The number of Baird's Sandpiper continue to rise along the Ottawa River. This afternoon at Shirley's Bay I counted 17 individuals feeding out on the exposed mudflats. This the the highest number I've ever counted at one location in the Ottawa area. Earlier in the morning we observed the 6 that were reported by Pat Blake at AHP for a grand total of 23! Also at Shirley's Bay were 5 juv. Stilt Sandpiper, 2 juv. Pectoral Sandpiper (first of the fall) 1 juv. Bald Eagle, 7 Great Egret, and 2 Caspian Tern.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
August 31, 2010 Birding along the Ottawa River from Britannia Point to Andrew Haydon Park
Despite the recent heat wave with a 42+c humidex, the birding along the Ottawa River was good this morning. Our first stop at Britannia/Mud Lake produced a number of warblers along the ridge including Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Redstart, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Wilson's Warbler. At Deschenes Rapids there was a good concentration of gulls which included 46 adult Great Black-backed Gulls. As the day heated up bird activity quieted down and a walk around Mud Lake produced 1 Black-crowned night-Heron, 3 Pied-billed Grebe, 20+ Wood duck, 2 Green Heron, 4 Great Blue Heron and 3 Hooded Merganser. At Andrew Haydon Park we observed 6 juvenile Baird's Sandpiper along with 1 Semipalmated plover, 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper and 4 Least Sandpiper. There was 1 Great Egret feeding at the west end of the park.
Direct size comparison is very important aid when identifying shorebirds.
A juvenile Baird's Sandpiper feeding, note the long winged appearance.
Another good aid in identifying Baird's Sandpiper is the very horizontal look when feeding.
Note the pale feather edgings on the back of the Baird's Sandpiper.
Direct size comparison is very important aid when identifying shorebirds.
A juvenile Baird's Sandpiper feeding, note the long winged appearance.
Another good aid in identifying Baird's Sandpiper is the very horizontal look when feeding.
Note the pale feather edgings on the back of the Baird's Sandpiper.
August 31, 2010 Photo Quiz "Fall Shorebirds".
Southbound shorebird migration continues and with low water levels along the Ottawa River between Britannia Pier and Constance Bay there is lots of opportunity to study shorebirds. I've included 2 feeding shots of shorebirds for this quiz. Email me your answers. Good luck!
Photo #1
Photo #2
Saturday, August 28, 2010
August 28, 2010 A few new backyard birds!
During the past week I've added 3 new species to my backyard list. I count any bird that I identify by sight or sound from our property. On August 24th I added a Semipalmated Plover #162 as it flew over calling and Double-crested Cormorant, #163, a flock of 14 heading west over the house. Now this morning, at 8:05a.m. # 164, an American Golden-Plover flew over calling as I sat in my office answering emails. My last new species for the property was on December 8, 2008 Peregrine Falcon!
August 28, 2010 Early morning birding at Shirley's Bay
Arrived at Shirley's Bay at 6:10 a.m. There was lots of bird activity along the dyke including Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Nashville Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and numerous Black-capped Chickadees. The mudflats had few shorebirds and there were 100+ Green-winged Teal and 250+ Canada Geese feeding along with 14 Great Egrets that appear to have been roosting in the back area of Shirley's Bay. Two immature Bald Eagles flushed up everything and by 6:45a.m. the mudflats were quiet. Overhead there was no shortage of Bobolinks calling as they migrated south. Looks like another great day for birding!
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request
permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Remember to fill your feeders, lots of bird activity these days.
A juvenile Merlin looking for breakfast.
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request
permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Remember to fill your feeders, lots of bird activity these days.
A juvenile Merlin looking for breakfast.
Friday, August 27, 2010
August 23, 24 & 25, 2010 More birding along the Ottawa River
The Ottawa River between Britannia and Constance Bay continues to have the best variety of birds for late August birding. The combination of water birds and land birds makes it ideal for any one interested in birding from beginners to the seasoned birder. The low water levels continue to fluctuate somewhat but there is still lots of exposed mudflats. Another effect of the lower than usual water levels is the number of herons and egrets in our area. With lots of good fishing there's no shortage of activity. With each passing cold front over the next few weeks except good numbers of warblers, vireos, thrushes and other land birds in the Britannia/Mud Lake area and Shirley's Bay area. On August 23rd 3 juvenile Red-necked Phalaropes were present at Shirley's Bay feeding with a small group of Semi. and Least Sandpipers. On August 24th there were still 14 Great Egrets feeding at Shirley's Bay and the family of Red-headed woodpeckers were active at Constance Bay. At Constance Creek along the Thomas Dolan Parkway there were 3 American Bittern, 2 Common Moorhens and a immature Northern Goshawk flew over. A visit to Shirley's Bay on August 25th produced 2 Bald Eagle, 1 adult and 1 juvenile along with 5 Caspian Tern , 10+ Great Egret and excellent views of a juvenile Stilt Sandpiper.
Juvenile Cedar Waxwing, note streaked breast.
A juvenile plumage Stilt Sandpiper at Shirley's Bay. Look at the series of photo's and you will be able to see most of the field marks including obvious white eye line, long sightly drooped bill, green-yellow legs, some have a buffy or grayish breast, watch for dowitcher like feeding behavior, in fresh juvenile plumage will have pale feather edging, and note long winged appearance. In flight plain grayish wing and white rump. Often forages with Lesser Yellowlegs and Short-billed Dowitcher and is slightly smaller. In eastern Ontario and the Ottawa-Gatineau District it is a scarce but regular fall migrant through our area from mid July - late September.
A juvenile plumaged Solitary Sandpiper feeding at Shirley's Bay. This regular fall migrant, late June -mid September is uncommon. In suitable habitat it can sometimes be found in small numbers feeding. Note distinctive white eye ring, finely dotted on back with white, breast dark, legs greenish, in flight dark wings and very distinctive barred tail. When flushed or in flight gives a high clear peet-weet call.
Juvenile Cedar Waxwing, note streaked breast.
August 22, 2010 Birding Shirley's Bay to Britannia
Spent the morning birding between Shirley's Bay and Britannia. Overall it was somewhat quiet with few shorebirds. At Shirley's Bay an adult Peregrine was harassing the few shorebirds along with a Northern Harrier. Still a good number of Great Egrets 10+ and 2 Caspian Tern. At Britannia/Mud Lake I had 2 Red Crossbills in the White Pines and an adult Snow Goose (white morph) off Britannia Point. There was a good movement of Bobolinks overhead this morning. You could hear them calling as them flew over in small groups. Also, observed 100+ Bobolink along Murphy Side Road just east of Second Line Rd. Yesterday morning, Aug. 21st, there was 1 juv. Stilt sandpiper at Shirley's Bay. Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke. **** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Great Egret in flight at Shirley's Bay.
A Snow Goose at Deschenes Lookout was a surprise.
The Snow goose is a rare summer visitor to eastern Ontario.
August 21, 2010 Local Birding: Great Blue Heron preys on Pied-billed Grebe
Over the years I've observed Great Blue Herons eating a variety prey including fish, frogs, and even snakes but this event I never imagined. While birding at the "Moodie Drive Pond" we watched a Great Blue Heron attempting to eat a Pied-billed Grebe. After arriving at the pond I was scanning a noticed a juvenile Great Blue Heron hunting along the shoreline. There were a number of Pied-billed Grebes in the same area diving. After scoping most of the pond that had a variety of waterfowl including 20+ Pied-billed Grebe, 12 Ruddy Duck, 1 Redhead and 20+ Ring-necked Duck, I noticed the Great Blue Heron stabbing at the water and a Pied-billed Grebe motionless on the water. The heron picked the grebe up and made a couple of attempts at swallowing it but couldn't get the heavy body in position. This went on for a few minutes as we watched the heron struggle with its victim as a number of Pied-billed Grebes watch. Unfortunately the heron finally walked around the corner and we lost sight of it and will never know the out come. Did it swallow it like a large fish?
Great Blue Heron attempting to eat a Pied-billed Grebe.
A number of grebes gathered and appeared to be interested in what was happening. At least 8 were counted in close proximity.
Great Blue Heron attempting to eat a Pied-billed Grebe.
A number of grebes gathered and appeared to be interested in what was happening. At least 8 were counted in close proximity.
August 20, 2010 Local birding News
Today, August 20th, at 10:00am, I observed 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull at Andrew Haydon Park. It was sitting on the mudflat along with 3 juv. Baird's Sandpiper. The water level along the Ottawa River continues to drop after last weekends heavy rains. Tonight at Dunrobin I observed 7 Common Nighthawks feeding over the soccer fields and 21 Common Nighthawks over Carp.
Friday, August 20, 2010
August 20, 2010 Chimney Swifts successful nesting!
The Chimney Swift, also known as the "flying cigar" is a relatively small bird, about 12-14 centimetres long, with a sooty brown, cigar shaped body and long slender wings. In flight, it can be distinguished by its acrobatic and erratic flight pattern. This "aerial insectivore" spends most of its life flying and foraging in the air, catching insects in flight. If they are in your neighborhood, you will be sure to hear their high-pitched twittering sounds as they fly overhead.
For the past 6 years we've been fortunate to have a pair nesting in our chimney and we have been able to observe the young a few times a week as they progressed through their stages of development. This year the adults were successful in raising 2 young despite a late start, likely due to heavy rains which destroyed the nest during the latter part of June.
In Ontario, The Chimney Swift is considered a threatened species and as such is protected under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007. It has also been assessed nationally as endangered by the federal Committee on the Status on Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
Adult on nest July 15, 2010
Adult on nest July 24, 2010
Two newly hatched young, July 28, 2010. The third egg didn't hatch.
The young swifts grow quickly and now show feather tracks, August 2, 2010.
Adult sitting on nest with young, August 4, 2010.
The young with eyes still closed were ready for a feed. August 6, 2010
Just enough room for the adult, as the young grow quickly. August 8, 2010
Eyes now open, August 10, 2010
The young giving a loud rasping call, "raah, raah, raah", in response to my presence. August 12, 2010.
On August 13, 2010 the young had left the nest and were clinging to the chimney wall along with the adult.
Close-up showing adult on left. August 13, 2010.
On August 19, 2010, the young are clinging to chimney wall and exercising wings.
One young still in chimney on August 27, 2010. Check out the sharp claws!
For the past 6 years we've been fortunate to have a pair nesting in our chimney and we have been able to observe the young a few times a week as they progressed through their stages of development. This year the adults were successful in raising 2 young despite a late start, likely due to heavy rains which destroyed the nest during the latter part of June.
In Ontario, The Chimney Swift is considered a threatened species and as such is protected under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007. It has also been assessed nationally as endangered by the federal Committee on the Status on Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
Adult on nest July 15, 2010
Adult on nest July 24, 2010
Two newly hatched young, July 28, 2010. The third egg didn't hatch.
The young swifts grow quickly and now show feather tracks, August 2, 2010.
Adult sitting on nest with young, August 4, 2010.
An adult Chimney Swift preforming wing clapping. When alarmed at nest site an adult raises wings fully outstretched, perpendicular to body, while clinging to the chimney wall. It leaps backwards and flaps its wings together 3-6 times in a row. This behavior is to startle intruders. August 6, 2010
The young with eyes still closed were ready for a feed. August 6, 2010
Just enough room for the adult, as the young grow quickly. August 8, 2010
Eyes now open, August 10, 2010
The young giving a loud rasping call, "raah, raah, raah", in response to my presence. August 12, 2010.
On August 13, 2010 the young had left the nest and were clinging to the chimney wall along with the adult.
Close-up showing adult on left. August 13, 2010.
On August 19, 2010, the young are clinging to chimney wall and exercising wings.
A view of the empty Chimney Swift nest located 12 feet down our chimney. The Chimney Swift gathers nesting material in flight. Using their sticky saliva, which acts like a cement, they build their nest of twigs. The saliva is produced from their seasonally enlarged sublingual glands.
One young still in chimney on August 27, 2010. Check out the sharp claws!
A view of the bottom of the chimney reveals a few primary feathers, eggs shells, bird dropping, nesting material and other debris from years of nesting in our chimney.
Monday, August 16, 2010
August 16, 2010 Record number of Great Egrets in Ottawa.
The number of Great Egrets in the Ottawa area continues to raise weekly. Today, August 16th , I observed 14 at Shirley's Bay and another 7 along the Ottawa River at various locations. Last week, the roost site at Deschenes Rapids had a high count of 18 egrets. A few of the egrets were observed sitting in Double-crested Cormorant nests and picking up sticks. I'm not sure if they're just checking out the real estate or had possibly nested earlier this year at this location. The Great Egret was first recorded in Ottawa in August 1972 and has been a rare visitor over the decades. Since the early 2000's we have had more observations during the fall with numbers ranging between 5-8 individuals but this year the numbers are unprecedented. Anyway, likely more will be found during this fall. I'm still haven't observed any banded Great Egrets.
The water level at Shirley's Bay is high and few shorebirds were present this afternoon but this is typical after heavy rains.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
The water level at Shirley's Bay is high and few shorebirds were present this afternoon but this is typical after heavy rains.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
August 15, 2010 Shorebirding in the rain.
Despite the heavy rains, thunder and lightning shorebird watching was great this morning at Shirley's Bay. We had a small fallout of shorebirds with a total of 16 species. Highlights included 1 Whimbrel flying over calling and circling but continued south, 2 flocks of adult Black-bellied Plover (14 and 9), 13 adult Ruddy Turnstone, 17 adult Sanderling, 1 juv. Baird's Sandpiper, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher and 1 juv. Red-necked Phalarope. At least 8 Great Egrets and 5 Caspian Terns were feeding in the bay. At late afternoon check added another Whimbrel.
Good birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Good birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
August 13 & 14, 2010 Red-necked Phalarope at Shirley's Bay
This morning, August 13th, I observed 1 juvenile Red-necked Phalarope at Shirley's Bay along with 700+ shorebirds mainly juvenile "peeps", 600+ Least and 50+ Semipalmated Sandpiper. There was also a Peregrine Falcon hunting the shorebirds.
Good Birding, Bruce
The birding at Shirley's Bay continues to improve day by day. Today, August 14th, in the morning the Red-necked Phalarope was still present feeding out on the mudflat along with 400+ peeps and a Baird's Sandpiper. There was lots of activity in the raptor family with 1 banded adult Peregrine hunting the shorebirds, 1 Merlin and 2 Bald Eagle (1 ad. and 1 juv). There were still 5 Caspian Terns feeding and resting in the area and 1 American Bittern was seen briefly. At Constance Bay a Great Egret was observed flying down river.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request
permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Adult Peregrine Falcon on the pursuit.
Juvenile Red-necked Phalarope
Peregrine looking for Breakfast.
Good Birding, Bruce
The birding at Shirley's Bay continues to improve day by day. Today, August 14th, in the morning the Red-necked Phalarope was still present feeding out on the mudflat along with 400+ peeps and a Baird's Sandpiper. There was lots of activity in the raptor family with 1 banded adult Peregrine hunting the shorebirds, 1 Merlin and 2 Bald Eagle (1 ad. and 1 juv). There were still 5 Caspian Terns feeding and resting in the area and 1 American Bittern was seen briefly. At Constance Bay a Great Egret was observed flying down river.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request
permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Adult Peregrine Falcon on the pursuit.
Juvenile Red-necked Phalarope
Peregrine looking for Breakfast.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 11, 2010 Egret battle at Shirley's Bay
Spent an hour birding Shirley's Bay this afternoon in the heat. Lots of activity including a battle between two Great Egrets. They were very aggressive fighting over fishing rights! Counted over 450+ shorebirds, mainly "peeps", 350+ Least and 50+ Semipalmated Sandpiper. There was 1 juvenile Semipalmated Plover another first of the fall.
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request
permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch).
Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.
**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request
permission to visit the dyke area for birding.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
August 10, 2010 Fall migration along the Ottawa River
Shorebird migration continues throughout the Ottawa area with lots of juvenile shorebirds. Saw my first juv. Baird's Sandpiper of the fall at Constance Bay this evening. There was a small fallout of shorebirds due to the brief heavy rain shower at 5:30pm. Around 150+ shorebirds mainly juv. Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and a flock of 18 ad. Semipalmated Plover. The Red-headed Woodpeckers are still present at the old burn site and fledged 4 young. This is the 9 consecutive year. Early during the day birdied the Moodie Drive ponds and had 12 Ruddy Duck, 4 Redhead, 26 Pied-billed Grebe and 10 juvenile Bonaparte's Gull.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: 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.
Please review OFO's Ethical Birding Principles and (RHWO). Please do not use IPods/CD/tapes to call the bird out. The area is small, but you do require patience.
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.
Juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper
Adult Pectoral Sandpiper
Juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs
Flock of juvenile Leeser Yellowslegs and Pectoral Sandpiper for size comparison.
Record low water levels along the Ottawa River at Deschenes Rapids.
The Constance Bay/Ottawa River area has extensive mud/sand flats which are great for shorebird groundings during heavy rains. .
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Shirley's Bay: 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.
Please review OFO's Ethical Birding Principles and (RHWO). Please do not use IPods/CD/tapes to call the bird out. The area is small, but you do require patience.
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.
Juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper
Adult Pectoral Sandpiper
Juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs
Flock of juvenile Leeser Yellowslegs and Pectoral Sandpiper for size comparison.
Record low water levels along the Ottawa River at Deschenes Rapids.
The Constance Bay/Ottawa River area has extensive mud/sand flats which are great for shorebird groundings during heavy rains. .
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