NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Winter Birding


    WINTER SPECIALTY STATUS: 2005 - 2006

Many of the northern birds that grace our area in winter are not rare enough to warrant inclusion on the Rare Bird Alert page. Yet they are often sought by visiting birders from more southerly climes (such as New England, Toronto or Kingston), and even by locals, especially those new to the area or to birding. Thus the Birding Ottawa Winter Specialty Status page. It will act as an adjunct to the RBA page and the Where and When to See Guide. Information regarding the current winter's status of these species, along with a few uncommon to rare residents and the odd western visitor, will be provided. Check previous Winter Specialty Status pages to search for trends. If the location has its own page, you can access more details and directions by clicking its link.
Last updated: 1800 hrs, April 11, 2006.

Choose a species from this drop-down menu:
Review Past Years' Winter Specialty Status Pages.
Check the current Birding Ottawa Winter Specialty Status page.
See the Birding Ottawa  2005-06 Ottawa Winter List.
Check the Birding Ottawa  Current Ottawa Winter List.
Review the Birding Ottawa  Past Years' RBAs or the  Current RBA.
Check the Past Winter Finch Forecasts or the Current Winter Finch Forecast courtesy Ron Pittaway.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Where and When to See Guide.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Table of Contents.


King Eider          On the Kinston CBC on Dec. 18, 2005, an immature male King Eider was sighted off Wolfe Island. Very rarely seen in the Ottawa area itself, the King Eider is seen with some regularity in late fall and early winter off Owen Point in Presqu'ile Provincial Park. A scattering of records over the years, the most current being a female seen on November 2, 2004. Link to Where and When to See Guide's King Eider entry.      Return to Main Menu
Harlequin Duck          Two male Harlequin Ducks were seen on Oct. 28 and 29, 2005 at the Deschênes Rapids, QC at the south end of Vanier Street. A male was seen on Nov. 14 at Remic Rapids. A female or immature was seen on Nov. 21 off Bate Island. On Feb. 25, an immature male was seen along the Ottawa River just south of Pembroke. It was feeding in the fast moving water just south of the bridge between Île Morrison and Île des Allumettes. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Harlequin Duck entry.      Return to Main Menu
Barrow's Goldeneye          From Oct. 20 to 30, 2005, an adult male was seen amongst a small flock of Common Goldeneye and Greater and Lesser Scaup at Remic Rapids. By Dec. 11, there were 3 male Barrow's at Remic and one at the Deschênes Rapids. On Nov. 5, one was seen in the Little Chaudiere Rapids, off Parc Brébeuf. Two male birds were seen along the Quebec shore from Lemieux Island and one at Bate Island frolicing in the Remic Rapids, all on Dec. 1. One or more males still being seen in the same general area at least to Feb. 4. One or two male Barrow's Goldeneye were seen from Strathcona Park, directly across from Riverain Park, to as far south as the Hurdman Bridge, from Nov. 13 to at least Mar. 11. An adult male Barrow's X Common Goldeneye hybrid was found at Remic Rapids on Oct. 29 and Nov. 6; and off Strathcona Park from Nov. 27 to at least Jan. 15. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Barrow's Goldeneye entry.      Return to Main Menu
Perched Bald Eagles - Ramsay Lake Road at the Escarpment - Feb. 19, 2006 - photo courtesy Tony Beck
Bald Eagle          Three Bald Eagles were seen over Constance Bay on Nov. 12 or 13, 2005. An immature seen at Shirleys Bay Dyke on Nov. 20 and 2 seen there Nov. 23. A sub-adult was seen on the ice off Andrew Haydon Park on Nov. 26. One flying past Andrew Haydon Park on Dec. 1. These birds are being seen almost daily along the Ottawa River in early December in a pre-freezeup concentration along the river. On Dec. 11 there was an immature Bald Eagle near Bate Island/Champlain Bridge and there were 2 adults off the Shirley's Bay boat launch. On Dec. 12 two adult Bald Eagle were seen at Britannia. On Dec. 17, eight were found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC. Single birds were reported from the Ottawa River east of Britannia and from Steel Line Road in Quebec, and 2 were being harassed by at least a half-dozen Common Ravens at Kerwin (River) Road, all on Jan. 2. On Jan. 16 an adult was seen flying over the Ottawa River east of downtown Ottawa. An adult was seen perched along Highway 307 at Highway 148 in Gatineau on Jan. 22. One was seen on Jan. 24 below the escarpment along the Eardley-Masham Road. Four birds were seen on Alary Road, along Highway 148 near Luskville, QC on Feb. 1. One was being harassed by an American Crow in the back channel of the Rideau River in Manotick on Feb. 5. Three were seen along the Eardley escarpment on the Quebec side on Feb. 11. Five were seen near the Ramsay Lake Road (a.k.a. the Eardley-Masham Road) at the escarpment on Feb. 19. Photo of these birds on Feb. 19, 2006 courtesy Tony Beck. Three to five birds were seen along the Eardley escarpment on Mar. 10. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Bald Eagle entry.      Return to Main Menu


Northern Goshawk chasing Mourning Dove - March Valley Road, Kanata, ON - Jan. 31, 2005 - photo courtesy Robert Alford
Northern Goshawk          One was seen at the lookoff at Pink Lake in Gatineau Park on Nov. 6, 2005. An immature was flying close to the shoreline of the Ottawa River along Grandview Road on Dec. 3. One was seen along Trail 44 off Davidson Road on Dec. 28. One was hunting Ruffed Grouse on Kerwin (River) Road in Kanata on Jan. 7 and one was seen here again on Mar. 13. One was seen along the Eardley escarpment on the Quebec side on Feb. 11. An adult was seen in Navan near the Bearbrook golf course on Mar. 5. One was reported from McCordick Road near North Gower on both Feb. 25 and 26. One was found in Clyde Woods on Mar. 16 and another on Mar. 26. And as in the winter of 2004-05, one is being seen periodically near the Duck Club feeder on March Valley Road. Photo of this bird chasing a Mourning Dove from Jan. 31, 2005 courtesy Robert Alford. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Goshawk entry.      Return to Main Menu
Rough-legged Hawk          Present in our area in small numbers so far this winter. Just outside the circle, three were at the east end of Concession 19, at the intersection of County Road 9, near St-Isidore, ON on Nov. 19, 2005 and 6 on Nov. 20. And three were seen on Nov. 27 on Concession 20, east of Casselman, ON, about 1 km east of the Ste-Rose Road intersection in field # 29, harrassing a Short-eared Owl.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Rough-legged Hawk entry.      Return to Main Menu
Golden Eagle          An adult Golden Eagle was seen at the Deschenes Rapids Lookout on Oct. 27, 2005. One was seen Oct. 29 over the Nepean Dump. One was seen flying over Dunrobin Ridge on Greenland Road on Nov. 11. An adult was migrating over the trail off Kerwin (River) Road in Kanata on Nov. 18. A sub-adult bird flew over Shea Road on Dec. 3. An immature flew over heading south at Britannia on Dec. 12. On both Jan. 22 and 24, 2006, a single bird was seen on the Quebec side along the Steel Line Road. An adult flew over 5th Line Road near the Thomas Dolan Parkway on Mar. 23. An immature bird flew over Frank Kenny Road on Mar. 26. Just outside the circle, to the west, one flew over Clayton Village on Jan. 29.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Golden Eagle entry.      Return to Main Menu
Peregrine Falcon          Our local pair is seen infrequently, especially at their favourite haunts: on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Ottawa and the Coats Building, Tunney's Pasture and along the Ottawa River. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Peregrine Falcon entry.      Return to Main Menu
Gyrfalcon - near Heyworth, QC - Jan. 22, 2006 - Photo courtesy André Cloutier
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. Photo on the left is courtesy André Cloutier. A gray morph Gyrfalcon was seen on Feb. 13, 2006 and again on Feb. 21 on the Central Experimental Farm. Once again on Mar. 3, 2006 it was seen flying up and down a section of the Rideau River between Colonol By Drive and Bronson Avenue. On Mar. 16 and again on Mar. 26, possibly the same bird, was seen again flying over the northwest corner of Clyde Woods and across the Clyde Quarry and also over downtown Ottawa at Chapel and Rideau Streets. On Mar. 29 it was again seen over the reservoir at Clyde Woods. Gyrfalcons have been known to roost in the quarry in past years. Farther afield, on the Kingston CBC on Dec. 18, 2005, a white phase Gyrfalcon was one of the highlights. A white morph was seen on Feb. 24, 2006 along Highway 15, just south of Highway 401 at Kingston.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gyrfalcon entry.      Return to Main Menu




Huddled Gray Partridges - Barnsdale Road, near Moodie Drive - Feb. 27, 2006 - photo courtesy Tony Beck
Gray Partridge          On Nov. 26 - 28, 2005 a group of 11 Gray Partridge were seen on Wall Road, west of Trim Road, and west of the "S" curve, in a weedy area near an abandoned barn. A covey was found along Barnsdale Road, near Moodie Drive on Feb. 27, 2006. Photo of this group of birds courtesy Tony Beck. Just outside the circle, on Nov. 20, at the corner of Concession 20 and Ste-Rose Road, east of Casselman, ON there were 7 Gray Partridge. Ten were seen near the intersection of French Hill and O'Toole Roads on Dec. 4. On Dec. 26, a flock of 14 was seen near the corner of Donald B. Munro Drive and Panmure Road near the village of Marathon. A dozen were seen at Brownlee Road near Akins Road on Jan. 3. On Feb. 25 there were 4 in the southwest corner of Eagleson and Brownlee Roads. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gray Partridge entry.      Return to Main Menu
Thayer's Gull          In the winter of 2004-05, none were reported. An advanced 1st winter Thayer's Gull appeared on Mar. 27, 2005 on the ice above Remic Rapids with a mixed gull flock. Not present the next day. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Thayer's Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Iceland Gull          On Oct. 27, 2005 3 first winter Iceland Gulls were seen between Britannia Pier and the Nepean Dump. On Oct. 29 there was one 1st winter bird off Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa ON. Single Iceland Gulls were noted at the Nepean Dump on Dec. 28 and over the Central Experimental Farm on Jan 1. A single Iceland Gull was seen among the numerous Glaucous and Great Black-backed Gulls over the weekend of Jan. 7-8, on the ice of Ottawa River at both Deschenes Rapids and Remic Rapids. One was still present on Jan. 13 at Remic Rapids. The north-west corner of the Barnsdale and Moodie intersection had gulls, including a 3rd winter Iceland and at least a half-dozen Glaucous of various ages, as well as Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls on Feb. 4. There were 3 Iceland Gulls and 25 Glaucous Gulls on the ice of the Rideau River at Billings Bridge on the morning of Feb. 4. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Iceland Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Lesser Black-backed Gull          On Oct. 19, 2005, there were 9 (8 adult, 1 2nd basic) Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the fields immediately north of the Park 'n' Ride off Brophy Road just west of Highway 416, south of Ottawa, ON. On Oct. 27, 2005 15 of this species were seen between Britannia Pier, Deschenes Rapids and Shirleys Bay, Ottawa ON. On Oct. 29 there was one 1st winter bird off Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa ON. An immature Lesser Black-backed Gull was at the east end of Andrew Haydon Park on Nov. 20. An adult was seen on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River below the Deschenes Rapids on Mar. 17. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lesser Black-backed Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Glaucous Gull          An adult was found at Deschenes Rapids on Oct. 27, 2005. An immature Glaucous Gull was at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds on Nov. 20. At least 13 were found in a field at the corner of Moodie Drive and Barnsdale Road on Jan. 1. Numerous Glaucous Gulls were among the many Great Black-backed Gulls and single Iceland Gull over the weekend of Jan. 7-8, on the ice of Ottawa River at both Deschenes Rapids and Remic Rapids. Three were still present on Jan. 13 at Remic Rapids and 5 on Feb. 4. There were 25 Glaucous Gulls and 3 Iceland Gulls on the ice of the Rideau River at Billings Bridge on the morning of Feb. 4. The north-west corner of the Barnsdale and Moodie intersection had gulls, including at least a half-dozen Glaucous of various ages and a 3rd winter Iceland, as well as Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls on Feb. 4. Several Glaucous Gulls were seen with 2 Iceland and the Great Black-backed Gulls on the Rideau River behind Carleton Lodge along Highway 16 on Feb. 17. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Glaucous Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Eastern Screech-Owl          In the winter of 2004-05, on Feb. 11, 2005 there was one Eastern Screech-Owl found on Petrie Islands, near Orleans, ON. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Eastern Screech-Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
First Winter Female Snowy Owl - Regimbald Road, east of Ottawa - Dec. 11, 2005
Snowy Owl          The 2005 - 2006 winter is a great one for Snowy Owls in our area. The two best areas continue to be the remaining farmlands north of Richmond and east of Orleans. In the area north of Richmond, the first report was of an adult on Nov. 17, 2005 near the intersection of Eagleson and Fallowfield Roads. One was seen on Dec. 1 in the area north of Richmond, on (Akins Roads, near Eagleson Road. On Dec. 2, a very white Snowy was sitting on an old wagon at the edge of a field on Brownlee Road, between Eagleson and Shea Roads. On Dec. 26, a late afternoon to dusk check of the open farm land, between Richmond and Barrhaven, produced 7 Snowy Owls. Four of the owls were off Eagleson Road between Fallowfield and Richmond Roads and 3 were off Greenbank Road between Hunt Club and Fallowfield. All the owls were actively hunting from a varity of perches including telephone poles, fence posts, trees, farm buildings and snow mounds. Nine were found in the same area on Dec. 31 (6 off Eagleson Road between Fallowfield and Richmond Roads). Five seen Jan. 6 to at least Jan. 19. At least one still present to at least Mar. 25. In the area east of Orleans, on Dec. 11 there was a juvenile along Frank Kenny Road, probably the same one on Regimbald Road (see photo by Neily), east of Frank Kenny the same day. This area had two Snowies on Dec. 19, one on French Hill Road and one on Regimbald Road, both between Frank Kenny and O'Toole Roads. Still being seen in various sites (Frank Kenny, French Hill, Wall, O'Toole, and Regimbald Roads) within this general area at least to Feb. 19. At least one (French Hill Road, between Frank Kenny and O'Toole) still present on Feb. 25 and another on Frank Kenny between French Hill and Regimbald on Mar. 22. The Wall Road bird was still present to Mar. 7, 2006. Also on Dec. 11, there were 2 along Earl Armstrong Road, south of the airport; and one seen on Jan. 19. On Mar. 31 through Apr. 7, one was seen amidst the migrating waterfowl off Johnston Road in Bourget, ON. One was seen Apr. 2 on the ice at Dick Bell Park. Just outside the circle, on Nov 19 to at least Nov. 20, a lightly barred bird was seen on a hydro pole on Concession 19, west of Ste-Rose Road, east of Casselman. At the same location, a very dark snowy had stayed last winter and one was seen on Nov. 26 this winter. By Dec. 5, there were 5 Snowies in this area. Two dark birds were on Concession 20 and a third dark individual was on Concession 19. All were on top of hydro poles west of Ste-Rose Road. A pure white male was on a hydro pole along St-Isidore Road, while another possible male was in a tree in the middle of a field off St-Isidore Road. Birds still being seen here at least to Feb. 2. Farther afield, there have been many Snowy Owls on both Wolfe and Amherst Islands this winter.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Snowy Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Northern Hawk-Owl          From Nov. 19, 2005 to at least Dec. 11, a Northern Hawk-Owl was seen 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. This bird was still present on Jan. 7, 2006. One was found near the intersection of Innes and Frank Kenny Roads, east of Ottawa, ON on Nov. 26. It was still present to at least Dec. 22. One was found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC on Dec. 17 (no details). Farther afield, outside the circle, on Oct. 28, 2005 a Northern Hawk-Owl was seen at an old beaver pond at the junction of Old Highway 127 and Highway 60 in Algonquin Provincial Park. On Nov. 17 one was seen in a tree on the east side of County Road 29, between Peterson Road and Dixie Road (south of house #9073), 18 km NW of Brockville, ON. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Hawk-Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Great Gray Owl          Early indications were that this winter may be another invasion year. Then the later dearth of reports suggested only a few birds would come to our area this winter. Then in early February, a group of reports suggested the influx was simply late coming this year; and another rash of sightings in early March seemed to confirm this. Locally, the first bird reported this winter is one on Jan. 2, 2006 on Chemin du Rang 6, west of Montee Paiement, in the north of Gatineau, QC. Then one was seen from around Jan. 15 to at least Jan. 25, 2006 on the property at 1576 Route 300 east of Limoges, ON. It is seen most frequently beside the road after dawn, and again in late afternoon. Almost certainly the same 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. One was seen on Giroux Road, east of Ottawa, from Feb. 8 to at least Mar. 12, 2006. It was along the road on the north side of Giroux at a slight bend in the road just east of the LaFarge Pit and west of 2182 Giroux Road. Another one was seen on Sixth Line, west of Ottawa, on Feb. 8, 2006, about midway between the Pinhey Point Road and the Thomas Dolan Parkway. One was seen on Trim Road (near Demeter Street), east of Ottawa, at dusk on Feb. 12. One was seen on March Valley Road on Feb. 18 and another there on Mar. 12. One 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. One was seen on Montée Dalton, Gatineau, QC on Feb. 22 and 23, 2006, initially near house number 443. On Mar. 6 one visited Clyde Woods, Ottawa, ON; one was on Bankfield Road, south of Ottawa, ON; and another was on Highway 15/29, two kilometres east of Pakenham, ON. On Mar. 7, one was reported as regular around 882 Rollin Road, east of Rockland, ON, still present Mar. 8. One was seen on Woodkilton Road, near the Galetta Side Road, in Dirleton, ON on Mar. 8, 2006. One was on McGee Side Road, south of Carp, ON on Mar. 9. One was seen along the Rockcliffe Parkway on Mar. 11. One spent the day on Mar. 19 in the playground behind 170 Booth Street at Albert Street, Lebreton Flats, Ottawa, ON. Farther away, one was seen on Mar. 7, 2006 on County Road 10, southwest of Vankleek Hill, ON and one at 10805 Highway 511 (Lanark Road), about 5 to 10 minutes south of the village of Calabogie, ON. One was seen on Dec. 27 on the 2nd Concession on Amherst Island. One 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 on January 20, 2006. One was seen on the farm of 1111 - 9th Line of Bathurst, west of Balderson, ON on Jan. 30, 2006. Check for details and sightings on the Birding Ottawa  2006 RBA. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Great Gray Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Long-eared Owl          A Long-eared Owl was seen in the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island on Dec. 2, 2005. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Long-eared Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Short-eared Owl          Four Short-eared Owls were seen along Earl Armstrong Road on Oct. 15, 2005, near the bend. Best spot is near the sharp bend, best time is dusk. Just outside the circle, one was seen on Nov. 27 on Concession 20, east of Casselman, ON, about 1 km east of the Ste-Rose Road intersection in field # 29, being harrassed by 3 Rough-legged Hawks. On Feb. 11, 2006, one was found on Wolfe Island (none have been seen since early January) and a flock of 15 were located off the 2nd Concession on Amherst Island. For information on the Wintering Short-eared Owl Survey in Ontario, see the note on our Eco-News Page. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Short-eared Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Boreal Owl          In the winter of 2004-05, one was found on Nov. 22, 2004 in the Owl Woods on Amherst Island. It was found in the clump of white cedars on the north side of the path, east of the bird feeders. One also seen there Dec. 20, 2004 in a small white spruce on the east end of the Jack Pine Plantation. And again on Dec. 26 and 27, 2004, just off to the east of the main path through the Cedar Woods, beyond the bird feeders and just before you get to the large clumps of white cedars on the left. Two Boreal Owls were seen on Jan. 1, 2005. One or two, sometimes three, birds were being seen regularly to at least Apr. 5, 2005. Locally, one was seen at the extreme south of Lac des Fées, Hull, QC on Dec. 5, 2004; and one was seen at Contance Bay, ON on Dec. 12, 2004. It was found being mobbed by Blue Jays at 146 Monty Drive. Drive 1.3 km from the Dunriobin Road on Constance Bay Road to Monty Drive (on the right or southeast, 0.2 km short of Allbirch Road. Another was found Dec. 26, 2004 at 4383 Ivy Acres Road, north of Pakenham, but has not been reported since. Another spent the day at 40 Sioux Crescent, Nepean on Jan. 15, 2005. One was seen on Mar. 13, 2005 along the Jinkinson Road Trailway (abandoned rail line) that runs between Dwyer Hill Road and Stittsville, ON. The owl was c. 1 km west along the trail from Jinkinson Road, on the north side sitting in a tree, quite visible from the trail. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Boreal Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Northern Saw-whet Owl          Seen with some regularity in the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island. Careful observation and patient searching through the cedars are sometimes rewarded. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Saw-whet Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Red-headed Woodpecker          Usually migrants, five (2 adult and 3 immature) Red-headed Woodpeckers are trying agin this year to spend the winter hanging around their breeding site in Constance Bay. They can sometimes be seen at the suet feeder at 114 Goodin Street. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Red-headed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu
Red-bellied Woodpecker          In the winter of 2004-05, a female Red-bellied Woodpecker has been coming to a feeder at 6158 Rideau Valley Drive, south of Manotick, ON from c. Dec. 1, 2004 to at least Mar. 13, 2005. The feeder is in the front of the farm house but it is not easily viewable from the road. The bird has usually been seen at the feeder between 1:00 and 2:30 PM but also spends a lot of time in the trees at the side of the house. Please request permission from the residents to enter the laneway to view the feeder. A pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers has been coming to a feeder on Boulevard Wilfred Lavigne, Aylmer, QC from Nov. 10, 2004 to at least Jan. 3, 2005. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Red-bellied Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu
Three-toed Woodpecker         In the winter of 2004-05, a female Three-toed Woodpecker were seen on the trail opposite 881 Kerwin (River) Road on Nov. 12, 2004. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Three-toed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu
Black-backed Woodpecker          On Oct. 1, 2005, a female Black-Backed Woodpecker was seen near the crossroads of the Old Carp Road and 2nd Line Road, northwest of Kanata, ON. It was about 200 m southwest of the crossroads, near a house on the south side of the Old Carp Road. Algonquin Provincial Park, though farther away, is a good spot to search for this species (and other boreal species). On the Dec. 29, 2005 CBC, nine Black-backed Woodpeckers were seen (five in Lake of Two Rivers campground, mostly on spruce infested with wood-boring beetle larvae). In the winter of 2004-05, both a male and female Black-backed Woodpecker were seen on the trail opposite 881 Kerwin (River) Road from Nov. 7, 2004 to at least Feb. 16, 2005. On Dec. 27 and 29, 2004, a male of this species was found along the main road through the Larose Forest, near the snowmobile crossing and the St. Denis Army Surplus sign. A male Black-backed was discovered Jan. 16, 2005 along the Eardley-Masham Road, approximately 1 km into Gatineau Park in a large stand of young pine and spruce at the crest of the hill. A female was seen here on Jan. 29, 2005.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Black-backed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu
Gray Jay          Algonquin Provincial Park continues to be THE spot to see these birds. Try the Spruce Bog Trail and Opeongo Road. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gray Jay entry.      Return to Main Menu
Boreal Chickadee          A migrant of this species was found on a spruce at the end of the Britannia Pier on Oct. 27, 2005. One seen behind the Chelsea visitor's centre in Gatineau Park, one at the end of Rue Jubilee in Aylmer, and one at the top of the escarpment on Ramsey Lake Road, all on Oct. 29. One was seen at Parc Brébeuf and one on a trail at Lac Philippe on Nov. 5. One was heard along the trail between Kerwin (River) Road and Riddell Road on Nov. 11 and 12. One was seen at a feeding station at 146 Monty Drive in Constance Bay intermittently from Dec. 6 to at least Dec. 11. Two were found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC on Dec. 17. One has been seen or heard on Manitou Street in Forest Park, south of Limoges, ON from Jan. 9 to at least Feb. 20. Farther afield, it can be found in Algonquin Provincial Park. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Boreal Chickadee entry.      Return to Main Menu
Tufted Titmouse          In the winter of 2004-05, a Tufted Titmouse has been coming sporadically to the feeders at 191 and 186 Bayshore Road and in the bushes around the nearby lighthouse, Presqu'ile Provincial Park, ON, from Oct. 9, 2004 to at least Mar. 29, 2005. One also seen Apr. 11-12, 2005. One first reported on Oct. 28, 2004 at 14 Point Road, on Cartwright Point, east of Kingston, ON, was seen until Nov. 14, then seen again on Jan. 15, 2005. One has been coming to a property east of Almonte, ON from sometime in December 2004 to at least Mar. 1, 2005. No details, you must call the homeowner, Rob Goodwin at 256-0551 to arrange a visit for viewing the bird. One was reported from a private feeder in Papineauville, QC on Jan. 25, 2005. And one seen last fall in Hallville, ON is apparently still around. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Tufted Titmouse entry.      Return to Main Menu
Carolina Wren          One was seen Sep. 19, 2005 in at 106 Rothwell Drive in Rothwell Heights in the east end of Ottawa, ON, in the same area as last winter. It appears to be sticking within the block bordered by Rothwell Drive and Naskapi Drive. One has been seen and heard in Carp, in the ravine behind 400 Donald B. Munro Drive, during mid-October, to at least Dec. 1, 2005. Also seen in the brushy area behind the Bell building at 390 Donald B. Munro. Another bird was seen in a backyard in Old Ottawa South on Nov, 13. Another Carolina Wren was reported from Forest Park in Embrun on Nov. 20. In the winter of 2004-05, one of these birds was seen at feeders on Summit Avenue in Alta Vista from Nov. 2 to Nov. 4, 2004. Another Carolina Wren has been coming to a feeder in Chelsea, QC at 40 Mill Road off Highway 105, from October to at least Dec. 19. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Carolina Wren entry.      Return to Main Menu
Townsend's Solitaire - 7389 3rd Line Road, south of Kars, ON - Feb. 19, 2006 - Photo courtesy Rubby Neville
Townsend's Solitaire          A Townsend's Solitaire has been coming to a home on 3rd Line Road, south of Kars, at Reevecraig, ON from 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. Parking is difficult on 3rd Line so it is recommended that you park on Dilworth Road and walk in approximately 500 meters to house number 7389. The bird visits a warm water outflow on the left side as you face the house, which can be seen from the road. Photo of this bird on Feb. 19, 2006 courtesy Rubby Neville. One was found at Prince Edward Point on Nov. 6, 2005. Quite possibly this same bird was seen c. 2 km to the southeast at the Baxter Conservation Area, Reevecraig, ON on Apr. 1, 2006. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Townsend's Solitaire entry.      Return to Main Menu




Varied Thrush - west of Deep River - Feb. 12, 2006 - photo courtesy Paul Lagasi
Varied Thrush          This winter there have been no local reports so far. The closest reports have been one seen from Jan. 11, 2006 to at least Mar. 24 c. 10 km west of Deep River, ON, at 35732A Highway 17 (Photo of this bird on Feb. 12, 2006 courtesy Paul Lagasi), and one seen Mar. 2, 2006 at a feeder near Verona, north of Kingston, ON. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Varied Thrush entry.      Return to Main Menu
Northern Mockingbird          A Northern Mockingbird has been an irregular visitor this winter in North Gower. It was seen at least to Mar. 7, 2006 at or near 6848 McCordick Road, as well as the property across the street (6867). It does not appear to be associated with a feeder. Birders are asked to please not enter the properties. Another bird was seen on the Ottawa CBC on Dec. 18, 2005 in a vacant lot near the end of Mory Street off Albion Road in Blossom Park. It was seen again on Feb. 2, 2006, but has been missed on many other visits. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Mockingbird entry.      Return to Main Menu
Brown Thrasher          This winter there have been no local reports so far. There has been one wintering at a feeder on the farm of Winston Cuthbert, Law's Road, Chalk River. In the winter of 2004-05, one seen on Chemin Vignault in Cantley, QC on Jan. 5, 2005. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Mockingbird entry.      Return to Main Menu
Bohemian Waxwing - Jack Pine Trail, Ottawa, ON - Jan. 22, 2006 - Photo courtesy Rubby Neville
Bohemian Waxwing          A number of large flocks have been seen in the area this winter: for example 200 near Constance Creek at Thomas Dolan Parkway (Nov. 14, 2005); 500 in Carp, in the ravine behind 400 Donald B. Munro Drive, (Nov. 21 and 22); 50 along the Rockcliffe Parkway (Dec. 11); 100+ at Constance Bay (Jan. 13); 130+ near Almonte on Wolf Grove Road; 100+ on Feb. 5 at the Jack Pine Trail (photo from this site on Jan. 22, 2006 courtesy Rubby Neville); 120 along the Rockcliffe Parkway near the airport on Feb. 14. First report this winter, of c. 15, came from the Outaouais Trail, between Thruso, QC and the Presqu'îles, on Oct 29. 499 were found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC on Dec. 17. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Bohemian Waxwing entry.      Return to Main Menu





Northern Shrike - Chemins des Peres Dominicains & Sablonniere, south of Luskville, QC - Dec. 10, 2005
Northern Shrike          The first report of a Northern Shrike this season was of a very vocal juvenile at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden on Oct. 19, 2005. On Oct. 29, one was seen along the Outaouais Trail, between Thruso, QC and the Presqu'îles. By mid-Novemeber, there are reports from various locations. Some of them are: the visitors' centre for Gatineau Park at Chelsea, QC (Nov. 11); Chemin des Pères Dominicains, near Chemin de la Sablonnière (Nov. 13 to at least Dec. 10 - see photo by Neily); Chemin de la Rivière and Highway 148 in Breckenridge, QC (Nov. 25); Bankfield Road east of Moodie Drive (Dec. 5 to at least Dec. 11); along a trail south of the Rockcliffe Parkway (Dec. 11); Giroux Road (Jan. 6); Thomas Dolan Parkway (2 - 1 km each side of Constance Creek). Individuals were seen at 7 locations along an almost 80-km stretch of Highway 417 between the east end of Ottawa and the Vankleek Hill exit. All were perched in trees within 50 metres of the highway; most right along the fenceline. Locations (by km marker) were: km 27 (Feb. 5 AM), km 53 (Feb. 9 PM), km 57 (Feb. 9 PM), km 78 (Feb. 9 AM), km 92 (Feb. 9 AM), km 95 (Feb. 9 PM), km 103 (Feb. 5 AM). Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Shrike entry.       Return to Main Menu
Eastern Towhee          An Eastern Towhee was at a feeder on Gold Crescent in the town of Russell east of Ottawa on Feb. 5, 2006. A female of this species was coming to a feeder in Carleton Place from around Dec. 12 to at least Dec. 17, 2004. It has usually been seen before 9:00 AM and after 4:00 PM, but was also seen on Dec. 15 around noon. It is at the home of Richard Boughner and the feeder is in the back yard, not visible from the road. Richard wants anyone who wants to see the bird to knock at the front door and he will let them get to the back yard through the garage. Directions: From Ottawa take Highway 7 west to Carleton Place, turn right at the traffic light by Canadian Tire onto McNeely Avenue and continue on McNeely until you cross the Mississippi River and reach the T-junction at County Road 29. Turn left onto County Road 29 (Town Line East) and then turn left just before the railroad track onto William Street. Turn left off William Street just before the railroad track onto Gemill which becomes Rosamond Street when it bears right. The feeder is at 169 Rosamond Street, on the right. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Eastern Towhee entry.      Return to Main Menu
Fox Sparrow          On Dec. 7, 2005 one was found coming to the feeders at the greenhouses at Carleton University, between Raven and the Rideau River. It was seen occasionally since. One seen off and on since December at Lassiter Terrace in Beacon Hill North was seen at least to Feb. 5. Another was reported on Jan. 24 coming to a feeder at 40 Chemin Mill in Chelsea, QC. It is coming 2 or 3 times a day. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Harris' Sparrow entry.      Return to Main Menu
Harris' Sparrow          No local reports this winter. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Harris' Sparrow entry.      Return to Main Menu
Lapland Longspur          The first seasonal report of Lapland Longspurs came from Rushmore Road, at Eagleson Road, back on Oct. 9, 2005, reported again from here on Dec. 11. Three were found southeast of Hallville on Oct. 15 or 16, 2005. A Lapland Longspur flew over the Brophy Road location on Oct. 21 and several were at the St. Albert lagoons on Oct. 23. Three were seen near the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds on Oct. 29. At least 2 were among large numbers of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks in fields in the Navan area between Perrault and Trim Roads on Nov. 26 and 27. Two were seen along Twin Elm Road on Dec. 31. One was seen among a flock a many 100's of Snow Buntings on chemin Crégheur, Heyworth, QC. On Mar. 4 or 5, one to two Lapland Longspurs were seen among a large number of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings at the manure spread in a field on the south side of March Road, between Carp Road and Thomas Argue Road, west of Carp. Just outside the checklist area, on Dec. 20, in the Ste-Rose area along Concessions 19, 20 and 21, Lapland Longspurs outnumbered Snow Buntings, with an amazing total of c. 250 Longspurs seen in this area. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lapland Longspur entry.      Return to Main Menu
Pine Grosbeak          This species can be found this winter in small flocks in many local areas, especially where there are fruiting trees. One was seen Nov. 2 along Kerwin (River) Road. On Nov. 19, at Britannia Pier, a flock of 7 were feeding in a crabapple tree. A single was at the Rideau Tennis Club, see Riverain Park, on Nov. 27. 47 were found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC on Dec. 17. On Jan. 8 there were at least 10 at The Arboretum. First report this winter came from Algonquin Provincial Park, of one along Barron Canyon Road, on Oct. 29 and two along the Highway 60 corridor. Reported from the trail between Kerwin (River) Road and Riddell Road on Nov. 13. Six were seen in Carp on Dec. 1. About a dozen were seen around 881 Kerwin (opposite the woodland trailhead) on Feb. 4.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Pine Grosbeak entry.      Return to Main Menu
Red Crossbill          On Dec. 11, 2005 one flew over the Pine Grove Trail, Davidson Road, southeast of Ottawa. First reports this winter came from the east side of Algonquin Provincial Park, along Barron Canyon Road, on Oct. 29 to 31. Lots of a small-billed type that were feeding on Tamarack cones, and some of the resident type, with medium-sized bills, that were seen on White Pine. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Red Crossbill entry.      Return to Main Menu
White-winged Crossbill          An early White-winged Crossbill was seen at Britannia on Oct. 8, 2005. Eight were seen Nov. 1, and 6 on Nov. 18 in Carp. Reported from the trail between Kerwin (River) Road and Riddell Road on Nov. 13. Six were found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC on Dec. 17. There was flock of 20+ on Jan. 15 just west of 110 Queen Mary Street in Overbrook. A group of a half-dozen or so was in a conifer with plenty of cones in the property behind the backyard of 23 Manitou Street in Forest Park (where the Yellow-headed Blackbird is being seen) on Jan. 19 & 21. A single was singing on Gatineau View Crescent in Beacon Hill on Feb. 20. A small number was heard in the white spruce trees near 6848 McCordick Road on Feb. 26. A small group (4-6) were found in Clyde Woods on Mar. 16. One flew over the Jack Pine Trail on Mar. 25. Farther afield, small numbers were seen on the east side of Algonquin Provincial Park, along Barron Canyon Road, on Oct. 29 to 31. Link to Where and When to See Guide's White-winged Crossbill entry.      Return to Main Menu
Common Redpoll          Two were seen in Carp, flying over 400 Donald B. Munro Drive, on Nov. 18, 2005. Several small flocks seen at Constance Bay on Dec. 1 and 11. 181 were found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC on Dec. 17. On Jan. 8, 2006, a flock of 40 or so Common Redpolls was accompanied by a male and female Hoary Redpoll near the March Valley Road (old Fourth Line) feeding station close to Riddell Road. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Common Redpoll entry.      Return to Main Menu
Hoary Redpoll          On Jan. 8, 2006, a male and female of this species were spotted in a flock of 40 or so Common Redpolls near the March Valley Road (old Fourth Line) feeding station close to Riddell Road. One visited a feeder in Manotick on Jan. 29; no details. Outside the circle, near Merrickville, ON, a flock of c. 30 Common Redpolls at a feeding station had among them a single Hoary Redpoll on Mar. 9, 2006. In the winter of 2004-05, on Mar. 13, 2005 one was seen at the Hilda Road feeders at the Shirleys Bay Cottage Area with 2 Common Redpolls. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Hoary Redpoll entry.      Return to Main Menu
Evening Grosbeak          An early Evening Grosbeak was seen at a Manotick feeder on Oct. 8, 2005. Sixteen were seen on the Fall Count on Oct. 15-16, 2005. A flock of 14 were seen in flight over Bells Corners on Oct. 31. Reported from the trail between Kerwin (River) Road and Riddell Road on Nov. 13. 26 were found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC on Dec. 17. Around 20 were visiting feeders on O'Hara off Riddell Drive on Jan. 7. A flock of ten or more was on the Clarence-Cambridge Boundary Road through the Larose Forest on Jan. 13. They were at the feeders at last house going west from the Forestry Station before entering the forest. About a dozen were seen in the vicinity of the feeders on O'Hara, the small loop street off Kerwin Road, closer to the Dunrobin Road on Feb. 4.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Common Redpoll entry.      Return to Main Menu


   RARER WINTER BIRDS FROM THE RBA

Click on the bird's name for more details and directions on the RBA page.

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: at Forest Park, south of Limoges, ON (Jan. 1 to at least Mar. 12, 2006)
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: on the Presqu'ile, ON CBC (Dec. 18, 2005 & Jan. 11-19, 2006)




Review Past Years' Winter Specialty Status Pages.
Check the current Birding Ottawa Winter Specialty Status page.
See the Birding Ottawa  2005-06 Ottawa Winter List.
Check the Birding Ottawa  Current Ottawa Winter List.
Review the Birding Ottawa  Past Years' RBAs or the  Current RBA.
Check the Past Winter Finch Forecasts or the Current Winter Finch Forecast courtesy Ron Pittaway.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Where and When to See Guide.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Table of Contents.


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