Bruce Di Labio's Blog: Ottawa area: Boreal, Great Gray and Northern Hawk-Owl

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Ottawa area: Boreal, Great Gray and Northern Hawk-Owl

Lots of owl activity this morning west of Ottawa. There was a Great Gray Owl near the corner of Vance's Side Road and 6th Line Road. The owl was sitting in a tree beside a house. The Northern Hawk-Owl was still present off Grandview Road at 11:45 am, feeding on a kill. The Boreal Owl was also still present along March Valley Road at 12:15 pm. It still had a small rodent in its talons that it had caught earlier.

Boreal Owl with mouse. Normally nocturnal hunter,
this Boreal caught the mouse mid morning.

Northern Hawk-Owl having lunch

There was a small flock of Bohemian Waxwings feeding along Hilda Road and lots of Pine Siskin, a few Common Redpoll and a flock of White-winged Crossbills were also present.

Bohemian Waxwing feeding on berries

Female White-winged Crossbill feeding on a spruce cone.
White-winged Crossbills continue to move into Eastern
Ontario. With their specialized bill they can feed on cones,
removing the seeds.

Normally a tree dweller, this female Pileated Woodpecker
finally decided to stand on the snow and continue picking for food.

Please review OFO's Ethical Birding Principles

Good birding,
Bruce

Directions: Boreal Owl: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to March Road exit. Follow March Road past Carling Ave. and continue to Klondike Road and turn right. Follow to March Valley Road and turn left. Drive down to area where there is a guard rail and watch for the owl roosting on the right in the open.

Directions: Northern Hawk-Owl (Ottawa): From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to Moodie Drive exit #134. Go north to Carling Ave. and turn left. Watch for Grandview Road on your right. Follow to the end and turn left on Hastings Str. and park. If you require additional information, please email me privately.

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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

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Ottawa area: Boreal, Great Gray and Northern Hawk-Owl

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