September 26, 2012 Red-throated Loon at Shirley's Bay

Hello Ontbirders
Late yesterday afternoon, September 26th, I spent a couple of hours birding along the Ottawa River between Britannia Point and Shirley's Bay. There was a small movement of water birds including Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Northern Pintail and American Wigeon. The highlight was a breeding plumage Red-throated Loon off the parking lot at Shirley's Bay. This is my 3 record of a breeding plumage RTLO in September . The first was September 27, 1975 and the second was on September 21, 1979. Both at Shirley's Bay. There were also 7 Surf Scoter, 4 Red-necked Grebe, 5 Common Loon and 2 Horned Grebe. At Deschenes Rapids a Red-necked Phalarope was feeding below the rapids and 7 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were resting on the exposed rocks along with 44 Great black-backed Gull.

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 causeway. There is lots of POISON IVY along the causeway.

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE SHIRLEY'S BAY AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the causeway area for birding.