Bruce Di Labio's Blog: August 30, 2011 Buff-breasted Sandpiper near Osgoode.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

August 30, 2011 Buff-breasted Sandpiper near Osgoode.

Hi Everyone

Shorebird migration continues throughout eastern Ontario and our first Buff-breasted Sandpiper of the season was observed on a sod farm near Osgoode by Bob Cermak and Bruce Di Labio. The Buff-breasted was first spotted by Bob and was present for at least 2 hours as it fed along the edge of a bordering field with tall grass. At first it spent most of its time in the taller grass and was hard to see view but finally made its way to the short sod grass and put on a great show. The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is a rare to very rare fall migrant throughout eastern Ontario with Presqu'ile Provincial Park being one of the best locations where the bird is almost annual. Best time to see this sandpiper is during late August and September. No reports yet from the park but I'm sure one will be found soon. Away from Presqu'ile most inland records are from sod farms, plowed fields and occasionally sewage lagoons or drier mudflats along the Ottawa River.
I checked both Alfred and Casselman Sewage Lagoons during the afternoon and found 100+ shorebirds at Alfred including 4 Baird's Sandpiper. Unfortunately a Peregrine Falcon flew in and spooked all the shorebirds as I was just setting up my scope and most left the area. There were few ducks in the west cell but still a couple of Ruddy Ducks. While scanning the surrounding field I observed 2 Sandhill Crane and a juvenile Bald Eagle. There was still construction going on in the east cell where the shorebirds were feeding. At Casselman I didn't see any shorebirds and there was lots of construction acitivity in the east cell so no access to the lagoon.

Good birding, Bruce Directions from Ottawa:

From Ottawa take Highway #416 South. Take Roger Stevens Drive (County Road #6) toward Kars and Osgood. Following #6 cross the Rideau River and then cross River Road. Shortly #6 turned left off of the road to Osgoode. You are now on Snake Island Road. In five kilometers or so Snake Island Road (#6) crosses Manotick Station Road. In approximately 200 yards there is a sod farm field on the left (north west). Please respect private property.

Adult Peregrine in presuit of shorebirds.

East cell at Alfred Sewage Lagoon still under construction but good shorebird habitat.

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Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

August 30, 2011 Buff-breasted Sandpiper near Osgoode.

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