October 10, 2009 Great birding along the Ottawa River from Shirley's Bay to Britannia

There was lots of activity along the Ottawa River both with water and land birds. Between 8:30a.m. and 10:00 a.m. there was a small flight of Brant, a total of 8 flocks were observed, 8-150+, totaling 600+ birds. Also, 3 flocks of male White-winged Scoter, 44, 28 and 8. There were a few other species migrating including Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Northern Pintail, Black Scoter, Common Loon and 100's of gulls mainly Ring-billed Gull. At Britannia Conservation Area/Mud Lake there was a good movement of land birds with lots of Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, 20+ Winter Wren, 9 Blue-headed Vireo, 1 Red-eyed Vireo and smaller numbers of Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco and Purple Finch. In the Shirley's Bay area over 500+ American Robins were noted plus a roosting Northern Saw-whet Owl.

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.

Directions: The Britannia Woods/Mud Lake area is located in Ottawa off Richmond Road and Carling Ave. Take Britannia Road north to Cassels and turn right and go east a few 100 metres and park near entrance to woods.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a regular fall migrant throughout eastern Ontario.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is easily recognized by its small size, streaked forehead, black bill and white eyebrows.