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.