Bruce Di Labio's Blog: May 2014

Friday, May 23, 2014

May 23,2014 Lesser Black-backed Gull at Pembroke, Ontario

On May 21st while birding at the Pembroke Marina I observed and photographed a 3rd year Lesser Black-backed Gull resting with Ring-billed Gulls on the break wall of the marina. The Lesser black-backed Gull is very rare in Renfrew County and most records are from the fall months. The first record for Ontario was found in the Ottawa area during November 1971. This species had increased big time over the last 4 decades but recently the number of sightings have dropped off. During the past decade I had counts up to 20+ individuals along the Ottawa River. The decline may be tied to the changes in dumping practices at local land fill sites. Nowadays there is little food available for the gulls due to the green bin. The days off see 1000's of gulls at local landfill sites appear to gone. As a result the number of gulls in our region has decline significantly.
Good birding,
Bruce

Lesser Black-backed Gull

May 22,2014 Red-headed Woopeckers at Constance Bay

Hi Everyone

At least one Red-headed Woodpecker has returned to the old burn site at Constance Bay. On May 17th I heard and observed a very vocal adult as it perched high in one of the few remaining dead trees. These woodepckers have successfully bred at this site since first being discovered by my dad in late May/early June 2002. The habitat has changed significantly since the fire during the mid 1990's and most of the dead trees have fallen and the area has been filled in with new growth. If you are going to look for these birds please refrain from using playback, all you need is some patience!

I was back again on May 22nd and the same bird was still very vocal as it was successfully flycatching for a high perch.

Good birding,

Bruce

Please review OFO's Ethical Birding Principles http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/aboutus.ethics

Directions: Constance Bay: RHWP: From Ottawa travel west bound on Hwy. 417 to the March Rd./Eagleson Road and exit right onto March Rd. Follow to Dunrobin Road and turn right continuing northwest through Woodlawn. At the hill turn right onto Constance Bay Rd following it for approx. 1.5 km. Turn left on Allbirch Road and drive 1.3 km to the " T " intersection. Turn left
on Bishop Davis Drive and then right on Bayview Drive. Follow Bayview Drive to Ritchie St. Turn right and go a short distance to Whistler Rd. Turn left and drive .3 km and watch for a gate on the right. The trail through the burn area is opposite the gate. Parking is limited.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Thursday, May 22, 2014

May 20, 2014 Late lingering Snowy Owls in eastern Ontario

After the most amazing winter for Snowy Owls we are still seeing late lingering individuals in eastern Ontario. After 40+ years of birding I recorded my first ever May Snowy Owl for the Ottawa -Gatineau district on May 1st. Since then no sightings but on May 20th I observed two individuals while driving to Pembroke, one was in the Fitzroy Harbour area and another along Highway 17 west of Cobden. It will be interesting to see if any over summer in the region.

Good birding,

Bruce

Late ingering Snowy Owls continue to be reported in eastern Ontario.

Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl

May 18,2014 Little Gull flock found on Lake Deschenes

While birding along the Ottawa River I observed a first year Little Gull in a small group of Bonaparte's Gulls off Britannia Pier. Later during the morning the number of Little Gulls had grown to 6-7 1st year birds and 2 adult birds. The first record of Little Gull for the Ottawa-Gatineau district was found in June 1975 and over the past four decades there have been 40+ records. The majority of sightings have fallen between the latter part of May to mid June mainly along the Ottawa River between Britannia and Shirley's Bay and there are a few fall sightings. This represents the largest flock ever recorded in the Ottawa-Gatineau district. The previous high count was 5 on May 17,1987 along the ottawa river at Deschenes Rapids.
Good birding,
Bruce

The Little Gulls spent most of their time off Britannoa Pier and dick Bell Park. At one point I watched a flock of 1st years birds flying out over Lake Deschenes. I was able to digiscope them along with a few Bonapate's Gulls once them settled on the water.

May 15,2014 White-eyed Vireo at Shirley's Bay

Hi Everyone
While going to check on the Bald eagle nest at Shirley's Bay I heard and briefly saw an adult White-eyed Vireo near the gate entrance to the Rifle Range. The vireo sang a number of times as it slowly moved south and disappeared. The White-eyed Vireo is a very rare visitor to eastern Ontario and most records are from the fall season. The Bald Eagles are doing well and have two young. This is the third consecutive year that the eagles have nested
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.

Bald Eagles continue to successfully nest at Shirley's Bay.

May 14,2014 Local birding: Britannia Conservation Area

Hi Ontbirders

The birding today, May 14th was excellent in the Ottawa area with a large number of migrant warblers and other land birds in various woodlots around the city. At the Britannia Conservation Area-Mud Lake there were 20 species of warblers including 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 10+ Northern Parula, 450+ Yellow -rumped Warbler, 40 Yellow Warbler, 30 American Redstart, 7 Black-throated Blue Warbler, and smaller numbers of Bay-breasted, Pine, Palm, Magnolia, Canada, Wilson, Blackburnian and other species. Numerous vireos including 3 Philadelphia Vireo, 15 Warbling Vireo, 6 Red-eyed Vireo and 3 Bobolink flew over and 500+ Cedar Waxwing were observed. A Northern Mockingbird was found south of the BOCA along the bike path. Over the village of Britannia a loose flock of 100+ Chimney Swift were observed feeding high in the sky. A Yellow-throated Vireo was observed in a small wood lot off Island Park Drive and the Ottawa River Parkway. Lots of activity!
Good birding,
Bruce

Directions: The Britannia Conservation Area-Mud Lake is located north of Carling Ave at Richmond Road. Follow Britannia Road north to Cassels Road and turn right.

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