Some 30 observers disregarded heavy rain warnings to join this new entrant into
the list of OFO excursions. Despite the forecast the day dawned clear and
started well with good views of flocks of White-winged Scoters, Brant, and
three Snow Geese migrating along the Ottawa River. The hoped for Nelson's
Sparrows proved elusive; in fact there were very few sparrows whatsoever and
the extensive marshes flanking the river were virtually empty of birds. One
exception was an Orange-crowned Warbler, a lifer for some, and a nearby field
held a pair of Sandhill Crane. The rain, which arrived in the late morning,
turned into a visibility killing deluge when we reached Lac Dore. After an hour
it let up and we were able to scan the lake, tallying over 100 Common Loons,
another flock of White-winged Scoter, some obliging Surf Scoters, and good
numbers of Bonaparte's Gull, Horned Grebe and Red-necked Grebe, along with one
immature Common Tern, and, in a lakeside park, a continuing Northern Mockingb
ird. Despite the rain the troop enjoyed the beautiful autumnal foliage, and
exploring two excellent birding sites that were new to many.
_______________________________________________
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