Tuesday, November 27, 2012

November 20-21, 2012 Birds in search of berries and fruit.

 Yesterday and today I birded a number of local parks and found an impressive number of Bohemian Waxwings including a flock of 550+ at the Arboretum and another flock of 150+ in the west end of Ottawa.   This is part of a large flight of waxwings that are moving through our region in search of  berries and other fruits. There were a couple of flocks of American Robins including 50+ in Bells Corners and another 20+ at the Arboretum. With a plentiful berry/fruit supply these birds are consuming the berries quickly and moving to greener pastures. While searching for a Townsend's Solitaire which was found near Bell High School on November 17-18th,  I observed a adult male Northern Goshawk flying around the woods being harassed by American Crows. The hawk landed in a tree close to me and I was able to get a short but good view of it. The goshawk finally flew off and disappeared. Back in the 70's and into the 80's the Northern Goshawk was a regular sight in the Ottawa district but these days a tough one to find. Unfortunately, no Townsend was found.

Good birding, Bruce


Over 50 American Robins were feeding on berries in the Bells Corners area.


The American Robin can survive our winters as long as there is enough food which includes Mountain Ash, Buckthorn, Wild Grapes, Crab Apples and other fruit-berry producing trees/plants.


A female Pine Grosbeak picks up pieces of fallen crab apples.


Even a Pileated Woodpecker was eating crab apples.


The Pileated Woodpecker checks over a telephone pole for insects.


A large group of Bohemian Waxwings resting.


American Robin



A male Northern Cardinal enjoying a morning snack.

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