Monday, October 19, 2009

October 17, 2009 More migrants on the move south!

The big news today was the arrival of Sandhill Cranes east of Ottawa along Milton Road. This site has been a regular fall staging area for Sandhills since the mid 90's. The numbers have been steadily increasing with a record high of 80 last fall. The cranes linger into November and depending on the weather conditions, mainly the snowfall, have stayed to early December. Check the fields along Milton Road, Perrault Road, Smith Road and the surrounding area. The Sandhill Crane was first recorded in the Ottawa area on May 1, 1975 and even bred in the late 80's at the Mer Bleu. Another highlight today was a male Eurasian Wigeon along Constance Creek at Thomas Dolan Parkway.



A small flock of Sandhill Cranes coming in for a landing along Milton Road. This was part of the total of 53 cranes observed today. Note the large flat wings and out stretched neck and legs.

A late lingering Semipalmated Plover at the boat launch ramp at Shirley's Bay.

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