Bruce Di Labio's Blog: March 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

March 27, 2012 Bald Eagle nesting at Shirley's Bay

After building a nest last spring but not nesting, Bald Eagles have returned to Shirley's Bay. On March 20th I observed 2 adults around the nest and on March 21st, one of the adults was sitting on the nest. On March 27th one adult was still observed sitting. This is the first nesting record for the Ottawa district and it will be interesting to see how the eagles do. During the previous breeding bird atlas (2001-2005) no nesting was documented in the Ottawa area. Occasionally individuals are observed during the summer months along the Ottawa River and mutiplie birds by late August to early September.

After building a nest during the spring of 2011 the Bald Eagles have returned

Bald Eagle sitting on nest at Shirley's Bay.
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March 25, 2012 Presqu'ile Birding

Hi Everyone
Today at Presqu'ile P.P. we observed 2 Snowy Owls off Owen Point, 1 on Gull Island and the second on High Bluff Island. It was interesting that the first one was sitting very close to, two Ring-billed Gulls on a log-maybe the Snowy already had breakfast?? On Owen Point there was a Northern Shrike hunting a Song Sparrow. There were 4 Red-throated Loons on Popham Bay and one off the lighthouse. On a earlier visit to Presqu'ile on March 23rd, I observed a very early Caspian Tern off Owen Point ( not sure what the earliest record is for Ontario?), 1 Virginia Rail calling at the Marsh Boardwalk and a Yellow-rumped Warbler on March 22nd in a flock of Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets at Calf Pasture.
Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: Courtesy Fred Helleiner: To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there.

March 23, 2012 Long-billed Dowitcher in eastern Ontario

The recent heat wave to hit eastern Ontario brought with it a number of very early arrivals including a Long-billed Dowitcher just east of Ottawa along Bearbrook Creek off Frank Kenny road. The dowitcher was first observed on March 21st and thought to be a Short-billed Dowitcher. After researching migration data on both short-billed and long-billed is was determined to likely be a Long-billed Dowitcher. The bird wasn't observed on March 22nd but was relocated on March 23rd. It was photographed and studied well and is the first record for March in Ontario with the previous record early date, April 4th. There was also a Long-billed Dowitcher observed on March 22nd near Hillsman Marsh in southern Ontario and a dowitcher reported in upper New York state. Another interesting observation was of a Plegadis (Glossy/White-faced) Ibis on March 23rd Presqu'ile Provincial Park. This is another record early date for any ibis in Ontario. Unfortunately the ibis wasn't relocated.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

March 21, 2012 Ross's Goose along the Carp River.

Hi Everyone

While doing some yard work late this morning I observed a Ross's Goose fly over in a flock of Canada Geese. I was able to relocate the Ross's Goose along the Carp River off Rivington Street at 12:05pm. It was still present at 12:20pm. There were also 2 Snow Geese, 1 white and 1 blue morph and 1 Cackling Goose among the 1500+ geese.
Good birding, Bruce

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Carp Road exit. and turn right (north) and follow Carp Road to the village of Carp. After crossing the bridge take the first right (east) on Rivington Street and follow to the end.

Ross's Goose along the Carp River.

March 19, 2012 Back home!

After 5 weeks on the road leading birding tours in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and 2 Cuba tours, Its now time to catch up on my blog. The past 3 weeks I had no internet access or it was to difficult - to slow to update my blog. It will take a week or so to get caught up. Stay tuned!

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