Tuesday, August 31, 2010

August 31, 2010 High count of Baird's Sandpipers!

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.

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