Eurasian Wigeon sightings on the rise
The Ottawa River continues to be the main attraction for birding, with numerous species of water birds being reports from Constance Bay, east to Plaisance.
The highlight last week was the sightings of numerous Eurasian Wigeons. A male in breeding plumage was observed on Oct. 15 at Shirleys Bay, and two were reported from the marshes at Plaisance. On Oct. 20, two males and a female were found along the Long Sault Parkway and a male continues to be seen in Kingston.
Since the mid-1990s, the number of Eurasian Wigeon sightings in eastern Ontario and the Outaouais has increased, from one bird every two to three years, to one or two individuals annually in recent years. This is partly due to better optical equipment and more birders out seven days a week.
The waterfowl variety continues to increase as more southbound diving ducks arrive, including Red-breasted Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead. These ducks can be found along the Ottawa River, Rideau River and any of the larger lakes.
The number and variety of geese in the Ottawa- Gatineau district is on the rise with a few sightings of the Greater Whitefronted Goose at Andrew Haydon Park, Moodie Drive ponds and Russell. This once very rare visitor from Western Canada was first reported in our area in 1970 and has become a regular fall visitor during the past decade. Carefully check all the flocks of Canada Geese you see feeding in fields — you never know what other species maybe present.
Sandhill Crane numbers continue to be reported from the Navan-Carlsbad Springs area. On Oct. 15 a flock of 37 was counted. This is a known staging area where the Sandhill Cranes spent two to four weeks feeding in the farm fields before continuing their migration south. These cranes were first reported from this area back in the mid ’90s when 15 to 20 birds were found. Over the years, 150 or more Sandhill Cranes were counted. Check the fields off Milton Road and Smith Road northeast of Carlsbad Springs and in the Navan area.
The variety of warblers reported has dropped off, but a small number of Yellow-rumped Warblers are being reported from various areas including Shirleys Bay, Fletcher Wildlife Garden and Deschênes. Late warbler reports over the past weekend from the Britannia Conservation Area included Orange-crowned Warbler, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Nashville Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler.
The feeder-watcher report continues to improve, with more reports of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Whitecrowned Sparrow and American Goldfinch.
Other feeder species reported this past week include Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
With cooler temperatures on the way, there should be an increase in bird activity, so watch for unusual species at your feeder. Over the years, numerous rarities have been found at feeders during the late fall, including Golden-crowned Sparrow, Varied Thrush, Yellow-throated Warbler and Summer Tanager. Anything is possible in the bird world. Keep your camera handy.
Reports of window strikes continued this week, including American Goldfinch and Downy Woodpecker. Luckily, both recovered after a short time. Remember, large picture windows are deadly for birds as they likely see the reflection of the surrounding vegetation but not the window.
Other birds of note included a late Yellow-billed Cuckoo observed at Presqu’ile Provincial Park on Oct. 18 along with a Palm Warbler and a Pine Warbler, a Black-backed Woodpecker observed in Kanata South on Oct. 16 and a Le Conte’s Sparrow found on Oct. 18 at Constance Bay.
Trumpeter Swans continue to be reported from a number of locations in eastern Ontario including Westport, Chaffey’s Lock and the Portland area. On Oct. 17 there were 27 swans observed on McGowan Lake near Perth. This swan is still rare outside of the Big Rideau Lake region but is slowly expanding its range. You can’t assume a large white swan in eastern Ontario is a Tundra Swan nowadays. Check your field guide and get a photo.
If you’re looking for a nearby location to go birding and possibly add a few “lifers,” I’d recommend Algonquin Park. This area is known for its northern specialties. The fall and winter months are great for searching for “Algonquin Specialties,” which include Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, and Boreal Chickadee. Finches such as Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak and Pine Grosbeak are also possible in years of good cone crops. Be sure to visit Opeongo Lake Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the old airfield and Mizzy Lake Trail. At the visitor centre, check updated observations.
I highly recommend anyone birding Algonquin Park to purchase Birds of Algonquin, by Ron Tozer. It’s full of great information on all known species in the park. It is available at the visitor centre gift shop.
I’d like to thank all birders, photographers and feeder watchers who sent reports and/or photographs during the past week.
Please email bird observations and/ or photographs to: dilabiobirding@ gmail.com Subject line: Ottawa Citizen Birds. For photos, please provide date, location and photographer’s name, and for bird reports, observer, date and location. The birding Code of Ethics and guidelines of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club can be found at ofnc.ca/birding/Codeof-Conduct.pdf. Access to Shirleys Bay is restricted; you must be an OFNC member and obtain permission from the Range Control Office before entering the area. Please call 613-991-5740 before entering the Shirleys Bay causeway area. To reach the Wild Bird Care Centre for orphaned and injured birds, call 613-828-2849. Report bird bands to pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/ bblretrv/. View more great photos online at ottawacitizen.com/category/ life/ world-of-birds.