Rainfall washes out shorebird sightings
After weeks of hot and dry weather and low water levels along the Ottawa River, shorebird watching was exceptional. That all quickly came to an end with heavy rains on Aug. 13 and again on Aug. 16, which covered most of the exposed mudflats. Hopefully, over the next week or so, the water levels will slowly drop again.
As always, weather plays an important role during fall migration. As birdwatchers, we anticipate the arrival of fall migrants when cold fronts pass through our region.
If there are thunderstorms, often migrant shorebirds will be grounded briefly along the Ottawa River as the inclement weather moves through the area. On clear, cool nights, you can hear the chip notes of nocturnal migrants as they migrate overhead making their way south. The battle between summer and fall weather conditions will soon be over as warm temperatures give way to the cooler fall days.
Shorebirds continue to dominate bird reports. On Aug. 12, Renfrew County reports included a juvenile Red Knot and three juvenile Short-billed Dowitchers at Westmeath Provincial Park.
The park’s shoreline park can be excellent for shorebird watching when Ottawa River water levels are low. At the mouth of Snake River at the Pembroke Marina, a Ruddy Turnstone and three Baird’s Sandpipers were seen. At Lake Dore, there were three Red-necked Phalaropes out on the lake, along with 75 Bonaparte’s Gulls. At Shirleys Bay on Aug. 12, there were more than 300 shorebirds, including 150 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 65 Least Sandpipers, 60 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 76 Killdeers.
On Aug. 13, in spite of the heavy rain and rising water levels, a few shorebirds were reported off Andrew Haydon Park, including two Black-bellied Plovers, one Ruddy Turnstone, one juvenile Baird’s Sandpiper and a Sanderling. Unfortunately, most shorebirds had left the Shirleys Bay area due to the rising waters, and on Aug. 14, only one Greater Yellowlegs was reported. Most of the Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets also moved out.
Shorebird identification can be challenging, but always remember to compare the size and shape, bill and leg length and feeding behaviour. Have your field guide or bird ID app with you.
The variety and number of waterfowl continues to increase in our area, with more Green- and Blue-winged Teal reported. Watch for these small ducks as they feed by tipping with tail up to reach aquatic vegetation in the shallow water along the Ottawa River from Britannia to Constance Bay.
Since most waterfowl are still in eclipse plumage, identifying teals can sometimes be difficult if you don’t see them in flight. The female Blue-winged Teal has a pale area at the base of the bill, and the female Green-winged Teal’s face is uniformly dark. Some of the male Green-winged Teal are now showing their breeding plumage and are easy to recognize. Over the next few weeks, watch for the arrival of the Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon and Gadwall. All of these “dabblers” can be found at Shirleys Bay.
By mid-September, the first of the migrant “diving” ducks will be arriving from the north, including the Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup and Hooded Merganser.
The Britannia Conservation Area/Mud Lake continues to be the hot spot for migrating warblers. Over the past week, there have been 16 species reported, and more are on their way. On Aug. 15, there was a nice selection of warblers, including Cape May Warblers, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Mourning Warblers, Wilson’s Warblers, and Canada Warblers. While at Shirleys Bay on the same day, a male Golden-winged Warbler was observed along the causeway.
The highlight of the week was an immature Yellow-headed Blackbird at the Almonte Sewage Lagoon on Aug. 13. This prairie species is a very rare visitor to Eastern Ontario, with most sightings during the spring or winter, at feeders. It was present for two days, searching for food on the mudflats at the lagoon, but was likely pushed out by the higher water levels and loss of habitat.
Over the next week, watch for more warbler species, including Blackpoll Warblers and Palm Warblers. Flycatchers will be on the move south, and this is a good time for Olive-sided Flycatchers and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers.
I’d like to thank all birders, photographers and feeder watchers who sent reports and/or photographs during the past week.