Hi there, A beautiful day to be out birding in the Nation's Capital. Sixteen birders met for a wonderful day of birding various sites in Ottawa:
RIDEAU RIVER AT RIDEAU TENNIS CLUB: We observed a female Barrow's Goldeneye mixed in with Common Goldeneyes, enjoying a close look at its lovely pumpkin-orange bill and deep chocolate-brown head. The group were able to study the unique head shape of this species compared to the adjacent Common Goldeneyes. BATE ISLAND: Scanning the rapids and open water to the eastern side of Bate Island, we observed a male Barrow's Goldeneye resting with Common Goldeneyes. As well, we observed a female Common Goldeneye in the same group with an orange-yellow bill, showing dark only to its base (roughly 3/4 orange-yellow). With plenty of scopes set on the bird, we could see the build of its head (sloped forehead; rounded crown; lacked the swept-back crest look to its rear) was that of a Common. We also observed a female Long-tailed Duck working the rapids on the NE side of the island. MOODIE POND & RICHMOND FIELDS: Highlights include an immature Bald Eagle, 2 male Redheads, a Great Blue Heron, a lone female Ring-necked Duck and a blue morph Snow Goose. We encountered several Red-tailed Hawks and a single Snowy Owl in the Richmond area as the sun began to set. Many thanks for a great day and special thanks to Betty M. and Linda L. for returning my cellphone and cellphone charger (that had somehow remained on the roof of Linda's car for 5 bumpy, twisting km!). Good birding, Jon _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
