Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 04 January 2004
* ONOT0401.04

- Birds mentioned

Common Loon
Greater Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE
Bufflehead
Bald Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Wild Turkey
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Thayer's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
NORTHERN HAWK OWL
Short-eared Owl
Red-bellied Woodpecker
BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER
Winter Wren
Brown Thrasher
Bohemian Waxwing
White-throated Sparrow
Pine Grosbeak
Common Redpoll
HOARY REDPOLL
Pine Siskin
Evening Grosbeak

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 04 January 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY JANUARY 4 AT 6PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

A Common Loon has been hanging around below Deschenes Rapids until
at least January 4. From the Québec side of the Deschenes Rapids,
1 Greater Scaup, 1 Long-tailed Duck and a pair of Bufflehead were
reported on the 4th as well.  A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE is still
at Remic Rapids off the lookout as of the 3rd and another male was
on the Rideau River just below the Lees Ave bus station on the
4th.

Bald Eagles have been reported regularly since the 1st.  The
latest sighting was of 4 birds, 1 adult and 3 immature, on the ice
off the Deschenes lookout on the 4th.  A Peregrine Falcon was on
the south side of the R H Coates Building on the 4th as well.

A large flock of Wild Turkeys continues to be reported on Berry
Side Rd, north of the Fifth Line of Kanata, and a single bird was
at Kott Lumbar Yard on Moodie Dr on the 4th.

Among the large gathering of predominantly Great Black-backed and
numerous Herring Gulls on the ice between Deschenes lookout and
the Pinecrest Creek on the morning of the 3rd, there was 1 Ring-
billed Gull, 3 Iceland Gulls, 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and
approximately 8 Glaucous Gulls of different ages.  A first
Thayer's Gull was also at this location on the 1st.

The NORTHERN HAWK OWL remains a fixture near #283 on Old Union
Hall Rd near Almonte and 7 Short-eared Owls were still being seen
at dusk along Earl Armstrong Rd, also on the 1st.

A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was on the trail northeast off Kerwin Rd
on the 4th.  No recent reports of the Red-bellied Woodpecker near
North Gower but it is likely still present.  The Brown Thrasher
was still here on the 2nd.

A Winter Wren was also still hanging on at the bridge west of the
end of Vanier Rd in Deschenes Québec on the 1st.

Bohemian Waxwings were found in small numbers near the Arnprior
and Carleton Place areas on the 26th and 27th respectively.  Three
White-throated Sparrows were at a feeder on Tweedsmuir Ave in the
Westboro area on the morning of the 4th.

Winter finches are being commonly reported now in a variety of
locations; many Common Redpolls and Evening Grosbeaks.  Pine
Grosbeaks were seen in the Larose Forest on the 4th and Pine
Siskins were also present in small numbers at Grandview Rd, Hilda
Rd and Kerwin Rd on the 2nd.  HOARY REDPOLLS were reported on both
the Carleton Place and Dunrobin-Breckenridge Christmas Bird Counts
on the December 27 and January 3 respectively.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 11 January 2004
* ONOT0401.11

- Birds mentioned

Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Peregrine Falcon
NORTHERN HAWK OWL
Short-eared Owl
Rufous Hummingbird
BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER
BOREAL CHICKADEE
Bohemian Waxwing
Black-headed Grosbeak
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Pine Grosbeak
White-winged Crossbill
Common Redpoll
HOARY REDPOLL

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 11 January 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY JANUARY 11 AT 2 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

Extremely cold temperatures during most of the last week
restricted birding activities.  Sightings of interest are as
follows:

A Northern Harrier, unusual for this time of year, was seen along
Limebank Rd, north of Earl Armstrong Rd on the 5th.

The pair of Peregrine Falcons was on the west side of the Crowne
Plaza Hotel on the 8th and one Peregrine was on the west side of
the R H Coates Building on the 11th.

Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks continue to be reported from
various locations.

The NORTHERN HAWK OWL remains faithful to its hunting grounds near
283 Old Union Hall Rd, west of Almonte, as of the 11th.  At least
3 Short-eared Owls were still being seen at dusk along Earl
Armstrong Rd on the 10th.

A female BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER and a BOREAL CHICKADEE found
along the trail between Kerwin and Riddell Rds were both last
reported on the 4th.

Small scattered flocks of Bohemian Waxwings were found in rural
areas near Dunrobin, Carp and Constance Bay, also on the 4th.

Several Dark-eyed Juncos and at least 3 White-throated Sparrows
were in Westboro, near Tweedsmuir Ave and Clare Ave on the 6th,
and 3 Song Sparrows were in the shrubs along the Rideau River east
of the Bronson Ave bridge on the 7th.

Also on the 7th, approximately a dozen Pine Grosbeaks were in the
area of the feeder on March Valley Rd and Riddell Rd.  At least a
dozen White-winged Crossbills were seen at the Jack Pine Trail on
the 10th.

Among the now ubiquitous flocks of Common Redpolls, single HOARY
REDPOLLS were discovered back on the 4th and 5th, along the main
road in Constance Bay as well as along Old Carp Rd.

Information from out of town indicates that the Black-headed
Grosbeak in the Almonte/Pakenham area has not been seen for over a
week and there have been no reports of the Rufous Hummingbird in
Kingston since January 7.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 18 January 2004
* ONOT0401.18

- Birds mentioned

Wood Duck
Northern Harrier
Peregrine Falcon
Gray Partridge
Snowy Owl
NORTHERN HAWK OWL
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Black-backed Woodpecker
Boreal Chickadee
Bohemian Waxwing
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Pine Grosbeak
Red Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Common Redpoll
Hoary Redpoll

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 18 January 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY JANUARY 18 AT 7:30 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

The first report in the region of Red Crossbills comes from the
Larose Forest today, the 18th.  A group of 9 was seen along the
main road through the forest at the snowmobile trail west of the
Army Surplus site.

Flocks of up to 50 White-winged Crossbills were seen in the Larose
and Cumberland Forests and other areas east of Ottawa on the 18th
as well.

Other noteworthy birds from the past week were: 50 Bohemian
Waxwings on Rifle Rd at Shirley's Bay parking lot on the 12th and
2 Hoary Redpolls among approximately 30 Common Redpolls at the
Hilda Rd feeder on the 17th.  The Common Redpolls included 2 of
the Greater or Greenland subspecies, also on the 17th.

The only Snowy Owls reported so far this year were 2 birds
reported east of Casselman on the 13th in the vicinity of
Concession 20 and County Rd 8.  Two flocks of Gray Partridge and 3
Short-eared Owls were in this area as well.  A male Wood Duck is
still on the Rideau River south of the tennis club.

A male Northern Harrier was hunting along Earl Armstrong Rd south
of the International Airport on the 12th, along with 2 Short-eared
Owls.

Both of the resident Peregrine Falcons are being seen regularly on
the R H Coates Building at Tunney's Pasture.

A White-throated Sparrows and 10 Dark-eyed Juncos are regular at a
feeder on Belair Dr in Nepean.  15 Pine Grosbeaks were seen along
March Valley Rd near Klondike Rd on the 16th.

Birds not reported for at least are the NORTHERN HAWK OWL west of
Almonte, last reported on the 10th, and the Black-backed
Woodpecker and the Boreal Chickadee on the trail between Kerwin
and Riddell Rds, last reported on January 4.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 25 January 2004
* ONOT0401.25

- Birds mentioned

Merlin
GRAY PARTRIDGE
Wild Turkey
Snowy Owl
Barred Owl
Short-eared Owl
Horned Lark
American Crow
Bohemian Waxwing
Northern Shrike
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Pine Grosbeak
White-winged Crossbill
Common Redpoll
HOARY REDPOLL
Pine Siskin
Evening Grosbeak

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 25 January 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY JANUARY 25 AT 7:30 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

The Ottawa area remains in the grip of the deep freeze with little
relief in the forecast.

Most of the interesting reported this past week were east of
Ottawa.  On the 24th, 13 GRAY PARTRIDGE were spotted at the
intersection of Frank Kenney Rd and County Rd 28, immediately
south of exit 88 off highway 417.  They were in a farm field with
many derelict cars.

On the 24th, a single Snowy Owl was in a field between Concession
19 and Concession 20, east of County Rd 8 between Casselman and
Ste Rose.  Also on the 25th, a Barred Owl was at the Jack Pine
Trail feeder and 2 Short-eared Owls were flying at dusk in the
traditional area along the S-curve of Earl Armstrong Rd.

Going back to the east, there was a group of 6 Lapland Longspurs
at a farm at the northeast corner of Frank Kenney and Regimbald
Rd, with small numbers of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings on both
the 24 and 25th.  Just further east along Regimbald on the 25th, at
least 2 HOARY REDPOLLS were among approximately 300 Common
Redpolls in a weedy field.

In the Larose Forest on the 20th there was 1 Northern Shrike, 12
Pine Grosbeaks, small flocks of White-winged Crossbills, 1 Pine
Siskin and many Common Redpolls.  Evening Grosbeaks are still
present here as well.

The mid-winter Crow roost in the vicinity of the Children's
Hospital and Ottawa General Hospital has numbered into the
multiple thousands   ie a lot of crows.  Over the past couple of
weeks they were usually seen before dusk.

 From the west end of Ottawa, a few Wild Turkeys were seen at Berry
Side Rd north of the Fifth Line on the 18th.

A flock of approximately 80 Bohemian Waxwings was at Herzberg and
Legget Rds north of Carling Ave on the 25th.

The Hilda Rd feeder at Shirley's Bay had 1 HOARY REDPOLL on the
25th with small numbers of Common Redpolls.  A Merlin was also
here on the 19th.  Pine Grosbeaks were also in the area in the
small numbers.

And from north of the river, 2 HOARY REDPOLLS were amongst Common
Redpolls at the feeder behind the Canadian Museum of Nature
Collections Building on Pink Rd in Aylmer, just east of Vanier Rd.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 22 February 2004
* ONOT0402.22

- Birds mentioned

BARROW'S GOLDENEYE
Bufflehead
Bald Eagle
Northern Goshawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon
Wild Turkey
Snowy Owl
NORTHERN HAWK OWL
Barred Owl
Short-eared Owl
Horned Lark
Common Raven
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Bohemian Waxwing
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Snow Bunting
Hoary Redpoll
Pine Siskin

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 22 February 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 AT 8 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

A fairly quiet week for bird reports but signs of spring are
beginning in our region including increasing numbers of Red-tailed
Hawks, the larger gulls, Horned Larks and Snow Buntings.

Sightings of local interest include the following: a female
Bufflehead was still present at the Deschenes Rapids on February
21 and 22 and a male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE remains a Remic Rapids,
observed from both sides of the river on the 21st.

Bald Eagles continue to be seen in the Gatineau Hills   two adults
flew over Eardley-Masham Rd on the 22nd.  A Northern Goshawk was
also seen today, flying over the Stoney Swamp at Jack Pine Trail.

The resident male Peregrine Falcon is regular on the R.H. Coates
Building at Tunney's Pasture.  Four Wild Turkeys were still
present at the Duck Club feeder on March Valley Rd at Riddell Rd
on the 20th.

Three recent reports of Snowy Owls include one along Concession 20
east of Casselman on February 16, one on Brownlee Rd at Eagleson
Rd on the 20th and today, the 22nd, another bird was discovered
along Earl Armstrong Rd, west of Bowesville Rd.

A NORTHERN HAWK OWL has returned after a 6-week hiatus to the
Almonte area, along Old Union Hall Rd, near the intersection with
Ramsay Concession 7.  The Barred Owl reported earlier along March
Valley Rd was found again on the 20th and Short-eared Owls are
still being seen along Earl Armstrong Rd with at least 3 reported
near the S-curve on the evening of the 22nd.

Common Raven courtship flights are intensifying in the Gatineau
Hills.

Two Golden-crowned Kinglets were discovered along the Jack Pine
Trail on the 20th.  A flock of approximately 50 Bohemian Waxwings
was along the Lower Aylmer Rd near Vanier St on the 22nd.

Two LAPLAND LONGSPURS were with a flock of approximately 800 Snow
Buntings on Akins Rd west of Eagleson Rd on the 20th.

And finally, back on the 15th, a Hoary Redpoll and a number of
Pine Siskins were new arrivals at an Ottawa south feeder, near
Albion Rd.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 07 March 2004
* ONOT0403.07

- Birds mentioned

Canada Goose
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Golden Eagle
BLACK-TAILED GULL
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
NORTHERN HAWK OWL
Barred Owl
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Brown Creeper
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird
Red Crossbill
HOARY REDPOLL

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 07 March 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY MARCH 7 AT 7 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

A few early spring migrants are beginning to arrive, including
Canada Geese and Red-winged Blackbirds in many locations.

The first Turkey Vulture in the region was spotted at Otter Lake
in the Rideau Lakes district south of Ottawa today, the 7th, and
an immature Bald Eagle was also seen today, on the ice of the
Ottawa River, east of Deschenes.  Both an immature and an adult
Bald Eagle were in the Eardley-Masham and Steel Line area on the
6th and 7th.  An adult Golden Eagle was seen along the Steel Line
on March 7.  A male Northern Harrier was at Earl Armstrong Rd on
March 1.

A Northern Flicker was reported from Promenade Cres in Aylmer
Québec on the 6th.  American Robins and Brown Creepers have become
more active and vocal with the milder temperatures last week as
well.

A first spring Lesser Black-backed Gull was with numerous Herring
Gulls on the ice on the river behind Parc Lucette in Hull on the
7th.  Also present were 2 Glaucous Gulls, dozens of Great Black-
backed Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls, mostly adults, are now
ubiquitous in the region.

Lingering owls include a Barred Owl at museum feeders on Pink Rd
in Aylmer and the NORTHERN HAWK OWL at 840 Clayton Rd in Almonte,
reported March 1 and 3 respectively.

A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE is still on the Rideau River at the
Hurdman overpass and a HOARY REDPOLL was with a large flock of
Common Redpolls on Cumberland Ridge Rd.  Both of these reports are
from the 3rd.

Back on February 29, two flocks of Red Crossbills, approximately
half a dozen in each flock, were seen in the Larose Forest, on the
east side of the forest near the intersection of Champlain Rd and
Clarence Cambridge Rd.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker that evidently over-wintered was first
reported to the status line on March 1.  The bird has been coming
to a feeder in a backyard on Notre Dame St in Embrun, east of
Ottawa, but it is not a reliable customer.  According to the
homeowner, it does not come everyday.  It has not been reported
since the 2nd.

And a report of an unusual immature gull on the Québec side of the
Ottawa River came in on both March 3 and 4.  It was with the Ring-
billed Gulls, above the Deschenes Rapids, at the south end of
Vanier St, at approximately 4:30 to 5 pm.  Its identity is
unconfirmed but its plumage and shape led to speculation that it
might be a first or second year BLACK-TAILED GULL.  The bird has
not been seen since then but may still be around.  Any further
sightings of such a gull would be appreciated for the status line.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 14 March 2004
* ONOT0403.14

- Birds mentioned

Canada Goose
Northern Harrier
Northern Goshawk
American Kestrel
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Glaucous Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Snowy Owl
Short-eared Owl
Bohemian Waxwing
Song Sparrow
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Redpoll
HOARY REDPOLL

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 14 March 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY MARCH 14 AT 9 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

New arrivals this past week including increasing numbers of Canada
Geese, 2 male Northern Harriers on Earl Armstrong Rd on the 11th,
a male American Kestrel back on the nest site at the barn at the
Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and single singing Song Sparrows in a
few locations on the 12th.

The first report of Common Grackle and Brown-headed Cowbird were
from the 11th and 12th respectively.  An adult Northern Goshawk was
seen on the 12th in the Cumberland area, flying over Canaan Rd
south of highway 17.

Among the hordes of Ring-billed, Herring and Great Black-backed
Gulls on the Ottawa River, Glaucous Gulls continue to be reported
with 8 seen on the 13th.

Seven Snowy Owls were reported on March 7 from Concession 20 near
Ste Rose east of Casselman.  At least one was still here today.

At least 2 Short-eared Owls are being seen on the S-curve of Earl
Armstrong Rd as of the 11th.

A small flock of approximately 50 Bohemian Waxwings was still at
Shirley's Bay on the 12th.

Two HOARY REDPOLLS were at the Pink Rd feeder behind the Canadian
Museum of Nature in Aylmer with numerous Common Redpolls on the
13th and 1 female Hoary was still at the Hilda Rd feeders near
Shirley's Bay the same day.

A recent reconnaissance of the Bearbrook flood plain revealed no
significant flooding and no waterfowl or hawks.  The next two
weeks, however, should be more productive.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 02 April 2004
* ONOT0404.02

- Birds mentioned

American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
TUNDRA SWAN
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Green-winged Teal
Northern Pintail
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Short-eared Owl
Eastern Phoebe
Tree Swallow
Eastern Bluebird
American Tree Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Eastern Meadowlark
Rusty Blackbird

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 02 April 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   FRIDAY April 2 AT 5 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

The past week saw the continued arrival of significant numbers of
migrants including more passerine species.

The fields east of Ottawa, near Carlsbad Springs and Bourget
remain flooded with water as well with thousands of Canada Geese
and Northern Pintail.  Waterfowl of note were: a Greater White-
fronted Goose at Milton Rd on the 29th, a pair of swans, likely
TUNDRA SWANS, at Cobb's Lake Creek, east of Bourget with 21 Snow
Geese on the 29th, and a pair of Redhead Frank Kenney at the
Bearbrook bridge on the 30th and 31st.  Green-winged Teal, Ring-
necked Duck and Bufflehead continue to appear in the east as well
as the mouth of Watt's Creek at Shirley's Bay, and small numbers
of Hooded Mergansers were seen in small numbers in various parts.

Great Blue Herons are being seen regularly now and reports of many
Eastern Phoebes and Eastern Meadowlarks came in from many
locations.

A major fallout of sparrows occurred on March 30 and 31,
particularly American Tree Sparrows and Song Sparrows.  A Chipping
Sparrow was at Britannia on the 31st and there were several
sightings of Fox Sparrow since the 30th, particularly west of
Ottawa, including Shirley's Bay and Kanata.

Other firsts of the season included: an early American Bittern
near Corkery, south of Carp, on the 28th, a Tree Swallow at
Deschenes on the Québec side on the 28th and another near
Calabogie on April 2, an Eastern Bluebird near Bishop's Mills
south of Ottawa on the 30th and a Rusty Blackbird at Deschenes on
the 28th.

A least one male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE is still around.  He was seen
on the Ottawa River at Deschenes on the 28th and several Short-
eared Owls can still be seen flying at dusk on Earl Armstrong Rd.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript
Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 14 April 2004
* ONOT0404.14

- Birds mentioned

Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Green-winged Teal
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
American Kestrel
Merlin
SANDHILL CRANE
American Woodcock
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Eastern Screech Owl
Short-eared Owl
Eastern Phoebe
Tree Swallow
Common Raven
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Gray Catbird
Savannah Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Common Redpoll

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 14 April 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE - APR 14 2003 AT 7:00 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

Gradually milder temperatures and the opening up of our local
waterways have encouraged the return of more migrants.  A Common
Loon and a Pied-billed Grebe were seen at Shirley's Bay on April
12th, along with 13 species of waterfowl including Wood Duck,
American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked
Duck, Greater and Lesser Scaup, and both Hooded and Common
Mergansers.  A pair of Pied-billed Grebes was also on the Rideau
River behind the Tennis Club on the 10th.

On the 13th a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was with a flock of
Canada Geese in a field on Barnsdale Rd. west of Moodie Dr. and 2
adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in the same area.

Ospreys have returned - 3 were seen near last year's nest along
Thomas Dolan Parkway by Constance Creek on both the 12th and 13th.
A nice flight of raptors occurred on the 12th, with several Turkey
Vultures and Sharp-shinned Hawks noted, as well as an adult Golden
Eagle over Carling Ave. and Rifle Rd. near Shirley's Bay.  There
has also been an increase in sightings of American Kestrels and
Merlins from various locations over the past week, and a few
Rough-legged Hawks are still moving through.

Four SANDHILL CRANES were seen in the fields on the west side of
Milton Rd. east of Carlsbad Springs on the 13th. American
Woodcocks have been heard performing their courtship flights at
Kettles Rd. and Munster Rd. as well as in the Rockcliffe area on a
few evenings over the past 2 weeks.

An owl-atlassing venture on the 9th produced an Eastern Screech
Owl calling on Kerwin Rd., and 2 Short-eared Owls were seen south
of the International Airport on the 8th.

Common Ravens continue their nesting efforts in Ottawa, with one
long-time pair now tending at least 4 vigourous young in the nest
at the Carlington Quarry at the north end of Clyde Ave.  Another
pair was reported to be constructing a nest at Russell Rd. east of
Hawthorne Rd., on a hydro pylon in the middle of the Ontario Hydro
complex on April 9th.

An early Gray Catbird was seen in Alexandria east of Ottawa on the
8th. Other migrants such as Eastern Phoebes, Tree Swallows,
Golden-crowned Kinglets, Eastern Bluebirds, Savannah Sparrows and
Rusty Blackbirds continue to be reported, and Common Redpolls are
still present in small numbers in various locations.

Thank you - Good birding!

- End transcript
Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 18 April 2004
* ONOT0404.18

- Birds mentioned

Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE
Northern Shoveler
EURASIAN WIGEON
American Wigeon
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
White-winged Scoter
Ruddy Duck
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Snowy Owl
Barred Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
Water Pipit
Yellow-rumped Warbler

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 18 April 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE   SUNDAY April 18 AT 8:30 PM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

The staring features in the local birding this weekend were two
rare Eurasian waterfowl species in the marshes on the Québec side
of the Ottawa River.  The first record for the region of a PINK-
FOOTED GOOSE, reported yesterday the 17th, was confirmed this
morning.  It is an un-banded and free flying bird.  The most recent
observation was at the viewing blind at Baie de Pentecost in Parc
Plaisance along Chemin de Petit Presqu'ile.   A male EURASIAN
WIGEON is also still present at Baie Clement west of Masson
Québec.

Other reports indicate that spring migration has taken another
leap forward in Ottawa. From the 16th to the 18th, Shirley's Bay
had 2 Common Loons, 1 Double-crested Cormorant, several American
Wigeon and Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Greater and Lesser
Scaup and 2 White-winged Scoters.  An unusually late Snowy Owl was
seen on the ice at Shirley's Bay off Haycock Island on the 16th.

A pair of Redhead was in the pond on Earl Armstrong Rd west of
High Rd on the 16th and 2 male Ruddy Ducks were in a pond along
Moodie Dr south of the Trail Rd landfill.

The first Greater Yellowlegs of the season was seen along Twin Elm
Rd on April 16 along with an American Pipit.  At the Britannia
Conservation Area on the 18th, there were many Ruby-crowned and
Golden-crowned Kinglet as well as the first Yellow-rumped
Warblers.  The return of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Northern
Flickers, Belted Kingfishers and Hermit Thrushes was evident from
many locations.

Two of the local landfills hosted at total of 11 Lesser Black-
backed Gulls, 8 at Trail Rd landfill and 3 at Carp.  Both
landfills are inaccessible to the public but may be viewed from
the roadside.

Several pairs of Barred Owls were heard calling in Gatineau Park
on the night of the 17th, another sign of spring.

Thank-you.  Good birding.

- End transcript
Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

- RBA

* Ontario
* Ottawa/Gatineau
* 26 April 2004
* ONOT0404.26

- Birds mentioned

Common Loon
Red-necked Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
American Bittern
GREAT EGRET
GLOSSY IBIS
TUNDRA SWAN
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE
Snow Goose
Gadwall
EURASIAN WIGEON
Redhead
Ruddy Duck
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Northern Goshawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Virginia Rail
American Coot
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Brown Thrasher
Blue-headed Vireo
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Bobolink

- Transcript

hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
date: 26 April 2004
number: 613-860-9000 press 2
to report: 613-860-9000 press #
coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Can. Nat. Capital Reg.), E.Ont., W.Que.
compilers  : Chris Lewis
            : Terry Higgins
            : Colin Bowen  colin.bowen@sympatico.ca
transcriber: Michelle Martin  m.p.martin@sympatico.ca
internet   : Gordon Pringle  parula@magma.ca

OFNC BIRD STATUS LINE - APR 26 2004 AT 9:00 AM

This is Chris Lewis reporting.

In spite of strong northwest and northeast winds and cold
temperatures over the past several days, many migrants continue to
be reported.

The PINK-FOOTED GOOSE first discovered on April 17 at Parc
Plaisance on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River was still present
on the 25th.  Two male EURASIAN WIGEONS are at Petite Baie Clement
west of Masson, but the GLOSSY IBIS found in the marshes west of
Thurso on the 22nd has not subsequently been reported.  On the
Ontario side, a GREAT EGRET was at Clarence Creek on the 19th and
a TUNDRA SWAN was still at the Embrun sewage lagoons in the 24th.

Speaking of sewage lagoons, a visit to Alfred, St-Isidore,
Casselman and Embrun on the 24th revealed high water levels at all
sites except Embrun, where the habitat evidently looks excellent
for waterfowl as well as shorebirds.  Interesting birds noted were
American Bittern, Gadwall, 15 Redhead and 40 Ruddy Ducks at
Alfred, a Red-necked Grebe at St-Isidore, and at least 20 Greater
Yellowlegs along with a good selection of puddle and diving ducks
at Embrun.

 From the 22nd to the 25th other sightings of interest included a
Common Loon, a Red-necked Grebe and 3 Double-crested Cormorants at
Shirley's Bay, a Greater Snow Goose and a TUNDRA SWAN at Parc
Plaisance, and 19 species of ducks in various locations along the
Ottawa River and the aforementioned sewage lagoons.

An immature Bald Eagle, an immature Northern Goshawk, several
Rough-legged Hawks and a Broad-winged Hawk were seen between
Masson and Plaisance, and Ospreys are being seen all across the
region.  A pair of Merlins have been displaying near the Central
Experimental Farm for several days, and the downtown pair of
Peregrine Falcons now have at least 3 eggs in the nest on the
southeast corner of the Crowne Plaza hotel.

The first reports of American Coot and Virginia Rail came in last
week, along with both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, a Spotted
Sandpiper at Britannia on the 24th and an early Solitary Sandpiper
at Twin Elm Rd. the same day.

Blue-headed Vireos were reported from the Clyde Avenue woods and
Shirley's Bay, many Ruby-crowned Kinglets are still about, and all
6 species of swallows are now back. Pairs of Eastern Bluebirds
were reported from Earl Armstrong Rd. on the 24th, a Brown
Thrasher has been singing along Rifle Rd. near Shirley's Bay since
the 21st, and Yellow-rumped, Pine, Palm and Black-throated Green
Warblers were at Britannia on the weekend.

Six species of sparrows including many Chipping, Vesper and White-
throated Sparrows, were found south of the international airport
on the 24th and Swamp Sparrows were singing in the marshes at
Thurso on the 23rd.  A late flock of 10 Snow Buntings was at St-
Isidore on the 24th and an early Bobolink was at Moodie Drive and
Trail Rd. the same day.

Thank you - Good Birding!

- End transcript

Gordon Pringle 
parula@magma.ca