Hi Ontbirds Spent a few hours this morning birding along the Ottawa River between Britannia Pier and Shirley's Bay. Overall still lots of water birds moving through the region. At Shirley's Bay there was a good concentration of waterfowl including 1 Tundra Swan, 750+ Ring-necked Duck, 350+ Hooded Merganser and 250+ Common Goldeneye. Still small numbers of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal. A immature Bald Eagle was also observed. On my walk along the road to the dyke 100+ American Robin, 2 Hermit thrush and 2 Fox sparrows were seen feeding on the Buckthorn berry crop. A few small flocks of Pine Siskin and a couple of Purple Finch were observed flying over head. At Dick Bell Park 4 flocks of Long-tailed Ducks totaling 50+, 14 Brant, 27 female plumaged Black Scoter, 1 Glaucous and 2 Iceland Gulls were observed flying by.
good birding, Bruce Directions:Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. If you require additional information, please email me privately. **** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding. Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www3.sympatico.ca/bruce.dilabio/ Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario, K0A1L0 Home (613) 839-4395 Cell (613) 715-2571 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php

