Amherst Island: May 27, 2009

Late this morning between the showers (11:15 a.m.) I observed a male Lark Bunting just inside the property entrance to the east point of the KFN property. The bird flushed and flew around then headed over the field to the north, near the purple martin house. I searched for a while but couldn't relocate the bird. While searching a Marbled Godwit flew in and landed in the field. At the ponds there were a small number of shorebirds including 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 2 White-rumped Sandpiper, and 17 Wilson's Phalarope.

The Marbled Godwit is a rare spring visitor to eastern Ontario from the prairies.

A juvenile Killdeer at the ponds at the KFN property on Amherst Island, while north nesting shorebirds are still on their way.

The Wilson's Phalarope is another praire species that can be found on the KFN property on Amherst Island. They are now regular breeders which were first found breeding in on the island in 1980. Female Wilson's Phalarope.

Unlike most other birds, the Phalaropes family has a reversed sex role. The female lays the eggs but the male is left to incubate and raise the young! Male Wilson's Phalarope.

A family of Canada Geese scurrying along the shoreline

Good birding,
Bruce

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $8.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road. Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists' property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/.

Gatineau Park: May 26, 2009

Today's outing was good despite the cool temperatures for May 26th, +3c. We spent our time birding various areas in Gatineau Park including Champlain Lookout and Pin Lake. Even through the birds weren't to vocal due to the cooler temperatures we did manage to see or hear 15 species of warblers. The biggest surprise were two YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS along a trail at Champlain Lookout. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a rare spring migrant and occasional breeder in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Black-throated Blue Warbler in Gatineau Park. Photo by Ian Nicholson.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Gatineau Park. Photo by Ian Nicholson.

Good birding,
Bruce

Birding Presqu'ile Provincial Park: May 24, 2009

The shorebird watching was excellent this morning along Beach 1-3 and Owen Point.

The highlight was a breeding plumaged Purple Sandpiper at Owen Point first spotted by Bill Gilmour. It was on the gravel point with Dunlin between 9:15 a.m and 9:50 a.m.

Other species noted included 8000+ Dunlin, 60+ Whimbrel, 6 Red Knot, 30+ Black-bellied Plover, 14 Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 White-rumped Sandpiper and small numbers of Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Sanderling and Semipalmated Plover.

Thousands of Dunlins were on the move north to their breeding grounds.

Dunlin were the most common shorebird today at Presqu'ile.

A female Red-bellied Woodpecker was another highlight for the group.

The breeding season is now well underway: American Robin.

Most birds were on the move north but some large flocks were resting on the gravel bar, Gull Island and along the beach. Other migrants included 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush, and 40+ Blackpoll Warbler.

Good birding,
Bruce

Directions: To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there.

Quiz 12 - Who Am I?

Another bodacious birding brainteaser from Bruce! Enjoy!

Photo #1

Who am I?

Photo #2
Who am I?

We hope to see your answers in the comments.

Good birding,
Bruce

Answers: Quiz 11 - Who Am I?

Sorry about the delay in the answers, its been a busy month and I forgot!

Photo #1

Starting left to right: Black-necked Stilt, Northern Shoveler (male), Cinnamon Teal (male), Blue-winged Teal (male and female). In the background male Northern Shoveler preening, foreground male Northern Shoveler, two more male northern Shoveler, two Blue-winged Teal, female preening, American Coot preening, Black-necked Stilt, and finally a few Least Grebes! Most of the birds were a straight forward to identify, but the Least Grebes were a challenge. I thought I would stump everyone but most of you identified them correctly. Well done!

Photo #2

This image was a little more challenging since the ducks were feeding. If you had a lot of field experience you would note the legs/feet, colour of the flanks, length of tail and overall shape: Fulvous Whistling Ducks. It was a toughie!

Good birding,
Bruce

Rail and Bittern outings a success! May 20 & 21, 2009

Both "Rail and Bittern" outings were successful! We had a very cooperative American Bittern that we were able to watch calling and a few Virginia Rails that put on a great display. The mosquitoes are now out in full force!

The American Bittern is easy to overlook in a cattail marsh but its distinctive call is a give away. We were close enough to hear the deep gulping "pump-er-lunk" call.

American Bittern blending into the dry cattails.

A Virginia Rail comes out of its cattail cover.

Good birding,
Bruce

Eastern Ontario Long Weekend Trip: May 16-18, 2009

Weather conditions played with us for the long weekend trip. On Saturday, rain, sometimes heavy; Sunday, strong winds, 45 km/hr; and Monday, cool! Despite the weather birding was good.

We started on Saturday at Chaffey's Lock area and managed to get most of the specialties before the skies opened up. Highlights included Cerulean Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and the hybrid "Brewster's Warbler."

In the Napanee area will were able to locate a pair of Loggerhead Shrike. This species has decrease in Eastern Ontario over the past 30 years. The Napanee area is the only reliable location to find Loggerheads nowadays.

With the wind and cool temperature at Presqu'ile, warbler migration was slow but we did observe 18 species including great views of a male Blackpoll Warbler at the lighthouse. Highlights included 4 Orchard Oriole, 5 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker and Ruddy Turnstone along the beach.

Off Owen Point there were 4 Great Egrets on High Bluff Island. While walking along Owen Point Trail I thought I heard a Willow Flycatcher giving its distinctive "fitz-bew" call. I finally located the bird and to my surprise it was a Gray Catbird giving a prefect imitation! What next?

Male Scarlet Tanager at Presqu'ile

Presqu'ile Provincial Park is a great location to watch shorebirds during spring and fall migrations. The beach shoreline, beach ponds, and the Owen Point area are important feeding and staging areas for these birds.

Male Orchard Oriole at an Oriole feeder along a residential road at Presqu'ile.

A couple of breeding plumaged Ruddy Turnstones feeding at Owen Point.

Ruddy Turnstone takes cover from the windy conditions along Lake Ontario.

May 17 was a windy day at Presqu'ile.

Good birding,
Bruce

Photos again...

Photos from May 14 & 15 have now been added to the rest from this Pelee Tour. There's a really great shot of a male Summer Tanager in this batch. Check them out here.

Good birding!

Point Pelee Update: May 15, 2009

May 15, 2009

On our final visit to the park the weather was beautiful compared to yesterday and visibility at the tip was excellent. You could see Pelee Island off at a distance. We had a male Prairie Warbler at the tip. That brought our total species of warblers to 31! Also at the tip there was a Peregrine Falcon flying around. There was an influx of Tennessee, Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Wilson's and Blackburnian Warbler in the park. We finished up at 10:00 a.m. and made our way back to Carp. Another successful Pelee trip!

Good birding,
Bruce

Point Pelee Update: May 14, 2009

May 14, 2009

Once the rain ended at around 8:00am the skies cleared and the birding was great! We had a male Summer Tanager along the main road in the park to start the morning. Then a male Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canada Warbler and lots of activity in Tilden Woods. Many of the warblers, vireos and thrushes were low in the vegetation, which gave us excellent views. The number of birders also picked up too. One more morning to go.

Good birding,
Bruce

Photos are up!!

Photos from the second Point Pelee Tour (currently underway) are now up. You can view them here.

You can also continue to view photos from the first tour here.

Enjoy & good birding,
Frances

Photos to come!

NOTE:
Bruce and Ben have provided a number of photos that are all processed. I just need to tag them and get them on-line, which I expect will happen tonight.

Thanks for your on-going patience. There are some great shots in this batch....I hope they're worth the wait.

Good birding,
Frances

Point Pelee Update: May 14, 2009

May 14, 2009

Up at 4:15am again, but due to thunderstorms and heavy rains passing through the region it's back to bed for a while or at least till the storms pass!

Good birding,
Bruce & Ben

Point Pelee Update: May 13, 2009

May 13, 2009

We managed to get a spot on the 6:00 am tram to the tip. A lot more early birders now but not as busy as the weekend. With no weather change it was another quiet start but the birding did finally pick up. Again a few new arrivals and again the north end of the park was the "hot spot."

We were able to locate the first spring male Summer Tanager at Sanctuary and 15+ species of warblers including Canada, Orange-crowned, Golden-winged, Bay-breasted and Tennessee. Lots of great views since the warblers were low in the vegetation. There was a definite increase in Least Flycatcher, American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warbler and Swainson's Thrush in the park.

Late afternoon we finally had a change in the weather, the rain started! Forecast is for a thunderstorm overnight. We'll wait and see.

Good birding,
Bruce & Ben

Point Pelee Update: May 12, 2009

May 12, 2009

The bird migration continues to be slow but there are still a few new arrivals. The birding has been quiet at the tip with the north end of the park and Tilden Woods producing more birds. Some highlights today were Yellow-breasted Chat, Bay-breasted Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler.

An afternoon trip to Hillman Conservation Area was excellent. Hundreds of shorebirds were resting and we observed 1000+ Black-bellied Plover, 2 Whimbrel, and 3 Ruddy Turnstone.

Still waiting for a weather change maybe tomorrow!

Good birding,
Bruce & Ben

Point Pelee Update: May 11, 2009

~ Congratulations, Bruce, on post #100!! ~

May 11, 2009

We managed to make the 6:00 a.m. tram to the tip at Pelee, a lot more birders in the park early! Overall, it was rather quiet with only a few new birds.

We decided to head to the north end of the park around Sanctuary and Blue Heron seasonal trails. A lot more activity, numerous migrants warblers including Blackburnian, Tennessee, Wilson's, Cape May, Northern Parula and still good numbers of Palm, Nashville, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, the earlier migrants.

The highlight of the day was a Mississippi Kite over Sanctuary, which was seen a few times during the day. The weather forecast doesn't appear to show much change in the weather. Still hoping a warm night with light rain!

Good birding,
Bruce and Ben

Note: Photos will be posted later today, I expect. Sorry for the delay. ~ Frances

Rondeau Report: May 10, 2009

After an early start from Carp at 4:45 a.m., we decided to check Rondeau Provincial Park en route to Pelee. It paid off with 19 species of warblers including Prothonotary, Hooded, Cerulean and Blue-winged Warbler. There was lots of activity along Harrison Trail with numerous Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Wilson's Warbler and Carolina Wren. After 2 hours of birding we headed for our hotel in Leamington. Tomorrow morning we plan on being on the 6 a.m. tram to the tip in Pelee.

A rare visitor, a male Hooded Warbler was very co-operative and we had great views.

Good birding,
Bruce and Ben

Chaffeys Lock Birding: May 9, 2009

May 9, 2009

Lots of activity along Chaffeys Lock/Opinicon Road this morning. The number of singing male Cerulean's in now up to 16 individuals along Opinicon and we also had 3 Golden-winged Warbler and one hybrid Brewster's near Skycroft Campground. There were numerous Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting singing along the road. Overall recorded 17 species of warblers and 4 species of vireo's with 7 Yellow-throated and 12 Red-eyed.

A male Golden-winged Warbler singing near Chaffeys Lock.

The Cerulean Warbler is usually hard to spot in the canopy, but this individual had not cover and was very cooperative.

A male Cerulean Warbler along Opinicon Road near Chaffeys Lock.

The more common of the hybrid "winged" warblers, a male Brewster's Warbler was giving a typical Golden-winged Warbler song.

Good birding,
Bruce

Directions: Chaffeys Lock/Opinicon Road: Opinicon Road is north of Kingston. From Hwy. 401 take county road 10 (exit 617) north towards Westport for about 20 kilometres. Roughly 1 or 2 kms. past Perth Road Village on the right is Opinicon Road. Turn right and drive towards Chaffeys Lock making regular stops along the way to listen. Anywhere along Opinicon Road is can be good. The old railway line or the Rideau Trail system opposite Skycroft Campgrounds are great for birding. From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to Hwy.7 to Carleton Place. Turn left onto Hwy.15 and follow past Smiths Falls and continue towards Kingston. After passing Crosby start watching for Chaffeys Lock Road on your right.

Photos are up!!

The first photos from Point Pelee are now up. You can view them here.

Thanks for your patience!

Good birding,
Bruce

Point Pelee Update: May 8, 2009

May 8, 2009

Our final morning was spent checking the tip and working our way to the north end of the park. Overall not too much change from yesterday. A few new migrants were observed including a Wilson's Warbler at the tip and a male Bay-breasted Warbler in Tilden Woods.

The seasonal trail at Sanctuary hosted a number of warblers including Blue-winged, Palm, Black-throated Blue, Cape May, Nashville and a few Yellow-rumped. After departing Pelee at 10:30 a.m. we drove by Hillman's Conservation Area and had 100+ Black-bellied Plover and 1 flyby Great Egret.

Our drive home was uneventful and we arrived in Carp 8 hours later! Will be back to Pelee Sunday afternoon on my second tour with my son Ben co-leading.

Good birding,
Bruce

Note from the Webmaster: I've made it back to Ottawa! Keep your eye out for photos over the next few days. Stay tuned! Thanks for your patience! ~ Frances

Point Pelee Update: May 7, 2009

May 7, 2009

For the fourth day in a row we made it to the tip on the 6:00 am tram. Fog had developed early this morning making visibility at the tip challenging. Showers developed late afternoon. Overall it was a somewhat quiet day with few new arrivals, but due to these conditions many species fed low in the vegetation allowing for excellent views.

At the cemetery we watched four Eastern Kingbirds flycatching on the ground. Cape May, Nashville, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Northern Parula, and Blue-winged were some of the warblers we easily viewed as they fed low in the trees. Five species of thrushes were noted in Tilden Woods - Swainson's, Hermit, Wood, Gray-cheeked and Veery. Six Sandhill Cranes were observed flying and calling as we birded Tilden Woods in the rain.

During a walk down the tram road three male Wild Turkey entertained us with their displaying. The weather forecast for Friday looks promising with clear skies and south winds - it should prove to be an interesting day.

Good birding,
Bruce

Note from the Webmaster: I've made it from Vancouver to Toronto and will be home tomorrow, so will add photos over the weekend. Stay tuned! Thanks for your patience! ~ Frances

Point Pelee Update: May 6, 2009

May 6, 2009

At Pelee the bird activity and variety was up today. For the third day in a row, we caught the 6:00 am tram to the tip and we were rewarded with a Willet this morning. The bird was very cooperative and was viewed by many.

There was a significant movement of birds overnight, which resulted in a number of new arrivals for the tour. Highlights included 1 Prairie Warbler, 6 Blue-winged Warbler, 3 Golden-winged Warbler, 1 American Redstart, and numerous Magnolia Warblers. Ovenbirds were easily seen, and other birds of note included Veery, Lincoln Sparrow, and Chimney Swift. White-crowned Sparrows, which were almost absent yesterday, were seen and heard singing throughout the park today.

The vegetation at the north-end of the park is now beginning to come out, while at the tip the vegetation has yet to emerge. With winds out of the south-west and rain in the forecast, everyone is hoping for a fall out. Tomorrow could prove to be a very interesting day.

Good birding,
Bruce

Note from the Webmaster: I'm in Vancouver this week so will add photos to this post when I return to Ottawa on the weekend. Stay tuned! Thanks for your patience! ~ Frances

Point Pelee Update: May 4 & 5, 2009

May 4 & 5, 2009

Due to extraordinarily warm weather, last week had a record setting 34 species of warblers at Pelee (unusual for late April). Comparatively, this week seems quiet so far. Since May 4th we have recorded 18 species of warblers, which is more the norm for the first week of May. Highlights have included Hooded Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, and Blue-winged Warbler to name a few. Unfortunately the weather has been "too nice" and so we are hoping for unsettled conditions with southerly winds to push new migrants into Pelee. There has yet to be any "super rarities" but we are enjoying great views of the regular migrants.

Good birding,
Bruce

Note from the Webmaster: I'm in Vancouver this week so will add photos to this post when I return to Ottawa on the weekend. Stay tuned! Thanks for your patience! ~ Frances

Chaffeys Lock: Cerulean Warbler & Golden-winged Warbler

Today, May 3rd, birded along Chaffeys Lock Road and Opinicon Road. There was a definite increase in bird activity since my earlier visit on April 29th. We had 1 Cerulean Warbler, 1 Golden-winged Warbler, 1 American Redstart, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and 3 Yellow-throated Vireo. Other recent arrivals included Eastern Kingbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole and Wood Thrush.

Good birding,
Bruce

Ottawa Area: Red-headed Woodpecker

Birded a number of locations in the west end of Ottawa today. The Red-headed Woodpeckers are back at the Constance Bay "Old Burn Site" for the 8th consecutive year. This is the earliest arrival date by 2 weeks.


Overall the migration has slowed down with the cooler temperatures but there was still a small number of warblers, including Yellow-rumped, Pine, Palm, Nashville and Yellow. There was an increase in the numbers of Field Sparrow, Brown Thrasher and Virginia Rails. Also had 2 Red Crossbills along Carling Avenue near Grandview Road. Pine Siskins are still around in good number, had 100+ at my feeder today. Saw 3 Chimney Swifts yesterday in Carp.

While out today on my birding course we observed two Virginia Rails having a dispute. Here are a few photos of the "battle"...

Good birding,
Bruce

Please review OFO's Ethical Birding Principles (available in the right-hand menu).

Directions: Constance Bay: RHWP: From Ottawa travel west bound on Hwy. 417 to the March Rd./Eagleson Road and exit right onto March Rd. Follow to Dunrobin Road and turn right continuing northwest through Woodlawn. At the hill turn right onto Constance Bay Rd following it for approx. 1.5 km. Turn left on Allbirch Road and drive 1.3 km to the "T" intersection. Turn left on Bishop Davis Drive and then right on Bayview Drive. Follow Bayview Drive to Ritchie St. Turn right and go a short distance to Whistler Rd. Turn left and drive .3 km and watch for a gate on the right. The trail through the burn area is opposite the gate. Parking is limited.