This morning about 20 participants enjoyed some excellent birding east of
Ottawa. The weather was better than expected: although things began with
overcast skies and a raw north wind that created wind chills in the -20's, the
skies soon cleared and the wind dropped for very pleasant birding conditions
The day's birding began under overcast skies scanning gulls flocking in the
snow-covered fields near the Lafleche Dump, southeast of Casselman. Amongst
the numerous Herring and Great Black-backed gulls, 20+ GLAUCOUS and 3 ICELAND
Gulls were found.
We continued north through the fields in the Ste-Rose area. On Concessions 20
and 21 we found 4 SNOWY OWLS and 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. On Concession 20 east of
Ste-Rose Road, we had small numbers of SNOW BUNTINGS and HORNED LARKS on a
manure spread and a group of 40 LAPLAND LONGSPURS (a very good count for
eastern Ontario) feeding on grain screenings in front of some silos.
We continued west and visited #998 Calypso Road, southeast of Limoges. Within
15 minutes everyone had great looks at the VARIED THRUSH. Along with the usual
common feeder birds, there were also at least two EVENING GROSBEAKS present
here.
We finished the trip on the Rideau River behind the Tennis Club, where we were
able to easily view the male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE amongst the more common
wintering ducks.
Thanks to everyone who participated for making this a very enjoyable morning.
David BrittonOttawa
_______________________________________________
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/
