Friday, March 22, 2013

March 21, 2013 Local birding.


A few more signs of spring today with small flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles at feeders searching for food. There has been a noticeable increase in Ring-billed Gulls with birds now hanging around malls, construction sites and schools, all looking for something to eat. Start checking the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers for migrating waterfowl and other water birds. A few American Robins and Song Sparrows are now back along with numerous pairs of Canada Geese waiting for the ponds to thaw as they sit on any open grassy areas around Kanata. These local breeders are always early while the main migration north will carry on through April. When  milder temperatures arrive we will get our first Tree Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds and Eastern Phoebes. These insect eaters can survive the cooler temperatures at night, at least for a while and will eat berries too.  





A Great Gray Owl perched at dusk looking for supper.



This Great Gray Owl appear extremely tame and sat on the same perch for over 2 hours.

An early Turkey Vulture soaring over the Shirley's Bay area.

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