BIRD IS THE WORD

Latest on avian visitors

Waterfowl continued to be the main highlight locally this past week. The Pink-footed Goose was finally relocated on Nov. 11 east of Casselman, to the delight of many birders who had previously missed this rarity. Other rare geese in the massive flock of Snow Geese included Ross’s Goose and Greater White-footed Goose. The Snow Geese numbers continue to increase south of the city with reports of 1,000 near Russell on Nov.11 and 2,000 near Chesterville on Nov. 16.

On Nov. 12, two Barrow’s Goldeneyes were observed at Shirleys Bay in a large flock of Common Goldeneye. Also present were 550 Ring-necked Ducks, 300 Lesser Scaups, 45 Buffleheads, and 250 American Black Ducks. The following day, Nov.13, there was a male Canvasback along with five Redheads and 21 American Coots. The Canvasback was still present on Nov.16. This species was formerly a regular fall migrant, but over the past few decades it has become a rare sight in Ottawa-Gatineau district in both spring and fall.

A late-lingering adult Blackcrowned Night-Heron was a surprise find at Mud Lake on Nov.16. This is one of the latest records for our area. A few Great Blue Herons have been reported during the past week feeding along small creeks. A late Spotted Sandpiper was present at Andrew Haydon Park on Nov. 12, and another was seen at Shirleys Bay the same day. A very late Philadelphia Vireo was reported from Britannia Conservation Area on Nov. 11.

While birding the Casselman St. Albert area on Nov.15, I observed six species of gulls including three Iceland Gulls and two Glaucous Gulls. These two species are referred to as “whitewinged gulls” due to their pale wing tips. Both of these Arctic gulls winter along the St. Lawrence River and are occasionally found during the winter months in the Ottawa-Gatineau district. The big surprise was finding more than 30 Lesser Blackbacked Gulls scattered around in different farm fields feeding and resting in flocks of Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls. Once a rarity in our area, the Lesser Black-backed Gull continues to increase as a migrant likely due to the Laflèche Landfill site. A great location for gulls to feed.

The winter finch numbers continue to slowly increase with more Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls being reported along with small numbers of Purple Finches. At Algonquin Park, the first Pine Grosbeak was reported on Nov. 9 along with a few Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills and Evening Grosbeaks.

A few more Snowy Owls were reported this past week, including one on Nov. 15 near Killaloe, one on Nov. 16 near Shirleys Bay and another flying over Hwy. 416 on Nov. 17.

Barred Owls were reported from various locations in the Ottawa area, and two Eastern Screech-Owls were observed, one on Nov.15 and another on Nov.17.

If you’ve noticed Mallards or other puddle ducks, also known as surface-feeding ducks, diving, you’re not imaging it. As we know, there are numerous species of diving ducks, but puddle ducks can dive, too. Along the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers you may encountered this behaviour as Mallards dive to obtain food just out of reach. It’s more common than you would think, and at certain times of years more prevalent.

I’ve received a number of sightings of Pileated Woodpecker during the past week from within the city of Ottawa. These large crested woodpeckers have increased over the past few decades, and now, with the Emerald Ash Borer infecting ash trees, this woodpecker may became a regular sight in the city. Watch for other woodpecker species including Hairy, Downy and Black-backed Woodpecker.

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, the observer, date and location. The birding Code of Ethics and guidelines of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club can be found at ofnc.ca/ birding/Code-of-Conduct.pdf. To reach the Wild Bird Care Centre for orphaned and injured birds, call 613-828-2849. Report bird bands to www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/ bblretrv/. Access to the Shirleys Bay causeway is restricted. You must obtain permission from the Range Control Office before entering the area. Please call 613-991-5740 for permission.

PHOTOS: BRUCE DI LABIO The Eastern Screech-Owl is a scarce permanent resident in our area. Their preferred habitat includes city woodlots, ravines, and wooded areas along creeks.

The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in our area and can be seen along the Ottawa River.

The male Downy Woodpecker can be distinguished from the female by the red patch it has on its head. These woodpeckers frequent feeders and enjoy both suet and sunflower seeds.