Birding along the Ottawa River September 3, 2009

Spent a few hours yesterday birding along the Ottawa River from Andrew Haydon Park to Constance Bay. There was lots of activity with 15 species of warblers including numerous Wilson's, Canada, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue and Magnolia Warblers. At Shirley's Bay along the road 5 species of vireo's were observed including 1 Yellow-throated, 2 Philadelphia and 3 Blue-headed. With the recent sunny weather and no rain, the water levels along the Ottawa River are finally dropping. There is a little mudflat/sandbar at Andrew Haydon Park and Shirley's Bay has a bit at the mouth of Watts Creek. A Great Egret was resting in a tree off the dyke. Lots of other land birds including Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Further up river at Constance Bay there was some mudflats with a few shorebirds, Greater Yellowlegs and Semipalmated Sandpiper. The breeding Red-headed Woodpeckers were successful again and 2 juvenile birds were observed at the "Old Burn Site" This is the 8th consecutive year the woodpeckers have bred. The woodpeckers were fly catching and easy to see. If you require additional information, please email me privately.

good birding, Bruce

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request
permission to visit the dyke area for birding.

The Yellow Warbler is a common breeder in the Ottawa area and most migrants are gone by late August. A few linger into September.


The Philadelphia Vireo in an uncommon migrant throughout eastern Ontario.

Adult Red-headed Woodpeckers at Constance Bay.


For the 8th consecutive year the Red-headed woodpeckers have successfully bred.

A Black-capped Chickadee searching for food.