NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Eco-News

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH 2009   Needed: volunteers for the 13th season of monitoring our Peregrine Falcon family. Each year volunteers take turns watching young falcons take their first steps in the world as they leave their home on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ottawa. See them take their wings and, just in case they need a little help, make sure they get home safely.

         The pay is nonexistent but the rewards are limitless. It is an opportunity to help an endangered species, to increase public awareness and learn about falcons. It may also be considered volunteer time for high school students, 16 and older.

         The Falcon Watch will be starting Sunday, June 7th in front of 350 Albert Street. The Falcon Watch is looking for volunteers. On-the-job training will given. For more information, and notes on previous watches, check the OFNC website (www.ofnc.ca) and follow the links to the falcon watch.

         If you have a few hours to give, please contact Nancy by email at ottawa.falconwatch@gmail.com or by phone at 613-946-7847 weekdays or 613-253-1490 evenings and weekends. You may also call Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator at 613-859-9545.

         Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch or Ottawa Falcon Watch Secondary Site.      Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH 2008   Needed: volunteers for the 12th season of monitoring our Peregrine Falcon family. Each year volunteers take turns watching young falcons take their first steps in the world as they leave their home on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ottawa. See them take their wings and, just in case they need a little help, make sure they get home safely.

         The pay is nonexistent but the rewards are limitless. It is an opportunity to help an endangered species, to increase public awareness and learn about falcons. It may also be considered volunteer time for high school students, 16 and older.

         The season runs about three weeks, this year during the second half of July, late because of the disruption of the first clutch. We work in small groups and no prior experience is necessary. For more information, and notes on previous watches, check the OFNC website (www.ofnc.ca) and follow the links to the falcon watch.

         If you have a few hours to give, please contact Melanie Moore by email at mmoore0@sympatico.ca or by phone at 613-234-6464.

         Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch or Ottawa Falcon Watch Secondary Site.      Return to Headlines

         SAVE THE GREENBELT! OTTAWA PLANS TO TURN 1/3 OF THE GREENBELT INTO SUBDIVISIONS   The City of Ottawa has announces plans to discuss "development" of nearly 1/3 of our precious Greenbelt, hoping to turn it into 20 years worth of subdivisions. If you value Ottawa's green spaces, please register your indignation that this is even on the agenda. Let your city politicians know that the idea has no merit and will erode and eventually destroy our amazing Greenbelt. If you believe it is purely coincidental that Russell Mills, the new NCC chairman holds the same views, think again. This is scary!

The NCC is have a Public Board of Directors Meeting on Monday, June 30, 2008, from 2 to 5 PM. A live webcast will be available on the NCC website (info@ncc-ccn.ca). It will be held at the Hilton Lac Leamy, Le Grand Salon, 3 boulevard du Casino, Gatineau. It might be wise to get some rational views expressed there before this "discussion" becomes a fait accompli, if it hasn't already been agreed to in the back rooms. The fox in the chicken house has been replaced by the wolf at the door. Russell Mills seems to believe that this land is being wasted. To repeat what I said when he was appointed in Novemeber: "He obviously belongs to the how-can-we-use-this-empty-land school of conservation. This man needs a quick education as to why the City of Ottawa is the envy of cities across North America. No one who has studied urban growth in North America could possibly conclude that the Greenbelt was put into place to halt the expansion of Ottawa. It was put into place to preserve some of our quickly disappearing green space. We must fight this misguided initiative to develop it."       Return to Headlines

         SAVE THE GREENBELT! NCC CHAIR HOPES TO DEVELOP IT!   New National Capital Commission (NCC) chairman Russell Mills is quoted in Nov. 3rd's Ottawa Citizen as saying that the Greenbelt "was a good thing in its day, but it was intended to contain the growth of the city and it didn't." He wants to guide the NCC and city planners in development to decide how to make, believe it or not, "more environmentally sound use of it". He obviously belongs to the how-can-we-use-this-empty-land school of conservation. This man needs a quick education as to why the City of Ottawa is the envy of cities across North America. No one who has studied urban growth in North America could possibly conclude that the Greenbelt was put into place to halt the expansion of Ottawa. It was put into place to preserve some of our quickly disappearing green space. We must fight this misguided initiative to develop it.       Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH 2007   We are getting ready for our 11th season of monitoring our Peregrine Falcon family. Each year volunteers take turns watching young falcons take their first steps in the world as they leave their home on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ottawa. See them take their wings and, just in case they need a little help, make sure they get home safely.

         The pay is nonexistent but the rewards are limitless. It is an opportunity to help an endangered species, to increase public awareness and learn about falcons. It may also be considered volunteer time for high school students, 16 and older.

         Our season runs about three weeks during the second half of June. We work in small groups and no prior experience is necessary. For more information, and notes on previous watches, check the OFNC website (www.ofnc.ca) and follow the links to the falcon watch.

         If you have a few hours to give, please contact Eve Ticknor at 613-737-7551 or 859-9545 or by email at email.

         Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch or Ottawa Falcon Watch Secondary Site.      Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH NEEDS YOU!   Ottawa's Peregrine family now has their first chicklet of the year, hatched either the evening of May 15 or the morning of May 16! The nest is still located on the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Lyon Street, between Queen and Albert Streets, their home for the past 11 years. The Volunteer Coordinator of the OFNC Falcon Watch will be looking for volunteers to take part in the Falcon Watch around the middle of June, when the young first leave the nest and learn to fly. There are 4 shifts daily, 7 days a week for around 2 or 3 weeks. You do not need experience. High school students looking for hours of community service might like this way to earn them. Please contact Ottawa Falcon Watch Coordinator Eve Ticknor at (613) 737- 7551 or via email.

         Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch or Ottawa Falcon Watch Secondary Site.      Return to Headlines

         OTTAWA WILDLIFE FESTIVAL FORUM   Christine Hanrahan, Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club and Johanne Ranger, Parks Canada send notice of the upcoming fifth annual forum in the Ottawa Wildlife Festival Forum Series.

         CANADA'S NORTH - OURS TO PROTECT, THE WORLD'S TO CHERISH

         FORUM DETAILS: Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 6 PM to 9:30 PM. 3rd floor (West), Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa. Free admission / No registration required. Distribution of resource material. Displays. Light refreshments. OC Transpo Bus Service: numbers 5, 6 and 14. Limited on site paid parking.

         ORGANISERS: Sponsored by the OFNC/Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Parks Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Ottawa Wildlife Festival.

         This is the fifth in a series of annual forums that take place during the Wildlife Festival, a regional celebration of National Wildlife Week. Each Forum highlights current topics in wildlife conservation. In 2007 we will examine issues surrounding Canada's north: the wildlife, the weather and climate change, and why setting up national parks north of 60 presents a unique and very different challenge. We will look at these topics through the eyes of a polar bear research worker, a park planner specializing in northern parks, and a Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada (and author of the well-known Canada Weather Trivia Calendar). This will be an informative and engaging evening with an excellent panel of speakers. International Polar Year is also being celebrated in 2007-2008, sponsored by the International Council for Science and the World Meteorological Organisation, so the topic is very timely indeed. Please join us.

         AGENDA:
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Doors open, mingle, browse displays, refreshments
7:00 PM - 7:05 PM: Introduction
7:05 PM - 7:30 PM: JEREMY INGLIS, Wildlife Technician, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
7:30 PM - 7:55 PM: DAVID MURRAY, Parks Planner, Parks Canada
7:55 PM - 8:10 PM: Intermission
8:10 PM - 8:20 PM: Door Prizes
8:20 PM - 9:05 PM: DAVID PHILLIPS, Senior Climatologist, Environment Canada
9:05 PM - 9:15 PM: Thank you and wrap up
9:15 PM - 9:30 PM: Meet with the speakers, browse the exhibits, and have more refreshments.
9:30 PM: END

         For further information or details of how to take part, please contact Christine Hanrahan, Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club - vanessa@magma.ca or Johanne Ranger, Parks Canada - johanne.ranger@pc.gc.ca. Thank you!       Return to Headlines

         OTTAWA BREEDING BIRD COUNT   Adam C. Smith sends the following notice of the upcoming Ottawa Breeding Bird Count; a scientifically rigorous, volunteer-based survey of birds in an expanding city. He invites those interested in taking part to visit the Ottawa Breeding Bird Count Website.

         Calling all birders and bird-lovers, especially those of you who live in Ottawa! An annual, volunteer-based, scientifically rigorous survey of breeding birds. An exciting new project is starting in Ottawa this spring. In cooperation with the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, the Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Research Laboratory (GLEL) at Carleton University is launching an annual, volunteer-based, scientifically rigorous survey of breeding birds in the urban areas of Ottawa.

- THE OTTAWA BREEDING BIRD COUNT -

         The Ottawa Breeding Bird Count (OBBC) will create an openly available, long-term database that will monitor and study the effects of development on bird populations in the city.

         By coordinating the efforts and knowledge of birders, naturalists, scientists, and the broader public we can create a powerful tool for clearly measuring the impacts of development and for learning how to modify and mitigate urban development to create better conditions for biodiversity.

         The OBBC incorporates ... parts of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, the North American Breeding Bird Survey, and Project Nestwatch/ONRS. The program combines focused and rigorously designed surveys, an online system for entering data and viewing results, and a range of survey programs to suit volunteers of ALMOST any skill level.

         The program will reach a broad audience, lead to applicable and conservation-focused results, provide numerous opportunities for volunteer and public education, and be a lot of fun for volunteers.

         The OBBC needs your help to succeed.
         -     Please visit our website and/or email us to stay up to date on the project’s progress (E-mail: ottawabirds@sympatico.ca).
         -     Spread the word. If you maintain a website, post an announcement and link to our site (Ottawa Breeding Bird Count Website).
         -     Most importantly, if you live near Ottawa, adopt a point count route and/or census plots and keep your eyes peeled for active nests.

         If you don't live in Ottawa, you're still more than welcome to visit our website and send us any comments you may have.

         Thank you!      Adam C. Smith, Coordinator of the Ottawa Breeding Bird Count

         For further information or details of how to take part, please contact Adam C. Smith, Coordinator of the Ottawa Breeding Bird Count, PhD Candidate, Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Research Laboratory, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
Tel: (613) 520-2600 ext 3859 - Home: (819) 772-4382 - Fax: (613) 520-3539
E-mail: ottawabirds@sympatico.ca.       Return to Headlines

         McSKIMMING AND BILL MASON OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES STILL NEED YOUR HELP   Diane Beckett of Friends of Lasting Outdoor Education (FLOE) warns that despite school board support presently, these centres are still under the gun. Her statement follows:

         The Ottawa Carleton District School Board's Bill Mason and MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centres were once again threatened with closure during the 2006-2007 budget process. In the end, the Trustees voted 11 to 1 to keep the Outdoor Education Centres open.

         However, until the Provincial Government allocates funds specifically for Outdoor Education Centres in their education funding formula, the OCDSB Centres will always be at risk. Currently, funding for the Centres must come from other budget lines in the OCDSB budget - which as we all know is already inadequete.

         The Provincial Government's funding formula must be adjusted to reflect the reality of the true costs and needs of the education system. We can not continue to fight these battles at the Board level at budget time.

         Friends of Lasting Outdoor Education (FLOE), a community based organization, supports the OCDSB's Outdoor Education Centres. Initially FLOE's efforts were directed at reversing the decision to close the Centres, now it continues to support there funding. A letter writing campaign directed at the Premier is an important part of their strategy to keep the Centres open. Please contact Diane Beckett for additional information. Thank you!       Return to Headlines

         BALD EAGLE REPORTS   Bird Studies Canada has been monitoring nesting Bald Eagles for many years. Over the last three years, however, they have expanded the program to include wintering sightings. Debbie Badzinski of Bird Studies Canada has sent out a request stating that they would appreciate birders passing along their Bald Eagle observations from the Ottawa area. Nothing formal, just send an email to raptor@bsc-eoc.org when you see a Bald Eagle, and let them know the location, approximate age, and what the bird was doing (flying over, foraging, etc.). Thanks.       Return to Headlines

         TRUMPETER SWAN REINTRODUCTION PROGRAM   Bev Kingdon and Harry Lumsden have sent out notice that the Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction Program is winding down. Cygnets are no longer being released. They request that all and any reports of Trumpeter Swans be sent to them (not Ontbirds). Please include number of birds, date, time, location and band numbers if visible. Include colour of both the tag and number, tag type (wing, collar, etc).

Harry Lumsden's email address is: THEHOLTENTWO@cs.com
Bev Kingdon's email address is: bev.ki@sympatico.ca

The information supplied to the program will go a long way in helping to keep track of the general well-being of the Trumpeter population.       Return to Headlines

         ONTARIO FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS (OFO) CONVENTION   Dave Milsom from the Ontario Field Ornithologists has sent out the following invitation to their convention to be held in Ottawa this year:

         You are invited to attend the Ontario Field Ornithologists Convention in Ottawa September 30 and October 1, 2006. Cost is $45 for the Banquet on Sept. 30 at Capone's in the Nepean Sportsplex, including displays, door prizes, cash bar & keynote speaker Guy Morrison, with his presentation on "Shorebirds". Also included are a choice of some great fieldtrips on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 led by renowned Ottawa birders and naturalists.

         To register online, go to the OFO Convention Registration page OR email milsomdave@hotmail.com OR phone 905-857-2235 or 416-788-8055.      Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH NEEDS YOU!   The Volunteer Coordinator of the OFNC Falcon Watch, Melaine Moore, has sent out a request for volunteers. There is a new female Peregrine Falcon nesting at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Lyon Street between Queen and Albert Streets this year. She started a bit later but now is the time when volunteers are needed to watch the chicks as they learn to fly. There are 4 shifts daily, 7 days a week for around 2 or 3 weeks. You do not need experience. High school students looking for hours of community service might like this way to earn them. Please contact Ottawa Falcon Watch Volunteer Coordinator Melaine Moore at (613) 234-6464 or via email or Ottawa Falcon Watch Coordinator Eve Ticknor at (613) 737- 7551 or via email.

         Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch or Ottawa Falcon Watch Secondary Site.      Return to Headlines

         INNIS POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY TO HIRE A BANDER-IN-CHARGE   Marcel Gahbauer, Innis Point Bird Observatory sent out the following request on Mar. 30, 2006:

         Innis Point Bird Observatory in Ottawa is looking to hire a bander-in-charge (BIC) for the upcoming spring season, April 24 through June 7, 2006. Additional details are provided below; please feel free to forward this message to any contacts who may be interested. We have had full spring migration coverage for the past 9 years, and to maintain the quality of data for long-term trend analysis it is critical that we find someone for this year. Thank you, Marcel Gahbauer, Innis Point Bird Observatory, Ottawa, ON, Canada (e-mail: marcel.gahbauer@utoronto.ca).

Bander-in-Charge (BIC) of Innis Point Bird Observatory (IPBO) Spring Migration Monitoring Program

         Innis Point Bird Observatory is located on the south side of the Ottawa River about 15 km west of downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It has been in operation since 1982, with a Spring Migration Monitoring Program (SMMP) since 1997.

         The SMMP, run under a fixed protocol, consists of a standardized banding program using mist nets, a standardized one hour census, general observations of birds, and the determination of Estimated Daily Totals (EDT). It runs from April 24 to June 7, 2006.

         The total remuneration will be $3,300 (including legal benefits such as vacation pay), paid in four installments during the course of the program.

         On the day before the program starts, Sunday April 24, the BIC will receive orientation at the Observatory. The BIC will be responsible for the fieldwork from Sunday to Friday during the remainder of the period. This will include coordinating the fieldwork of all volunteers assisting with the program. Many of the volunteers have no experience of extracting birds from mist nets. The BIC will train all volunteers, lacking such experience, in extraction, as well as in banding if the volunteer so desires. The BIC will demonstrate observatory activities to occasional groups of visitors. Other special duties, such as screening the birds captured for ticks, may be included.

         The BIC will be responsible for completion of the EDT sheet and the Daily Log during the days that he/she is present, and also for computer entry of banding and EDT data for all days during the entire SMMP period. The BIC will be asked to provide a brief report on any refinements to the protocol, or changes to other program practices, it is thought would improve migration monitoring at Innis Point.

         Basic spartan accommodations will be provided on site at no charge. However, the BIC will be responsible for purchasing and stocking his/her own food. All equipment and material required for the banding program will be supplied, except for binoculars.

         The BIC must hold or be eligible for a Banding Permit. Experience of work at other bird observatories is highly desirable.

         Interested candidates are invited to apply, with CV, to Celia Bodnar at (613) 836-7907; e-mail: bodnarm@magma.ca.       Return to Headlines

         CALL FOR SHORT-EARED OWL SIGHTINGS IN ONTARIO   Susan Debreceni, Volunteer Projects Research Assistant at Bird Studies Canada sends out the following request:

Short-eared Owl

Attention winter birders: Winter has officially arrived! Bird Studies Canada and the Ontario Barn Owl Recovery Program are entering the 3rd year of a wintering Short-eared Owl survey in Ontario. We need your help in tracking all observations of Short-eared Owls in Ontario over the winter months.          Characterized by a distinctive and erratic moth-like flight pattern, large concentrations of these owls can be observed during the winter months in southern Ontario. This owl is listed as a species of Special Concern in Canada and little is known about the species nor why they are declining. With your help, we hope to increase our understanding of this nomadic species.          If you see a Short-eared owl in your area, please pass along these observations to Bird Studies Canada. Be sure to include: date and time of sighting, number of birds, habitat type, geographic location, and activity (eg. hunting, roosting, perched). If you were fortunate enough to count these owls on your local Christmas Bird Counts, please be sure to pass those sightings along.          If you are interested in providing more than just casual sightings, and have access to a roost site, we are looking for volunteers to monitor these locations on a regular (weekly) basis throughout the winter months. This information will be used to help determine the number of Short-eared Owls overwintering, how long they remain in an area, and whether the birds are moving around between roost sites.          For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan Debreceni (E-mail: sdebreceni@bsc-eoc.org; Phone: 1-519-586-3531, ext. 222 or toll free at 1-888-448-2473).       Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH NEEDS YOU!   The Coordinator of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club's Falcon Watch, Eve Ticknor, has sent out the following volunteer request:

         Horizon, our resident female Peregrine Falcon, is brooding 4 eggs! Two chicks had hatched by the 9th of May. The nest is on the west side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Lyon Street between Queen and Albert Streets. It is near the north end, between the 2nd and 3rd columns from the end.

         The 2005 Falcon Watch started on June 11 and needs volunteers! There are 2 chicks to monitor this year as they learn to fly. There are 4 shifts daily, 7 days a week for the next 2 or 3 weeks. You do not need experience. High school students looking for hours of community service might like this way to earn them. Please contact Falcon Watch Coordinator Eve Ticknor at (613) 737- 7551 or via email; or Volunteer Coordinator Marie Clausen at (613) 234-3002 or via email.

Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch.      Return to Headlines

         JOHN MACOUN MARSH DEDICATION - MAY 31, 2005   Beechwood Cemetery and the Macoun Marsh Sub-Committee will unveil the landscaping plan on May 31. The southeastern corner of Beechwood Cemetery which was wooded has succumbed to population pressure and is now "under development". However, the marsh in that area has been adopted by the students of Educarium School as a research project, under the tutelage of teacher Mike Leveille. Their interest and diligence has saved this bit of urban wilderness from certain demise. Beechwood Cemetery is helping the class protect this tiny gem. The marsh will henceforth be known as the John Macoun Marsh. The students are documenting species found here and have over 700 to date, 70 of those being birds. The class has maintained a feeding station here since the winter of 2003 - 04, with around 15 feeders during the 2004 - 05 season.

         Come here to celebrate this achievement on May 31, 2005 when a plaque will be erected at the marsh. Media welcome. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Beechwood Cemetery and John Macoun Marsh page.Return to Headlines

         WILD BIRD CARE CENTRE NEEDS HELP CARING FOR GREAT GRAY OWLS   The Wild Bird Care Centre in Ottawa, under the able leadership of Kathy Nihei, have been busy this winter, especially with Great Gray Owls. They have had more of these magnificent birds than even during the last irruption. Because the owls are unafraid (it is a complete surprise to them when they run into a speeding car), many of them are killed or injured along the roadways. Injured birds require lots of care and feeding. It can be expensive. The Wild Bird Care Centre exists on occasional grants and mostly private donations. Please consider sending your tax deductable contribution to:

The Wild Bird Care Centre
73 Majestic Drive
Ottawa, ON     K2G 1C9
(613) 828-2849

       Visit the Wild Bird Care Centre website for more information. Return to Headlines

         ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM REQUESTS ROADKILLED OWLS   Mark Peck from the Ornithology / Department of Natural History of the Royal Ontario Museum, has sent out the following request:

         As everyone is aware there has been a large influx of Great Gray Owls into southern Ontario this winter. I was wondering if I could bother everyone for a large favour. If anyone finds Great Gray casualties we would be very interested in obtaining them for the Royal Ontario Museum.

         The last invasion in 1995/1996 ended up with many of the owls becoming roadside casualties. We would like to try to take advantage of this years owl movement/mortalities and get as many as we can into the ROM for a number of reasons:

- research on ageing and sexing of great grays
- obtaining feather samples for future isotope work
- allowing us to determine where the birds were geographically when their feathers were grown
- obtaining tissue samples for future molecular work
- specimens for collections and educational programming both at the ROM and other institutions
- mounts for galleries at the ROM or in other institutions

         I hate the thought of these birds being wasted. I have received one owl so far but it was badly damaged and we were unable to use it for the collections. Please contact me privately or contact the Ministry of Natural Resources in your area to see if they would be willing to accept the bird.

         Many thanks in advance for your assistance with this matter.

         Sincerely, Mark Peck

         Ornithology/Department of Natural History
         Royal Ontario Museum
         100 Queen's Park
         Toronto, ON Canada M5S 2C6

         416-586-5523
         fax 416-586-5553
         markp@rom.on.ca       Return to Headlines

         ONTARIO BREEDING BIRD ATLAS - OWL SURVEYS   Nicole Kopysh (Assistant Coordinator) and Mike Cadman (Coordinator) of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas have sent out the call to arms for the 2005 season, beginning with owling surveys.

         If you would like to help out with atlas owling in one of the regions listed below (beyond owling in your own square), please contact its owling coordinator:

         Region 24, Ottawa - Mark Gawn (613-521-9364, gawnbirding@hotmail.com)
         Region 23, Cornwall - Lance Laviolette (613-874-2449, lance.laviolette@lmco.com)
         Region 16, Peterborough - Colin Jones (705-755-2166, colin.jones@mnr.gov.on.ca)
         Region 47, Guelph - Mike Cadman (519-286-2094, mcadman@uoguelph.ca)

         For information on which squares still need owls recorded in a region, look at the draft distribution maps; but check the data summaries page too, for the latest updates.

         In addition to the basic atlassing for owls (i.e. reporting breeding evidence in each square), the atlas has devised a standardized survey that it hopes will allow mapping of relative abundance of common owl species in the same way that point counts allow mapping of relative abundance of other species. Ontario birders are encouraged to do the standardized owl survey in the atlas square(s) they are working in. However, if birders would like to take on additional squares to survey using the standardized Screech-Owl protocol, specific "target" squares have been randomly selected for this survey. Go to the species maps page and from the drop down box on the left (that comes up with "Species Map 2001-2005" as a default) select "Target Squares for Screech-Owl Surveys". The dark green squares are those which were randomly selected as target squares for the Screech-Owl Survey and have not yet been surveyed as of October 29, 2004.       Return to Headlines

         WINTERING SHORT-EARED OWL SURVEY IN ONTARIO   Susan Debreceni, Volunteer Projects Research Assistant at Bird Studies Canada sent out the following request on Dec. 21, 2005:

         This is a call out to winter birders. Bird Studies Canada and the Ontario Barn Owl Recovery Program is entering the 2nd year of a wintering Short-eared Owl survey in Ontario. Once again we will be tracking all observations of Short-eared Owls and we need your help!

         These owls are nothing "short" of spectacular with their distinctive and erratic moth like flight pattern. Listed as a species of Special Concern in Canada, large concentrations of these owls can be observed during the winter months in southern Ontario. Little is known about the species nor why they are declining. With your help, we hope to increase our understanding of this nomadic species.

         When you see a Short-eared Owl in your area, please pass along these observations to Bird Studies Canada. Be sure to include: date and time of sighting, number of birds, habitat type, geographic location, and activity (hunting, roosting, perched). If you have the chance to participate in your local Christmas Bird Counts don't forget to keep track of any Short-eared owls you may come across!

         If you are interested in providing more than just casual sightings, we will also be looking for volunteers to monitor these owls at known roost sites on a regular (weekly) basis throughout the winter months. This information will be used to determine the number of Short-eared Owls overwintering, how long they remain in an area, and whether the birds are moving around between roost sites.

         For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan Debreceni (E-mail: sdebreceni@bsc-eoc.org; Phone: 1-888-448-2473).       Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH NEEDS YOU!   The OFNC's Bird Study Group chair, Bernie Ladouceur, has sent out the following volunteer request:

         As most of you are aware the Falcon Watch is underway at this moment. For the first time in a while the watch is short of volunteers. If you have thought about volunteering but have not gotten around to it yet then please do consider doing so. The greatest need begins the weekend of June 26 and extends through the following weekend. At the moment, only the early morning and evening weekday shifts appear to have consistently good coverage. Note that there are four shifts per day: 6-9 AM, 9AM to 1 PM, 1-5 PM, and 5-9 PM. If you can help, even for one shift, please contact Marie Clausén or Eve Ticknor.

Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch.      Return to Headlines

         BIRD CONSERVATION WORKSHOP   A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF CONSERVATION - Bird Conservation Workshop - From International to Local Perspectives: Thursday, May 6th, 2004 from 6 to 10 PM at the Salon, 3rd floor, Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa. Free admission, distribution of resource document and brochure on creating a bird-friendly backyard, light refreshments and door prizes. Limited on site parking. Sponsored by the Wildlife Festival, the OFNC/Fletcher Wildlife Garden and the Canadian Museum of Nature.

         Based on the success of the Invasive Species Workshop offered in May 2003, the Wildlife Festival and its partners are inviting people to another evening workshop. 'A Bird's Eye View of Conservation' will feature presentations and displays providing international, national, provincial and local perspectives on current issues related to bird conservation and monitoring.       Return to Headlines

         MUD LAKE (BRITANNIA) WORKSHOP   Trail improvement workshop - Jan. 29, 2004, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by an Open House; at the Regina School, 2599 Regina Street, Ottawa. Invitation from the NCC follows:

         You are probably familiar with Mud Lake, known as one of the prime urban birding locations in eastern Canada. In order to ensure its continued ecological integrity in the face of increasing recreational use of natural areas, the National Capital Commission is proposing some trail improvements to better handle this increasing usage.

         The NCC, along with its consultants Douglas Associates, Daniel Brunton and Bruce Di Labio, would like to invite you to participate in a workshop about this project. The meeting will take place at the Regina School, 2599 Regina Street in Ottawa, on January 29, 2004, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. An Open House where the broad public is invited to participate will follow at 7:30 pm. Do not hesitate to invite your friends and colleagues for this part of the exercise.

         Please confirm your attendance by contacting Elisabeth Lacoursière, Public Consultation and Community Relations, National Capital Commission, before January 26. Thank you for your interest! Phone: (613) 239-5196, Fax: (613) 239-5180, e-mail: elacours@ncc-ccn.ca

Don't miss this important opportunity to have a say in the future of one of our finest natural areas.       Return to Headlines

         McSKIMMING AND BILL MASON OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES TO BE CLOSED   The OCDSB supervisor has announced that both the Bill Mason and McSkimming Outdoor Education Centres will be closed at the end of June, due to the cuts in public education funding. Friends of Lasting Outdoor Education (FLOE), a community based organization, has been set up to support the OCDSB's Outdoor Education Centres. Initially FLOE's efforts are directed at reversing the decision to close the Centres. A letter writing campaign directed at the Premier is an important part of our strategy to keep the Centres open. Please contact Diane Beckett for additional information. Thank you!

         For more information, including directions, about the McSkimming Outdoor Education Centre, visit the Birding Ottawa page for the Becketts Creek National Bird Sanctuary, where the McSkimming Centre operates.       Return to Headlines

         CALL FOR INNIS POINT BANDING STATION VOLUNTEERS   The following is a request from Peter Browne, the Innis Point Bird Observatory coordinator, for interested folks to help out at the banding station. A wonderful opportunity to bird Innis Point!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN SPRING 2003 FOR MIGRATION MONITORING

         You may be aware that there is a Bird Observatory at Innis Point, on the south shore of the Ottawa River about 15 km west of downtown Ottawa. Its main activity is bird banding. Every spring, for the last six years, the observatory has concentrated on migration monitoring. This lasts for about six weeks and is designed to measure a sample of the bird migration passing through the area, on the way north. It is done by both capturing birds in mist nets and observing birds.
         The observatory is one of a chain of about twenty such stations across Canada at which the Spring Migration Monitoring Program is performed. The countrywide program is organized by Bird Studies Canada. The purpose is to monitor, in a standardized way, the migration of birds which are on their way to breeding grounds lying to the north of populated areas, and which are therefore relatively inaccessible to direct observation. Most of the birds concerned are small song birds. The long-term plan is to use the migration monitoring data as a measure of the populations of these northern nesters. Changes in population measures are used to guide conservation and protection programs.
         Innis Point is looking for volunteers to help in this program in Spring 2003. The program runs seven days a week and usually has plenty of personnel during the weekends, but not enough Monday to Friday. It will take place during the period April 19 to June 7. Each day's activities last from about 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Rides can probably be arranged. Volunteers are needed especially to extract birds from mist nets and to count birds in or passing over the area. Training in the extraction process will be given. There is also the possibility of being trained in bird banding, which includes measuring, weighing, aging, and sexing birds as well as putting on bands. If you would like more information, or want to volunteer for any days during that period, please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you.

                 Peter Browne - Telephone: 613-745-1303 or e-mail: pbrowne@cyberus.ca.

For more information, including directions, about this site, visit the Birding Ottawa Innis Point page.       Return to Headlines

         LAROSE FOREST THREATENED   The Larose Forest is a 10,540 hectare reserve that is owned and shared by the surrounding counties. It has over 11 km of hiking trails and 40 km of horseback riding trails running through stands of mature red pine, white spruce and deciduous forest which hosts a rich variety of wildlife. In what could be an unfortunate precedent setting move, a proposal to develope a summer theatre in the forest is being considered. Basically, if this project is approved, what's next? How long before the forest is whittled away and its intregrity destroyed? The legacy of farseer Ferdinand Larose should be preserved intact. Ironically, the executive director of the threatre, Sylvain Charlebois, wants to build there "because it is the gem of the area ... and has never been developed." Please voice your opinion to the appropriate municipal officials.       Return to Headlines

         ALFRED BOG CAMPAIGN   The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club and the Nature Conservancy of Canada are trying to raise big bucks to save another large parcel of the Alfred Bog. In 1988, the Nature Conservancy of Canada was able to buy 1,800 hectares of the bog land. Another 1,600 is owned by a Montreal-based company active in the peat-mining industry. The remainder of the bog is owned by another 50 private owners. Currently, the Nature Conservancy has an option to purchase another 1,200 hectares of the bog. With matching grants from both federal and provincial governments, it still requires $820,000 to be raised privately. You can help with even a small tax-deductable donation. Please send a cheque payable to "The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club", marked "Alfred Bog Fund", to The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, Box 35069, Westgate P.O., Ottawa, ON K1Z 1A2; or to The Nature Conservancy of Canada, 400 - 110 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4R 1A3. Remember to mark them "Alfred Bog Fund OFNC". For more site information, visit the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club's Alfred Bog page or Birding Ottawa's Alfred Bog page.       Return to Headlines

         LAC LEAMY SAVED! - FOR NOW   Great news! Loto-Quebec has cancelled the plan to build a golf course at Lac Leamy after a poll showed 48% opposed the project and only 38% supported it. Then again, perhaps it was the "secret" report from Fisheries & Oceans. Whatever the cause, the proposed destruction of the park has been shelved, but perhaps not entirely forgotten. Nicole Desrochers, director general of CREDDO, hinted that further legal measures might be undertaking by the parties in favour of the golf course. Perhaps this is only face-saving, but we must be wary of new initiatives to use what Gatineau mayor Yves Ducharme views as an "undeveloped" area, rather than one of this community's most beautiful parks. "Plan B" may be next; these people obviously have no respect for nature. Congratulations to all those who fought so long and hard to save Lac Leamy. Keep alert!

         For more information on this site, visit Birding Ottawa's Lac Leamy Ecological Park page or the SOS Leamy Coalition site.      Return to Headlines

         BEAUDRY'S VIEW   Marcel Beaudry, a wonderful example of how partisan politics pays back its supporters, is now chairman of the National Capital Commission (NCC). Testifying before a Senate finance committee, Beaudry described how he is in charge of selling off $6 million a year worth of federal land to meet Treasury Board budget quotas. The choice of which land to sell is heavily determined by demand from developers, many of whom are Beaudry cronies. Beaudry himself was quoted in the Ottawa Citizen on June 12, 2002 as saying, incredibly, "I do not think NCC has any responsibility whatsoever to the citizens of Ottawa concerning local parks,". One of the Senators referred to his testimony as "very haughty". No surprise there. We have to get this old fox out of the henhouse.       Return to Headlines

         LATEST ON LAC LEAMY   Senator Noel Kinsella has proposed a bill to force the National Capital Commission to receive approval of both Houses of Parliament before it can sell or otherwise dispose of its land. But will this stop Marcel Beaudry and his cronies? Stay tuned....

         For more information on this site, visit Birding Ottawa's Lac Leamy Ecological Park page or the SOS Leamy Coalition site.      Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH UPDATE   Ottawa has its first chicklet of the year, hatched between noon June 9 and 3:45 PM June 10, 2002! Soon we'll have 2 foster chicklets to join our one and only! For now, Horizon and Connor are diligently caring for their offspring. Banding is tentatively scheduled for July 3rd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

         The OFNC's Peregrine Falcon Watch coordinator, Eve Ticknor, was able to confirm that Horizon was brooding as of Sunday, May 5th, 2002!! Her nest is at the southeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, at the corner of Albert and Lyon Streets. Ticknor has been able to determine that there are three eggs. She is anticipating the Watch to start around the beginning of July, depending upon the date of hatch. She estimates full brooding began the 3rd or 4th, but can't be positive. Keep posted.       Return to Headlines

         PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH NEEDS YOU!   The OFNC's Peregrine Falcon Watch's coordinator, Eve Ticknor, has the following volunteer request:

Horizon and Connor should be starting their family soon. We of the Falcon Watch are looking for volunteers, both those of you who have joined us in the past, as well as new people. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. We work in shifts between dawn and dark 7 days a week. You will be with 3 or 4 others for each shift of 4 hours. Even if you can only give a couple of hours, you are welcome. Children over 12 may be accepted if accompanied by a parent, over 16 is okay without a parent. For teens, this will count towards your hours of community service!

If interested, please contact Eve Ticknor at 737-7551 (h), 859-9545 (c); or via e-mail at: sandbird@magma.ca

                Eve Ticknor,
                Coordinator,
                OFNC Peregrine Falcon Watch,
                Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Click here for more information about the Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch.      Return to Headlines

         DEMONSTRATION AT NCC HQ!   The SOS Leamy Coalition held a rally here on December 13, 2001 to protest the NCC's flagrant disregard for the integrity of the parkland it was created to protect. The media was out in full force, at least 4 TV crews, radio interviewer, and newspaper reporters were given an earful by the concerned citizens who came out to show their support. The participants, including my wife and myself, helped hand out leaflets describing the rape of Lac Leamy. The NCC was presented with materials and a letter to explain what they may have "overlooked". Click here to see the text of the leaflet.      Return to Headlines

         HUNDREDS MARCH FOR LAC LEAMY IN RAIN!   The SOS Leamy Coalition orchestrated an amazing event this November 10, 2001. Over a thousand concerned citizens came out to "March for the Park" despite a steady drizzle. The participants, including yours truly and my wife, marched from Lac Leamy to a mock public consultation meeting held opposite the Casino. This huge outpouring of emotion was supported by many of the cars passing, who honked their support. Many others, who may have been unaware, are now cognisant that an important part of their heritage is on the block to developers. A special thanks goes to Cajun singer Zachary Richard, who joined the march and spoke simply and eloquently to the crowd regarding the beauty of our natural gem, Lac Leamy Park.

         The media was out in force as well. TV crews recorded the event and it figured promenantly in the evening news casts. Speaking of media, Le Droit's website has a survey asking if folks are in favour of a golf course. Despite the wording of the question, which doesn't mention the loss of the park, the negatives are prevailing 72% to 28% with about 1300 votes in. Obviously, there are a lot of people supporting the Save the Park campaign. Cast your vote and keep the pressure on the politicians to prevent this disaster.

         For more information on this site, visit Birding Ottawa's Lac Leamy Ecological Park page.      Return to Headlines

Save the Park

Hundreds Joined the March

         MARCH FOR LAC LEAMY!   Calling all nature lovers and concerned citizens. On November 10 at 10:30 AM there will be a protest march from Lac Leamy to the Casino and back. Come join Zachary Richard and the rest of us. We hope to make more residents aware of the danger this beautiful floodplain forest is in from developers. We will gather at 10:30, at the Leamy Lake Park parking lot; you can get there from the entrance of Réno-Dépôt, at the corner of Leamy Lake Road and De la Carrière Boulevard in Hull. All citizens (children, teenagers, parents, seniors and friends) are invited to dress in black because we will simulate a funeral procession and we will attend "public hearings" organized by Mr. Casino. Since we want to make a lot of noise to stress the importance of the event, all cooking pans, baby rattles, bells, flutes, drums, etc. are welcome. At 11:00, when Zachary joins us, the procession will take De la Carrière Boulevard to the left and follow the sidewalk to the bus stop near the casino. The site will be identified by a banner with the words S.O.S. LEAMY! The "hearings" will start around 11:20. After exchanging some words with Mr. Casino and his subjects (the NCC and its accomplices of the federal and Quebec governments) and a few short speeches, the procession will go back to the Leamy Lake Park parking lot around 12:30. This walk has several objectives: Show the authorities that the citizens oppose this project which will have negative social and environmental impacts as well as being detrimental to our heritage and our health; Denounce the contemptuous attitude of the decision-makers at the three government levels since the beginning of this issue; Maintain the integrity of the ecological park and keep it entirely accessible to the public; and Inform the next mayor of the new city that the citizens will remain present and active in this issue. For more information about the demonstration call: Claire Charron: 994-4581 or Jacques Rousseau: 772-2764. For additional information see the SOS Leamy Coalition website.

         For more information on this location and directions for reaching it, visit Birding Ottawa's Lac Leamy Ecological Park page.      Return to Headlines

         COME SEE LAC LEAMY   Calling all nature lovers: Please bring a sandwich and your binoculars, field guides and friends to LAKE LEAMY PARK on Saturday, October 13th from mid-morning onward through the day. The SOS Leamy Coalition and Le club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais (COO) are going to be present to help show folks the park that they are in danger of losing. The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club (OFNC) will also be represented, so that activities can be held in both official languages.

         All good citizens of the Region who have a care for justice and for nature should try to be there. On that day and in this way, you can show friendship and solidarity with our friends in Hull who are waging an important battle to save the beautiful treasure that is Lake Leamy Park. As you know by now, the Casino consortium has almost succeeded in taking the land for a golf course. Spend a few hours with your old birding buddies, your plant pals, your butterfly band, your bug friends in this beautiful place. Bring your children and your goodwill. OUR QUÉBECOIS FRIENDS ARE VERY WEARY OF THIS LONG, HARD BATTLE AND THEY NEED OUR HELP NOW.

         For more information on this site, visit Birding Ottawa's Lac Leamy Ecological Park page.      Return to Headlines

         NCC ANNUAL MEETING A FARCE   National Capital Commission Chairman Marcel Beaudry once again showed his incredible arrogance and unrivaled ability to ignore the concerns of National Capital residents. Could this be in favour of his construction business and development cronies? How did we end up with this man "protecting" our precious natural heritage? Talk about having a fox guard the chickens! And a old fox he is. During the heated question period, he sat there calmly saying something after each question; but never giving an answer. Once he spoke for three minutes and never even came close to addressing the question. Anyone who saw his "performance" could see that: a) he could barely tolerate being questioned, and b) didn't give a damn about our precious environment.

         This man must be ousted from this position. But it will not be easy. Perhaps a large buy-out (read bribe?) to retire. But it will probably have to be bigger than any "campaign contributions" his developer buddies might offer to have him stay in. Perhaps he believes he's doing the right things for the NCC. But his point of view seems severely linited by his previous experience. Perhaps he could be educated. But his attitudes seem to be ingrained beyond hope. Meaningful dialogue seems impossible with him. Let's get someone who cares to do this job. At the very least, someone who will speak with the people for whom he works with some small measure of respect.      Return to Headlines

         MERLINS SHOT IN CITY!   Just northwest of the Civic Hospital, in the middle of Ottawa, two Merlins were shot dead on August 2, 2001. It is believed that one, at least, was shot with a 22-calibre gun. Needless to say this is both dangerous and illegal!

         Merlins, present in small numbers all year, are rare breeders in the Ottawa area. They become slightly more common during migrations, especially in fall. There are only five or six nests in Ottawa proper this year and it is an exceptionally good year for them.

         This pair had fledged 3 young prior to the shooting. The adult female and a young male were shot. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is investigating.

         June 2002: This pair of Merlins must really like this spot. They are back again this summer for another try. Will their human neighbours be more tolerant of their loud calls this year, or will more bullets fly in our Ottawa backyards?      Return to Headlines

         HELP SAVE LAC LEAMY!   The Hull Casino is carrying out a large-scale expansion program encompassing the construction of new buildings and installations and a new golf course. The land to be used for the golf course covers an important part of Leamy Lake Ecological Park, which is the property of the National Capital Commission (NCC) and of the City of Hull. The prime birding area adjacent the Richelieu Industrial Park is among the areas on the chopping block. This natural area will likely soon be lost forever, another victim of "progress".

         In 1999, the NCC "bulldozed" the proposal through a "public consultation", which turned out to be mostly promotion. It was made clear that the hotel and theatre were inseparably linked with the building of the golf course and the project was made to appear much more "environmentally friendly" than it is. Rebuttal by concerned citizens was brief. The NCC continues to try to circumvent due process for protecting environmentally sensitive areas. A recent example is the expansion/renovation project for the Champlain Bridge between Ontario and Quebec. DFO was forced to intervene and issue specific recommendations to the NCC, which then had to re-examine its plans. It is ironic and unfortunate that one of Hull's biggest property developers is now the head of the NCC. The Quebec Government is also suspect here, having been the judge of its own case. It is the promoter through Loto-Quebec and the assessor through the provincial Ministry of the Environment. By authorizing the project, the government will be contravening its own laws which forbid the deforestation of flood plains.

         There is a policy in place to forbid any net loss of habitat for the local fauna and flora, as well as the law which forbids the deforestation of flood plains. Several hectares of the type of forest typical of flood plains (silver maple, hickory, linden and nettle trees) are scheduled to be eliminated. This loss will be irreversible, since such habitats cannot be artificially recreated. The Leamy Lake area, located at the meeting place of the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers, has woodlands that are part of the exceptional forests recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and include several plant species designated as threatened or vulnerable in Quebec.

         Please take action!

         For more information on this site, visit Birding Ottawa's Lac Leamy Ecological Park page.      Return to Headlines

Floodplain Forest at Lac Leamy Park

Creek in Lac Leamy Park