November 2, 2012 Red-throated Loons on Lake Deschenes, Ottawa River.

The birding along the Ottawa River continues to be interesting with a variety of northern water birds still moving south. The weather conditions were good with a low cloud ceiling, misty, with light rain and windy. I spent 3 hours birding Lake Deschenes from Dick Bell Park and Britannia Pier. The highlight was a total of 12 adult Red-throated Loon in winter plumage, a flock of 8 and 3 and a single bird. All the loons were in flight flying around the lake but never landing. 
Other birds of note included 12 male Long-tailed duck, 4 Black Scoter, 3 White-winged Scoter, 150+ Common Goldeneye and 6 Common Loons. Since the mid 1970's Lake Deschenes has become well known for flights of Brant, Red-throated Loons, Black Scoters, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter,Long-tailed Ducks and Purple Sandpiper from mid October to mid November. Watch the weather forecast and check for cold fronts passing through the region or a sudden drop in temperatures further north.