Amherst Island Birding September 21, 2009

Spent the morning birding various sites on Amherst Island. The most productive area was the east end (KFN property). While walking along the edge of the first pond I observed a Nelson's Sparrow hoping around on the ground with a group of Swamp, Song and Savannah Sparrows. There were 17 species of shorebirds including 5 Long-billed Dowitcher, 3 White-rumped Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 1 Baird's Sandpiper, 6 Am. Golden Plover and 11 Black-bellied Plover. Other species of note included 3 American Bittern, a late Bobolink, and 3 Caspian Tern. A quick check in the Owl Woods produced 1 Eastern Towhee, 1 Ring-necked Pheasant, 6 Palm Warbler, both Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Good birding Bruce

Directions:Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $8.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road. Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists' property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit
http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

Sunrise on Amherst Island.

A juvenile American Golden Plover was one of the many shorebirds feeding at the east end of the island.


Shorebirds are enjoying the lower water levels along Lake Ontario.

More migrants September 20, 2009

With the lower water levels along the Ottawa River bird activity and variety continues to increase. At Shirley's Bay the Marbled Godwit continues to attract birders and a Nelson's Sparrow a rare fall visitor was also observed for 45 mintues as it fed along the edge of the cattails. There was an influx of land birds overnight including Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Winter Wren,American Pipit, White-throated Sparrow and Yellow-rumped warblers.

A Great Blue Heron enjoys the lower water levels along the Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon Park

Early morning fog along the Ottawa River.

Wild Turkeys are becoming a common sight around Kanata. When's Thanksgiving?

An adult Peregrine Falcon roosting on the Coats Building, Tunney's Pasture. this has been a regular roosting or resting area for Peregrines since the early 80's.

Marbled Godwit still at Shirley's Bay September 19, 2009

The Marbled Godwit continues to feed at Shirley's Bay. This morning at 7:45a.m. it was present along with the Stilt Sandpiper, 2 Great Egret and a small selection of shorebirds. There was a light movement of warblers along the dyke including Blackpoll, Black-throated Green, Nashville, Palm, Pine, and Northern Parula. (Thanks to Chris Bruce). Waterfowl numbers were low but a nice variety including Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal and Green-winged Teal and a Virginia Rail working along the edge of the cattails.

Marbled Godwit feeding.

Stilt Sandpiper (left) and Lesser Yellowlegs (right)


Close up view of Stilt Sandpiper. Note difference in bill shape and pale eye line than Lesser Yellowlegs.


Solitary Sandpiper is a regular fall migrant in small numbers.

Birding the Ottawa area. September 18, 2009

Yesterday, after Ben got home from school, we headed over to the dyke and Ben added a new species to his Ottawa list the Marbled Godwit. The Marbled Godwit was still present at Shirley's Bay today. With a cold front passing through the area, there has been a steady migration of Canada Geese, (100's) over the past 24 hours . I saw 5 Snow Geese today, 3 along the Carp River in Carp and 2 at Richardson Side Road. On Ben's bus ride home from school today he observed a Great Egret feeding in the Carp River at Richardson Side Road, not bad for drive by birding.

Flight shot of Marbled Godwit taken yesterday at Shirley's Bay.

Canada Geese are southern bound.


European Starlings flocking near dusk.


Great Black-backed Gulls roosting at Deschenes Rapids.


Turkey Vultures were on the move south today.

Marbled Godwit at Shirley's Bay September 17, 2009

The Marbled Godwit found this at Shirley's Bay by Bob Cermak, Chris Lewis and Bob Bracken was still present at 12 noon. The godwit was activity feeding on the far side of the mudflats opposite the base of the dyke. 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 dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.

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

The Marbled Godwit, a very rare visitor to the Ottawa was bonus at Shirley's Bay today.

Finally with lower water levels along the Ottawa River, shorebirds,waterfowl and other waders are starting to be seen!

Quiz time again! Email me your answers.

Photograph #1


Photograph #2

Birding Presqu'ile Provincial Park September 15, 2009

With high levels along the Ottawa River, Ted Glas and I decided to head to Presqu'ile Provincial Park, along Lake Ontario, to view shorebirds. Conditions were excellent, again with another beautiful sunny day. We observed 12 species of shorebirds between Beach 1 and Owen Point. Highlights included 9 Baird's Sandpiper, 7 White-rumped Sandpiper and 1 American Golden Plover. The shorebirds were very obliging, allowing us the opportunity for close study. There was a small movement of warblers including a very tame Northern Parula. (see photo) All in all, a great day birding.

White-rumped Sandpiper feeding along beach.

A juvenile American Golden Plover was a highlight!

A comparison of Baird's Sandpiper (left) and White-rumped Sandpiper (right)


Another photo showing back patterns of both species.


Northern Parula was one of a few warblers feeding near Owen Point.

Sunset along Huntmar Road near Carp.