Hi Ontbirders: Billings Bridge on the Rideau River in Ottawa continues to be a hotspot for overwintering ducks and their predators. Today in the open waters around the bridge, among the hundreds of Mallards and Black Ducks, an American Wigeon and a Wood Duck continue to feed on the grain handouts left everyday on the ice by duck fanciers. There are also a few Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye in the open water. As well, one Canada Goose and a peculiar all black duck (even the head) with a white patch on the breast were present. Taking advantage of the large number of waterfowl was an adult Bald Eagle that landed on the ice close to the ducks. He left downriver without any prey . The Red-tailed Hawk that was seen previously several times at the site was not evident today. Good birding Peter Hall Directions: From Highway 417 in downtown Ottawa head south on Bank Street for about two km until it crosses over the Rideau River at Billings Bridge. There is parking on the nearby residential streets. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Bald Eagle, American Wigeon at Billings Bridge, Ottawa
Judy and Peter Hall via ONTBIRDS Mon, 09 Jan 2017 12:35:21 -0800
