August 3, 2010 Early morning at Shirley's Bay

The bird activity continues to increase along the Ottawa River at Shirleys Bay. This morning Ben and I spent a few hours checking out the shorebirds, waterfowl, gulls and terns and raptors. With lots of great habitat anything is possible! There were still 150+ peeps feeding over the exposed mudflats and a good variety of waterfowls. New arrivals/wanderers included 1 male Greater Scaup, 1 Common Goldeneye, 2 Ring-necked Duck and 11 Hooded Merganser. There were still 10+ Caspian Tern off the end of the dyke resting on the exposed rocks. An adult Bald Eagle made a couple of passes over the area flushing many of the ducks, gulls and terns while a Merlin worked for breakfast chasing the shorebirds. We returned to Shirley's Bay in the evening and observed 8 Great Egrets.

Good Birding, Bruce and Ben

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 Caspian Tern along Shirley's Bay dyke.

The Bald Eagle is a rare summer/early fall visitor to the Shirley's Bay area.