They're back. I was hoping that after the initial movement through to Quebec that some of the birds would return, and they have. I heard that the floodplain along the South Nation River at Fournier has a very large number of birds, likely larger than the total of the initial flocks we had seen along the St. Lawrence previously. Apparently they have been in the area for about six days. This area is north of St. Isidore about 5 minutes and viewing can be done from the main county road with no trouble. Depending on the extent of the flooding there may be others a little further east on the road to Alfred and that area is also accessible.
Unlike the St. Lawrence, which serves only as a roost, this location offers both feeding and roosting. Many of the birds will remain until the fields dry up which may be a week or more. During the day, some portions will go for a trip around the region and will end up in the floodplain east of Bourget. The floodwaters there are even more extensive but hunters in boats at this location may keep the birds off. They are very wary. Brian Morin Directions: Coming from Ottawa, exit Hwy 417 at St. Isidore and head north for about 10 minutes. If coming from the south, exit Hwy 401 at the Brookdale exit in Cornwall and turn left (north). Turn right at the stop sign then left at the light onto Hwy 138 which heads to Hwy 417 (35 minutes). Turn onto Hwy 417 east and get off at the next exit, which is for St. Isidore. Turn left, north and continue for about 10 minutes. _______________________________________________ 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
