A quick stop at noon showed about the same number of birds as yesterday (30,000 +). For those timing their visit it is important to consider the weather. On a bright sunny day like this if the birds are on the south side of the road, which is where they have only been for me, then checking for other species is a challenge from mid to late morning through mid afternoon. The flock begins to thin about 90 minutes before sunset – earlier on cloudy days, although birds will remain until later on.
Today I spotted three Brant in flight which was the only species other than Snow Geese, mostly Greaters with some Lessers. There are blue morphs present with some juveniles of both white and blue morphs but following a poor breeding season in the Arctic due to cold, wet and snowy conditions, the number of young birds is lower than in other years. Brian Morin *Directions: From Ottawa* head east on Hwy 417 to Hwy 138 which is 5 minutes east of Casselman. Head south a short distance on Hwy 138 to Lafleche Rd. There is no truck traffic to the dump on Sunday but on all other days watch for heavy trucks and park in the pulloffs on the north side of the road. This road can be very busy. *From Hwy 401* exit at Brookdale and head north to the end of the road . Turn right then go east a short distance to Hwy 138. The sod farm is about 30 minutes north. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca 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
