NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Rare Bird Summaries

         NORTHERN HAWK-OWL:   On Dec. 31, 2006 a Northern Hawk-Owl was found along Chemin McDonald, around Chemins Murray, Legault, and Neely. These are 7 to 8 km west of Highway 105 at Brennan, QC, about 20 km north of Wakefield. It has remained until at least Mar. 9, 2007. Received via email 9:58 AM, Jan. 6, 2007, thanks to Langis Sirois, Ottawa, ON.      Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   A gray phase Gyrfalcon was seen on Wolfe Island, ON Dec. 31, 2006. Received via ONTbirds thanks to Peter Good, Kingston, ON 9:42 AM, Jan. 5, 2007.       Return to Main List

         TUNDRA SWAN:   Four Tundra Swans, 2 adults and 2 juveniles (likely a family), were seen at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, south of Ottawa, ON Dec. 25, 2006. The birds were on the ice at the south end of the ponds. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds page. Received via ONTbirds 12:26 PM, Dec. 25, 2006, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON.
Photo on the left, taken Dec. 25, 2006, is courtesy Tony Beck.       Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   A Gyrfalcon was seen east of Casselman, ON on Dec. 21, 2006. Directions: From Highway 417 east of Casselman, take exit 58 and proceed north on County Road 8 for about 1 km to Concession 20, in the middle of the long curve. Turn right or east on Concession 20, then right or south on Concession 21. The bird was in the bush southwest of the first 90 degree curve. Check out photos of the bird on Jacques Bouvier's website. Received via ONTbirds thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isadore, ON 11:10 AM, Dec. 21, 2006.       Return to Main List

         GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:   A Greater White-fronted Geese has been seen at the Alfred Sewage Lagoons, Alfred, ON from Dec. 19 to at least Dec. 20, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Alfred Bog/Sewage Lagoons page. Received via ONTbirds thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isadore, ON 8:54 PM, Dec. 19, 2006.       Return to Main List

         GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE:   A Green-tailed Towhee was seen in Montreal, QC on Dec. 17, 2006. Unfortunately, it is coming to a feeder where the owners have requested privacy. Therefore the location is being withheld. Personal opinion here: The streets are public, why not at least give the block or neighbourhood? Property owners should certainly be able to expect people not to trespass. Is it a sad commentary on the "see-the-bird-at-any-cost" among us that owners cannot extend this kind of trust anymore? Or just our general paranoia as a society? Noted on Les Oiseaux rares du Québec (Rare Birds of Quebec) Dec. 19, 2006, thanks to Louise Simard, Montréal, QC.       Return to Main List

         RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER:   From mid-December 2006 to at least Jan. 29, 2007, a female Red-bellied Woodpecker has been coming to a suet feeder in the backyard of 47 Evergreen Drive, Bell's Corners, west of Ottawa, ON. There is no need to enter the property as it backs onto a wooded area with a public trail which may be accessed by a public right-of-way at the left side of the house. The property owners are aware that this is a species of interest to local birders, but PLEASE be respectful of the owners as well as the bird. It has also been seen regularly at 11 Cherrywood Drive, adjacent and directly to the south of the former location. Received via ONTbirds 9:58 AM, Dec. 28, 2006, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON.
Photo taken Jan. 18, 2007 on the left is courtesy Derek Hasler.      Return to Main List

         EURASIAN WIGEON:   A male Eurasian Wigeon was seen Dec. 3, 2006 off the east end of Amherst Island, ON (off KFN property). It was in a mixed flock of Greater Scaup, American Wigeon and Gadwall. Unfortunately, it was flushed by one of 3 Snowy Owls at the east end. The wigeon was also seen on Dec. 5, 2006. Perhaps the same bird seen since October at Kingston, which was not reported during this period. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Amherst Island page. Received via ONTbirds 7:00 AM, Dec. 4, 2006, thanks to Bruce Di Labio, Carp, ON.       Return to Main List

         BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER:   A Black-throated Gray Warbler has been seen regularly at the south end of Île Sainte-Hélène in Parc Jean Drapeau, Montreal, QC from late Nov. to at least Jan. 16, 2007. It has been seen most often in the clumps of conifers near the Concorde Bridge, especially on the east side of the southern tip of Île Sainte-Hélène. It has also been seen ranging somewhat north of this towards the Metro station, and in the conifers along the pond. It often travels with a small flock of chickadees. The island can be reached from downtown Montreal via the Jacques Cartier Bridge or from the Port of Montreal area via the Concorde Bridge. Noted on Les Oiseaux rares du Québec (Rare Birds of Quebec) Dec. 4, 2006, thanks to Louise Simard, Montréal, QC.       Return to Main List

         YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER:   A Yellow-throated Warbler turned up at a feeder west of Carrying Place, ON on Shoal Point Road, just south of the Murray Canal on Nov. 26, 2006. The bird was still there to Dec. 5, 2006, when it was killed in a window collision. A late season Yellow-throated Warbler has not been seen in this area since December 1987 when an individual showed up at a local feeder in Trenton, attracting close to 100 avid birders from across the province. Received via ONTbirds 7:10 PM, Nov. 30, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         HARLEQUIN DUCK:   A male Harlequin Duck has been seen both above and below the Deschênes Rapids, Aylmer, QC from Nov. 25, 2006 to at least Dec. 2, 2006. It has been seen with Common Goldeneye, female Bufflehead and a Long-tailed Duck. It dives often, not hopping up and into the water like the other diving ducks, but going almost breast first in after spreading its tail/wings. It dives and resurfaces regularly as it drifts down to the rapids; then flys upstream again. It can be seen from either side of the river (if your scope is good enough). Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Deschênes Rapids page. Received via Ontbirds 2:31 PM, November 25, 2006, thanks to D.W. Price, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         HARLEQUIN DUCK:   A male Harlequin Duck has been seen at the top of the rapids of the Ottawa River at Morrison Island, near Pembroke, ON on Nov. 7 and 12, 2006. Directions: To reach Morrison Island from Ottawa take Highway 417/17 north to the first Pembroke exit, follow the road to the turn off for Highway 148 to Quebec. You will see the rapids between Morrison and Allumentes Islands. Park east of bridge (in QC) and walk back. Received via Ontbirds 7:06 PM, November 7, 2006, thanks to Bruce Di Labio, Carp, ON.       Return to Main List

         HARLEQUIN DUCK:   A male Harlequin Duck was found feeding with goldeneyes to the north of Gull Island on Nov. 5, 2006. It was feeding along a submerged gravel ridge that runs parallel to the north shore of Gull, 300-400 m offshore, and which creates a white-water effect. On Dec. 7 two males were found off Sebastopol Island. Seen Dec. 27, 2006. Rediscovered Jan. 28 and 29, 2007. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via Ontbirds 9:04 AM, November 6, 2006, thanks to Doug McRae, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         PACIFIC LOON:   An immature Pacific Loon was seen at Prince Edward Point, ON on Nov. 5, 2006. It was seen along with 4 Red-throated Loons and 50 Common Loons. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Prince Edward Point page. Received via ONTbirds 7:07 PM, Nov. 9, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE:   A Townsends Solitaire was seen at Little Bluff Conservation Area, near Prince Edward Point, ON on Nov. 5, 2006. The bird was discovered on November 5th during the annual fall bird roundup, conducted by members of the Kingston Field Naturalists, and was quite unexpectedly discovered at Little Bluff Conservation Area, in the southern portion of the county, not far from Prince Edward Point. The bird apparently was seen at the top of a distant deciduous, and very obligingly flew to a location where it was more closely observed by the entire group of 6 observers. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Prince Edward Point page. Received via ONTbirds 7:07 PM, Nov. 9, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         BREWER'S BLACKBIRD:   A Brewer's Blackbird was seen in a cornfield south of Napanee, ON on Nov. 4 or 5, 2006. Received via ONTbirds 9:05 AM, Nov. 10, 2006, thanks to Peter Good, Kingston, ON.       Return to Main List

         BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE:   A Black-legged Kittwake was seen heading south past Prince Edward Point on the morning of Oct. 31, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Prince Edward Point page. Received via ONTbirds 6:45 PM, Nov. 2, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE:   A Black-legged Kittwake was seen off Owen Point at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton, ON on Oct. 31, 2006. On Nov. 9, this bird or another, was seen in with a flock of Bonaparte's Gulls feeding close to shore just east of Owen Point. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 5:13 PM, October 31, 2006, thanks to Don Shanahan, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         POMARINE JAEGER:   A juvenile Pomarine Jaeger was seen at Owen Point and Gull Island at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton, ON Oct. 29, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 5:31 PM, Nov. 2, 2006, thanks to Fred Helleiner, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         CATTLE EGRET:   A Cattle Egret was seen at Martintown, ON from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2006. The bird can easily be observed from the road but be careful as the shoulder is not very wide. The colour of the bill and the amount of buff on the plumage seem to indicate that it is not the same bird seen near Casselman a few weeks earlier. Check out photos of both birds on Jacques Bouvier's website. Directions: From Ottawa take Highway 417 east c. 60 km to Highway 138, take exit 51 and turn right or SSE on 138 and go 29.4 km to County Road 18. Turn left or east on County Road 18 and drive c. 8 km to just west of Martintown and look for house 18360. The small pasture with the Cattle Egret is on the south side of the road. It often turns up when the horses are put out in the pasture in the morning. Received via ONTbirds thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isadore, ON 8:13 PM, Oct. 31, 2006.       Return to Main List

         NORTHERN WHEATEAR:   A Northern Wheatear was seen from before 2:30 PM to at least 4:30 PM on October 19, 2006 at Dick Bell Park, along the river side of the rock jetty c. 100 m from the lighthouse at the end. The bird appeared to be likely a 1st-fall or 1st-winter bird, or perhaps even an adult female with a rich cinammon buff wash across the breast and sides and a weak auricular patch, resembling the nonbreeding female-plumaged bird portrayed in Sibley, but with darker contrast on the wings. It was wary, flushing up frequently from the rocks along the river side of the rock jetty, then perching out in the open in an upright posture. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Dick Bell Park page. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 3:17 PM, Oct. 19, 2006, thanks to Chris Lewis, Ottawa, ON.
Photo taken Oct. 19, 2006 on the left is courtesy Tony Beck.       Return to Main List

         PARASITIC JAEGER:   A sub-adult Parasitic Jaeger was seen for 15 minutes harassing gulls around Owen Point at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton, ON on Oct. 19, 2006. It or others were seen also on Oct. 26 and 27, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 1:33 PM, Oct. 19, 2006, thanks to Don Shanahan, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:   One to three Greater White-fronted Geese have been seen at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, at the corner of Moodie Drive and Brophy/Bankfield, or in nearby areas, all south of Ottawa, ON from Oct. 14 or 15, 2006 to at least Dec. 2, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, these sites can be found on the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds and the Brophy/Bankfield Road pages. Received via ONTbirds 8:17 AM, Oct. 16, 2006, thanks to Chris Lewis, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         EURASIAN WIGEON:   A male Eurasian Wigeon was seen at Kingston, ON from Oct. 10 to at least Jan. 31, 2007. It was found in Elevator Bay, which is on the south side of Front Road, just east of Dupont. The wigeon was located just north of the Dupont Pond. It was in among a large raft of waterfowl made up mostly of Greater Scaup, with some Redhead, American Wigeon and Ring-necked Duck along side. Received via ONTbirds 6:39 PM, Oct. 10, 2006, thanks to Bruce Ripley, Amherstview, ON.       Return to Main List

         GLOSSY IBIS:   A Glossy Ibis was seen and photographed at Beachburg, near Pembroke, ON around Oct. 8, 2006. A photo of the bird taken by Ian Macfarlane can be seen on online. Directions not available. Received via email thanks to Ian Macfarlane, via Sandy Garland, Ottawa, ON, via Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON 9:21 PM Oct. 10, 2006.       Return to Main List

         CATTLE EGRET:   A Cattle Egret was seen at Casselman, ON from Oct. 3 to 7, 2006. The egret follows the horses on Marc Denis' property which is north of and adjacent to the Casselman Sewage Lagoons. His land lies between Route 500 and the Sewage Lagoons. The bird has flown the short distance between the horse pasture and the lagoons several times. The high ground of the dykes round the lagoons is a good viewpoint. Look for the horses. It is sometimes visible from the road. Photos of the bird taken by him can be seen on Jacques Bouvier's website. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Casselman Sewage Lagoon page. Received via the Ottawa RBA thanks to Gary McNulty, Aylmer, QC and via ONTbirds thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isadore, ON 8 PM, Oct. 3, 2006.       Return to Main List

         POMARINE JAEGER:   A juvenile Pomarine Jaeger was seen along the Ottawa River on the morning of Sep. 30, 2006 from 08:45 AM till 10:45 AM, flying as well as resting on the river, between the east end of Andrew Haydon Park (a.k.a. Ottawa Beach) and Dick Bell Park, Ottawa, ON. The bird was seen again at 2:30 PM, but has not been reported since. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Ottawa Beach, Andrew Haydon Park and Dick Bell Park pages. Received via the Ottawa RBA 11:15 AM, Sep. 30, 2006, thanks to Jan Slumkowski and Langis Sirois, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         LE CONTE'S SPARROW:   A Le Conte's Sparrow was seen in the Westmeath, ON area of the Ottawa River along with a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow on Sep. 30, 2006. No details reported as to exact location. Generally, the Westmeath area is NNW of Renfrew and east of Pembroke. Received via ONTbirds (OFNC BSL) 8:37 PM, Oct. 2, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         LE CONTE'S SPARROW:   A Le Conte's Sparrow was seen in Algonquin Provincial Park, ON on Sep. 29, 2006 at the Old Airfield (at the east end, near Lake of Two Rivers, where the species appears annually in the long grass during the period from late September through mid-October. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Algonquin Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 8:53 AM, Oct. 4, 2006, thanks to Ron Tozer, Dwight, ON.       Return to Main List

         AMERICAN AVOCET:   A winter plumaged American Avocet was seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton, ON on Sep. 28, 2006. It was standing on the north shore of Gull Island about 700 metres out from the Owen Point observation area. It would just be visible from there with a good scope. Access is allowed beyond Owen Point, out onto Gull Island (which is currently attached to Owen Point) on Thursdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. The rest of the week the area beyond Owen Point is closed for a controlled Waterfowl Hunt. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 10:43 AM, September 28, 2006, thanks to David Bree, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         PACIFIC LOON:   A Pacific Loon was seen with 4 Common Loons sitting off the point near Ducks Dive Charters and Cottages at Prince Edward Point, ON on September 27, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Prince Edward Point page. Received via ONTbirds 7:48 PM, Sep. 28, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was photographed in the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area of the Mizzy Lake Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park on Oct. 3, 2006. Probably the same individual was reported from this area on September 19, with no subsequent observations until now. A very few Great Gray Owls are resident in Algonquin Park, and this bird is likely one of them, rather than being part of an early southward movement from the boreal forest. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Algonquin Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 8:53 AM, Oct. 4, 2006, thanks to Ron Tozer, Dwight, ON.       Return to Main List

         CONNECTICUT WARBLER:   The Bioblitz in Larose Forest on Sep. 9, 2006 uncovered 10 species of warbler including a Connecticut Warbler just off the 6th Concession west of Bourget. Directions given with report have no further details, and the only section of Concession 6 shown on the map is east of Bourget (not to mention outside the Larose Forest) - so good luck finding this spot. Received via ONTbirds (OFNC BSL) 11:42 AM, Sep. 12, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         CASPIAN TERN:   Two Caspian Terns were seen from the Shirleys Bay Dyke, Ottawa, ON on Sep. 9, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Shirleys Bay Dyke page. Received via ONTBirds (OFNC BSL) 11:42 AM, Sep. 12, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         CASPIAN TERN:   A Caspian Tern was seen off the river end of Constance Bay Drive at Constance Bay, ON on Sep. 9, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Constance Bay page. Received via ONTBirds 1:09 PM, Sep. 9, 2006, thanks to Jeff Skevington, Constance Bay, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   A Great Egret was seen at Baie McLaurin (Martin Larouche sector), Gatineau, QC on Sep. 6, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Baie McLaurin page. Received via ONTbirds 1:43 PM, August 31, 2006, thanks to Eve Ticknor, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         WESTERN SANDPIPER:   A juvenile Western Sandpiper (probably male) was seen at Shirleys Bay Dyke, Ottawa, ON from 10:45 to 11:15 AM on September 4, 2006. It was seen with two White-rumped Sandpipers. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Shirleys Bay Dyke page. Received via Ottawa RBA 12:30 PM, September 4, 2006, thanks to Gary McNulty, Aylmer, QC.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   A Great Egret was seen at the pond along Earl Armstrong Road, Ottawa, ON from August 29 to 31, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Earl Armstrong Road page. Noted on COO Observations Sep. 12, 2006, thanks to the COO, Gatineau, QC.       Return to Main List

         CONNECTICUT WARBLER:   An immature or female Connecticut Warbler was seen at the Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, ON around 8:45 AM on August 19, 2006. It made a brief appearance at the west end of the ridge before flying south out of sight. It was not relocated. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Britannia Conservation Area page. Received via ONTbirds 3:36 PM, Aug. 19, 2006, thanks to Bruce Di Labio, Carp, ON.       Return to Main List

         WESTERN SANDPIPER:   A Western Sandpiper was seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton, ON from August 18 to 20, 2006 at Owen Point. Two were reported on Aug. 19, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 12:14 PM, August 18, 2006, thanks to Fred Helleiner, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   Two Great Egrets were seen at Shirleys Bay Dyke, Ottawa, ON on August 17, 2006. One was also seen there on Aug. 30, 2006 and again on Sep. 6, 2006. Three were present on Sep. 7 & 9, 2006; and 2 Sept. 20-21, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Shirleys Bay Dyke page. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 9:09 PM, August 19, 2006, thanks to Chris Lewis, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   Two Great Egrets were seen at Marais des Laîches West, east of Gatineau, QC on August 15, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Marais des Laîches West page. Noted on COO Observations Aug. 22, 2006, thanks to Frédéric Bédard and the COO, Gatineau, QC.       Return to Main List

         LITTLE BLUE HERON:   A juvenile Little Blue Heron (all white) has been seen at High Falls Conservation Area, Casselman, ON, from August 14 to at least August 20, 2006. Photos taken by Geof Burbidge on the afternoon of the 14th can be seen on Jacques Bouvier's website. The bird appears to have alternate feeding or resting spots nearby, for it is not always present. It was however, seen in both the morning (feeding from 8 to 9 AM between the dam and the broken down bridge, then perching atop a tall willow on the north side of the river in line with the old bridge) and the evening (feeding both above and below the old bridge) of Aug. 17, 2006 and again on Aug. 19 and 20. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the High Falls Conservation Area page. Received via ONTBirds 11:20 AM, August 14, 2006, thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isidore, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   An even dozen Great Egrets were seen in the northeastern sector of Baie Noire West, E of Thurso, QC on August 13 and 15, 2006; while 6 were seen on August 17, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Baie Noire West or the the Baie Noire Centre pages. Received via email 10:17 AM, August 21, 2006, thanks to Frédéric Bédard, Gatineau, QC.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   Two Great Egrets were seen in the area of the Stonebridge Golf Club, north of Manotick, ON on August 12, 2006. Received via ONTBirds (OFNC BSL) 11:36 AM, August 14, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.      Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   Three Great Egrets were seen flying NNE with 2 Great Blue Herons at a few hundred feet above Leitrim and Bowesville Roads, south of Ottawa, ON on August 6, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Leitrim Road West page. Personal observation.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   A Great Egret was seen at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, south of Ottawa, ON on July 28, 2006 and again on August 16 and 23, 2006. Two were seen here on Aug. 27, 2006. Three were seen on Sep. 7, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds page. Received via ONTBirds 8:29 PM, July 28, 2006, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         WORM-EATING WARBLER:   An adult Worm-eating Warbler was reported from Voyageur Provincial Park, east of Hawkesbury, ON on the morning of July 23, 2006. The observer had very good looks at the bird, which was foraging for insect larvae in a scrubby tree. The location of the bird was the Portage campground, at the back of the camping area, in a brushy wooded area by an old (disused) equestrian center. Unfortunately no photographs were obtained. Park staff were notified about this sighting and would be very interested to know if this bird was seen again. Directions: From Ottawa, take Highway 417 east to exit 5, then north on CR 4 to the park entrance. A map of the Park's trails and campgrounds should be available at the Park office. Received via ONTBirds 4:36 PM, July 26, 2006, thanks to Chris Lewis, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   A Great Egret was seen in a stormwater management pond on the east side of Eagleson Road and north of Hope Side Road at Bridlewood in the south end of Kanata, ON on July 11, 2006. Received via ONTBirds (OFNC BSL) 6:41 AM, July 17, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         CASPIAN TERN:   A Caspian Tern was on the sandbar in the Ottawa River at the east end of Andrew Haydon Park (a.k.a. Ottawa Beach), Ottawa, ON on July 7, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Ottawa Beach and Andrew Haydon Park pages. Received via ONTBirds (OFNC BSL) 11:58 AM, July 10, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         SNOWY EGRET:   A Snowy Egret was seen along the edge of the Marshes Golf Course off Terry Fox Drive, west of the Brookstreet Hotel and north of the Alcatel building, in Kanata, ON at noon on May 31, 2006. The bird was again seen at about 7:35 PM perched in a dead tree between two ponds on the east side of the Alcatel Building. After coming down to feed for a short period, at 7:50 PM, it flew east, out of sight, toward Shirley's Bay and the Ottawa River. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 5:34 PM, May 31, 2006, thanks to Chris Lewis, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         SWALLOW-TAILED KITE:   A probable Swallow-tailed Kite was reported at Crosby Lake, west of Perth, ON at 8:30 AM on May 31, 2006. It was seen flying from northeast to southwest along the shores of Crosby Lake. Directions: From Highway 7 at Perth, take Highway 6 (Christie Lake Road) southwest to the village of Althorpe. There are several small roads leading to the north shores of Crosby Lake from both sides of Althorpe. From Highway 10 at Perth, turn right on Lennon Road. This leads to Little Crosby Lake Road and access to the southeast side of the lake. From Highway 15 at Crosby, take Highway 42 west to Westport. Continue northwest on Highway 36, turning right onto Big Crosby Lake Road. This branches into several smaller roads accessing the south side of the lake. Received via ONTbirds 7:06 PM, May 25, 2006, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON. Reported by Pete Stothart, Crosby Lake, ON.      Return to Main List

         PIPING PLOVER:   A Piping Plover was seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON on May 29 and 30, 2006 along Owen Point trail and on Beach 3. The bird was present from 7:45 PM until dark. The plover was banded in the following manner: upper right - silver; lower right - blue; upper left - reddish-orange; lower left - nothing. It had been banded in Michigan last year. Since then, Park staff and local birders are monitoring the area, both to determine whether the bird, an endangered species, might find a mate and stay to breed; and to deter people from approaching too closely to the bird if it does return. This is the second consecutive year, and the third year in the past six, that a Piping Plover has frequented Presqu'ile's beaches. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 9:17 AM, May 30, 2006, thanks to Don Shanahan, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         LAZULI BUNTING:   A second year male Lazuli Bunting was banded at Prince Edward Point, ON on May 23, 2006. This bird was photographed after having been banded and was seen by all those present. When released, the bird flew into the bushes behind the banding hut and was not seen again despite being well looked for. This is a new species for the Observatory and also for Prince Edward County, bringing the list of confirmed species for Prince Edward County to 342. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Prince Edward Point page. Received via ONTbirds 7:29 PM, May 25, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD:   A Yellow-headed Blackbird made a brief stop at the lighthouse in Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON on May 21, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 8:58 PM, May 25, 2006, thanks to Fred Helleiner, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         EARED GREBE:   An Eared Grebe was seen off Point Traverse, ON on May 20, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Prince Edward Point page. Received via ONTbirds 7:26 PM, June 1, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         HOODED WARBLER:   The amazing run of Hooded Warblers continues with three trapped during the week of May 26 to June 1, 2006 at Prince Edward Point, ON. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Prince Edward Point page. Received via ONTbirds 7:26 PM, June 1, 2006, thanks to Terry Sprague, Prince Edward County, ON.       Return to Main List

         HOODED WARBLER:   A Hooded Warbler spend most of the day on May 19, 2006 near the Park Store at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 8:58 PM, May 25, 2006, thanks to Fred Helleiner, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         RUFF:   A female Ruff (Reeve) was seen at the Alfred Sewage Lagoons, Alfred, ON, along with 2 Stilt Sandpipers, on May 19, 2006. Pictures may be viewed here. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Alfred Bog and Sewage Lagoon page. Received via ONTbirds 6:49 PM, May 19, 2006, thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isidore, ON.       Return to Main List

         WILSON'S PLOVER:   A Wilson's Plover without a complete neck band was seen on the beach along the Owen Point trail at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON on May 17, 2006; and again on May 25 to 27, 2006 along Owen Point trail and on Beach 3. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 8:07 PM, May 18, 2006, thanks to Fred Helleiner, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   Great Egrets have been seen at Marais des Laîches West, Gatineau, QC from May 16 to at least May 22, 2006. Two to three birds have been regular. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Marais des Laîches West page. Received via email 9:22 AM, May 17, 2006, thanks to Frédéric Bédard, Gatineau, QC.       Return to Main List

         BLUE-WINGED WARBLER:   A Blue-winged Warbler was seen along with a Brewster's Warbler (a Blue-winged/Golden-winged Warbler hybrid) near 1823 Thomas Dolan Parkway,SW of Dunrobin, ON on May 16, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found at the Carp Ridge on Thomas Dolan Parkway page. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 3:51 PM, May 16, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         ROSS' GOOSE:   An adult Lark Sparrow was seen at Algonquin Prvincial Park, ON on May 12, 2006. It was rooting in the pile of debris under the empty West Gate feeder with two Chipping Sparrows. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Algonquin Prvincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 6:55 AM, May 16, 2006, thanks to Susan and Thomas O'Donnell, Niagara Falls, NY.       Return to Main List

         ROSS' GOOSE:   A Ross' Goose was seen with a flock of 60 to 70 Canada Geese at the Winchester Sewage Lagoon, Winchester, ON at about 1 PM on May 8, 2006. It remained for about ten minutes and then flew off towards the south. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Winchester Sewage Lagoon page. Received via ONTbirds 5:11 PM, May 8, 2006, thanks to Roger Clark, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:   A Greater White-fronted Goose has been present at the swimming beach in Canisbay Campground in Algonquin Provincial Park, ON from around May 6, 2006 until at least May 20, 2006. At times, when disturbed by campers on the beach, the goose flew to the west shore of the lake, off the day-use beach. Observers looking for it should check that area as well. This is the 275th bird species for the Algonquin Provincial Park checklist. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Algonquin Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 6:46 PM, May 20, 2006, thanks to Ron Tozer, Algonquin Provincial Park, ON.       Return to Main List

         BARNACLE GOOSE (questionable origin):   A Barnacle Goose was seen with a flock of c. 25 Canada Geese in a field on the southwest side of Trim Road at Wall Road, east of Ottawa, ON at 8:30 AM on May 6, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Wall Road sites at Frank Kenny and Wall Roads and Wall and Tenth Line Roads pages. Trim Road is between Frank Kenny and 10th Line Roads. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 9:17 AM, May 7, 2006, thanks to Christina Lewis, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         CATTLE EGRET:   A Cattle Egret was seen on Amherst Island, ON on May 5, 2006. Not seen again. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Amherst Island page. Received via ONTbirds 9:25 AM, May 12, 2006, thanks to Peter Good, Kingston, ON.       Return to Main List

         LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH:   A Louisiana Waterthrush was found along the Waterfall Trail (Sentier de la Chute), Gatineau Park, QC on May 2, 2006. It was singing high in the trees about 200 m. below the waterfall. Still present to at least May 22, 2006. It is easily localized by its song, 3 or 4 clear whistles (teer, teer, teer) followed by a quick jumble of notes, though patience is necessary; but harder to actually see. For the past two years, its territory seemed to extend along the stream, from below the falls to above the large rock (almost to the road). It sang on territory last year until at least June 10, 2005. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Lauriault Falls and Mulvihill Lake Trail page. Received via phone message at 1:15 PM, May 2, 2006, thanks to Paul Matthews, Ottawa.      Return to Main List

         ROSS' GOOSE:   A Ross' Goose was seen with about 3500 Canada Geese in an agricultural field on Sarsfield Road, between French Hill and Regimbald Roads, at French Hill, east of Ottawa, ON. The bird was uncooperative as it frequently hid behind stubble and Canada Geese. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Sarsfield and Regimbald Roads page. Received via phone (OFNC Ottawa RBA) 11:00 AM, Apr. 23, 2006, thanks to Louise Campagna, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   A Great Egret was seen on the islands off Billings Bridge Park, Ottawa, ON on the afternoons of April 22 and 23, 2006; from Riverain Park north to Cummings Bridge on the morning of Apr. 23, 2006; and from Hurdman Park (between the latter two sites) on the afternoon of Apr. 24, 2006. Seen regularly to at least May 21, 2006 on the islands off Billings Bridge Park and along the nearby Rideau River (even seen as far as opposite the mouth of the Rideau on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River on Apr. 30, 2006). Directions for, and further information about, these sites can be found on the Billings Bridge Park, Riverain Park and Hurdman Park pages. Received via ONTbirds 9:35 PM, Apr. 23, 2006, thanks to Connie Denyes, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         ROSS' GOOSE:   A Ross' Goose was seen with about 4000 Canada Geese at Petersen’s Sod Farm, northeast of the junction of Snake Island Road (Regional 6) and the Manotick Station Road, about 5 km NNE of Osgoode, ON throughout the day on April 18, 2006. The bird easily disappeared as it walked through the dips of the rolling sod field. Patience may be required. It may also help to view from different vantage points. Received via ONTbirds 10:19 AM, Apr. 18, 2006, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT EGRET:   A Great Egret was seen at Sabourin Marsh, Gatineau, QC from April 15 - 17, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Sabourin Marsh page. Received via word-of-mouth Apr. 18, 2006, thanks to Frédéric Bédard, Gatineau, QC.       Return to Main List

         TRUMPETER SWAN:   Two Trumpeter Swans were seen on the north side of Baie de la Pentecôte, accessed from Highway 148, about one km east of the town, opposite where ice is sold, on Apr. 12, 2006. The countability of these birds may be questioned because of massive reintroduction programs. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Plaisance Sector of the Plaisance Provincial Park page. Received via email 3:17 PM, April 12, 2006, thanks to Frédéric Bédard, Gatineau, QC.       Return to Main List

         EURASIAN WIGEON:   A male Eurasian Wigeon was seen at Marais des Laîches West, east of Gatineau, QC on Apr. 12 to at least Apr. 17, 2006. It was visible from the marsh's parking area, mixed in with a couple of dozen American Wigeon and a variety of other waterfowl. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Marais des Laîches West page. Received via ONTbirds 10:18 AM, Apr. 12, 2006, thanks to Steve Ansell, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         BLACK-NECKED STILT:   Two Black-necked Stilts were seen at Brighton, ON on April 10 and 11, 2006. As of 1:30 PM the two Black-necked Stilts were still at the wastewater polishing pond in Brighton. From the viewing deck look to the left at a 45 degree angle and they are wading around, often out of view in cattails, near the back of the first cell - about 150 metres away. They were still present until dark, but not seen the next morning. They were seen again on Apr. 14 and 15, but not thereafter. Directions: From Highway 401 take County Road 30 south to Brighton. Go south through the two traffic lights, over the railway tracks, and as you near the lake the road (Prince Edward Street at this point) swings left. The ponds are on the south (right) side just as you complete the turn. The Sewage Lagoons are on the north side about 200 meters past the polishing pond. Received via ONTbirds 1:51 PM, Apr. 11, 2006, thanks to Doug McRae, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         ROSS' GOOSE:   Two Ross' Geese were seen in the fields near Ste. Rose, east of Casselman, ON from 10:00 to 11:15 AM on April 5, 2006. In the same area there were also approximately 5000-7500 Snow Geese (46 blue morphs). The geese were very wary and numerous flocks departed heading east. Directions: From Highway 417 east of Casselman take exit 58 and proceed NNW on County Road 8 for 1.3 km to Concession 20 (in the middle of the long curve). Turn right or ENE on Concession 20 and follow it 2.3 km to Ste. Rose Road. Continue straight ENE past Ste. Rose Road and check the fields on both side of the road. This area is around 10 km outside the Ottawa checklist circle. Received via ONTbirds 6:01 PM, Apr. 5, 2006, thanks to Bruce Di Labio, Carp, ON.       Return to Main List

         EURASIAN WIGEON:   A male Eurasian Wigeon was seen in the fields southeast of the intersection of Russell and Johnston Roads, east of Bourget, ON on Apr. 2, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Bourget page. Received via word-of-mouth 2:30 PM, Apr. 2, 2006, thanks to Bernie Ladouceur, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:   A Greater White-fronted Goose was seen on the Jock River at Twin Elm, just northeast of Richmond, ON on the morning of April 2, 2006. Seen here again on Apr. 8. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Twin Elm page. Received via ONTbirds (Ottawa BSL) 12:30 PM, Apr. 3, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON. Probably the same bird was seen among a small flock of Canada Geese on the east side of Twin Elm Road, between Cambrian and Barnsdale Roads, east of Richmond, ON on the evening of April 5, 2006. It was in a field more or less opposite #3871 on Twin Elm. Directions: From Highway 416 take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). Follow Fallowfield Road southwest 0.8 km to Moodie Drive. Turn left or SSE onto Moodie and drive 4.2 km to Cambrian Road. Turn right or southwest onto Cambrian and go 2.0 km to Twin Elm Road. Turn left or SSE onto Twin Elm. Received via ONTbirds 6:55 PM, Apr. 5, 2006, thanks to Paul Matthews, Ottawa, ON. And again likely the same bird, a Greater White-fronted Goose was seen at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, south of Ottawa, ON on April 17, 2006. This is an active sand & gravel quarry on private property. Please view the pond from the road. Still being seen at least to May 3, 2006; often coming in to roost at the ponds in the evening. Also seen on Apr. 22, 2006 just south of the quarry ponds at Moodie Drive and Barnsdale Road. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds page. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 4:45 PM, Apr. 18, 2006, thanks to Christina Lewis, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE:   A Townsend's Solitaire was seen at the Baxter Conservation Area, Reevecraig, ON on Apr. 1, 2006. Seen briefly, no other details. Quite possibly the same Townsend's Solitaire that overwintered less than 2 km to the northwest. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Baxter Conservation Area page. Received via Ontbirds (Ottawa BSL) 12:56 PM, Apr. 3, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:   A Greater White-fronted Goose was seen along Milton Road, east of Ottawa, ON on Mar. 26, 2006. It was near the bridge over Bear Brook immediately south of Perrault Road. This bird or another was seen along Milton Road, with the thousands of Canada Geese, on Mar. 31. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Bear Brook at Milton Road page. Received via ONTbirds (Ottawa BSL) 12:05 PM, March 27, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         TUNDRA SWAN:   Three Tundra Swans were seen along Milton Road, east of Ottawa, ON on Mar. 25, 2006. This was followed on April 1 and 2 by seven swans; and five on Apr. 7. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Bear Brook at Milton Road page. Received via ONTbirds (Ottawa BSL) 12:05 PM, March 27, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen in the playground behind 170 Booth Street at Albert Street, Lebreton Flats, Ottawa, ON all day on Mar. 19, 2006. Received via email 7:12 PM, March 19, 2006, thanks to Susan Scruton, Ottawa, ON.
Photo on the left, taken Mar. 19, 2006, is courtesy Susan Scruton.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on the Rockcliffe Parkway, east of Ottawa, ON on Mar. 11, 2006. Directions: No details given. Received via ONTbirds (Ottawa BSL) 9:59 AM, March 14, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         EURASIAN WIGEON:   A male Eurasian Wigeon has been seen from off the Calf Pasture viewing station to the north end of Bayshore Drive at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON on Mar. 10 and again on Mar. 23 and 25, and yet again on Apr. 12 to at least Apr. 20, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Presqu'ile Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 12:53 PM, March 10, 2006, thanks to Don Shanahan, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on McGee Side Road, west off Carp Road, ON on Mar. 9, 2006. Directions: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 144 north (Carp Road or Regional Road 5). If travelling west, the 0.5 km offramp dumps you right or west onto Carp Road, where you will turn right or northwest. If driving east, a 0.6 km offramp brings you to Carp Road, where you will turn left or northwest onto it and in 0.6 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Carp Road for 4.8 km northwest to Magee Acres Sideroad. Turn left or southwest on Magee Acres. Received via ONTbirds (Ottawa BSL) 11:11 AM, March 11, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Woodkilton Road, near the Galetta Side Road, in Dirleton, ON on Mar. 8, 2006. Directions from Ottawa: Take Highway 417 exit 138 north (March Road), and go northwest c. 9 km, then turn right or northwest onto Dunrobin Road. Follow Dunrobin 19.6 km to the Galetta Side Road, then trun left or southwest onto it and drive 1.3 km to Woodkilton Road. My guess from the Ontbirds message is that you should try south of Galetta Side Road. Received via ONTbirds 8:35 PM, March 8, 2006, thanks to Susan Goods, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen perched close to the road at 10805 Highway 511 (Lanark Road), about 5 to 10 minutes south of the village of Calabogie, ON on Mar. 7, 2006. Received via ONTbirds 3:23 PM, March 8, 2006, thanks to Ken Kingdon, Kingston, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on County Road 10, southwest of Vankleek Hill, ON on Mar. 7, 2006. Directions: southwest of Vankleek Hill take exit 35 from Highway 417. Go west along Road 23, then turn right or north on Road 22, then right or northeast on Road 10 (Ridge). The owl was in a tree along side of the road opposite 7580 Ridge Road. Received via ONTbirds 7:20 PM, March 7, 2006, thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isidore, ON. Reported by Christine and Stéphanie Brunet.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl has been seen regularly around 882 Rollin Road, 2 km south of Highway 17, east of Rockland, ON. No discovery date, presumed early March, to at least Mar. 8, 2006. Directions: Rollin Road heads south from Highway 17 nine km east of Rockland, ON. Received via ONTbirds 7:20 PM, March 7, 2006, thanks to Jacques Bouvier, St-Isidore, ON. Reportred by Mario Bourdon.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Bankfield Road, east of Twin Elm Road, ON on Mar. 6, 2006. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Brophy / Bankfield Road page. Received via ONTbirds (Ottawa BSL) 11:11 AM, March 11, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Highway 15/29, two kilometres east of Pakenham, ON on Mar. 6, 2006. It was sitting atop a small tree on the south side of the highway and then flew across to the north side. Received via ONTbirds 6:51 PM, March 8, 2006, thanks to Michael Runtz, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen at Clyde Woods, Ottawa, ON on the morning of Mar. 6, 2006. The bird was well hidden in some cedar trees, but was being scolded by the local chicadees and nuthatches. The owl flew a few short flights to adjacent trees, seemingly looking for a sunny spot which it soon found. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Clyde Woods & Quarry page. Received via ONTbirds 6:39 PM, March 6, 2006, thanks to Chris Traynor, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         HARLEQUIN DUCK:   An immature male Harlequin Duck was seen between Île Morrison and Île des Allumettes, QC on Feb. 25, 2006. It was feeding in the fast moving water just south of the bridge between Île Morrison and Île des Allumettes with a small number of Common Goldeneye and 2 Bufflehead. Directions: To reach Île Morrison from Ottawa take Highway 417/17 north to the first Pembroke exit, follow the road to the turn off for Highway 148 to Quebec. You will see the rapids between the islands. Park east of bridge and walk back. Received via Ontbirds 18:55 PM, February 26, 2006, thanks to Bruce Di Labio, Carp, ON.       Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   A white morph Gyrfalcon was seen at 10:15 AM on Feb. 24, 2006 along Highway 15, just south of Highway 401. It flew off toward the 401. Received via Ontbirds 11:25 AM, February 24, 2006, thanks to Bruce Ripley, Amherstview, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Montée Dalton, Gatineau, QC on Feb. 22, 2006, near house number 443. It was seen again on Feb. 23, also along Dalton. Directions: Take Autoroute 50 east from Gatineau 17.8 km to exit 154, taking the Boulevard de l'Aéroport exit. Follow the 0.3 km exit to it and turn left or north. Go 0.3 km north to Chemin Industriel. Turn right or east on Indstriel and go 2.9 km to Montée Dalton. Turn left or north onto it and drive to number 443. Noted on COO Observations and on Les Oiseaux rares du Québec (Rare Birds of Quebec) Mar. 2, 2006, thanks to the COO, Gatineau, QC and Louise Simard, Montréal, QC.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Frank Kenny Road, east of Ottawa, on the evening of Feb. 21, 2006. It was at the bend in Frank Kenny south of Old Montreal Road and north of Wilhaven Drive East. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 9:11 AM, February 22, 2006, thanks to Christina Lewis, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen March Valley Road, west of Ottawa, at dusk on Feb. 18, 2006. It was actively hunting over the DND (National Defence) property to the east side of March Valley Road about 800 metres past the intersection with Klondike Road. Another was seen here on Mar. 12, 2006, near the Skeet Club. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the March Valley Road page. Received via ONTbirds 7:43 PM, February 18, 2006, thanks to Peter Campbell, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   A gray morph Gyrfalcon was seen on both Feb. 13 and 21, 2006 on the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, and again on Mar. 3, 2006 flying up and down a section of the Rideau River between Colonol By Drive and Bronson Avenue. On Mar. 16, a gray morph bird flew over the northwest corner of Clyde Woods and the Clyde Quarry in Ottawa. On Mar. 26, a gray morph bird flew over the Clyde Quarry and the reservoir at the northwest corner of Clyde Woods in Ottawa, circled a few times and continued east out over the Central Experimental Farm; also seen the same day over downtown Ottawa at Chapel and Rideau Streets. On Mar. 29 it was again seen over the reservoir at Clyde Woods. These may all relate to the same bird. Gyrfalcons have been known to roost in the quarry in past years. Directions for, and further information about, these sites can be found on the Central Experimental Farm or Clyde Woods and Quarry page. Received via email 7:11 PM, February 21, 2006, thanks to Chris Traynor, Ottawa, ON.
Photo taken Feb. 21, 2006 on the left is courtesy Chris Traynor.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Trim Road (near Demeter Street), east of Ottawa, at dusk on Feb. 12, 2006. It was sitting on the roadside and very tame, suggesting it may have been stunned by a car (a major problem for these birds). However, after a time it fly off. Received via ONTbirds 6:57 AM, February 13, 2006, thanks to Wilson Hum, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Sixth Line, west of Ottawa, at 4 PM on Feb. 8, 2006. It flew across a field and landed in a tree near the road on the north side about midway between the Pinhey Point Road and the Thomas Dolan Parkway. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Pinhey Point page. Received via ONTbirds 6:40 PM, February 8, 2006, thanks to Don Wigle, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Giroux Road, east of Ottawa, at 1:30 PM on Feb. 8, 2006. It was close to the road at the edge of a small stand of deciduous trees on the north side of Giroux. This is at a slight bend in the road just east of the LaFarge Pit and west of 2182 Giroux Road. So far, this has been the least shy of our northern friends, being seen fairly regularly to at least Mar. 8. Directions for, and further information about, this area can be found on the Giroux and Dunning Roads page. Received via ONTbirds 1:54 PM, February 9, 2006, thanks to Connie Denyes, Ottawa, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen on Jan. 30, 2006 on the farm of 1111 - 9th Line of Bathurst, west of Balderson, ON. Not visible from the road, but the owner has no problem with birders. From Highway 7 go north 6 km on Route 511 to Balderson, then turn left in the village, then right after 2.5 km onto the Fallbrook Road, then left on the 9th Line (it is a dead end). Received via ONTbirds 1:51 PM, January 30, 2006, thanks to Jean Griffin, Maberly, ON. Reported by Paul Sprague, owner of the farm.       Return to Main List

         GYRFALCON:   A gray morph Gyrfalcon was seen late in the afternoon of Jan. 22, 2006 at the junction Highway 148 and Chemin Cregheur, just east of Heyworth, QC. Chemin Cregheur is just west of the Chemin de la Rivière and Highway 148 intersection. Directions for, and further information about, that site can be found on the Chemin de la Rivière page. Received via email 1:12 PM, January 23, 2006, thanks to Frédéric Bédard, Gatineau, QC. Reported by N. Frigon, G. Grenier, and A. Cloutier.
Photo taken Jan. 22, 2006 on the left is courtesy André Cloutier.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was reported perched in the top of a spruce on the south side of Highway 60 near the km 5 marker in Algonquin Provincial Park at 4:45 PM on January 20, 2006. This is the first confirmed observation in Algonquin Park this winter. If it follows the pattern of all the Great Gray Owls seen here during last winter's irruption, this bird will not be seen again (but time will tell). Great Gray Owls appeared to move steadily through the Park last winter, probably in response to a shortage of available prey. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Algonquin Provincial Park page. Received via ONTbirds 11:56 AM, January 21, 2006, thanks to Ron Tozer, Dwight, ON.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   A Great Gray Owl was seen from around Jan. 15 to at least Mar. 8, 2006 off Route 300 east of Limoges, ON. It was first found on the property on 1576 Route 300. It was seen most frequently beside the road after dawn, and again in late afternoon. A bird was relocated 2 and a half weeks later, on Feb. 11, somewhat to the west, south of Route 300 near the railway crossing. It was found again on Feb. 12, this time about a kilometre north along Montée Gagnon. (Gagnon is just east of the tracks). On Feb. 25, two Great Grays were seen together in the field near the railway crossing on Route 300. On Feb. 26, one was seen on Gagnon, not far up from Route 300. On Mar. 8, one was seen at 1637 Gagnon. Directions from Ottawa: Take Highway 417 east to exit 79. Turn left (north) on Hwy 5. Turn right on Route 300 (east - shortly beyond the 417 overpass). Drive 3.5 km and check around the railway crossing first, then go north on Montée Gagnon (just east of the crossing) and check to beyond a kilometre (it was seen north of 1589 Gagnon), then return to Route 300 and continue east on Route 300 to #1576. There is a pine plantation on the left (north) and an open field on the right where it was originally found. Received via ONTbirds 16:26 PM, January 22, 2006, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON.
Photo taken Jan. 22, 2006 on the left is courtesy Wilson Hum.       Return to Main List

         GREAT GRAY OWL:   On Jan. 2, 2006 a Great Gray Owl was found on Chemin du Rang 6, west of Montee Paiement, in the north of Gatineau, QC. Noted on COO Observations and on Les Oiseaux rares du Québec (Rare Birds of Quebec) Jan. 9, 2006, thanks to Louise Simard, Montréal, QC.       Return to Main List

         YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD:   A Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen from around Jan. 1 to at least Mar. 12, 2006 at Forest Park, ON. The bird was seen at various feeders in the area including 23 and 68 Manitou Street and 2044 Route 500W (just opposite Manitou). Directions for this site are: going east from Ottawa, take exit 79 and go south on Prescott-Russell 5, go 3 km and turn left at the Petro Canada station on Route 500W (aka Prescott-Russell 3) and drive east to the 4th street on the right past the Cambridge Public School. The home owners at 23 Manitou (where the bird was discovered first) request that you park on the street, that the lane not be blocked and that you go no farther than the trailer at the side of the house, where you will have a good view of the feeders. The bird has loosely followed a routine of coming into the feeding station in the morning, then again in late afternoon. It appears to associate with a group of European Starlings. But, sometimes comes to the feeder alone. It often perches in tall deciduous trees with other birds, such as Starlings or Mourning Doves. A Common Grackle, 2 Red-winged Blackbirds and a Boreal Chickadee have also been seen here regularly. Received via ONTbirds 5:14 PM, January 9, 2006, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON.
Photo taken Jan. 13, 2006 on the left is courtesy Tony Beck.       Return to Main List

         TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE:   A Townsend's Solitaire has been coming to a home at 7389 3rd Line Road, south of Kars, at Reevecraig, ON since before Dec. 31, 2005 to Mar. 11, 2006. From Ottawa, take Highway 416 south to Exit 42 (Dilworth Road), then drive east approximately 1 km to 3rd Line Road. Turn left and house number 7389 will be on your right less than 500 meters. The bird visits a warm water outflow on the left side of the house as you face it. It is quite possible to see the bird from your car on the roadway. When facing the north edge of the property, which abuts a woodlot, one can make out the depression in front of a kind of box-like structure in the property's garden. It may take a while to see the solitaire. It spends much of its time in the woodlot. It occasionally perches high (and conspicuously), but is more often at mid-levels where it can be very hard to make out against the grey trunks and branches. Fortunately, it moves about a fair bit. Received via Ottawa e-RBA 3:41 PM, February 22, 2006, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.
Photo taken Feb. 19, 2006 on the left is courtesy Rubby Neville.       Return to Main List

         YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD:   A female Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen Dec. 18, 2005 on the Presqu'ile, ON CBC. The bird was seen at a feeder on County Road 64, just east of the Barcovan Golf Course. Almost certainly the same bird was seen on Jan. 11 and 13, 2006 near Carrying Place, ON. It was with a nice mixed flock which included 60 Rusty Blackbirds, 60 Red-winged Blackbirds, 45 Brown-headed Cowbirds and 2 Starlings. It was quite brown in body plumage with a small but fairly bright area of yellow restricted to the throat and upper breast. It appeared no larger than the adjacent Rusty's, which seemed somewhat surprising to the observer. The bird was sitting with the other blackbirds in the tops of several large maples, then all flew off over the extensive fields that border Weller's Bay. Directions: The general area of this sighting is near the shore of Weller's Bay between Brighton and Trenton, or about 2 km WSW of Carrying Place. Specifically it was seen about 100m east of the junction of County Road 64 and Alyea Road, but the flock is obviously moving around and they may be feeding in nearby corn fields much of the time. There are also several houses with feeders in this area as well. If it is not where the flock was seen, a slow cruise on nearby roads may well turn it up again. This may possibly be the same female Yellow-headed Blackbird that was seen on the Presqu'ile CBC on Dec. 18, 2005. Received via ONTbirds 3:10 PM, December 19, 2005, thanks to Doug McRae, Brighton, ON.       Return to Main List

         NORTHERN HAWK-OWL:   On Dec. 17 a Northern Hawk-Owl was found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC, west of Ottawa, ON. No details. Received via ONTBirds 6:43 AM, Dec. 18, 2005, thanks to Bruce Di Labio, Carp, ON.      Return to Main List

         NORTHERN HAWK-OWL:   On Nov. 26 a Northern Hawk-Owl was found near the intersection of Innes and Frank Kenny Roads, east of Ottawa, ON. Still present at least to Dec. 22. Is sometimes seen farther east at Innes and O'Toole Roads. Directions for, and further information about, this site can be found on the Frank Kenny Road page. Received via ONTBirds 10:38 AM, Nov. 28, 2005, thanks to Tony Beck, Ottawa, ON.      Return to Main List

         NORTHERN HAWK-OWL:   On Nov. 19, 2005 a Northern Hawk-Owl was perched on a hydro wire along Highway 307, 1.5 km past the north end of St. Pierre-de-Wakefield, and another 1.5 km past the "Lake McMullen" sign. It was still present in the same area at least to Jan. 7, 2006, hanging around the Steele's feeding station on Rue Colline. Received via ONTBirds 1:41 PM, Nov. 21, 2005, thanks to Gordon Pringle, Ottawa, ON.      Return to Main List