NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Winter Birding


    WINTER SPECIALTY STATUS: 2006 - 2007

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.
Many of the entries contain data from the previous winter, to aid in locating potential sites to find these birds, pending availability of this winter's sightings.
Last updated: 1800 hrs, April 25, 2007.

Choose a species from this drop-down menu:
Check the current Birding Ottawa Winter Specialty Status page.
Review Birding Ottawa Past Years' Winter Specialty Status Pages.
See the current Birding Ottawa  Ottawa Winter List.
See the Birding Ottawa  2006-07 Ottawa Winter List.
See the Birding Ottawa  Past Ottawa Winter Lists.
Check the Birding Ottawa  Current Year's RBA or review Past Years' RBAs.
Check the current Winter Finch Forecast courtesy Ron Pittaway.
Review the Birding Ottawa Past Years' Pittaway's Winter Finch Forecasts pages.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Where and When to See Guide.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Table of Contents.


King Eider          In the winter of 2005-06: 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          A male was seen from Nov. 25 to at least Dec. 2, 2006 above the Deschênes Rapids. In the winter of 2005-06: 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          A female Barrow's Goldeneye was mixed in with some Commons on the Ottawa River at the end of Grandview Road on Nov. 4, 2006. A male was present at Remic Rapids, just east of the Champlain Bridge on Nov. 18. On Nov. 19 a hybrid Barrow's x Common Goldeneye was seen at Remic Rapids. This maybe the same individual that has wintered along the Rideau/Ottawa River the past few years. Check the Ottawa River from Bate Island and Lemieux Island as well. On Jan. 18 and 19, 2007, the recent freeze along the Ottawa River finally brought out the adult male Barrow's at Remic Rapids again. The bird was feeding in the rapids just off Remic Rapids Lookout. The bird may be seen in this area for the rest of the winter now. This location has been a regular winter site for Barrow's Goldeneye for many years. Still present Feb. 3. Seen Feb. 16 and 24 it was seen off Lemieux Island just to the east of Remic Rapids. Seen again on Mar. 11 at Remic Rapids. The easiest Barrow's to be seen is a male that has been seen on the Rideau River, often just below the rapids at the tennis club in Riverain Park from Nov. 30, 2006 to at least Jan. 27, 2007 and again on Mar. 20. On Feb. 25 a male was seen in the Ottawa River off Britannia Point. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Barrow's Goldeneye entry.      Return to Main Menu


Huddled Gray Partridges - Barnsdale Road, near Moodie Drive - Feb. 27, 2006 - photo courtesy Tony Beck
Gray Partridge          On Oct. 29, 2006, 9 were seen along Regimbald Road, between Dunning and Sarsfield Roads. On Feb. 8 at least 4 were among the corn stubble in a field along Garvin Road, west of Shea Road near Richmond; they were still present on Feb. 10 and 12 and Mar. 8 and 9, and 6 were seen on Mar. 12. On Mar. 11 two were seen on Akins Road, just off Eagleson Road. Just outside the circle, seven were seen in a field north of 2459 Cassburn Road, near L'Orignal, ON.
In the winter of 2005-06: 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. 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. 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gray Partridge entry.      Return to Main Menu
Perched Bald Eagles - Ramsay Lake Road at the Escarpment - Feb. 19, 2006 - photo courtesy Tony Beck
Bald Eagle          On Nov. 12 and 13, single adult and immature Bald Eagles were at Shirleys Bay. On Nov. 18 4 adults were seen along the escarpment in the area between Breckenridge and Quyon (3 along Steel Line Road). On Dec. 2 an adult flew over Britannia. On Dec. 3, an adult flew over the Jack Pine Trail. On Dec. 7 an adult flew over Constance Bay. On Dec. 18 there were 2 adults perched near the heronry west of the Shirleys Bay Dyke, also seen on Jan. 7. On Jan. 14 at least 8 (represented by all 5 plumage ages) were seen between Deschenes Rapids and Kerwin Road, with up to eight seen around Shirleys Bay. And on Jan. 16, 14 were seen between Shirleys Bay and the Champlain Bridge. Feb. 3 - 2 over the Chemin Eardley-Masham (a.k.a. Ramsey Lake Road). Feb. 4 - one at Britannia Point. Feb. 6 - 2 adults were seen flying over the Eardley escarpment. Feb. 18 - 4 adults and 9 immature birds of various ages - were seen flying over and into the Gatineau Hills from the Eardley-Masham Road. Feb. 27 - 4 from the Eardley-Masham area. Mar. 11 - one from the Eardley-Masham area.
Photo taken on Feb. 19, 2006 courtesy Tony Beck. 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          On Nov. 26, 2006 one flew over Forest Park, east of Embrun, ON. An adult was seen along Berry Side Road on Jan. 7, 2007. Between Feb. 10 and 17 an adult was seen somewhere in the Eardley-Masham and Steele Line Roads areas.
In the winter of 2005-06: 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 good numbers so far this winter. On Nov. 4, 2006 there were two light phased birds flying over the corner of Brophy and Third Line Roads. On Nov. 12 sixteen were seen in the Bear Brook - French Hill areas. On Nov. 18 nine were seen along the escarpment in the area between Breckenridge and Quyon and 8 were hunting in fields in the Frank Kenny & Regimbald Roads area. On Jan. 13 fourteen were seen along back roads between Orleans and St-Isadore. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Rough-legged Hawk entry.      Return to Main Menu
Golden Eagle          On Nov. 12, 2006 a subadult Golden Eagle flew southeast relatively low over Frank Kenny Road, just south of Innes Road. On Nov. 15 one over Frank Kenny & Regimbald Roads area. On Nov. 18 a juvenile was seen east of Chemin de la Riviere, northeast of Breckenridge. On Dec. 2 an immature flew over Huntmar Drive near Richardson Side Road. A presumed late migrant adult flew south over the Ottawa River near downtown during strong northwest winds on Jan. 4. One was seen along Highway 148 near Luskville, QC, on Jan. 21. Feb. 6 - an adult was seen flying over the Eardley escarpment. Between Feb. 10 and 17 both an adult and an immature were seen in the Eardley-Masham and Steele Line Roads areas. An adult flew north towards Gatineau over the intersection of Booth Street and Carling Avenue near Dow's Lake on Mar. 13. An immature Golden Eagle was seen on Mar. 21 on Lillie's Side Road, near Kinburn.
In the winter of 2005-06: 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
Gyrfalcon - near Heyworth, QC - Jan. 22, 2006 - Photo courtesy André Cloutier
Gyrfalcon          On Dec. 21, 2006 a dark phase bird was seen east of Casselman, just outside the circle, on Concession 21. It was in the bush southwest of the first 90 degree curve.
In the winter of 2005-06: 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


Peregrine Falcon          In the winter of 2006-07: One or two birds are seen infrequently, especially at their favourite haunts: the Coats Building at Tunney's Pasture, along the Ottawa River, and on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Ottawa. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Peregrine Falcon entry.      Return to Main Menu
Thayer's Gull          On Nov. 9, 2006 at the Nepean Dump an immature Thayer's was seen. On Jan. 4, 2007 there was a first winter bird with the huge gull flock coming to the river to roost for the evening off Andrew Haydon Park. A 1st winter bird was reported among the gulls above the Deschenes Rapids on Mar. 25. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Thayer's Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Iceland Gull          On Nov. 9th, two were at the Nepean Dump. On Nov. 14 there was a first winter bird at the corner of Brophy and Moodie Drive. On Dec. 2 two were at the Nepean Dump. Some were present along Moodie Drive south of Trail Road from Dec. 4 to 7. On Dec. 27, between Britannia and Shirleys Bay there was still lots of gull activity including 3 Iceland. On Jan. 4, 2007 there were 11 with the huge gull flock coming to the river to roost for the evening off Andrew Haydon Park. One was seen on Jan. 21 at Britannia Point. On Feb. 3, near the Champlain Bridge, there were 2 along with 1 adult Lesser Black-backed, 11 Glaucous, 175+ Great Black-backed and 250+ Herring Gulls. Also on Feb. 3 there was 1 on the Rideau River near the 417 overpass with 4 Glaucous Gulls. On Apr. 1, 2 were seen between the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and the Deschênes Rapids. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Iceland Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Lesser Black-backed Gull          On Nov. 4 an adult was seen at the Brophy/Bankfield Road junction with Moodie Drive. On Nov. 9th at the Nepean Dump there were 3 adults and along Brophy Road, near Moodie Drive, there were seven feeding in a field with 200+ Herring Gulls. On Nov. 14 there were 5 (4 winter adults and 1 first winter) at the corner of Brophy and Moodie Drive. On Dec. 2 one was at the Nepean Dump. On Jan. 4, 2007 there were 2 adults with the huge gull flock coming to the river to roost for the evening off Andrew Haydon Park. On Feb. 3, near the Champlain Bridge, there was 1 adult along with 11 Glaucous, 2 Iceland, 175+ Great Black-backed and 250+ Herring Gulls. Three were in a field along Barnsdale Road, between Moodie Drive and Twin Elm Road, on Mar. 25. An adult was on the ice of the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds on Apr. 1. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lesser Black-backed Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Glaucous Gull          On Nov. 5, 2006 one was on the Ottawa River at Crystal Bay. On Nov. 9th, one was at the Nepean Dump. On Dec. 2 three were at the Nepean Dump. Some were present along Moodie Drive south of Trail Road from Dec. 4 to 7. On Dec. 27, between Britannia and Shirleys Bay there was still lots of gull activity including 11 Glaucous. On Jan. 4, 2007 there were 27 with the huge gull flock coming to the river to roost for the evening off Andrew Haydon Park. One was seen on Jan. 28 with several Great Black-backed Gulls on the Rideau River between the Tennis Club and Highway 417. On Feb. 3, near the Champlain Bridge, there were 11 along with 1 adult Lesser Black-backed, 2 Iceland, 175+ Great Black-backed and 250+ Herring Gulls. Also on Feb. 3 there were 4 on the Rideau River near the 417 overpass with 1 Iceland Gull. On Feb. 25, 2 adults were resting on the ice on the Rideau River south of the Tennis Club with c. 15 Herring and 150 Great Black-backed Gulls. On Apr. 1, 8 were seen between the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and the Deschênes Rapids. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Glaucous Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu
Eastern Screech-Owl          There were 4 Eastern Screech-Owls found on the Ottawa CBC on Dec. 17, 2006. The are resident here in small numbers.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          In the area north of Richmond, the first report was of an adult on Dec. 4, 2006 on Rushmore Road just east of Eagleson Road. On Dec. 27, towards dusk, 2 were seen along Eagleson Road between Fallowfield and Richmond Roads. Both owls were actively hunting over the open fields. One was seen the first week of December on Anderson Road, between Ridge and Dolman Ridge Roads. In the area east of Orleans, on Dec. 24 there was one at Regimbald Road off Frank Kenny Road; and one at Frank Kenny near Innes Road. On Jan. 13 one was seen along Frank Kenny Road just south of French Hill Road. On Jan. 28 there was one SW of French Hill and O'Toole Roads. Two birds seem regular on French Hill Road, between Frank Kenny and O'Toole Roads. On Mar. 28 one was still along Frank Kenny Road just south of French Hill Road and later it or another was seen along Wall Road between Trim and Frank Kenny Roads. On Mar. 29, 3 were seen along Wall Road between Trim and Frank Kenny Roads; on Mar. 31 two were still present. Elsewhere, there was one on the ice of the Ottawa River off Innis Point on Jan. 19.
Just outside the circle, on Nov 15, 2006, a bird was seen on a willow on County Road 3, east of Ste-Rose-de-Prescott, ON, ENE of Casselman. On Dec. 2 an immature bird was found northeast of St-Isidore on the Rejean Levac Sideroad. On Dec. 15 two more were found, a very dark immature east of the Alfred Bog at 690 Concession 10; and an adult male in a field a few kilometers northeast of St-Isidore on Caledonia Road. On Dec. 19, one was seen on Montée Giroux near the Alfred Bog; and a female was perched on the Chimo Hotel billboard sign near St. Isadore, ON. On Dec. 20, one was in the ploughed field near house 2493 on Concession 19, between Ste-Rose and Desnoyers Roads. On Jan. 11, 2007 four birds were found in this area, two dark individuals, one on Concession 19 and the other on Concession 20, and 2 pure white males on Concession 21. On Jan. 13, 6 birds were found in this general area. 2 males and 2 darker birds were loosely together near the 90 degree turn where St Rose Road meets Concession 21; 2 other darker owls were observed along Concession 19 - one near the corner with Desnoyers Road, the other just east of St Rose Road. 4 Snowys were in the Ste-Rose/Casselman area on Jan. 28. One bird still present to at least Feb. 18. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Snowy Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Northern Hawk-Owl          One found Dec. 31, 2006 has remained until at least Mar. 11, 2007 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.
In the winter of 2005-06: 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 to at least 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          On Feb. 2, 2007 the Ottawa area got its first Great Grey Owl this winter. It was seen along the Galetta Side Road, near Fitzroy Harbour, ON. On Feb. 6 one was found along March Valley Road, another "regular" site for this species. Farther afield in the 2006-07 winter, there are the usual reports from Algonquin Provincial Park where a few of these birds are resident.
This species often does not arrive in our area until early January, and with this winter being so mild they seem to be even later. Check the best spots from the last two years on the Birding Ottawa  2006 RBA and 2005 RBA. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Great Gray Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Long-eared Owl          In the winter of 2006-07: Large number of Long-eared Owls have been seen in the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island this winter. A maximum of 32 was reported on Jan. 27, 2007. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Long-eared Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu
Short-eared Owl          On Nov. 2, 2006 up to 3 birds were reported as having been seen on several recent mornings in a field on the west side of Montee Paiement, north of Hwy 50, just beyond Chemin des Terres. On Feb. 15, 2007 one was seen hunting at dusk in a field along Woodkilton Road, west of Vances Side Road, near Dunrobin. Two to three were seen from Feb. 17 to at least Mar. 8 along Chemin de la Rivière in the fields from about 500 m from Highway 148 all along the road to the creek near the second old railway crossing. Farther afield, a flock of 6 seen on Amherst Island on Jan. 27, 2007.
In the winter of 2005-06: 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 2005-06: 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          In the winter of 2006-07: On Feb. 25 and 26, 2007 Saw-whet's were heard along Munster Road at both Kettles and Soldier's Line Roads. On Mar. 11, 2007 one was seen on the middle loop trail of the Jack Pine Trail. Seen with some regularity in the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island, but in small numbers. 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          In the winter of 2006-07, it appears that the Constance Bay birds have migrated. In the winter of 2005-06: 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 - Bell's Corners, ON - Jan. 18, 2007 - Photo courtesy Derek Hasler
Red-bellied Woodpecker          A female has been coming to a suet feeder in the backyards at 47 Evergreen Drive and 11 Cherrywood Drive, (adjacent and directly to the south of the former location), Bell's Corners, ON since mid-December and continues to be a regular visitor as of Jan. 20, 2007. At the former location, 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.
Photo taken Jan. 18, 2007 is courtesy Derek Hasler. On Mar. 11 and 13, a male was found on the trail west of parking lot P in the Nortel Campus, at Carling and Moodie. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Red-bellied Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu
American Three-toed Woodpecker         Looks like a good year for these birds, if they don't go much farther south, as some have already. A male Three-toed Woodpecker was seen on the trail opposite 881 Kerwin (River) Road from Nov. 4 through Nov. 25, 2006, Jan. 24, Feb. 14, Mar. 8 and 25, 2007. A female was seen on the trail on Nov. 24 and 25, and on Jan. 21 and Feb. 26. On Dec. 28, along Kerwin Road between houses 800 and 900 there were 2 females quietly tapping on spruce trees. A bird of this species was also seen on Dec. 3 and 10. On Nov. 8, a male was seen along Vance's Side Road near the old "Dunrobin dump site". A female was also found on Jan. 21 in Aylmer, QC off Pink Road west of the former Moore’s feeders at civic number 664. There was an extensive fire in this area two years ago and the burned area is north of this address. You may wish to use snowshoes but it is not a prerequisite at this time. The burned area is approximately 1 km north of Pink Road. On Feb. 3, at the west end of Rue Lamoureux, in the community of Deschenes (Aylmer), QC. On Feb. 25 (and 27 ?), a female was found in a coniferous wooded area near a cattle farm at 3550 6th Concession, north of Quyon. Farther afield, one was at Amherst Island on their Dec. 29th CBC. And, of course, it can be found in Algonquin Provincial Park.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Three-toed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu
Black-backed Woodpecker          Looks like a good year for these birds, if they don't go much farther south, as some have already. On Nov. 4, 2006 one was seen on the middle loop trail of the Jack Pine Trail. On Nov. 5 a female was found in a spruce plantation on the east of a small trail (about a minute's walk in) on the south side of County Road 8, not far east of Tamarack Road. Also on Nov. 5, two were seen on the trail opposite 881 Kerwin (River) Road, and one at the trailhead on Nov. 6 and again Nov. 8, 12 and 13. A female was seen 100 metres past the bend in the trail on Nov. 18 and 23. A male was found here on Dec. 16 and Dec. 28. One was seen again along the Kerwin Road trail on Jan. 8. On Feb. 12 a male was seen along the trail, while a female was seen on Mar. 19. In the Pinhey Forest Reserve, off Slack Road between Merivale Road and Woodroffe Avenue, on both Nov. 5 and 6, 2 were seen. A female was at the intersection of Chemin Neely and Chemin de Fieldville, about 8 km west of Brennan, QC on Jan. 7. Another bird was found at 146 Monty Drive in Constance Bay on Jan. 4. On Jan. 14, at the marsh near the corner of Riddell Road and 6th Line a Black-backed Woodpecker was mobbing a Northern Shrike. One was discovered in Gatineau Park along a ski trail off the Fortune Parkway on Jan. 18. On Feb. 3 there was one in the forest at the end of Haspect Street in the town of Buckingham, QC. On Feb. 20, in the Larose Forest there was a male along Clarence-Cambridge Road c. 100 m west of Gagnon Road. On the Eardley-Masham Road on Feb. 26, a female was discovered near the top of the hill along the road into Gatineau Park. One was found along the O'Brien Beach ski trail in Gatineau on Mar. 7.
Farther afield, it can be found in Algonquin Provincial Park.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Black-backed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu


Northern Shrike - Chemins des Peres Dominicains & Sablonniere, south of Luskville, QC - Dec. 10, 2005
Northern Shrike          Single birds have been seen along Carp Road at Craig Side Road and near Merrickville on Oct. 30, 2006; on Dolman Ridge Road on Nov. 9; at the corner of Rifle Road and Carling Avenue on Nov. 15; east of the corner of Highway 148 and Lac des Loups Road on Nov. 18; at the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds on Dec. 3. On Jan. 14, at the marsh near the corner of Riddell Road and 6th Line a Black-backed Woodpecker was mobbing a Northern Shrike. One was seen along Chemin McDonald, west of Brennan's Hill, QC on Jan. 19. On Feb. 6 one was seen near the Pinto Valley Ranch in the Dunrobin area. Also seen at Steele Line & Lac de Loups Roads in Quebec, and along March Valley Road in Kanata on Feb. 11. Also reported from the Hull area on Mar. 9 and the Jack Pine Trail on Mar. 11. One seen along Chemin de la Rivière on Mar. 11.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Shrike entry.       Return to Main Menu
Gray Jay          In the winter of 2006-07: Algonquin Provincial Park continues to be THE spot to see these birds. Try the Spruce Bog Trail, Opeongo Road, Arowhon Road and the old railroad bed to Wolf Howl Pond. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gray Jay entry.      Return to Main Menu
Boreal Chickadee          In the winter of 2006-07: Farther afield, it can be found in Algonquin Provincial Park. Seven found Nov. 7, 2006. Try the Spruce Bog Trail, Opeongo Road, Arowhon Road and the old railroad bed to Wolf Howl Pond. In the winter of 2005-06: 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Boreal Chickadee entry.      Return to Main Menu
Tufted Titmouse          In the winter of 2005-06: 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          On Dec. 3 one visited a feeder on private property in the City View neighbourhood between Baseline and Merivale Roads. It returned to the backyard feeder on Cote-des-Neiges on Dec. 30, after, in typically Carolina Wren-like fashion, not being seen for nearly a month. One was seen gleaning insects in a backyard shed near Britannia Bay on Dec. 9 and 10, returned to a property on Burland Street on Dec. 31 and has sporadically visited a feeder there to at least Feb. 18. One was seen in Forest Park, Embrun, on Dec. 10 and again Feb. 3. One was seen in McKellar Park Dec. 12 and again on Dec. 21. On Jan. 14 one was seen at the suet feeder at 33 Rue de St-Malo, Aylmer, QC. It was seen about 3-4 weeks earlier as well. One was seen by the bridge along the recreational pathway west the Deschênes Rapids at the end of Vanier Street in the village of Deschenes, QC on Feb. 5 and 6. One showed up again briefly at a suet feeder on Sherbourne Road in the Carlingwood area on Mar. 6. 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 Townsends Solitaire was seen at Little Bluff Conservation Area, near Prince Edward Point, ON on Nov. 5, 2006. It or another of this species was seen nearby on Feb. 27, 2007 along County Road 13. In the winter of 2005-06: One came 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          In the winter of 2005-06: 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          Two Northern Mockingbirds were found in the Blossom Park neighbourhood on Dec. 17, 2006. One was still present at the southwest end of Autumnwood Street, off Mory Street, on Dec. 29, and was not visiting a feeder, but rather a coniferous shrub decorated with blue Christmas lights. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Mockingbird entry.      Return to Main Menu
Brown Thrasher          One has been making brief and sporadic appearances in a backyard on Bramblegrove Crescent, north of Hunt Club Road, and west of Conroy Road, from c. Dec. 1, 2006 to at least Jan. 21, 2007. 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 flock of 17 were found in the town of Russell on Dec. 17, 2006. Two were seen at Remic Rapids Feb. 1, 2007 feeding in the buckthorn.
In the winter of 2005-06: 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



Eastern Towhee          In the winter of 2005-06: 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          In the winter of 2005-06: 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          In the winter of 2006-07: No local reports this winter or last. But a Harris's Sparrow is coming irregularly to a feeder in Prince Edward County at 2800 County Road 1 from mid-February until at least Apr. 12, 2007. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Harris' Sparrow entry.      Return to Main Menu
Lapland Longspur          On Oct. 26, 2006, east of Eagleson Road, between Shea and Akins Roads, 14 were seen. In a harvested field east of the corner of Eagleson and Akins (south of Fallowfield), a flock of about 400 Horned Larks included small numbers of Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspurs. On Nov. 9, along Barnsdale and Twin Elm Roads, 200+ Horned Lark, 100+ Snow Bunting and 40+ Lapland Longspur were seen. On Nov. 12 a flock of about 20 was observed over Frank Kenny Road between McFadden and Huismans Roads (south of Navan). They formed a separate flock, but occasionally came within proximity of a group of about 300 Snow Buntings. On Dec. 3, in a field in front of the Embrun sewage lagoons, one was with a flock of some 40 Horned Larks. Two were among several Horned Larks and Snow Buntings in the fields along Regimbald Road between Frank Kenny and O'Toole Roads on Jan. 27. Near Ramseyville and Mitch Owens Roads on Feb. 10, in a flock of 250 birds, mostly Snow Buntings with smaller numbers of Horned Larks, there were several Lapland Longspurs. Also on Feb. 10, a single bird was seen among a flock of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings in a field along Garvin Road, west of Shea Road. On Feb. 22 one was with a flock of 50-60 Snow Buntings at the feeders on a farm on Milton Road, between Perrault and Smith Roads. Four birds were seen among small numbers of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings on Brownlee Road, off Eagleson Road, on Mar. 8. A single male was seen with a small number of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings along Brownlee Road on Mar. 10. Just outside the circle, c. 100 were in the Ste-Rose/Casselman area on Jan. 28 and on Feb. 18 there were 238 in this area along with 71 Horned Larks and 562 Snow Buntings. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lapland Longspur entry.      Return to Main Menu
Pine Grosbeak          The first seasonal report of a Pine Grosbeak came from the Shirleys Bay boat launch on Nov. 2, 2006.
In the winter of 2005-06, this species could be found 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 October 25, 2006 "a flock" was noted flying over Rockcliffe Park. On October 30, c. 20 were found at the Britannia Conservaton Area. On November 1, c. 15 were at the Jack Pine Trail in the Stoney Swamp. On Nov. 2, a flock of 12 were seen perched briefly then flying north towards the Ottawa River from the Ottawa River Parkway near Woodroffe Avenue. On Nov. 3, 5 seen briefly, visiting the feeder in a backyard in Russell, east of Ottawa. Nov. 6 - 6 on the trail off Kerwin (River) Road, opposite 881 Kerwin; and one on Nov. 25. A single Red Crossbill was found in the Ottawa Centre sector on the Ottawa CBC on Dec. 17. A couple were reported from the Kerwin Road area on Jan. 7, and 7 were seen in the Brennan's Hill area near the Northern Hawk Owl location. A couple were seen at Chemin Neely west of Brennan's Hill on Jan. 28 and 6 there Mar. 3. Feb. 6 through to at least Mar. 24 - several groups were seen along the Eardley-Masham Road in Gatineau Park. On Feb. 18 the Lac Lablanche area north of Mayo was very productive for winter finches, with good numbers of Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin coming to the road, often in mixed flocks. Farther afield, small numbers are being seen in Algonquin Provincial Park.
         Some advice from Chris Lewis and Bob Bracken: "Keep your eyes to the skies and ears open for their distinctive call notes. At least 2 of the subspecies of Loxia curvirostra occur in the Ottawa area, L.c. minor being by far the most frequent (when they do occur here), the other most likely representing the more western subspecies L. c. sitkensis. The former's call notes are a series of dry "kips", the latter's call sounds more like "jeet". The very small-billed sitkensis prefers Hemlock, whereas minor prefers White Pine but may also feed on White Spruce cones which are abundantly available this year!" The small-billed type also feeds on Tamarack cones. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Red Crossbill entry.      Return to Main Menu
White-winged Crossbill          In the winter of 2006-07: Nov. 12 - 12 were seen on the trail off Kerwin (River) Road, opposite 881 Kerwin; 14 were seen here Nov. 15 and a small flock on Nov. 25. On Dec. 9 there were 25 along the trail; 2 on Dec. 10; a small flock on Dec. 16; one on Dec. 28; and several on Jan. 24. In late January here, several males are actively displaying, occasionally doing aerial flights while singing. This is an excellent opportunity to see them, and likely means they will start breeding soon. On Dec. 9 there were 10 along Nine Mile Road (check tops of spruces) in Larose Forest. Small flocks continue to be seen around the Ottawa area through December and January. Feb. 6 and 17 - many were seen along the Eardley-Masham Road in Gatineau Park. On Feb. 18 the Lac Lablanche area north of Mayo was very productive for winter finches, with good numbers of White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin coming to the road, often in mixed flocks. On Feb. 25 small numbers of White-winged Crossbill, Purple Finch and several Pine Siskin were seen along the Clarence-Cambridge Road. Farther afield, small numbers are being seen in Algonquin Provincial Park. Link to Where and When to See Guide's White-winged Crossbill entry.      Return to Main Menu
Common Redpoll          Nine of this species were found on the Ottawa CBC on the Quebec side of the river on Dec. 17, 2006. In the winter of 2005-06: 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          In the winter of 2005-06: 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          Two Evening Grosbeaks were at a feeder on St. Felix Road on the north edge of the Larose Forest on Jan. 27, one on Feb. 3, and 20 on Feb. 25. Farther afield, small numbers are being seen in Algonquin Provincial Park. 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.





Check the current Birding Ottawa Winter Specialty Status page.
Review Birding Ottawa Past Years' Winter Specialty Status Pages.
See the current Birding Ottawa  Ottawa Winter List.
See the Birding Ottawa  2006-07 Ottawa Winter List.
See the Birding Ottawa  Past Ottawa Winter Lists.
Check the Birding Ottawa  Current Year's RBA or review Past Years' RBAs.
Check the current Winter Finch Forecast courtesy Ron Pittaway.
Review the Birding Ottawa Past Years' Pittaway's Winter Finch Forecasts pages.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Where and When to See Guide.
Return to Birding Ottawa  Table of Contents.


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