58. Turn left or north on Cty Rd
8 until you come to Concession 20.
Travel a loop searching for owls by following Concession 20 to St-Isidore
Road (Or route 9) turn left to Concession 19.
Turn left (east) onto Concession 19 and take it as far as Desnoyer Road.
Good birding,
Heather Pickard
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