August 8, 2011 Shorebird watching at Shirley's Bay.

With all the recent hot weather and little rain, the water level along Ottawa River is finally dropping and there are mudflats at Shirley's Bay and a sandbar at Ottawa Beach/ andrew Haydon Park. I birded the Shirley's Bay area and had a number of shorebirds including 1 adult Long-billed Dowitcher (very rare), 3 Short-billed Dowitcher, 7 White-rumped Sandpiper, 7 Semipalmated Sandpiper and 6 Lesser Yellowlegs including 1 juvenile. Also present, 3 Great Egret, 17 Great Blue Heron and an immature Sora. The adult Long-billed Dowithcer is only my 3 record for fall migration. We usually find a few juveniles latter into September or early October. Surprisling it was almost 40 years when the first Long-billed Dowitcher was recorded for the Ottawa district also 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.

With lower water levels along the Ottawa River start checking your favorite shorebird areas!