December 31,2015 An amazing year of birding ends with a Summer Tanager!

Hi Everyone 

An immature male Summer Tanager was the final rarity for 2015. First noticed coming to a bird feeder in New Edinburgh on December 25 the alert went out and after some searching the tanager was found. Today it spent some of its time at a feeder along Avon Lane between Union and Queen Victoria Streets. The Summer Tanager is a very rare visitor to the Ottawa area and the first record was found on May 24,1967 by Dan Brunton  in the west end of Ottawa. The following day the tanager was collected. Other May records include May 8,1996 at Vincent Massey Park, and May 4,2012 near Kemptville. The only other late fall occurrence is a female visiting a bird feeder from November 10-15, 2004 in the west end of Ottawa. 

Happy New Year! 

Bruce

An immature male Summer Tanager was a surprise find in the Ottawa area.

This represents one of only a handful of records for the Ottawa-Gatineau district. 

December 26-29, Eastern Ontario Birding

Hi Everyone
Birding over the past few days has been an eye opener with the contrast in the recent weather. Hard to believe on Christmas Eve it was 17c and starting on December 27 a total change in the weather. Winter has arrived and some late lingering species will now slowly die off. The unusually mild late fall and early winter had contributed to there extended lifespan but you can't stop winter. Overnight we received 20+ cms of snow and temperatures are cooling off back to the norm. Species like the Wood Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, Cape May Warbler seen on the Ottawa-Gatineau CBC its only the matter of time before they succumb to the elements. Even the Bullock's Orioles chance of survival is zero.  Its a harsh reality that winter listing is just chasing the dying. I know a list is a list but we never look at the overall picture. These unfortunate souls are here for a short time and they are merely a tick on your list. We can't save them all, occasionally species such as hummingbirds are captured but don't always do well. It's part of nature and what we witness in our day to day birding actives. Since these birds are only here for a brief time remember not to be selfish and try and get the best photo but keep your distance and respect them.

Most local Christmas bird counts benefited from the lack of snow and above normal temperatures which resulted in numerous new species being found for the first time and new record highs were set. With mild conditions lasting up until Dec. 26, a number of late lingerers managed to survive. Under normally conditions these birds wouldn’t have lasted this long.

  

The Pakenham-Arnprior Christmas Bird Count held on Dec.26 tallied one of its highest totals with 60 species. The record is 66 species set in 2001. Viewing conditions were excellent along the various waterways which helped out in counting late lingering water birds. Definitely the highlight of the count was the long staying Bullock’s Oriole found back on Nov.29. Unfortunately many of these late lingering land birds won’t survive the now wintery conditions. There were four other new species recorded including Red-throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Record high tallies included 1,561 Canada Geese, 14 American Black Ducks, 101 Common Goldeneyes, 316 Herring Gulls, 10 Ring-billed Gulls, 31 Great Black-backed Gulls, three Eastern Screech-Owls, 10 Barred Owls and five Song Sparrows.

The drastic change in weather seriously affected the results of the Massena-Cornwall Christmas Bird Count held on Dec.27. A combination of freezing rain, rain, and snow flurries made it a challenge. The highlight of the count was the female Smew first discovered on Dec.13 near Long Sault and relocated prior to the count between Upper Canada Village and Ault Island. Other interesting species including two Tundra Swans, 500 Redheads, 18,000 Canada Geese, and 3,000 Snow Geese.  

Good birding,
Bruce

A freezing rain storm didn't stop this Mountain Bluebird. 

A small flock of  late lingering Northern Shovelers were found along the Ottawa River at Britannia. 

The Bullock's Oriole continues at Pakenham, Ontario. 

During the recent winter snow storm and cold temperatures it still managed to feed on the apples. Below is a series of photos. 

Bullock's Oriole

Bullock's Oriole 

Bullock's Oriole

Recent freezing rain. 

American Robins will feed on berries and other fruit during the winter months. 

A Northern Cardinal feeding on the ice covered branch. 

A levitating Northern Cardinal !

December 27,2015 Smew at Ault Island near Upper Canada Village

Hi Everyone

While taking part on the Massena-Cornwall CBC this morning we spotted the Smew at 8:45a.m. off the west end of Ault Island from the foot bridge near the Guest house at Upper Canada Village. The Smew was with a small group of Common Mergansers. After watching it for a while the group fly east and disappeared around the west end of the island. It was relocated and observed flying west along the shoreline and landing off Chrysler Farm Monument in Upper Canada Village. A bout five minutes it flew east and disappeared around the southwest tip of Ault. During the latter part of the  afternoon it was observed off the south side of Ault Island. This bird does move around the general area and is usually with mergansers, either Hooded or Common. If you do locate the Smew please post to Ontbirds. Also, remember the OFO Birding code of ethics. 

Good luck, 

Bruce

The Smew was present this morning off the west end Ault Island

During the day it was observed at a few locations along the St.Lawrence River between Upper Canada Village and Ault Island. 

December 24,2015 Eastern Ontario Rarities Update

Hi Ontbirders
This is my last update for a couple of days.  There will be a significant change in the weather over the next couple of days in eastern Ontario with cold temperatures  on the way.


The Pink-footed Goose was observed along Eight Road near Moose Creek  this morning in a group of 9000+ Snow Gees . Lots of patience is required to find this goose.

The Mountain Bluebird was present this afternoon at the intersection of Century Road and Goodstown Road south of Richmond. As it held onto a fence line, it must have felt at home like on the prairies with 40+ kms winds.

The Bullock’s Oriole was again observed in Pakenham  feeding in its favourite apple tree at the south west end of Dalkeith St. Please remember the OFO Birding Code of Ethics!

I haven’t received or heard of any observations of the Smew today.

Merry Christmas,
Bruce

​Directions: Pink-footed Goose: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 east past Casselman and exit at #58 south on Hwy 138. Follow south to Norman Dr. Turn right and continue west and Norman changes into Valley St. Follow to Eight Road and turn right continue to 16182 8th but watch for Snow Geese anywhere in the fields.

Mountain Bluebird directions: Take Hwy 416 south or north to Exit 57. West on Brophy to Eagleson and south on Eagleson/McCordick to Century Rd.. West on Century to intersection of Goodstown.

Bullock’s Oriole directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Kinburn Side Road. After exiting turn left and follow to CR 29. Turn left and as you enter the village of Pakenham watch for Waba Road on your right.  Turn right and then left on Dalkeith St.

The Mountain Bluebird holds on to the barbwire during 40 km/hr winds. 

My latest Woolly Bear Caterpillar for Ottawa was at Dick Bell Park enjoying +17c on December 24! 

December 20,2015 96th Ottawa-Gatineau Christmas Bird Count

Hi Everyone 

The annual Ottawa-Gatineau CBC was held today, December 20,2015. Conditions were excellent with virtually no snow cover and open water conditions contributed to almost a record number of species. The preliminary results, 86 species, our second highest ever. The record is 89 species in 1984. Our average over the past 30 years is around 72 species. This was my 45th consecutive Ottawa CBC and one of the most exciting. Conditions were excellent for walking and covering areas you don't usually do since there is a few feet of snow or the area is frozen. There was  lots of natural food available,berries and seeds plus we'd had no extreme cold temperatures this fall and early winter to kill off late lingering species. As a result the Britannia sector had its best showing ever with 65 species confirmed so far. Our previous high was 61 species in 2006. The combination of no snow, waterways open, and a relatively mild fall and early winter resulted in a higher number of late lingerers. Highlights included Winter Wren, Swamp Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, and  Wood Thrush to name a few. A great team effort! 

Good birding

Bruce

The first record of Greater White-fronted Goose for the count was found early in the week. 

A Northern Mockingbird was one of numerous rare land birds found on the count. 

A few Snowy owls were observed along the Ottawa River.

With all waterways open there were a number of late lingering ducks including American Wigeon. 

First record of Wood Thrush for the count was a big surprise. 

December 19,2015 Pembroke CBC Black-throated Gray Warbler!

Hi Everyone

This morning while participating on the Pembroke CBC Ben and I discovered a Black-throated Gray Warbler on Morrison Island/Quebec side of the count circle, only 1 km from Ontario. This is yet another western species that has shown up in our region. Enjoy the CBCs over the next few weeks! Lots of possibilities on our Ontario counts.

Merry Christmas,

Bruce and Ben

Direction: If you require additional information please email me privately.

 

Unfortunately due to the height of the cedar trees and being very active warbler it was difficult to get a clear photo of the warbler.  

December 18,2015 Eastern Ontario rarities update

Hi Everyone

Since my son Ben has been away at university in New Brunswick this fall and missed all the excitement, I picked him up at the Ottawa airport at 7:50a.m. and we spent the day searching for the local goodies. Before leaving Ottawa for Fredericton, Ben’s Ottawa Life list was at 299. Our first stop was the female Mountain Bluebird, which was present along the fence line at the intersection of Century Road and Goodstown Road at 8:40a.m.

Our next stop, Pakenham, produced the Bullock’s Oriole along the old railway bed and it spent most of its time in the vegetation to the south. We did not see it visit its favorite tree.

The final destination was east of Casselman for the Pink-footed Goose. There were no geese along Lafleche Road so we worked our way towards Moose Creek and located a large concentration of Snow Geese along Eighth Road just north of Moose Creek. After a while of scanning the flock we spotted the Pink-footed Goose. There were 10,000 Snow Goose and more sizable flocks arriving. The best viewing location was north of 16182 Eighth Road. The mass of Snow Geese were visible from the road and viewing conditions were great.




Good luck,

Bruce and Ben


Directions: Mountain Bluebird: Take Hwy 416 south or north to Exit 57. West on Brophy to Eagleson and south on Eagleson/McCordick to Century Rd.. West on Century to intersection of Goodstown.


Directions: Bullock’s Oriole: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Kinburn Side Road. After exiting turn left and follow to CR 29. Turn left and as you enter the village of Pakenham watch for Waba Road on your right.  Turn right and then left on Dalkeith St.


Directions: Pink-footed Goose: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 east past Casselman and exit at #58 south on Hwy 138. Follow south to Norman Dr. Turn right and continue west and Norman changes into Valley St. Follow to Eight Road and turn right continue to 16182 8th but watch for Snow Geese anywhere in the fields.

December 14,2015 Eastern Ontario Rarities update

Hi Ontbirders

The birding in Eastern Ontario continues to be unpredictable and exciting. It doesn’t appear to be slowing down too soon. The weather forecast for the next few days is above seasonal temperatures and no snow. All waterways are still ice free.
The Smew was observed at first light today along the St. Lawrence River just east of Long Sault along Hwy 2 at Fickes Road. The Smew flew west and disappeared. Fortunately for a few of us while scanning the river it was spotted flying back, landing briefly in the same location before taking flight again and heading west along the river. A number of us searched various areas but no luck. The bird may return at dusk and I’d check tomorrow at dawn.  
The Pink-footed Goose was observed at the sod farm off Laflèche Road late morning and was still present into the afternoon. There were no geese along Laflèche Road when we arrived but shortly after a small flock landed followed by 5-8 thousands and the PFGO was spotted. Lots of patience is required to find this goose.
The Mountain Bluebird was present this morning and early afternoon at the intersection of Century Road and Goodstown Road south of Richmond.
The Bullock’s Oriole was again observed in Pakenham and I observed it feeding in its favourite apple tree at the south west end of Dalkeith St. at 3:15p.m.
Good luck,
Bruce
http://brucedilabio.blogspot.ca/

SMEW directions:  Seen from Highway 2 between Cornwall and Long Sault Just west of Fickes Road, there is a short, open stretch of river that is viewable from the highway.  There is also a bike path here.  This is a busy stretch of road, so it may be best to park on Fickes Road and walk the short distance to the west.

Pink-footed Goose directions: Take Hwy 417 east from Ottawa past Casselman and take exit 58.
Turn right (south) on Hwy 138 towards Cornwall. Laflèche Road is the first road on the right.

Mountain Bluebird directions: Take Hwy 416 south or north to Exit 57. West on Brophy to Eagleson and south on Eagleson/McCordick to Century Rd.. West on Century to intersection of Goodstown.

Bullock’s Oriole directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Kinburn Side Road. After exiting turn left and follow to CR 29. Turn left and as you enter the village of Pakenham watch for Waba Road on your right.  Turn right and then left on Dalkeith St.

The Smew was only seen briefly before flying west along the St. Lawrence River.  Smew photos courtesy of Jacques Bouvier. 

Only a few fortunate birders got to see the Smew before it disappeared near Long Sault.

Pink-footed Goose with Snow Geese. 

Mountain Bluebird spent much of its time feeding along the fence line and flying down to the ground to pick up grubs. 

The female Bullock's Oriole continues to favor one apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St. 

December 13,2015 Smew near Cornwall,Ontario

Hi Everyone 
This afternoon at 3:30p.m. Jacob Bruxer discovered a Smew  on the St. Lawrence River about 5 km west of Cornwall.  He watched it for about 15 minutes feeding within about 50 m of shore and managed a few digiscoped photos.  The bird was loosely associating with a small group of Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneye.  It eventually flew out further into the river and joined a larger group of diving ducks.

Directions:  Seen from Highway 2 between Cornwall and Long Sault. Just west of Fickes Road, there is a short, open stretch of river that is viewable from the highway.  There is also a bike path here.  This is a busy stretch of road, so it may be best to park on Fickes Road and walk the short distance to the west.

Smew along the St.Lawrence River near Cornwall. 

December 12,2015 birding Ottawa and Renfrew County: Barrow's Goldeneyes and late lingerers.

Hi Everyone 

Since conditions are still mild and all waterways are ice free I started the day at Shirley’s Bay and had a male Barrow’s Goldeneye in a flock of 300+ Common Goldeneye on the west side of the causeway. Other water birds included 60 Lesser Scaup, 12 Ring-necked Ducks, one male Canvasback, one Long-tailed Duck, two White-winged Scoters and one Common Loon. A Snowy Owl was perched on Aylmer Island in Lake Deschenes. 

At Muskrat Lake at Cobden there were four Common Loons and one Long-tailed Duck. My next stop was Lake Dore and there was still a good variety of late lingering water birds. Normally at this time of year most lakes are frozen and the ground snow covered. 

Highlights included a male Barrow’s Goldeneye off the Township Park along Hwy 41, 9 Horned Grebes, 12 Red-necked Grebes, 33 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Common Loons, and two very late Bonaparte’s Gulls.

A brief stop at the Madawaska Head Pond at Arnprior produced three late lingering Double-crested Cormorants. 

Good birding,

Bruce

Directions: 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.  

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL

OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE SHIRLEY'S BAY CAUSEWAY AREA -- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the causeway area for birding.

Male Barrow's Goldeneye at Shirley's Bay 

The male Barrow's Goldeneye is distinguished from the male Common Goldeneye by it large crescent facial mark, black spur and checkered scapulars. Head shape is also important, steep forehead. 

Male Barrow's on left side of flock of Common Goldeneye. 

Lake Dore classic male Barrow's Goldeneye off Township Park. 

Another view of the male Barrow's Goldeneye at Lake Dore. 

December 11,2015 Bullock's Oriole continues and Mountain Bluebird rediscovered south of Richmond.

Hi Everyone 

The Bullock's Oriole continues to be reported from Pakenham and was seen this morning in the apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith. This has been its favorite tree since first discovered on November 29. The Mountain Bluebird first observed on November 29 and last observed on November 30 was rediscovered this morning south of Richmond at the intersection of Century Road and Goodstown Road. The bluebird spent much of its time feeding along the fence line and picking up grubs.

Unfortunately no further sightings of yesterdays Northern Fulmar. 

Good birding

Bruce

 

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebird 

December 10,2015 Northern Fulmar at Ottawa!

Hi Everyone 

After an incredible fall of rarities....it continues. Today a Northern Fulmar, was discovered early afternoon on Lake Deschenes off Andrew Haydon Park by Jon Ruddy. After finding the bird Jon put out an alert immediately and the chase was on. Fortunately I was close by in Carp and was able to get there quickly and within an hour 30+ birders were on the fulmar. The bird spent most of its time resting on the water but did take flight a couple of times. To see any tubenose inland is amazing! These birds are from the Atlantic Ocean and a very rare sight inland. After watching the fulmar for a while it finally took flight and was wandering around Lake Deschenes before finally drifting east and we lost sight of it as it passed over Deschenes Rapids at around 3:20 p.m. and went out of sight. It was seen down river later off Mousette Beach in Hull, Quebec. Amazingly there are 3 previous records of Northern Fulmar for Ottawa. On November 12, 1984,  Richard Brouillet, Don MacKinnon and I watched in amazement as a Northern Fulmar flew over a cornfield in Woodlawn as it headed east. On December 14, 1994,  there was a small flight of fulmars inland from the Gulf of St.Lawrence and numerous fulmars were found between Quebec City and Ottawa.  One individual landed on a lawn in Limoges, Ontario and was finally caught on December 16 and sent to a rehab center before being released in Nova Scotia. During this time I found two Northern Fulmars at the Cornwall Power Dam on December 14. 

The late Richard Poulin of Ottawa observed a Northern Fulmar flying over Hwy 417 near the Carling exit on December 7,1995. 

Below are a number of distant photos I took today of the Northern Fulmar found by Jon Ruddy this afternoon. Congratulations Jon! and a lifer for Jon too! 

The Northern Fulmar is resting on the water to the left. Note the very white head and dark mantle. 

The Northern Fulmar is a seabird and has a distinctive flap and guide flight with wings stiff like shearwaters and other pelagic species. 

This individual is a light morph which is common on the Atlantic Ocean. 

Northern Fulmar in flight.

December 10,2015 Bullock's Oriole update

Hi Everyone
The Bullock’s Oriole continues to be reported from the village of Pakenham. Today I saw it just after noon at the corner of Isabella and Jeanie St. before it disappeared. A short while later it was back at its favorite apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St.

The oriole hasn’t been to the feeder with sliced oranges in the apple tree  yet. Another mild day today, +10c and the forecast looks good for the weekend too.
Good luck,
Bruce

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Kinburn Side Road. After exiting turn left and follow to CR 29. Turn left and as you enter the village of Pakenham watch for Waba Road on your right.  Turn right and then left on Dalkeith St.

The Bullock's Oriole continues to favour its favorite apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St. 

Bullock's Oriole 

Bullock's Oriole 

December 7,2015 Bullock's Oriole update 2

Hi Ontbirders and others,

Since the discovery of the Bullock’s Oriole over 200 birders and photographers have viewed this rarity, respecting its space in its unfamiliar environment . Unfortunately over the past few days the situation has changed with countless individuals situated too close to where the bird feeds thus harassing the bird.

With internet accessibility,  anyone can find out the location of a rare bird. Unfortunately there are individuals that aren't aware or choose to ignore of the Birding Code of Ethics.  This bird is out of its range and harassment will affect its ability to survive. If you are out at the site remind everyone that crosses the line.

Yet again,  common sense has disappeared to the detriment of a rare bird.  If you are out at the site remind those that cross the line. Don’t be shy to voice your concerns!


Good birding,
Bruce

December 6 and 7, 2015 Pakenham: Bullock's Oriole update

Hi Everyone

The Bullock’s Oriole was seen by numerous observers today feeding in the apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St. It again frequented many of the same sites along the old railway bed too. With no severe weather in the forecast it will likely be around for a while. 

Good birding,

Bruce

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Kinburn Side Road. After exiting turn left and follow to CR 29. Turn left and as you enter the village of Pakenham watch for Waba Road on your right.  Turn right and then left on Dalkeith St. 

The Bullock's Oriole continues at Pakenham.

December 6,2015 Local birding

Hi Ontbirds

I spent the day birding along the Ottawa River and south east of Ottawa. It was a great day and the weather conditions were more like October. In fact it was the first time I’ve every birded the eastern sewage lagoons in December. Normally everything is frozen and covered by snow.

Geese numbers were high and I estimated 25,000 Canada Geese, mainly at Andrew Haydon Park, Moodie Drive ponds and Embrun. Highlights included one Ross’s Goose at Winchester along with 10,000 Snow Geese including a neck banded individual, UP 63 and one female Northern Pintail. At Embrun an adult Greater White-fronted Goose was in the large flock of Canada's along with 300 Snow Geese, 4 Northern Shoveler and two Gadwall. Other birds of note included 1 Ruddy Duck at the Moodie Drive ponds, 3  Common Loons off Andrew Haydon Park, one Horned Grebe, one Long-tailed Duck and one Double-crested Cormorant off Deschenes Lookout. At Chrysler on American Pipit was observed in a field with 20+ Horned Lark.

Birds of prey included 6 adult Bald Eagle, 5 Rough-legged Hawk, 4 Red-tailed Hawk, and 2 Northern Harrier. A second Double-crested Cormorant was observed at Nepean Sailing Club. East of Casselman  the Lafleche Landfill site had a good selection of gulls, around 2000 + including 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4 Iceland Gulls, and 3 Glaucous Gull among the 100s of Herring Gulls. I also had an odd looking gull and not sure of the species yet.
Along Smith Road off Milton road near Navan a flock of 60+ Sandhill Cranes were feeding in a cornfield.

Good birding
Bruce

December 5,2015 Pakenham Bullock's Oriole update

Hi Everyone

The Bullock’s Oriole was again present today and seen a number of times at the regular spots previously reported. It still visits the apple tree at the east end of Dalkeith St. This oriole was discovered on November 29 by Ray Holland and Richard Waters. The extended forecast is mild weather for the next week of December. Hopefully the bird will stay in the area.

Good birding

Bruce

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Kinburn Side Road. After exiting turn left and follow to CR 29. Turn left and as you enter the village of Pakenham watch for Waba Road on your right.  Turn right and then left on Dalkeith St. 

The Pakenham Bullock's Oriole continues to be a star attraction.