September 21-22, 2011 Local Birding

Yesterday, September 21st, I visited Deschenes Rapids at dusk and counted 9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 87 Great Black-backed Gulls and 1 American Golden-Plover flew by but no Sabine's Gull was found. Likely, it had already gone to roost for the night. There were over 200+ Double-crested Cormorants in the area and interestingly one with white legs bands. Due to the distance I couldn't read any numbers or letters but the band stood out.
Today along the Ottawa River from Remic Rapids to Andrew Haydon Park the water level has dropped again but few shorebirds. The longest staying SABINE'S GULL was still present at Deschenes Rapids. The last time a SABINE'S GULL stayed for more than 24 hours was back in September 1974 when 1 was observed off Aylmer and Shirley's Bay for almost a week. It was spending most of its time on the Ontario side of the river feeding on emerging insect larva along with a couple of Bonaparte's Gulls, one adult in winter plumage and a juvenile. They were pecking at the surface of the water picking up something very small. I also noticed Sabine's Gull and Mallards doing the same feeding style.

Sunset over Lake Deschenes September 21, 2011

The Sabine's Gull feeding at Deschenes Rapids on the Ontario side today.

Molting male Mallard with female.

Two molting male Mallards.

Immature male Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat responses well to pishing or squeaking in its wetland habitat.