Adult Slaty-backed Gull on breakwall
Closer view of Slaty-backed Gull
Slaty-backed Gull preening
Slaty-backed Gull with wings spread
Another view of Slaty-backed Gull
Saturday, December 3, 2011
December 3, 2011 Slaty-backed Gull along Niagara River
Another exciting day along the Niagara River today! Kevin McLaughlin found an adult Slaty-backed Gull along the breakwall, just below the control gate. Here are some photos we took.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November 30, 2011 Snowy Owls on the move south!
Despite a cool, wet, dreary day the birds are on the move! In the Ottawa area, I was fortunate enough to observe 3 Snowy Owls. This is part of an extensive south bound movement over north-eastern United States, the Great Lake region and south eastern Ontario. It's hard to be certain how many will pass through the region or stay, only time will tell. It appears that many are juveniles. Last winter Snowy Owls were almost absent from eastern Ontario except for a few at traditional locations. I also had 2 Barrow's Goldeneye at Deschenes Rapids off Britannia Point.
This Snowy owl was one of a group or I should say " a flock" of 3 that I observed.
This Snowy owl was one of a group or I should say " a flock" of 3 that I observed.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
November 28, 2011 Local Birding
Hi Everyone
Still lots of activity along the Ottawa River between Britannia Pier and Shirley's Bay. I observed 5 Common Loon, and 1 Red-throated Loon off the boat launch late afternoon at Shirley's Bay. Also observed 3 Bald Eagles, one hunting gulls at dusk over the river. At Trail Road Landfill Facility this afternoon there were 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, one 1st winter Iceland and one 1st winter Glaucous Gull. At the ponds along Moodie Drive 28 Ruddy Ducks were counted.
Good birding, Bruce
Directions: Gulls: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. South on the 416 to exit 66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie, go past Trail Rd. on your left and Cambrian Rd. on your right until you come to a very large sand & gravel operation on the left (east) side of the road. ***PLEASE NOTE*** - do NOT cross the gate to the sand & gravel operation. This is private property, and most of the birds can be well-viewed from the road.The landfill site is located on Trail Road. There is no access but the gulls can be viewed from Trail Road just south of the main entrance.
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.
**** 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
Still lots of activity along the Ottawa River between Britannia Pier and Shirley's Bay. I observed 5 Common Loon, and 1 Red-throated Loon off the boat launch late afternoon at Shirley's Bay. Also observed 3 Bald Eagles, one hunting gulls at dusk over the river. At Trail Road Landfill Facility this afternoon there were 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, one 1st winter Iceland and one 1st winter Glaucous Gull. At the ponds along Moodie Drive 28 Ruddy Ducks were counted.
Good birding, Bruce
Directions: Gulls: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. South on the 416 to exit 66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie, go past Trail Rd. on your left and Cambrian Rd. on your right until you come to a very large sand & gravel operation on the left (east) side of the road. ***PLEASE NOTE*** - do NOT cross the gate to the sand & gravel operation. This is private property, and most of the birds can be well-viewed from the road.The landfill site is located on Trail Road. There is no access but the gulls can be viewed from Trail Road just south of the main entrance.
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.
**** 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
Monday, November 28, 2011
William "Bill" John Clark 1917-2011
Bill birding at Pelee in May 2009.
photo: Ian Clark
photo: Ian Clark
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of William (Bill) John Clark of Ottawa on November 25, 2011 at the age of 94. Bill was a longtime birder in the Ottawa birding community starting back in the late 1960's. A Christmas gift, binoculars, from his wife in 1968 reignited his interest in birding and in 1969 he joined the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club. He participated on the Ottawa Christmas Bird Count for many years and took part in the first Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas,1981-85. Bill first visited Pelee in May, 1974 and would become an annual fixture along the trails at Pelee. This trip would become an annual event for decades with his last visit in 2009. He will be fondly remembered by "The Ottawa Bike Gang", a group of teenaged "biking" birdwatchers, back in the 70's, who owe Bill a lot of gratitude for the numerous car rides to local rarities. He will be sadly missed by all.
Condolences can be emailed to Bill Clark's son, Ian Clark ipclark@rogers.com
Saturday, November 26, 2011
November 23 & 24, 2011 Lake Dore birding
Hi Everyone
On November 23rd and 24th I had an opportunity to check out Lake Dore near Eganville in Renfrew County during the last hour of light. On November 23rdthere was lots of activity, 2500+ gulls roosting on the lake, mainly Herring and Ring-billed but also counted 54 Bonaparte's, 3 Iceland, 1 Glaucous and 1 Great Black-backed Gull. Other water birds included 27 Common Loon, 1 Red-throated Loon, 14 Red-necked Grebe, 37 Horned Grebe, 9 Long-tailed Duck., and 200+ Common Goldeneye.
The following day after birding Algonquin Park stopped at Lake Dore enroute to Kingston. This time the birding was done from the Bierdman Park side of the lake instead of Point Church Road. The results were similar but there were a few changes in numbers. I counted 230+ Bonaparte's Gull feeding and resting along with 220+ Hooded Merganser. Most of the activity was near the mouth of Biederman Creek. As the gulls came into roost for the evening aside from the 2000+ mainly Herring and Ring-billed there was 1 Glaucous Gull. The grebe numbers were good with 54 Horned and 12 Red-necked along with 16 Common Loon. I'm sure there are more birds on this lake and with regular coverage some "goodies" will be found.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Lake Dore is located off Hwy 41 near Eganville/Golden Lake.
On November 23rd and 24th I had an opportunity to check out Lake Dore near Eganville in Renfrew County during the last hour of light. On November 23rdthere was lots of activity, 2500+ gulls roosting on the lake, mainly Herring and Ring-billed but also counted 54 Bonaparte's, 3 Iceland, 1 Glaucous and 1 Great Black-backed Gull. Other water birds included 27 Common Loon, 1 Red-throated Loon, 14 Red-necked Grebe, 37 Horned Grebe, 9 Long-tailed Duck., and 200+ Common Goldeneye.
The following day after birding Algonquin Park stopped at Lake Dore enroute to Kingston. This time the birding was done from the Bierdman Park side of the lake instead of Point Church Road. The results were similar but there were a few changes in numbers. I counted 230+ Bonaparte's Gull feeding and resting along with 220+ Hooded Merganser. Most of the activity was near the mouth of Biederman Creek. As the gulls came into roost for the evening aside from the 2000+ mainly Herring and Ring-billed there was 1 Glaucous Gull. The grebe numbers were good with 54 Horned and 12 Red-necked along with 16 Common Loon. I'm sure there are more birds on this lake and with regular coverage some "goodies" will be found.
Good Birding, Bruce
Directions: Lake Dore is located off Hwy 41 near Eganville/Golden Lake.
November 25, 2011 Amherst Island birding
The birding on Amherst Island today was good with a nice variety of raptors. The highlight was an immature Snowy Owl on the KFN property at the east end of the island. At the gravel point we observed a late lingering Black-bellied Plover and 50+ Tundra Swans. There were numerous Northern Harriers (18+) and a small number of Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks along with a few American Kestrel.
Please remember access to the Owl Woods is closed to the public from November 19 to December 11.
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 $9.00 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 contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."
Tundra Swan in flight over the gravel point.
A Northern Harrier hunting along the edge of a field and tall grass.
An adult Red-tailed Hawk unsuccessful attempt at a Meadow Vole.
Snowy Owls are on the move south this fall. A small number have been observed in north-eastern U.S.A., the Great Lakes region and now are starting to appear in eastern Ontario. At Netitishi Point, just east of Moosonee on James Bay a total of 32 individuals were seen, birds were seen everyday between October 28-November 11, except one (November 3). The high count was 14 birds on November 9th.
An immature Snowy Owl on Amherst Island.
This Snowy Owl spent most of the morning sitting on the gravel was flushed when a Great Blue Heron flew over.
A Great Blue Heron foraging along a gravel road likely hunting for frogs or mice.
A late Black-bellied Plover at the gravel point.
Please remember access to the Owl Woods is closed to the public from November 19 to December 11.
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 $9.00 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 contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."
Tundra Swan in flight over the gravel point.
A Northern Harrier hunting along the edge of a field and tall grass.
An adult Red-tailed Hawk unsuccessful attempt at a Meadow Vole.
Snowy Owls are on the move south this fall. A small number have been observed in north-eastern U.S.A., the Great Lakes region and now are starting to appear in eastern Ontario. At Netitishi Point, just east of Moosonee on James Bay a total of 32 individuals were seen, birds were seen everyday between October 28-November 11, except one (November 3). The high count was 14 birds on November 9th.
An immature Snowy Owl on Amherst Island.
This Snowy Owl spent most of the morning sitting on the gravel was flushed when a Great Blue Heron flew over.
A Great Blue Heron foraging along a gravel road likely hunting for frogs or mice.
A late Black-bellied Plover at the gravel point.
November 24, 2011 Algonquin Park birding
Spent the day birding various sites along Hwy. 60 in Algonquin Park. Conditions were good, no snow and small ponds were frozen while the larger lakes were wide open. There was lots of finch activity over head with White-winged Crossbill and Common Redpoll being the most wide spread in small numbers. While a few Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Red Crossbill and Evening Grosbeak were noted. The Algonquin Specialties, Spruce Grouse ( Spruce bog Trail), Gray Jay (various locations) and Boreal Chickadee ( Wolf Howl Pond/Mizzy Lake Trail) were observed but no luck with Black-backed Woodpecker. Along Opeongo Lake Road a couple of Ruffed Grouse were observed feeding at Costello Lake. No Moose, but 1 White-tailed Deer, a number of Muskrat, and Red Squirrels were seen.
Directions: Courtsey of Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. Locations are also described
at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The centre will be open on weekends only until December 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre restaurant will not be open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating
area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave.
Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen.
Ruffed Grouse feeding in the leaf litters along Opeongo Lake Road.
A small group of female Hooded Mergansers were the only waterfowl noted.
The Gray Jay was easiest to locate along the old railway bed along Mizzy Lake Trail.
White-winged Crossbills were founded feeding in spruce trees at Spruce Bog Trail, Wolf Howl Pond and along Hwy. 60.
Directions: Courtsey of Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. Locations are also described
at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The centre will be open on weekends only until December 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre restaurant will not be open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating
area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave.
Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen.
A male Spruce Grouse feeding in a Balsam Fir along Spruce Bog Trail.
Ruffed Grouse feeding in the leaf litters along Opeongo Lake Road.
A small group of female Hooded Mergansers were the only waterfowl noted.
The Gray Jay was easiest to locate along the old railway bed along Mizzy Lake Trail.
White-winged Crossbills were founded feeding in spruce trees at Spruce Bog Trail, Wolf Howl Pond and along Hwy. 60.
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