Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Greg Zbitnew at [email protected] or [email protected]
March 24, 2016 The region’s annual wildlife spectacle occurred on the weekend as the agricultural lands east of Ottawa reached their peak of flooding. An estimated ¼ million SNOW GEESE were on the Cobb’s Lake Creek flood plain on the 20th, which was the largest concentration of any species ever in the region. (Note that a little farther away, the St. Lawrence River has seen more.) The numbers were greatly diminished by Thursday. Almost as exciting, a dark morph GYRFALCON was seen by a lucky few at the same time there. A ROSS’S GOOSE was in the mix and seen a few times, and the same species was found in the Richmond area on the 21st-22nd. Up to 2 rather elusive GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on and off on the flooded Bearbrook Creek between Milton and Frank Kenney as late as the 20th. The same species was also seen on the Carp River flood plain on the 19th-22nd. Up to 9 very cooperative TUNDRA SWAN were off Milton Road on the 17-23rd. The flood waters in the east peaked on the weekend, and much colder temperatures and snow on Thursday added to March’s well-deserved reputation for weather treachery. Some of the earliest arrivals like SONG SPARROW are now well established, while there were quite a few first arrivals for the year. Some of the early arrivals may regret their decision before the weather ameliorates, which fortunately is expected in a few days. Nonetheless, rivers and creeks are now mostly open except for the quieter, broader stretches. New species for the year include: 1. Up to 4 SANDHILL CRANES were at their usual spot south of Smith Road from the 17th onward. 2. An EASTERN PHOEBE was at the Bruce Pit on the 21st. 3. A NORTHERN SHOVELER was off Milton on the 18th. 4. A LONG-TAILED DUCK was in Gatineau on the 17th. 5. An EASTERN TOWHEE (early) was in Cantley on the 21st. 6. 2 EASTERN MEADOWLARK were south of Luskville on the 21st. 7. 6 AMERICAN WOODCOCK were in Ottawa on the 19th. Returning waterbirds have been birders’ focus as the rivers and creeks open and flood. The best areas are east of Bourget and Bearbrook Creek, while the Carp and Jock rivers are some good areas in the west end. While most SNOW GEESE are east of Bourget, there were 5000 on Milton Rd. on the 20th, but only small numbers in the west end. NORTHERN PINTAIL are the most common duck in the flooded areas; 2000 were seen east of Bourget. Raptors put on a good showing this week. The raptor of the week was GOLDEN EAGLE. There were 2 sightings in Quebec, but many sightings south of the Ottawa River, from the east to the west, with an unusually high number of 4 on Greenland Road on the 22nd. Among the finches, a high number of PURPLE FINCHES (up to 100 in Pakenham) with lesser numbers of PINE SISKIN are moving into or through the area. A HOARY REDPOLL was in Richmond on the 18th. The OFNC's Birds Committee no longer reports owl sightings on the Internet. We will continue to encourage the reporting of owls to [email protected] for the purpose of maintaining local records. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. Good birding. _______________________________________________ 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
