NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Rare Bird Summaries


   2002 RARE BIRD SUMMARY
This is the NeilyWorld rare bird summary. Click to see information on the official RBA's and Listserv's in the Ottawa area.

Go to Birding Ottawa Past Years' Rare Bird Summaries.
Go to Birding Ottawa Current Year's Rare Bird Summary.
Return to Birding Ottawa Table of Contents.

Click on the bird's name in the Sightings Highlights section for more details and directions.
If the location has its own page, you can access more details and directions by clicking its link.


   SIGHTING HIGHLIGHTS

NORTHERN HAWK OWL: along Highway 60 in Algonquin Provincial Park, ON (December 29, 2002)
GYRFALCON: at Kanata, ON (December 14, 2002)
NORTHERN HAWK OWL: along the Queensway in Kanata, ON (December 8, 2002)
BLACK VULTURE: at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON (December 1-2, 2002)
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: at Bate Island (November 24, 2002)
HARLEQUIN DUCK: at Deschênes Rapids (November 21 to at least December 1, 2002)
HARLEQUIN DUCK: at Strathcona Park (November 21 to at least December 17, 2002)
NORTHERN GANNET: flying west past Ottawa, ON (Nov. 11, 2002) & flying east past Ottawa, ON (Nov. 15, 2002)
RED PHALAROPE: at Constance Bay, ON (Nov. 7, 2002)
ROSS'S GOOSE: at Hay Bay (c. 40 km west of Kingston), ON (Nov. 3-9, 2002)
PACIFIC LOON: at Prince Edward Point, ON (Nov. 2 or 3, 2002)
EARED GREBE: at Belle Island, Kingston, ON (Nov. 2 or 3 to 7, 2002)
EURASIAN WIGEON: at Shirley's Bay Dyke, Ottawa, ON (Oct. 20-21, 2002)
ATLANTIC PUFFIN: flying upriver by Dick Bell Park, Ottawa, ON (Oct. 15, 2002)
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: on the Ottawa River near Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, ON (Oct. 18, 2002)
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: at the Burnside Pits, Ottawa, ON (Oct. 12 & 20, 2002)
NORTHERN GANNET: over Ottawa, ON (Oct. 9, 2002)
BROWN PELICAN: at Sandbanks Provincial Park, ON (Oct. 7, 2002)
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN: at Shirley's Bay, ON (Aug. 28, 2002)
BROWN PELICAN: near Brighton, ON (Aug. 19, 2002)
GREAT EGRET: at Shirley's Bay Dyke (Aug. 17-Sept. 27, 2002)
WESTERN SANDPIPER: at Winchester, ON (Jul. 28, 2002)
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT: at Chelsea, QC (Jul. 24, 2002)
BLACK VULTURE: flyby at Mer Bleue (Jul. 20, 2002)
POMARINE JAEGER: at Lake Doré, ON (June 12, 2002)
GREAT EGRET: at Petrie Island, ON (June 9, 2002)
KENTUCKY WARBLER: at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON (May 30, 2002)
LARK SPARROW: at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON (May 29, 2002)
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: on the 5th Line, Dunrobin, ON (May 28, 2002) & Richardson Side Road (June 16-18, 2002).
SNOWY PLOVER: at Amherst Island, ON (May 25 - June 6, 2002)
PRAIRIE FALCON: at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON (May 25, 2002)
YELLOW-BILLED LOON: at Prince Edward Point, ON (May 19, 2002)
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER: at Huntmar, ON (May 12 & 18, 2002)
TRUMPETER SWAN: at Breckenridge, QC (May 2, 2002)
BLACK VULTURE: flyby at Mer Bleue (Apr. 27, 2002)
EURASIAN WIGEON: at Amherst Island (Apr. 26, 2002)
LAUGHING GULL: at the Nepean Dump (Apr. 20, 2002)
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER: at 3331 Steel Line Road (Feb. to at least Mar. 9, 2002)
TUFTED TITMOUSE: near Vars, ON (February 5 to at least Feb. 23, 2002)
GREAT GRAY OWL: on Boulevard Labrosse, Gatineau, QC (February 5, 2002)
NORTHERN HAWK OWL: along Roger Stevens Drive, c. 50 km south of Ottawa, ON (January 30 to at least February 19, 2002)
LEWIS'S WOODPECKER: near Wooler, ON (January 18 to at least March 20, 2002)
GREAT GRAY OWL: near Sharbot Lake, ON (January 21, 2002)
NORTHERN HAWK OWL: near Eardley, QC (January 16 to at least Februray 24, 2002). Found dead c. March 1, 2002.
GYRFALCON: near Carp (January 8, 2002)
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER: at 695 Golden Line Road ((from Sept.) December 27, 2001 to at least February 4, 2002)
HARLEQUIN DUCK: at Strathcona Park (November 20 to at least March 27, 2002)
GYRFALCON: at Burnside Pits & area (November 3-4 & December 1 & 5 & 18, 2001)


   SIGHTING DETAILS

         NORTHERN HAWK OWL:   The owl was seen at 3:45 PM on December 29, 2002, perched on a dead stub in the Cache Lake Marsh at kilometre 23 on Highway 60 in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. For more information and directions go to the Algonquin Provincial Park page.      Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   An immature, grey morph Gyrfalcon was harassing a Rough-legged Hawk in the fields along March Valley Road, formerly 4th Line Road, in Kanata, ON on December 14, 2002. It was in turn being harassed by a Common Raven. For more information about, and directions to, this site, visit the Fourth Line - Klondike site page.       Return to Main List

         NORTHERN HAWK OWL:   The owl was spotted in the trees just east of the pedestrian overpass about a kilometre west of the Eagleson / March Road Exit (138) on the Queensway. This is a narrow eastward extension of the small green space that is described at the Bill McNeil Trail page.      Return to Main List

         BLACK VULTURE:   A Black Vulture was seen circling over the lighthouse from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON on December 1, 2002. Also seen Dec. 2, at 4 PM, about a half kilometre west of the lighthouse along the lake shore (just west of Denson Cottage). It was flying somewhat higher than yesterday, perhaps three times the height of the trees in the area. It was visible from the shore but quickly disappeared behind the trees as it flew inland, perhaps going to roost in the area.       Return to Main List

         BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE:   A Black-legged Kittiwake was seen on the Ottawa River at Bate Island on November 24, 2002. It was seen near the northeastern end of the island. A Purple Sandpiper was also seen. For directions and further information about this site, visit the Bate Island page.       Return to Main List

         HARLEQUIN DUCK:   An immature male Harlequin Duck was seen along the Ottawa River at Deschênes Rapids from November 21 to at least December 1, 2002. It could be seen from either the Dechênes Rapids - Quebec, or the Deschênes Rapids - Ontario sites.       Return to Main List

         HARLEQUIN DUCK:   A female Harlequin Duck was again seen in the Rideau River from Riverain Park, directly across from Strathcona Park on November 21 to at least December 17, 2002. Look through the flock of Mallard, Black Duck and Common Goldeneye and along the shoreline. This is almost certainly the same bird beginning its fourth winter in this spot.      Return to Main List

         NORTHERN GANNET:   A juvenile Northern Gannet was seen flying in a westerly direction over the Ottawa River from Dick Bell Park at 3:00 PM and from Shirley's Bay at 3:30 PM in Ottawa, ON on November 11, 2002. For directions, see the site pages for Stillwater - Dick Bell Park and Shirleys Bay Dyke. Then on November 15, 2002 a juvenile Northern Gannet was seen flying in a easterly direction over the Ottawa River from the Champlain Bridge to the Parliament Hill. Probably the same bird.       Return to Main List

         RED PHALAROPE:   A Red Phalarope was found at Constance Bay, ON on November 7, 2002. It was seen at 3:00 PM at the end of Bayview Road. For directions to Constance Bay, see the Constance Bay site page. After turning right onto Constance Bay Road, follow it for approx. 1.5 km, then turn left or northwest on Allbirch Road and drive 1.2 km to the " T " intersection at Bishop Davis Drive. Turn left or southwest on Bishop Davis and after 0.4 km turn right or northwest on Bayview Drive. Follow Bayview Drive 2.4 km to a sharp righthand turn and go another 0.4 km northeast to the intersection with Whistler Road on the north shore of the Constance Bay peninsula. Go to the shore in this area.       Return to Main List

         ROSS'S GOOSE:   A Ross's Goose was found on the south shore of Hay Bay (c. 40 km west of Kingston), ON on November 3, 2002. It was seen as late as 4:00 PM on Nov. 6 along the north shore of Hay Bay with a large flock of Canada Geese, close to shore. It was relocated on Nov. 9 on the north shore of Hay Bay about 17.5 km west of County Road 8. The flock, when at rest, concealed the Ross's Goose until the whole group flew off, exposing it to view. They are possibly feeding in fields nearby. The bird is an adult white phase. To reach the site, take Exit 579 from Highway 401 through Napanee and follow roads to County Road 8 south. After c. 12 km (a bit past Little Creek Road) turn right or west on Hay Bay North Shore Road which is County Road 9. On the 6th, the flock was 17.5 km along this road at a place called Picture Vue Resort.       Return to Main List

         PACIFIC LOON:   A Pacific Loon was seen from Prince Edward Point, ON on Nov. 2 or 3, 2002 on the Kingston Field Naturalists' Fall RoundUp in Prince Edward Bay, Lake Ontario, close to Long Point Road, about midway between the Gravelly Bay Road and Point Traverse, on Long Point.       Return to Main List

         EARED GREBE:   An Eared Grebe was seen on the south side of Belle Park in Kingston, ON on the Kingston Field Naturalists' Fall RoundUp, Nov. 2 or 3, 2002 and again on Nov. 7. To reach this area take Exit 619 from Highway 401 and go south on Montreal Street to Rideau Street. Veer left onto Rideau and go south to Cataraqui Street, then east on Cataraqui to Orchard Street, then north on Orchard to River Street, and then east to the end of River Street. There is a path there that wends north with good lookout spots along the Cataraqui River all along the way.       Return to Main List

         EURASIAN WIGEON:   A Eurasian Wigeon was seen from Shirley's Bay Dyke in Ottawa, ON on October 20 and 21, 2002. It was on the far western shore opposite the first island, requiring a good scope.      Return to Main List

         ATLANTIC PUFFIN:   An Atlantic Puffin was seen flying in a westerly direction up the Ottawa River past Stillwater - Dick Bell Park in Ottawa, ON at 10:30 AM on October 15, 2002. It continued upriver until it was lost from sight.      Return to Main List

         GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:   Two Greater White-fronted Geese were seen among the thousands of Canada Geese on the Ottawa River just east of Andrew Haydon Park in Ottawa, ON on October 18, 2002.      Return to Main List

         GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:   A Greater White-fronted Goose was seen among the Canada Geese at the Burnside Pits, south of the Nepean Dump or Trail Road landfill Ottawa, ON on October 12 & 20, 2002.      Return to Main List

         NORTHERN GANNET:   A Northern Gannet was seen flying low in a westerly direction over Highway 417 and Carling Avenue in Ottawa, ON at 0850 hrs on the morning of October 9, 2002.      Return to Main List

         BROWN PELICAN:   A juvenile Brown Pelican has been seen in Athol Bay at Sandbanks Provincial Park on Prince Edward Point. At about 4:30 PM it flew along the shore west past the entrance to the Woodlands Campground. At 5:00 PM it was sitting on a rock shelf on the edge of the water at West Point. To get to Sandbanks Provincial Park from Highway 401, either go south on Wooler Road (exit 522) to Highway 33 and on to Bloomfield, or south on Highway 62 (exit 543) through Belleville to Bloomfield. For Bloomfield, follow the signs to Sandbanks Provincial Park. From the park entrance turn right on County Road 12 along the shore of Athol Bay. The entrance to the Woodlands Campground is about 0.5 km along the road. Continue along County Road 12 to a stop sign. Turn left; West Point is at the end of the road. For more information on the birding potential of Prince Edward Point, click here.       Return to Main List

         AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN:   Two juvenile American White Pelicans were seen at Shirley's Bay. The two spent some time behind Haycock Island. They were last seen at 8:45 AM, flying east over the Ottawa River. When visiting Shirley's Bay remember to call ahead, see instructions on the Shirleys Bay Dyke page.      Return to Main List

         BROWN PELICAN:   A one-year-old (sub-adult) Brown Pelican has been seen at entrance to Wellers Bay, southeast of Brighton. Take County Road 64 south and east from Brighton, cross the Murray canal, continue past golf course, take the first right. This goes to Wellers Bay and assorted marina and campgrounds. At the base of road is Wellers Bay. The bird was seen on Aug. 19, 2002. Probably the same bird that was being seen intermittently across the lake at Sandy Pond, NY from June 6 to September 5, 2002.      Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   Two seen at Shirleys Bay Dyke on Aug. 17, 2002. At least one was still present on the Sept. 27th. Often seen at the far end of the marsh, near the 1st island. Remember to call ahead, see instructions on the Shirleys Bay Dyke page.      Return to Main List

         WESTERN SANDPIPER:   Just after 12 noon on Sunday, July 28, a Western Sandpiper was seen at the first pond at the Winchester sewage lagoons. Take Highway 31 south from Ottawa, turn left at Winchester then left on Ottawa Street.      Return to Main List

         YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT:   Between 3:00 and 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 24, a Yellow-breasted Chat was reported from Chelsea, QC near the railroad tracks between Kirks Ferry Road and the Gatineau River Yacht Club. Directions are as follows: take Notch Road north from Mountain Road to Old Chelsea, and then take Kirks Ferry Road to its end at the Gatineau River. Park here and walk along the railway tracks toward the yacht club. The bird was seen and heard in a mountain ash surrounded by shrubby vegetation about halfway along the tracks to the yacht club.       Return to Main List

         BLACK VULTURE:   On Saturday, July 20, a Black Vulture flew over the Mer Bleue Boardwalk & Trail east of Ottawa. This is the second report this year, indicating that a bird may be summering in the area. This sighting was classified as "not confirmed" by the OFNC Bird Status Line (613-860-9000). And the bird could occur anywhere in the area, so check any kettles of raptors you see carefully, especially Turkey Vulture flocks, as this species often associates with them where they occur together. Good luck. For directions to this site click on the Mer Bleue Boardwalk & Trail site page.       Return to Main List

         POMARINE JAEGER:   An adult Pomarine Jaeger is on Lake Doré tonight, Wednesday the 12th. It is flying around, picking up bits of food that the gulls are willing drop on the water. It is a big, powerful and impressive bird. It flies around frequently, so if at first you don't see it, wait a little while. Sitting on the water, its dark back and cap in contrast with its white front and neck really show up at a distance. Twenty-two Common Loons were also counted and good numbers of Common Terns as well as several dozen gulls.      Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   A Great Egret was seen June 9, 2002 on the shore of Petrie Islands, about 1 km east of Trim Road.      Return to Main List

         KENTUCKY WARBLER:   A Kentucky Warbler was seen at the lighthouse at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON on May 30, 2002, apparently the first record for the Park since 1956.      Return to Main List

         LARK SPARROW:   A Lark Sparrow, the second ever for Presqu'ile, was seen along Bayshore Road east of the bridge at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON, on May 29, 2002.      Return to Main List

         YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD:   A Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen at a feeder at 2610 5th Line Road in Dunrobin on May 28, 2002. To reach this area, take 4th Line Road (now called March Valley Road) to Riddell Road. Turn right on Riddell, then follow the curve around to left to where the road becomes 6th Line Road. Take 6th Line to Berry Side Road, turn left on it and left again on 5th Line Road. The property owner at 2610 5th Line does not mind if birdwatchers stop along the road to view the property in case the bird returns, but the bird may be anywhere in the area. On June 16, 17 & 18, 2002, this or another Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen along Richardson Side Road west from Carp between the Highway 417 overpass and Beavertail Road. The full address has not been made public because the property owner is concerned for her privacy. It was noted that it was seen at a feeder, so scanning for feeders might be productive (it might also annoy considerable more home owners than viewing the correct yard from the road - which is public). Click here for more information on the Kanata end of the Richardson Side Road.      Return to Main List

         SNOWY PLOVER:   A Snowy Plover was found on the Kingston Field Naturalists' (KFN) property on Amherst Island on May 25, 2002 and was still present on June 6, 2002. It continues to feed contentedly along the damp margin on the south side of the Ducks Unlimited pond on the KFN property, patrolling a stretch of just 100 metres. It is quite approachable and often squats down in low grass to rest, but is visible virtually all the time. Numerous Wilson's Phalaropes are also near it. From the ferry, drive 200 metres to the stop sign in Stella, turn left (east) and follow the road to the extreme southeast corner of the island. Park at the cattle corral and enter the KFN property by crossing the fence at the stile, then walk 8-10 minutes east along the shore of Lake Ontario. As soon as the pond is in view behind the berm, look along its south margin.      Return to Main List

         PRAIRIE FALCON:   A Prairie Falcon flew over the lighthouse at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON on May 25, 2002 but has not been seen since.      Return to Main List

         YELLOW-BILLED LOON:   An immature Yellow-billed Loon was seen at Prince Edward Point, on Lake Ontario on May 19, 2002 at the south end of Ostrander Point Road. It was observed and studied by 4 birders. A day later five experienced observers with binoculars and scopes were unable to locate the bird this morning, within 2 km either side of the original sighting point. It could still be somewhere around Prince Edward County. This is probably the first sighting of this species for both Kingston area and Prince Edward County.       Return to Main List

         BLUE-WINGED WARBLER:   A Blue-winged Warbler was seen along the railway tracks, where they meet the hill, at Huntmar Road on May 12, and again on May 18, 2002. This is roughly the same area where one was found in 1999.       Return to Main List

         TRUMPETER SWAN:   A Trumpeter Swan was seen along the flooded section of Chemin de la Sapinière on May 2, 2002. This bird may well be one of those recently introduced to Ontario, and hence its countability is questionable. If the reintroduction program is a success, or a wandering wild bird can be confirmed, this impressive bird may one day be added to the Ottawa checklist.       Return to Main List

         BLACK VULTURE:   At 11:30 AM, April 27, a Black Vulture flew over the Mer Bleue Boardwalk & Trail east of Ottawa. The bird came from the west, soaring in direct line towards the east and turned slightly southeast after passing over the pine grove south of the parking lot. This is only the second record for Ottawa, the first being last year. For directions to this site click on the Mer Bleue Boardwalk & Trail site page. The bird, however, could occur anywhere in the area. Check any kettles of raptors you see carefully, especially vulture flocks, as this species often associates with them where they occur together.       Return to Main List

         EURASIAN WIGEON:   A male Eurasian Wigeon was seen on April 26, 2002 at Amherst Island (see site page for directions). It was with 12 American Wigeon on east end of the island.      Return to Main List

         LAUGHING GULL:   A Laughing Gull was seen between 1 and 2 PM on April 20, 2002 at the Nepean Dump (see site page for directions). It was in the gravel pan immediately after the weigh station. Please check in at the weigh station for permission to enter the dump. You must enter the dump to see this bird.      Return to Main List

         RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER:   A Red-bellied Woodpecker was reported from 3331 Steel Line Road, north of Quyon. The bird, first seen sometime in Feb., was seen at least to Mar. 9, 2002.       Return to Main List

         TUFTED TITMOUSE:   Two Tufted Titmouse, have been seen from February 5 to 23, 2002 just south of the village of Vars, ON. Take Highway 417 east c. 30 km from Ottawa to the Vars/Embrun exit (# 88). Turn left or north toward Vars from the end of the exit ramp onto Rockdale Road. Cross the overpass and look for a trailer park on the left at 5620 Rockdale Road. Check on the sign for site locations. The bird/s was/were seen mostly at numbers 13 and 14, as well as at 17. There are bird feeders on the front of #17 and behind #14. Be aware that the residents may be somewhat nervous of strangers with binoculars staring into their yards. It is requested that you ask permission for viewing the bird/s.      Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen February 5, 2002, about 1 km north of Highway # 50 on Boulevard Labrosse in Gatineau. It was seen in the area between the ravines.      Return to Main List

         NORTHERN HAWK OWL:   This bird has been seen from January 30 to at least February 19, 2002 between 4256 and 4292 Roger Stevens Drive. Go south from Ottawa on Highway 416. Take exit 49 and go southwest on Roger Stevens Drive (a.k.a. County Road 4) for about 23 km. It was perched on top of a tree right beside the road, perfect for observing from the shoulder of the road.      Return to Main List

         LEWIS'S WOODPECKER:   A Lewis's Woodpecker has been coming to a feeder at a residence just outside Wooler from January 18 to at least March 20, 2002. Directions courtesy Don Shanahan: Wooler is located northeast of Brighton and is accessed by departing Highway 401 at exit 522 and travelling northwest on County Road 40. At Wooler, this road becomes County Road 5. Drive through Wooler, where the road turns sharply to the right and shortly thereafter you will encounter St. Alphonsus Catholic Church (# 118 on the north side of the road). Approximately 0.9 km past the church, you will find Teal Road where you turn right or south. After a very short distance, turn left on Leavitt Road (this is really a farm lane and isn't marked on the MapArt Ontario Road Atlas). All three homes on this road have feeders where the bird has been seen; however, it spends most of its time at the end of Leavitt Road at # 76. This is the home of Jean and Homer Leavitt who welcome birders with several provisos. The bird frequents the yellow suet bag on the north side of the house and is very skittish (much like the Carman Road bird of June 2000). The Leavitt's suggest that birders not proceed past the picnic table bearing the blue 911 sign with the number 76. The feeders are visible from this spot and the bird can be easily looked at with binoculars or scopes from here. The Leavitt's do not want people walking on their lawn or about their house. As Leavitt Road is a farm lane it is muddy and narrow. As a result, it would serve everyone well if birders would park farther back along the road and walk to the picnic table area. This area is about 275 km southwest of Ottawa (via 416 & 401) or 95 km west of Kingston (via 401).      Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen at about 0915 hrs, January 21, 2002, about 4 km south of Highway # 7 on Regional 38. It flew across Regional 38 and perched in a tree on the west side, visible from the road. It was observed for several minutes. This area is about 110 km southwest of Ottawa (via 417 & 7) or 65 km north of Kingston (via 38).      Return to Main List

         NORTHERN HAWK OWL:   This bird, which was seen from January 16 to at least February 24, 2002 southwest of Eardley, Quebec, was found dead c. March 1, 2002. From Autoroute l'Outaouais or Highway 148, take the Chemin Eardley exit. Turn right or northwest onto Chemin Eardley (still 148) and proceed 28.5 km northwest on 148 to Chemin Cochrane. Turn left or south onto Cochrane. Cochrane reaches Chemin de la Rivière after 2.6 km, where you make a sharp right turn onto it. The bird frequents the area from #4070 to #4130 Chemin de la Rivière. For further information on this area, see the Chemins Cochrane and de la Rivière site.      Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   A white-phase Gyrfalcon was seen the morning of January 8, 2002, chasing crows and pigeons in a field at the southwest corner of Carp and March Roads, just south of Carp. See the Carp River Floodplain page for directions. This field has a large area of spread manure. This may be the same bird seen in November and December near the Burnside Pits and the Nepean Dump.      Return to Main List

         RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER:   A Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen on the December 27th Carleton Place Christmas Bird Count at 695 Golden Line Road, where it has apparently been coming to the feeders since September. Seen as recently as February 4th. Take Highway 7 west towards Carleton Place and turn right on Ashton Station Road. After the overpass, this becomes Golden Line. The bird comes to feeders that can be seen from your vehicle by parking on the road in front of the house. There is no need to go onto the property and the bird is apparently easily spooked if people are outside the house. This woodpecker comes several times a day at no specific time. Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers seem to be there constantly.      Return to Main List

         HARLEQUIN DUCK:   A female Harlequin Duck has been seen in the Rideau River from Strathcona Park from November 20th through to at least March 27, 2002. Look through the flock of Mallard, Black Duck and Common Goldeneye and along the shoreline. This is almost certainly the same bird spending its third winter in this spot. A female Lesser Scaup is also present.      Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   The latest sighting of this bird, presuming it is the same one, was on Dec. 18, 2001 at the Valleyview Little Animal Farm on 4750 Fallowfield Road. It was harassing the pigeons at the farm and was seen perched on a hydro pole as well as in flight. This location is about 5 km north & west of the previous sightings. A white phase Gyrfalcon, presumably the same bird, was also seen was seen at the Burnside Pits on both December 1st and 5th as well. On the 1st, it came in shortly after noon and spent most of the time flying around, harrasing everything in sight. Although the waterfowl and gulls were annoyed, there was never any display of panic. The Gyr occasionally perched on the shorelines, and once in a bare aspen. On two occasions it was observed feeding briefly on gull carcasses. After approx. one and a half hours, it flew west, and out of sight. On the 5th, it was seen flying over the pits, heading north. This immature (first year) white-phase Gyrfalcon was first found on November 3rd at the Burnside Pits and was seen by many observers most of the next day. On the 3rd the bird was viewed at close range (30-40 metres). It remained perched on a sand pile, flying out twice, and returning each time before flying toward the Nepean Dump to the north. It was huge, slender, and extremely pale. It appeared slightly larger and heavier than the Herring Gulls that were mobbing it. To reach the Burnside Pits from junction of Highways 417 and 416, go south on 416 8 km to the Fallowfield Road exit (66) and go west 0.9 km to Moodie Drive. Turn left or southeast onto Moodie and follow it south for 5 km to the Burnside Pits, the second gate on left after the Cambrian Road intersection. Do not enter the property or park so as to interfer with quarry operations.      Return to Main List


Go to Birding Ottawa Past Years' Rare Bird Summaries.
Go to Birding Ottawa Current Year's Rare Bird Summary.
Return to Birding Ottawa Table of Contents.


Northern Hawk Owl
Northern Hawk Owl


Black Vulture
Black Vulture


Brown Pelican
Brown Pelican


Great Gray Owl
Great Gray Owl


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