NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Winter Birding

King Eider          No local reports from several years. Farther afield, one from before Feb. 22 to at least Mar. 4 at Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC seen from Rue St-Jean-Baptiste.
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 an immature male seen on the Kingston CBC on Dec. 18, 2005 off Wolfe Island. Link to Where and When to See Guide's King Eider entry.      Return to Main Menu

Harlequin Duck          From Dec. 14, 2007 to at least Jan. 18, 2008, a female Harlequin Duck was seen near the Champlain Bridge, Gatineau, QC. It was just on the east side of the bridge about 40 metres out from shore. On Jan. 5, 2008 it was seen close to the Ontario side at Remic Rapids. From Jan. 16 to Mar. 7 it has been seen from Bate Island. A second female, was seen from Dec. 9 to at least Jan. 6, 2008 at the Deschênes Rapids - QC. Farther afield, on Oct. 27, 2007, an adult male Harlequin Duck was seen at Ile Morrison (Morrison Island) on the Ottawa River near Pembroke. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Harlequin Duck entry.      Return to Main Menu

Barrow's Goldeneye          On Oct. 31, 2007 a male Barrow's Goldeneye was present at Remic Rapids and was been at least to the end of Jan. 2008, and again on Apr. 2. Check the Ottawa River from Bate Island and Lemieux Island, as well as above and below the Deschênes Rapids - QC - Barrow's can be found at and of these spots along the Ottawa River. On Dec. 31 to at least Feb. 13, at the north end of the Champlain Bridge a female was seen. From Nov. 3 or 4 to at least Mar. 2 a male was on the Rideau River off Riverain Park. It is often seen as far south as the Hurdman Bridge. On Dec. 15 a male hybrid Barrow's x Common Goldeneye and a female Barrow's were seen just to the east of the Champlain Bridge where the Harlequin Duck hangs out. The hybrid was present until at least Jan. 5. This maybe the same individual that has wintered along the Rideau/Ottawa River the past few years.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Barrow's Goldeneye entry.      Return to Main Menu

Gray Partridge          Reports of this rapidly disappearing resident indicate that it can still be found in a few areas around Ottawa. On Oct. 8, 2007, a covey of 4 was seen along Barnsdale Road, near Twin Elm Road. On Oct. 11 approximately 15 were in a field along Giroux Road, east of Frank Kenny Road. Five were feeding under a spruce tree at 300 Maple Grove Road off Terry Fox Drive in Kanata on Dec. 2. On Dec. 4 nine birds were feeding under a spruce tree next to the parking lot of the Home Depot off Highway 417 near Terry Fox Drive in Kanata. On Dec. 20 a small covey was seen along Giroux Road, east of the quarry. In late December two were in a field with a manure spread between Akins and Brownlee Roads, along with small numbers of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings and 2 Lapland Longspurs. On Jan. 12, 2008 there were 8 in the Breckenridge, QC area. A covey of up to 12 was seen from Feb. 20 to at least Mar. 23 in the parking lots and around the bases of the spruce trees of the Bell Sensplex arena and the Ottawa Hydro building along Maple Grove Road in Kanata. On Apr. 6, at Rushmore and Eagleson Roads, a pair was seen. Just outside the circle, on Mar. 11 three coveys (30 birds) were seen in the Alfred area.
Photo of a covey found along Barnsdale Road, near Moodie Drive, on Feb. 27, 2006 courtesy Tony Beck. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gray Partridge entry.      Return to Main Menu

Bald Eagle          On Nov. 17, 2007, 7 Bald Eagles were riding the thermals over the Gatineau Hills along Hwy 148 east of Eardley along with 2 juvenile Golden Eagles. Some normally winter in this location. On Dec. 1 four were seen at Shirleys Bay boat landing. This species is being seen regularly along the Gatineau escarpment and the ice edge of the Ottawa River, usually singles, but sometimes 2, 3 or 4 together. Two adults were feeding on a carcass on the ice of the Ottawa River east of the Rockcliffe Airport the week ending Dec. 23. On Dec. 25 one was seen in flight from March Valley Road. Two juveniles were in the Eardley-Masham area of Gatineau Park on Dec. 22. On Jan. 12, 2008 there were at least 4 Bald Eagles and an adult Golden Eagle along the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road, north of Ramsay Lake, QC. On Jan. 19 at least 10 were seen near Eardley and the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road below the escarpment. Most were observed around a carcass in a field north of Highway 148, approximately 3 km east of the corner of Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road and Highway 148. On Feb. 24 there were 6 along the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road. On Feb. 27 there were two pairs soaring and circling at the west end of March Valley Road near Riddell Road. Six (mostly adults) and an adult Golden Eagle were seen flying over the Eardley escarpment in the Gatineau Hills on March 2. Two adults were at the Deschênes Rapids on Mar. 20.
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          One seen Dec. 8, 2007 on Rue des Canotiers, Aylmer, QC. One reportedly having a favourite perch, particularly in the evening, in the conifers at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and Deer Park Road in Fisher Heights. On Jan. 6, 2008, a juvenile was seen at the Rideau River south of the Tennis Club. On Jan. 12, 2008 there was an adult along the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road, north of Ramsay Lake, QC. One was seen along the Thomas Dolan Parkway on Jan. 19. On Jan. 23 one posed halfway along Rifle Road. On the Rideau River north of the Hurdman bridge on Jan. 27, an immature Northern Goshawk may have been the same bird that was reported back on Jan. 6. Search for this resident in the usual spots (see Where and When to See Guide's Northern Goshawk entry).
In the winter of 2006-07: 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.
One traditional spot is 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 this winter, as they were last winter. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Rough-legged Hawk entry.      Return to Main Menu

Golden Eagle          There have been a number of migrants reported in the Ottawa area during their usual mid-October through mid-November flight. Some will likely winter here. On Nov. 17, 2007, 2 juveniles were riding the thermals over the Gatineau Hills along Hwy 148 east of Eardley along with 7 Bald Eagles. On Dec. 4 an immature bird was seen soaring over Huntmar Road, just south of Old Carp Road, circling south west. On Jan. 12, 2008 there was an adult Golden Eagle and at least 4 Bald Eagles along the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road, north of Ramsay Lake, QC. On Feb. 24 there was 1 along the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road. An adult Golden and 6 Bald (mostly adults) were seen flying over the Eardley escarpment in the Gatineau Hills on March 2. An adult was seen in the Gatineau hills at the Eardley-Masham and Bradley Roads on Mar. 16. An immature was spotted at Eardley-Masham and Bradley Roads along the Eardley escarpment on Apr. 13.
Farther afield, near Mont Laurier, on Feb. 17, 2008 there were 3 (2 adults, 1 immature) and 6 Bald Eagles near Lac Pierre, Chute-St-Philippe, QC. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Golden Eagle entry.      Return to Main Menu

Gyrfalcon          On Mar. 24 a grey phase bird was seen at Deschênes QC. On Mar. 12 a dark juvenile was seen at the Trail Road Landfill (Trail Road at Moodie Drive). The bird went after the gulls and crows at the landfill, then perched on the snow. On Mar. 3 a gray phase bird was seen flying north over the Ottawa River Parkway east of Woodroffe Avenue. There is also a report from the 5th Line Rd, Kanata of a light bird, that flew across the road in a wooded area about halfway between Thomas Dolan Parkway and the Berry Side Road on Mar. 7. On Mar. 1, 2008 a dark phase Gyrfalcon was seen along the Rideau Canal at Queen Elizabeth Driveway and 1st Avenue. It was seen perched in a tree opposite #300 The Driveway and then flew east. It is likely the same bird that was discovered on Feb. 25 that was seen at the Deschênes Rapids, ON & QC.
Farther afield, a gray phase bird was seen over downtown Peterborough on Dec. 7, 2007. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gyrfalcon entry.      Return to Main Menu

Peregrine Falcon          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. 28, 2007, east of Britannia Point, one was standing and walking in shallow water between the exposed shoal and the Ottawa River Parkway. On Dec. 25 an adult was seen at Remic Rapids. On Jan. 5, 2008 gulls on the Rideau River north of the Hurdman bridge included an adult Thayer's, along a few Iceland and several Glaucous Gulls. On Jan. 24 the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and Nepean Dump hosted at least 3700 gulls, including 1 adult Thayer's, 75 Glaucous, 1 adult Lesser Black-backed and 45 Iceland Gulls. On Feb. 29 at the Trail Road Landfill there was a 1st-winter bird, among a small number of gulls (predominantly Herring, with a few Great Black-backed), with at least 7 Iceland and 3 Glaucous Gulls of various ages. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Thayer's Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu

Iceland Gull          The first seasonal reports of Iceland Gull came in on Nov. 8, 2007 from both the Ottawa River and the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds. Nov. 11 - one on the west side of Lac La Peche in Gatineau Park. Nov. 15 - 7 at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds. On Dec. 5 the evening gull roost on the Ottawa River below the Deschênes Rapids, viewed from the Dechênes Rapids Lookout, included 9 Iceland Gulls, as well as 17 Glaucous and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. At another roost off the Remic Rapids Lookout on Dec. 7 and 8 and off the Kitchissippi Lookout on Dec. 9, there were also Iceland and Glaucous Gulls. Some still present to Dec. 28. On Jan. 2, 2008 there were seven at the Nepean Dump, along with an adult Lesser Black-backed, 20+ Glaucous, 250+ Great Black-backed and 600+ Herring Gulls. There is no access to the landfill site, but you can view the gulls from Trail Road just south of the landfill site entrance. On Jan. 5, 2008 gulls on the Rideau River north of the Hurdman bridge included a few Iceland, along with several Glaucous and an adult Thayer's Gull. On Jan. 12 the Nepean Dump had 1,000+ gulls including 22 Iceland, 30+ Glaucous and 450+ Great Black-backed Gulls. On Jan. 20 the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds continued to host at least 1000 gulls, including 5 Iceland, 1 Lesser Black-backed and 30 Glaucous Gulls. On Jan. 24 the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and Nepean Dump hosted at least 3700 gulls, including 45 Iceland, 1 adult Lesser Black-backed, 1 adult Thayer's and 75 Glaucous Gulls. One was seen on Feb. 26 at the Dechênes Rapids on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River with 2 Glaucous Gulls. On Feb. 29 at the Trail Road Landfill, among a small number of gulls (predominantly Herring, with a few Great Black-backed), there were at least 7 Iceland and 3 Glaucous Gulls of various ages, and a 1st-winter Thayer's Gull. An Iceland and 6 Glaucous Gulls were seen at the Dechênes and Remic Rapids of the Ottawa River on Mar. 20. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Iceland Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu

Lesser Black-backed Gull          This species has been more common than ever here in the Ottawa area this fall, with a high count of 27 on Oct. 2, 2007. This means a better chance of late lingerers. On Nov. 15 there were still 7 at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds. On Dec. 5 the evening gull roost on the Ottawa River below the Deschênes Rapids, viewed from the Dechênes Rapids Lookout, included an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, as well as 17 Glaucous and 9 Iceland Gulls. An adult was seen off Bate Island on Dec. 28. An adult was at the Nepean Dump on Jan. 2, 2008. On Jan. 20 the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds continued to host at least 1000 gulls, including a Lesser Black-backed, 5 Iceland and 30 Glaucous Gulls. On Jan. 24 the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and Nepean Dump hosted at least 3700 gulls, including 1 adult Lesser Black-backed, 1 adult Thayer's, 75 Glaucous and 45 Iceland Gulls. An adult was seen at Remic Rapids on Feb. 24. An adult was seen at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds on Mar. 28. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lesser Black-backed Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu

Glaucous Gull          On Nov. 15, 2007 there were 2 at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds. On Dec. 5 the evening gull roost on the Ottawa River below the Deschênes Rapids, viewed from the Dechênes Rapids Lookout, included 17 Glaucous Gulls, as well as 9 Iceland and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. At another roost off the Remic Rapids Lookout on Dec. 7 and 8 and off the Kitchissippi Lookout on Dec. 9, there were also Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. Some still present to Dec. 28. On Jan. 2, 2008 there were 20+ at the Nepean Dump, along with an adult Lesser Black-backed, 7 Iceland, 250+ Great Black-backed and 600+ Herring Gulls. There is no access to the landfill site, but you can view the gulls from Trail Road just south of the landfill site entrance. On Jan. 5, 2008 gulls on the Rideau River north of the Hurdman bridge included several Glaucous, along with a few Iceland and an adult Thayer's Gull. On Jan. 12 the Nepean Dump had 1,000+ gulls including 30+ Glaucous, 22 Iceland and 450+ Great Black-backed Gulls. On Jan. 20 the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds continued to host at least 1000 gulls, including 30 Glaucous, 1 Lesser Black-backed and 5 Iceland Gulls. On Jan. 24 the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and Nepean Dump hosted at least 3700 gulls, including 75 Glaucous, 1 adult Lesser Black-backed, 1 adult Thayer's and 45 Iceland Gulls. Two were seen on Feb. 26 at the Dechênes Rapids on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River with an Iceland Gull. On Feb. 29 at the Trail Road Landfill, among a small number of gulls (predominantly Herring, with a few Great Black-backed), there were at least 7 Iceland and 3 Glaucous Gulls of various ages, and a 1st-winter Thayer's Gull. An Iceland and 6 Glaucous Gulls were seen at the Dechênes and Remic Rapids of the Ottawa River on Mar. 20. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Glaucous Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu

Eastern Screech-Owl          One was found on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC (QC side) on Dec. 22. Few reports filed yet this winter, but this is a resident, so search in the usual spots (see Where and When to See Guide's Eastern Screech-Owl entry). Link to Where and When to See Guide's Eastern Screech-Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Snowy Owl          On Jan. 15, 2008 one was seen on the ice above the Deschênes Rapids - QC. From Jan. 23 to 26 one was seen at the junction of trails 5 and 29 in Gatineau Park. One was seen flying over Embrun on Feb. 6. One was seen Feb. 17 along trail 36 in Gatineau Park (perhaps the same individual as before), between MacDonald Bay, Meech Lake and trail 50.
Just outside the checklist circle, on Dec. 6, 2007 a dark bird was seen at the intersection of Concession 20 and Ste-Rose Road. Three Snowy Owls were seen in the vicinity of St-Isidore and the village of St-Rose on Dec. 15, two along Concession 19. Travel a loop searching for owls by following Concession 20 to St-Isidore Road (Route 9), then turn left and go as far as Concession 19, then turn left (east) onto Concession 19 and take it as far as Desnoyer Road. On Dec. 30 there was a black-flecked bird sitting in full view on top of a tin shed on the south side of Concession Road 19. At least 3 were still present on Feb. 16, two on Concession 20 and one on Concession 19. To quote Jacques Bouvier, "... it has been easy to find the owls. Just cruise the roads until you come to an area where there are a dozen or more cars. At this location you will find one of the three owls gulping live mice that have just been hand released." Four birds were still east of Casselman as of Mar. 30. All these birds apparently left in the first week of April, the last sightings being April 6.
Farther afield, at least 5 are wintering on Wolfe Island, near Kingston, ON. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Snowy Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Northern Hawk-Owl          No sightings yet this winter.
In the winter of 2006-07: 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.
Farther afield, in the winter of 2006-07, outside the circle, on Oct. 28, 2005 one 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          No local sightings this winter, but one from April. On Apr. 6, 2008 one was seen along River Road, 0.5 km south of Earl Armstrong Road, Gloucester, ON. Father afield, there was a report from Algonquin Provincial Park on Dec. 3 along Highway 60 (just passing through). Several reports in February from the Montreal and Hudson areas. One on March 19, 2008 at Elginburg, ON.
In the winter of 2006-07: 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, there are usually reports from Algonquin Provincial Park where a few of these birds are resident.
This species often does not arrive in the Ottawa area until early January, and with winters being milder they seem to be even later. Check the best spots from past years on the Birding Ottawa  Former RBAs pages. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Great Gray Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Long-eared Owl          No local reports filed yet this winter.
Farther afield, the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island is a consistent spot for seeing these birds. Small numbers are been seen this year. 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          One flew over the Crestview Greenspace on Nov. 18 and was promptly seen off by American Crows. On Dec. 1, 2007 two birds were seen at Chemin de la Rivière in Breckenridge.
In the winter of 2006-07: 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 group wintering off the 2nd Concession on Amherst Island can be seen when they emerge to hunt at dusk. Also try Wolfe 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          No local reports for the last three winters.
In the winter of 2004-05: 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. Another was found Dec. 26, 2004 at 4383 Ivy Acres Road, north of Pakenham. 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. Farther afield, one was found on Nov. 22, 2004 in the Owl Woods on Amherst Island. One also seen there Dec. 20, 2004, and again on Dec. 26 and 27, 2004. Two were seen on Jan. 1, 2005. One or two, sometimes three, birds were being seen regularly to at least Apr. 5, 2005.
Farther afield, the Owl Woods on Amherst Island are your best bet. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Boreal Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Northern Saw-whet Owl          On Jan. 11, 2008, along first loop of the Jack Pine Trail in a dense spruce tree one was discovered by several chicadees and then the observer. This is a resident, so search in the usual spots (see Where and When to See Guide's Northern Saw-whet Owl entry and last winter's sightings).
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.
Farther afield, it is 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          Again this winter, as last, 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 tried again this year, as in 2004-05, to spend the winter hanging around their breeding site in Constance Bay. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Red-headed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu

Red-bellied Woodpecker          On Jan. 5, 2008 one was seen along Rue Limbour, Gatineau, QC. Another bird has been a very unpredictable and scarce visitor to the feeder of Mario Bourdon, Chemin Lavigne in Hammond, ON (east of Bourget), north of Highway 417. See photo of the Hammond bird taken Jan. 28 at Jacques Bouvier's Website.
Farther afield, one was seen Feb. 29 to at least Mar. 15, 2008 at a feeder in Williamstown, NE of Cornwall, ON. A Yellow-headed Blackbird was also at the same feeding station.
In the winter of 2006-07: A female came regularly 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 from mid-December to Jan. 20, 2007.
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         On Jan. 12, 2008 there was a female along the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road, north of Ramsay Lake, QC. On Feb. 24 a male was found in the saem spot. Farther afield a female was found on the Spruce Bog Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park on December 30, 2007.
In the winter of 2006-07: 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Three-toed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu

Black-backed Woodpecker          The first report this season was a male seen passing through Britannia on Oct. 26. A female was seen on Nov. 24, by the new ski shelter along Trail #50 near Herridge in Gatineau Park. On Jan. 11 and 13, 2008 a male was found not far from the OFNC feeder on the Jack Pine Trail. On Feb. 3, a male was found in a ravine near Breckenridge, QC. On Jan. 28 a female was found on the Low to Denholm route at the north end of the Ottawa Circle.
In the winter of 2006-07: 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          This winter, single birds have been seen at various places in the Ottawa checklist area. Early season reports often represent migrants, so only birds that appear to have set up winter hunting territories will be listed, when known. Singles were seen along Diamondview Road on Dec. 9, 2007; Boulevard Saint-René in Gatineau (opposite Rona) on Dec. 13, the Crestview Greenspace on Jan. 13, 2008; along Moodie Drive south of the Nortel complex on Feb. 8; on Feb. 13 two were found between Richardson Sideroad and the Old Carp Road, along Huntmar Road. One was singing along the March Valley Road on Mar. 23 and one at Britannia on Mar. 28. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Shrike entry.       Return to Main Menu

Gray Jay          No local reports so far this winter. However, not far outside the circle to the NE at Lac Raymond, south of Ripon, one was seen Dec. 1, 2007. 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. Even farther afield, one was seen near Mont Laurier, on Feb. 17, 2008, near Lac Pierre, Chute-St-Philippe, QC. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Gray Jay entry.      Return to Main Menu

Boreal Chickadee          No local reports so far this winter. Farther afield, it can be found in Algonquin Provincial Park. 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 Boreal Chickadee entry.      Return to Main Menu

Tufted Titmouse          One is coming to feeders at 103 Manitou Street, Forest Park, ON, east of Embrun, from Dec. 22, 2007 to at least Feb. 29, 2008. One was heard and seen on Feb. 23 at 146 Monty Street in Constance Bay. This after no local reports for the last several winters. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Tufted Titmouse entry.      Return to Main Menu

Carolina Wren          In October, and again in Novemeber, one was seen and heard at the north end of Scrivens Avenue, where one was seen last winter. One was seen in the Graham Park/Qualcomm neighbourhood on Dec. 19, still to be seen by the patient or persistent to at least Jan. 12, 2008. One was heard on Mar. 29 in Rothwell Heights. One was in the Beacon Hill neighbourhood on Apr. 4 and one near the Britannia filtration plant Apr. 5. These very uncommon residents are often hard to find, but a check of areas they were seen last winter might help.
In the winter of 2006-07: On Dec. 3 one visited a feeder on private property in the City View neighbourhood between Baseline and Merivale Roads. 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          On Dec. 21, 2007, one was seen and photographed at Steve MacLean/Long Park on the corner of Meadowlands and Deer Park in the Fisher Heights area, Ottawa, ON. Seen thereafter at 7 Millbrook Crescent, 0.4 km north on Deer Park on Dec. 28. Still present Mar. 15, 2008.
Farther afield, one was found on Feb. 16, 2008 near the corner of County Road 24 (Point Petre Road) and Simpson Road, in Prince Edward County.
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. Photo of this bird on Feb. 19, 2006 courtesy Rubby Neville. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Townsend's Solitaire entry.      Return to Main Menu

Varied Thrush          No local reports for the last three winters.
In the winter of 2005-06: The closest reports were 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          From Nov. 12, 2007 to at least Jan. 13, 2008, one has been seen in and around the backyards of Nestow Avenue and in the greenspace itself. This street is located immediately south of the railway line that, in turn, is south of the Crestview Greenspace, a large field area bordered by Merivale, Woodroffe and the residential streets south of Viewmount. Viewmount is just south of Meadowlands. On Jan. 10, 2008 another wintering site was located in the general area of the transitway, near the corner of Carleton and Premier Avenues, especially along the east end of Premier, just west of Tunney's Pasture.
In the winter of 2006-07: 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          No sightings reported so far this winter.
In the winter of 2006-07: One made 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          After last year's dearth of sightings of this species, this winter is proving to be a winner for waxwings. Flocks have been seen all over the Ottawa checklist area since late October. Check the Arboretum and its abundance of fruiting trees. On March 20, 2008 large flocks (upwards of 2000 birds total) were seen along the Ottawa River at several locations.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Bohemian Waxwing entry.      Return to Main Menu

Eastern Towhee          No sightings reported so far this season or last winter. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Eastern Towhee entry.      Return to Main Menu

Fox Sparrow          No winter sightings reported so far.       Return to Main Menu

Harris' Sparrow          No local reports for the last three winters.
In the winter of 2006-07: A Harris's Sparrow came 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          The first report of this species was Nov. 29, 2007, when 3 were seen on Akins Road, near Eagleson Road. On Dec. 19, 2007 there was one on Rue Victor-Hugo near the Gatineau Airport. In late December, two were in a field with a manure spread between Akins and Brownlee Roads, along with small numbers of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings. On Jan. 3 and 5, 2008 one was seen along March Valley Road, at the Duck Club feeders near Klondike Road. On Jan. 12 two were reported in a flock of Snow Buntings near Fallowfield and Greenbank Roads. On Jan. 26 one was seen in a field of corn stubble on the east side of Huntmar Road, between Richardson Sideroad and the Carp River Bridge with a flock of 200+ Snow Buntings. On Apr. 6 three birds in breeding plumage were seen along Rushmore Road, east of Eagleson Road, among a good-sized flock of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings.
In the winter of 2006-07: On Oct. 26, 2006, east of Eagleson Road, between Shea and Akins Roads, 14 were seen. 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). 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lapland Longspur entry.      Return to Main Menu

Yellow headed-Blackbird          No reports this year from the Ottawa Circle. Farther afield, one was seen Feb. 29 to at least Mar. 7, 2008 at a feeder in Williamstown, NE of Cornwall, ON. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was also at the same feeding station. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Yellow-headed Blackbird entry.      Return to Main Menu

Pine Grosbeak          This is shaping up to be a banner year for this irruptive species in our area. It has been found in small flocks in many local areas, especially where there are fruiting trees. Check the Arboretum and its abundance of fruiting trees. First reports began in late October and continue. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Pine Grosbeak entry.      Return to Main Menu

Red Crossbill          The first local report of the winter came two days late for "winter" listers: on Mar. 2, 2008 two Red Crossbills were feeding at the tops of coniferous trees on the Eardley-Masham Road, below Ramsey Lake. On Apr. 27 in the Larose Forest 60 were seen. Farther afield, small numbers were seen in Algonquin Provincial Park earlier in the season.
         Note: 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          On Nov. 11, 6 were seen on the west side of Lac La Peche in Gatineau Park. On Jan. 26, 2008 a flock of a dozen birds was seen along Henry Farm Drive, Ottawa, ON. 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          Small flocks of this species are being seen commonly in weedy fields and at feeders throughout the Ottawa Checklist Circle this winter. 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

Hoary Redpoll          One was seen Dec. 1, 2007 with 15 Common Redpoll at Lac Carmen in Gatineau Park. One seen Dec. 2 with a flock of Common Redpoll on Baillie Road in Aylmer, QC. One was seen among the many Commons on Dec. 15 and Jan. 2 at 4544 Torbolton Ridge Road. Four were seen Dec. 22 on the Dunrobin-Breckenridge CBC. One (perhaps more at times) is being seen with a flock of up to 50 Commons at the Hilda Street feeder from Dec. 28 to at least Mar. 16, though the Commons had dwindled to one bird by that time. On Jan. 19 one was with around 120 Common Redpolls in the Breckenridge, QC area at a feeder near the corner of Chemin de la Rivière and Highway 148. In Constance Bay, at 146 Monty Street, up to 3 have been coming to the feeders with a flock of Commons. One was at a feeder in the Osgoode area south of Ottawa on Feb. 29. On Mar. 30 one was the only redpoll at the feeders at Shirleys Bay. One was seen Apr. 3 at the Hurdman feeders along with 30 Common Redpolls. On Apr. 13 one was seen in Carleton Place. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Hoary Redpoll entry.      Return to Main Menu

Evening Grosbeak          Small flocks of this species were being seen throughout the Ottawa Checklist Circle early this winter. On Jan. 12, 2008 there was a flock of 35+ along Clarence-Cambridge Boundry Road at the east end of Larose Forest.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Evening Grosbeak entry.       Return to Main Menu