Hi Ontbirders, There was a male hybrid goldeneye off the east point of Bate Island in the Ottawa River, visible directly from the bench that faces Parliament Hill. It was feeding intently alongside a male Common Goldeneye in an area of relatively still water with many little bits of ice. I saw it between 3:00 - 3:15 PM. It displayed several hallmarks of a hybrid including a plump, 'filled out' tear-drop marking on the face, intermediate amount of white on the body, no 'spur', somewhat flattened head with pronounced maroon sheen.
Good birding! Justin P.S. Bate Island is accessible by taking the Champlain Bridge to cross to Gatineau (Aylmer district) directly via Island Park Drive or from the Western Parkway, coming from the east or west. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
