Bruce Di Labio's Blog: March 2011

Sunday, March 27, 2011

March 26 & 27, 2011 Eurasian Wigeons still at Presqu'ile P.P.

Hi Ontbirders

If you haven't had an opportunity to do any waterfowl birding at Presqu'ile this spring the conditions are still excellent. Over the weekend we observed 20 species including the 2 male Eurasian Wigeons. There were observed both Mar.26/27 along Bayshore Drive just north of Lilac Lane. Also, in Presqu'ile Bay there were still over 5,000 diving ducks with a nice variety including Redhead, Canvasback, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and all 3 mergansers. With the overnight freezing temperatures the number of puddle ducks were up and included Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard and Am. Black Duck. Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: Presqu'ile Provincial Park exit 401 south at exit # 509 follow the signs to the park through Brighton (about 15 minutes). Maps available at the front gate.

Two male Eurasian Wigeon at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.

Friday, March 25, 2011

March 25, 2011 More Ross's Geese in Carp

Hi Ontbirders
There are now 4 adult Ross's Geese along the Carp River at Carp. Also, 6 Greater White-fronted Geese were present too. The geese were still feeding at 12:00 noon.
good birding, Bruce

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Carp Road exit. and turn right and follow Carp Road to the village of Carp. After crossing the bridge take the first right, Rivington Str. and follow to the end.

The Ross's Goose was first recorded in the Ottawa-Gatineau District in 1995 and now has become a rare but regualr spring and fall migrant.

In general, over the past 4 decades there has been an major increase in the population of all species of geese in eastern North American.

March 24, 2011 Trumpeter Swans near Carleton Place

A pair of Trumpeter Swans are back on the Jock River near Carleton Place. The pair first appeared last summer and produced 4 young. This was the first breeding record for the Ottawa-Gatineau District. These bird are likely for the Rideau Lakes population that has been increasing in numbers over the past decade. The Ottawa-Gatineau District still have only a couple of documented records for the 50 KM radius.

Trumpeter Swans on the Jock River.

A recent addition to the Ottawa-Gatineau District this species will likely become a regular breeder in outlaying areas.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011 Ross's Geese in Carp

Hi Ontbirders

The two Ross's Geese present since earlier this morning were still feeding along the Carp River in Carp at 1:00pm. There was at least 1 adult Greater White-fronted, 2 Snow, 1 Cackling, and a 2000+ Canada Geese. It is best to view from Rivington Str.
Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Carp Road exit. and turn right and follow Carp Road to the village of Carp. After crossing the bridge take the first right, Rivington Str. and follow to the end.

Two adult Ross's Geese along the Carp River flood plain.

The flooded Carp River is attracting 1000's of geese which rest and feed in the area. Since March 21st, 5 species of geese have been observed.

Early this morning the geese were packed in tight after last nights -9c.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

March 22, 2011 Birding Presqu'ile Provincial Park

Hello Ontbirders

The waterfowl viewing at Presqu'ile continues to be excellent. Today we observed 20 species of waterfowl including a male Eurasian Wigeon which was seen at 1:15pm from Bayshore Drive just north of house #18. There were 3 winter plumage Red-throated Loons off Owen Point and along with a lone Tree Swallow feeding over the lake. On High Bluff Island 14 Double-crested Cormorant and 9 Great Blue heron were seen and 2 Iceland Gull were observed on Gull Island. In Presqu'ile Bay, 2500 + Redhead, 400+ Canvasback, along with 1000's of Greater Scaup and 60+ Lesser Scaup were observed. Puddle duck numbers were low but we did count 85+ American Wigeon, 28 Northern Pintail and 42 Gadwall.

Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Presqu'ile Provincial Park exit 401 south at exit # 509 follow the signs to the park through Brighton (about 15 minutes). Maps available at the front gate.

Greater Scaup, Redhead, and Canvasback were still in good numbers at Presqu'ile Bay.

A male Eurasian Wigeon was a highlight for the day.

Another view of the male Eurasian Wigeon with a male American Wigeon to the right.

March 21, 2011 Spring migration Ottawa

Hello Ontbirders

At around 4:20p.m., today, Ben and I observed 6 Greater White-fronted Geese and 4 Cackling Geese along the Carp River in Carp. The geese were resting along with 1500+ Canada Geese in the flood plain of the Carp River. It is best to observe from the end of Rivington Str. not from Carp Road. Rivington Str. is a dead end and it is easy to study the geese from this location.

Good birding, Bruce and Ben

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Carp Road exit. and turn right and follow Carp Road to the village of Carp. After crossing the bridge take the first right, Rivington Str. and follow to the end.

A family group of Greater White-fronted Geese with Canada Geese. Formally a very rare visitor to eastern Ontario the Greater White-fronted Goose is now a rare but regular spring and fall migrant. Check all flocks of Canada Geese carefully.

March 11-20, 2011 Road Trip Florida

After returning from Cuba I had a 10 hour layover in Carp then we were off to Florida for the March break. The drive was great, no snow or rain, so the 2500km drive (that's one-way) was uneventful. We arrived on March 13th at 1:00pm and spent our time on the gulf coast near Indian Shores and did a couple of day trips to some of the local birding areas including Honeymoon Island and Oscar Scherer State Park. The weather over the March Break was the best I've had in almost 10 years, everyday sunny and warm. The return trip was agian uneventful, great driving conditions and only took 2 days (26 hours of driving). Lots of migrants on the move north including Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Tree Swallow, and a variety of waterfowl. Below are a few images from our day trips.

Reddish Egret feeding along the shoreline at Honeymoon Island.

A "Yellow" Palm Warbler on the beach at Honeymoon Island.

The shorebird watching was very good at Honey Island with a nice variety of waders including a Short-billed Dowitcher and Ruddy Turnstone. .

A Willet feeding along the shoreline.

A winter plumaged Red Knot were was a nice find.

Forster's Tern

Osprey

Black-bellied Plover in winter plumage.

Black-bellied Plover in flight.

A pair of American Oystercatchers.

The Ruddy Turnstone is a regular sight along the coast line during the winter months.

Boat-tailed Grackle are very common resident along the gulf coast.

A flock of 50+ Willet .

The Florida Scrub-Jay is Florida's only endemic species.

Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog