Hello,
Today, March 28th, I observed a Turkey Vulture gliding arond on March Road
at Murphy's Cresent. Also, they're were 4 Eastern Bluebirds along March Road
near Second Line.
Good birding,
Ben Di Labio
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Quiz 10: Who Am I?
Here are a few more to check your birding skills - take your guesses in the comments:
Photo #1
Photo #2
Photo #2
Good birding,
Bruce
Bruce
Answers: Quiz 9 - Who Am I?
Here are the answers to Quiz #9:
Piping Plover
Shorebirds are always fun to identify. They come in all kinds of sizes and shapes. These are Piping Plovers, the 2 on the left are in winter plumage dark bill, pale back and legs. The plover on the right is in breeding plumage, with bright orange legs, and base of bill and a narrow breast band. Check your field guide and compare to Semipalmated Plover and Snowy Plover.
Good birding,
Bruce
Photo #1
Piping PloverShorebirds are always fun to identify. They come in all kinds of sizes and shapes. These are Piping Plovers, the 2 on the left are in winter plumage dark bill, pale back and legs. The plover on the right is in breeding plumage, with bright orange legs, and base of bill and a narrow breast band. Check your field guide and compare to Semipalmated Plover and Snowy Plover.
Photo #2
Black Vulture
The first image is a Black Vulture. Easy to Identify in flight by shape and flight pattern,rapid flapping and short glides. Note short broad wings, short tail, small dark head and pale (white) towards wing tips.
Bruce
Monday, March 23, 2009
Birding North Virginia & Washington, DC
March 21, 2009
A visit to a few nature reserves in the area produced many new species including flocks of Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Pipit, a Brown Thrasher, and Tree Swallows. It won't be to long before many of these species reach the Ottawa area.
Northern Cardinals were plentful in the Leesburg,Virginia area.
The Tufted Titmouse was a regular visitor to the feeders.
At the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History we spent time looking at mounted specimens of birds including the extinct Carolina Parakeet which were once a common sight in the southeastern states. Sometimes birds ranged as far north as New York and Wisconsin. The last definite records in the wild were in 1904.
Good birding,
Bruce
Hi Everyone,
Just back from a short family trip to the Leesburg area in North Virginia. We were down visiting friends and touring around the Washington, DC area visiting many of the sites, museums and doing some birding.
Even though we were only 10 hours south of Ottawa, there was a tremendous difference in the birds. On March 15th, along Interstate 81 just south of Watertown, there was a steady migration of Snow Geese overhead with 10,000+ heading north in various flock sizes.
As we continued south into Pennsylvania the numbers of Turkey Vultures increased and Common Grackle, Red-winged blackbirds and American Robins were everywhere. During our stay, feeders were visited by many species including Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, and Pine Siskin while backyard activity included Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird, White-throated Sparrow and Fox Sparrow to name a few.
Even though we were only 10 hours south of Ottawa, there was a tremendous difference in the birds. On March 15th, along Interstate 81 just south of Watertown, there was a steady migration of Snow Geese overhead with 10,000+ heading north in various flock sizes.
As we continued south into Pennsylvania the numbers of Turkey Vultures increased and Common Grackle, Red-winged blackbirds and American Robins were everywhere. During our stay, feeders were visited by many species including Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, and Pine Siskin while backyard activity included Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird, White-throated Sparrow and Fox Sparrow to name a few.
A visit to a few nature reserves in the area produced many new species including flocks of Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Pipit, a Brown Thrasher, and Tree Swallows. It won't be to long before many of these species reach the Ottawa area.
Northern Cardinals were plentful in the Leesburg,Virginia area.
The Tufted Titmouse was a regular visitor to the feeders.
At the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History we spent time looking at mounted specimens of birds including the extinct Carolina Parakeet which were once a common sight in the southeastern states. Sometimes birds ranged as far north as New York and Wisconsin. The last definite records in the wild were in 1904. Good birding,
Bruce
Quiz 9: Who Am I?
Here we go...two more photos in Quiz #9:
Photo #1
Photo #2
I look forward to your guesses in comments.
Good birding,
Bruce
Photo #2
I look forward to your guesses in comments.
Good birding,
Bruce
Answers: Quiz 8 - Who Am I?
Here are the answers for Quiz #8:
Northern Mockingbird
Good birding,
Bruce
Photo #1
Northern Mockingbird
The overall grayish upper parts, whitish breast, long tail, and slim black bill are indicators for Northern Mockingbird. In flight, this bird has distinctive white wing patches and white outer tail feathers.
Photo #2
Reddish Egret
Even though you can't see the bill, you know it's a heron/egret by its shape. Note the body color, neck color and feathering and leg color: it's a dark morph Reddish Egret. It was activity feeding at Las Salinas, Cuba.
Good birding,
Bruce
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Quiz 8: Who Am I?
Two photos to test your "Who am I?" skills:
Post your answers in the comments section!
Good birding,
Bruce
Photo #1
Photo #2
Post your answers in the comments section!
Good birding,
Bruce
Around Ottawa....is spring coming?
March 11, 2009
Today along Huntmar Drive and Carp Road I observed 2 flocks of Wild Turkeys feeding in the now open fields. There is lots of exposed ground now. Also had a number of small flocks of Canada Geese feeding in the cornfields around Carp. Even though it is somewhat early, geese move quickly as far north as possible if there is an area to feed and open water to roost.
Remember to keep your bird feeders full: even though it feels like spring the weather is unpredictable and early migrants like the Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle or Song Sparrow will enjoy the hand outs! There are still lots of Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch in the area.
The Red-winged Blackbird, a harbinger of spring!
Canada Geese don't wait for spring, they move very early some years if conditions appear good, but the weather can change anytime!
Surprisingly Wild Turkeys have done well this winter surviving the cold and deep snow and now are enjoying the open fields.
Good birding,
Bruce
Today along Huntmar Drive and Carp Road I observed 2 flocks of Wild Turkeys feeding in the now open fields. There is lots of exposed ground now. Also had a number of small flocks of Canada Geese feeding in the cornfields around Carp. Even though it is somewhat early, geese move quickly as far north as possible if there is an area to feed and open water to roost.
Remember to keep your bird feeders full: even though it feels like spring the weather is unpredictable and early migrants like the Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle or Song Sparrow will enjoy the hand outs! There are still lots of Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch in the area.
The Red-winged Blackbird, a harbinger of spring!
Canada Geese don't wait for spring, they move very early some years if conditions appear good, but the weather can change anytime!
Surprisingly Wild Turkeys have done well this winter surviving the cold and deep snow and now are enjoying the open fields. Good birding,
Bruce
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Ottawa area: Iceland & Glaucous Gull, Northern Shrike, Bohemain Waxwing, Hoary Redpoll and early migrants
Hi Everyone,
Lots of activity in the area, both winter birds and a few spring migrants. Today birded various areas around Ottawa and noted a few Red-winged Blackbirds back on territory at Britannia along with a few Common Grackle and American Robin in the area. Near the corner of Barnsdale Road and Moodie Drive we observed a large flock of gulls resting in a cornfield, 300+ Herring, 150+ Great Black-backed, 11 Glaucous and 4 Iceland Gulls. The birds flushed and were later observed at the Moodie Drive ponds and the landfill site. A few Canada Geese were also noted. A flock of 100+ Bohemian Waxwings were observed along Grandview Road while 150+ were seen on Thomas Dolan Parkway. The Hilda Road feeders were active with 100+ Common redpoll, including 2 Greater Common Redpoll "rostrata subspecies", and 2 Hoary Redpoll. Snowy Owls appear to be on the move north, I observed 5 individuals in the Ottawa area. Also, 2 Northern Shrike were present along Carp Road near Carp. Yesterday there was a Merlin in our backyard chasing siskins.
Good birding,
Bruce
Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. South on the 416 to exit 66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie, go past Trail Rd. on your left and Cambrian Rd. on your right until you come to a very large sand & gravel operation on the left (east) side of the road. ***PLEASE NOTE*** - do NOT cross the gate to the sand & gravel operation. This is private property, and most of the birds can be well-viewed from the road. The landfill site is located on Trail Road. There is no access but the gulls can be viewed from Trail Road just south of the main entrance.
Lots of activity in the area, both winter birds and a few spring migrants. Today birded various areas around Ottawa and noted a few Red-winged Blackbirds back on territory at Britannia along with a few Common Grackle and American Robin in the area. Near the corner of Barnsdale Road and Moodie Drive we observed a large flock of gulls resting in a cornfield, 300+ Herring, 150+ Great Black-backed, 11 Glaucous and 4 Iceland Gulls. The birds flushed and were later observed at the Moodie Drive ponds and the landfill site. A few Canada Geese were also noted. A flock of 100+ Bohemian Waxwings were observed along Grandview Road while 150+ were seen on Thomas Dolan Parkway. The Hilda Road feeders were active with 100+ Common redpoll, including 2 Greater Common Redpoll "rostrata subspecies", and 2 Hoary Redpoll. Snowy Owls appear to be on the move north, I observed 5 individuals in the Ottawa area. Also, 2 Northern Shrike were present along Carp Road near Carp. Yesterday there was a Merlin in our backyard chasing siskins.
Good birding,
Bruce
Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. South on the 416 to exit 66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie, go past Trail Rd. on your left and Cambrian Rd. on your right until you come to a very large sand & gravel operation on the left (east) side of the road. ***PLEASE NOTE*** - do NOT cross the gate to the sand & gravel operation. This is private property, and most of the birds can be well-viewed from the road. The landfill site is located on Trail Road. There is no access but the gulls can be viewed from Trail Road just south of the main entrance.
Monday, March 9, 2009
I'm baaaack!
Hi Everyone,
I'm now back from CUBA! After just over 3 weeks of birding in the south I arrived back to Ottawa to -20c conditions from a nice +28c in Havana! Both tours went very well and we were able to locate most of the Cuban Endemics and near endemics.
On the first tour Feb.7-17 we recorded 155 species and on the second tour Feb.19-Mar.1, 164 species. All endemics were recorded with the exception of Zapata Rail and Cuban Kite.
The most difficult was the Bee Hummingbird which was recorded on the second trip. The Gundlach's Hawk was another species that was recorded on both tours but not seen by everyone. We had amazing views of Zapata Sparrow, Zapata Wren, Cuban Grassquit, Cuban Parakeet, Giant Kingbird, Blue-headed Quail-Dove and many more!
The Cuban Crab Hawk / Black Hawk was seen frequently on the tours.
Overall the weather was wonderful with little if any rain and temperatures ranged from +22c to +30c.
We covered an area just west of Havana, La Guira National Park then down to the Zapata region which has the highest concentration of endemics, then eastward to the Sierra Najasa region and finally north to Cayo Coco. This route gave us the a chance at all the main Cuban endemics. Our last afternoon in Cuba was spent in the historic city of Havana.
For photography, Cuba is an amazing country for its birds, historical scenery, and people!
Check out a few photos from these tours by clicking here!
Good birding,
Bruce
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Status & Target Bird Information
Target Birds - Cuba’s avifauna features a rich array of species endemic and near endemic to the island. It is also one of the better places to see a variety of birds confined to the larger Caribbean. In the region, as elsewhere, common names and species status are under constant revision. Currently, it appears that: The twenty-eight Cuban Endemics are Cuban Kite, Gundlach´s Hawk, Cuban Crab-Hawk (AOU 2007), Zapata Rail, Gray-fronted Quail-Dove (Clements 6th), Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Cuban (Greater Antillean) Nightjar (Clements 6th), Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Screech Owl, Cuban Pygmy-Owl, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Fernandina´s Flicker, Giant Kingbird, Cuban Martin, Zapata Wren, Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Gnatcatcher, Cuban Palm Crow, Cuban Vireo, Yellow-headed Warbler, Oriente Warbler, Cuban Grassquit, Zapata Sparrow, Red-shouldered Blackbird and Cuban Blackbird. The Cuban forms of Northern Flicker, West Indian Woodpecker and Eastern Meadowlark may someday attain full species status. The eleven Cuban Near Endemics (birds present on Cuba and one or more of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Cayman Islands) are Cuban Parrot, Great Lizard-Cuckoo, Cuban Emerald, West Indian Woodpecker, Cuban Pewee, La Sagra´s Flycatcher, Cuban Crow, Thick-billed Vireo, Olive-capped Warbler, Western Spindalis and Cuban Bullfinch. The twelve Caribbean Endemics on Cuba are West Indian Whistling-Duck, Scaly-naped Pigeon, Plain Pigeon, Key West Quail-Dove, Antillean Nighthawk, Antillean Palm Swift, Loggerhead Kingbird, Bahama Mockingbird, Red-legged Thrush, Tawny-shouldered Blackbird, Greater Antillean Grackle and Greater Antillean Oriole. Visiting birders have a shot at almost all these species. The exceptions are Zapata Rail (which was not located on a major ornithological expedition into the Zapata Swamp in 2005) and Cuban Kite (found only in Humboldt National Park and the Cuchillas de Toa Biosphere Reserve on the northeast side of the island, well off the traditional birding path). Of the remaining birds, the toughest are probably Gundlach’s Hawk, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Bee Hummingbird, Giant Kingbird and Zapata Wren.
I'm now back from CUBA! After just over 3 weeks of birding in the south I arrived back to Ottawa to -20c conditions from a nice +28c in Havana! Both tours went very well and we were able to locate most of the Cuban Endemics and near endemics.
On the first tour Feb.7-17 we recorded 155 species and on the second tour Feb.19-Mar.1, 164 species. All endemics were recorded with the exception of Zapata Rail and Cuban Kite.
The most difficult was the Bee Hummingbird which was recorded on the second trip. The Gundlach's Hawk was another species that was recorded on both tours but not seen by everyone. We had amazing views of Zapata Sparrow, Zapata Wren, Cuban Grassquit, Cuban Parakeet, Giant Kingbird, Blue-headed Quail-Dove and many more!
The Cuban Crab Hawk / Black Hawk was seen frequently on the tours.Overall the weather was wonderful with little if any rain and temperatures ranged from +22c to +30c.
We covered an area just west of Havana, La Guira National Park then down to the Zapata region which has the highest concentration of endemics, then eastward to the Sierra Najasa region and finally north to Cayo Coco. This route gave us the a chance at all the main Cuban endemics. Our last afternoon in Cuba was spent in the historic city of Havana.
For photography, Cuba is an amazing country for its birds, historical scenery, and people!
Check out a few photos from these tours by clicking here!
Good birding,
Bruce
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Status & Target Bird Information
Target Birds - Cuba’s avifauna features a rich array of species endemic and near endemic to the island. It is also one of the better places to see a variety of birds confined to the larger Caribbean. In the region, as elsewhere, common names and species status are under constant revision. Currently, it appears that: The twenty-eight Cuban Endemics are Cuban Kite, Gundlach´s Hawk, Cuban Crab-Hawk (AOU 2007), Zapata Rail, Gray-fronted Quail-Dove (Clements 6th), Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Cuban (Greater Antillean) Nightjar (Clements 6th), Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Screech Owl, Cuban Pygmy-Owl, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Fernandina´s Flicker, Giant Kingbird, Cuban Martin, Zapata Wren, Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Gnatcatcher, Cuban Palm Crow, Cuban Vireo, Yellow-headed Warbler, Oriente Warbler, Cuban Grassquit, Zapata Sparrow, Red-shouldered Blackbird and Cuban Blackbird. The Cuban forms of Northern Flicker, West Indian Woodpecker and Eastern Meadowlark may someday attain full species status. The eleven Cuban Near Endemics (birds present on Cuba and one or more of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Cayman Islands) are Cuban Parrot, Great Lizard-Cuckoo, Cuban Emerald, West Indian Woodpecker, Cuban Pewee, La Sagra´s Flycatcher, Cuban Crow, Thick-billed Vireo, Olive-capped Warbler, Western Spindalis and Cuban Bullfinch. The twelve Caribbean Endemics on Cuba are West Indian Whistling-Duck, Scaly-naped Pigeon, Plain Pigeon, Key West Quail-Dove, Antillean Nighthawk, Antillean Palm Swift, Loggerhead Kingbird, Bahama Mockingbird, Red-legged Thrush, Tawny-shouldered Blackbird, Greater Antillean Grackle and Greater Antillean Oriole. Visiting birders have a shot at almost all these species. The exceptions are Zapata Rail (which was not located on a major ornithological expedition into the Zapata Swamp in 2005) and Cuban Kite (found only in Humboldt National Park and the Cuchillas de Toa Biosphere Reserve on the northeast side of the island, well off the traditional birding path). Of the remaining birds, the toughest are probably Gundlach’s Hawk, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Bee Hummingbird, Giant Kingbird and Zapata Wren.
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