NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Winter Birding

King Eider          No local reports for several years.
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          No reports yet this winter.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Harlequin Duck entry.      Return to Main Menu

Barrow's Goldeneye          A male was present from Oct. 19 to at least Oct. 26, 2008 at the Deschênes Rapids - QC. On Oct. 31 a male was seen at Remic Rapids feeding in the rapids. Check the Ottawa River from Bate Island and Lemieux Island, as well as above and below the Deschênes Rapids - QC - Barrow's can often be found at any of these spots along the Ottawa River. There was a male on Nov. 17 on the Rideau River, north of the Highway 417 footbridge, opposite the parking lot at the south end of North River Road. On Nov. 27, two males were seen on the Rideau River between Strancona and Hurdman Parks. On Dec. 7 a female was seen on the Rideau near Billing Bridge, while on Dec. 10 it was seen at Riverain Park. A male and female were still near Hurdman to at least Jan. 17 and a female at Strancona to at least Jan. 24. The male was still to be seen near the Hurdman Bridge as of Mar. 14. A courting pair was seen off Strathcona Park on Apr. 2. While a male was still in the channel at Britannia on Apr. 8 and 22 and on Mud Pond on Apr. 11.
Regarding identification of female Barrow's Goldeneye Bruce Di Labio cautions: "The bill colour of female Barrow's is only an aid to the identification and it is not diagnostic. Most important is to look at the head shape. The head of the female Barrow's Goldeneye has an oval shape created by a steep forehead, flat crown and elongated hind neck feathers like a mane. The latter gives the appearance of a swept back crest, similar to the male Barrow's and female Hooded Merganser. The head shape of the Common Goldeneye lacks the "puffiness" of the female Barrow's. It has a rounded rather than flat crown and a sloping forehead." For more information see identification article: Recognizable Forms: Bill Colour and Identification of Female Barrow's Goldeneye by Bruce Di Labio, Ron Pittaway and Peter Burke in Ontario Birds, Vol. 15, No. 2, Pages 81-85, 1997. 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. Two were seen at the Casselman sewage lagoons on Oct. 19, 2008. A small covey of 5 was discovered on Jan. 9 on Maple Grove Road in Kanata, west of the Bell Sensplex arena. Also seen there were Jan. 13 (2), Jan. 16 (4), Feb. 2 (5 at the Ottawa Recycle Depot), and Feb. 8 (5). Check around the bottom any of the pine or spruce trees along Maple Grove Road starting at Terry Fox Drive. A male was displaying and calling on Garvin Road near Shea Road on Mar. 1.
Just outside the circle, on Dec. 11 two small coveys were seen along Concession 20 east of Casselman.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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          This species has become much more common in the ottawa area in the last few years. The Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road and the Steel Line Road are still among the best places to look for them in winter, but increasingly they are seen along the Ottawa River as well. On Nov. 22 two immatures were seen at the Frank Kenny and French Hill Roads area. On Dec. 1 seven were seen between Thurso and Fasset. On Dec. 2 and again Dec. 7 there were two at Shirleys Bay. Three were found near Pakenham on Jan. 11. An adult has been seen several times during the first two weeks of Jan. at points along the Rideau River between Hurdman and Billings Bridges. A juvenile was spotted along Huntmar Road on Jan. 17. Six juveniles were seen near Pakenham on Feb. 8. There were 3 on Feb. 14 at the Eardley escarpment in Gatineau Park. Four were seen the the Eardley-Masham / Steele Line area of the Gatineau hills on Mar. 9.
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 was seen at the Jack Pine Trail on Oct 11, 2008 and an adult male was seen there on Nov. 26 waiting for lunch near the main feeder. An adult flew over Kerwin Road on Jan. 1, 2009. One was seen along Rifle Road on Jan. 17. On Feb. 7 one was circulating the woods near the feeders at the Jack Pine Trail off Moodie Drive. On Mar. 15 one was very vocal and active in the Kerwin Road.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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).
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 the past two winters. 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. Two adults and 2 juveniles were seen Oct. 24, 2008 near Luskville, about 40 km west of Ottawa in Quebec. They were flying southwest over the Eardley Escarpment. An adult was seen soaring over the Eardley escarpment near Luskville, QC on Nov. 5. On Dec. 2 one was seen at Shirleys Bay. On Dec. 7 a 2nd year bird was seen at Steele Line and Chemin Wilson. A couple of these birds were spotted in the vicinity of the Eardley-Masham Road in Gatineau Park on Dec. 29 and Jan. 1. One seen again Jan. 6. There were 2 (an adult and an immature) on Feb. 14 at the Eardley escarpment in Gatineau Park. Two were seen the the Eardley-Masham / Steele Line area of the Gatineau hills on Mar. 9.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Golden Eagle entry.      Return to Main Menu

Gyrfalcon          On Dec. 14, 2008 a gray phase Gyrfalcon was seen over the Deschênes Rapids, ON/QC. On Dec. 24 a white morph was seen near the corner of Old Carp and March Roads. On Dec. 27 one flew over Highway 417 at Woodroffe Avenue heading north. On Jan. 5, 2009 a white morph bird was seen over Highway 148 between Quyon and Eardley, QC.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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. 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          At the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and surrounding area on Nov. 20, 2008 there were 7 species of gulls including one 1st winter Thayer's. At Andrew Haydon Park, on the west pond, on Nov. 20 there was a first cycle bird. On Dec. 5 one was seen at Ottawa Beach. On Dec. 14 one was seen at Black's Rapids.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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          On Oct. 30, 2008 at Dick Bell Park there were one Glaucous and 2 Iceland Gulls observed flying by. On Oct. 31, 2008 one first cycle bird was seen at Andrew Haydon Park. On Nov. 11 single Iceland and Glaucous Gulls were spotted among groups of gulls in Kanata as well as on the Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon Park. At the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and surrounding area on Nov. 20 there were 7 species of gulls, including 7 Iceland. At Andrew Haydon Park, on the west pond, on Nov. 20 there was a first cycle bird. On Nov. 24 at the ponds on Moodie Drive and along Trail Road there were 16 Iceland and 22 Glaucous Gulls (most were first winter birds but there were a few adults of both species). On Dec. 6 among 6000+ gulls (95% Herring, 5% Great Black-backed) roosting on the shoreline ice on Britannia Bay between Scrivens Street and Andrew Haydon Park were 2 juvenile Icelands, an adult Lesser Black-backed and 2 adult and 2 juvenile Glaucous Gulls. On Jan. 5 at the Nepean Dump there were 7 Iceland and 16 Glaucous Gulls along with 150+ Great Black-Backed and 70 Herring Gulls. There were lingerers in early April at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds. The Trail Road Landfill Site (Nepean Dump) and the Rideau River between Billings Bridge and Strathcona Park have been the best places to find Iceland and Glaucous Gulls throughout the winter. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Iceland Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu

Lesser Black-backed Gull          On Oct. 31, 2008 two adult winter birds were seen at Andrew Haydon Park. The same day at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds, there were three adult winter birds. On Nov. 11 six birds were found in the vicinity of the Nepean Dump. At the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and surrounding area on Nov. 20 there were 7 species of gulls, including 5 Lesser Black-backed. At Andrew Haydon Park, on the west pond, on Nov. 20 there were two adults. On Nov. 24 at the ponds on Moodie Drive and along Trail Road there were 2 adults. On Dec. 6 among 6000+ gulls (95% Herring, 5% Great Black-backed) roosting on the shoreline ice on Britannia Bay between Scrivens Street and Andrew Haydon Park were 1 adult Lesser Black-backed, 2 juvenile Icelands and 2 adult and 2 juvenile Glaucous Gulls. There were lingerers in early April at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lesser Black-backed Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu

Glaucous Gull          On Oct. 30, 2008 at Dick Bell Park there were 2 Iceland and one Glaucous Gulls observed flying by. On Nov. 11 single Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were spotted among groups of gulls in Kanata as well as on the Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon Park. At the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds and surrounding area on Nov. 20 there were 7 species of gulls, including 9 Glaucous. At Andrew Haydon Park, on the west pond, on Nov. 20 there were two birds (one first and one second cycle). On Nov. 24 at the ponds on Moodie Drive and along Trail Road there were 22 Glaucous and 16 Iceland Gulls (most were first winter birds but there were a few adults of both species). On Dec. 6 among 6000+ gulls (95% Herring, 5% Great Black-backed) roosting on the shoreline ice on Britannia Bay between Scrivens Street and Andrew Haydon Park were 2 adult and 2 juvenile Glaucous, an adult Lesser Black-backed and 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls. On Jan. 1 there were 2 adults and two very white juveniles at the gull roost on the Rideau River near Billings Bridge. On Jan. 5 at the Nepean Dump there were 16 Glaucous and 7 Iceland Gulls along with 150+ Great Black-Backed and 70 Herring Gulls. There were lingerers in early April at the Moody Drive Quarry Ponds. The Trail Road Landfill Site (Nepean Dump) and the Rideau River between Billings Bridge and Strathcona Park have been the best places to find Glaucous and Iceland Gulls throughout the winter. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Glaucous Gull entry.      Return to Main Menu

Eastern Screech-Owl          These increasingly uncommon residents can be found in appropriate habitat in the Ottawa Checklist Circle. Some were found on the Ottawa CBC on Dec. 14, 2008.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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          One was seen at the large pond along Earl Armstrong Road south of the airport on Oct. 25, 2008. A juvenile was in the field opposite the Moodie Drive Quarry ponds gate on Oct. 26. One on Nov. 8 in the median of Highway 417 at the Casselman on-ramp. On Nov. 14 at least 3 juvenile individuals were observed in the Ottawa area. All birds appeared in good health, flying and perching. One was in the Fallowfield/Greenbank Road area, one in the Shirleys Bay area, and another in the Greenbank/Baseline area. At Andrew Haydon Park on Nov. 20 there was an immature bird. On Nov. 22 single birds were seen at Frank Kenny and French Hill Roads and along Earl Armstrong Road. On Nov. 24 there was one at Dick Bell Park. On Dec. 6 there was an adult, almost pure white with only a few black spots, sitting on a fencepole by Eagelson Road south of Brownlee. On Dec. 7 there was one at Earl Armstrong and Limebank Roads. On Dec. 20 one was seen in the northeast quadrant of Fallowfield Road and Woodroffe Avenue. Also on Dec. 20 there were 2 near the intersection of Highway 417 and Kinburn Sideroad and one at Highway 417 and Galetta Sideroad. On Dec. 26 there was one along Munro Drive near Kinburn. There have also been at least 2 in the general area just west of Constance Bay along Galetta Sideroad, seen to at least Jan. 17. On Jan. 20 three were seen; one was along Fernbank Road between Eagleson Road and Terry Fox Drive, one was along Rideau Road near Ramsayville Road, and another was south of the Ottawa Airport. On Jan. 21 there were 3 in the Kinburn area; one along Kinburn Side Road and two along Galetta Side Road near Highway 417. On Feb. 1 there was one on Eagleson Road. One has been seen near the intersection of Esprit Drive and Blackburn Bypass in Orleans from mid-January to at least Feb. 5. Two birds were still present on the weekend of Apr. 4 and 5, a male (both days) on Frank Kenny Road, between French Hill and Wall Roads; and a female between Frank Kenny and Trim Roads on Wall Road. An adult male present most of the winter, stayed on until at least June 10 in the Eagleson-Fallowfield area.
Bruce Di Labio reminds us: "Since this south bound movement began in the latter part of October, a number of Snowy Owls have been brought into the Wildlife Care/Rehabilitation Centers in weakened conditions. It appears they are arriving from the north in bad shape due to lack of food, maybe lemmings. If you do observe a Snowy Owl, please take into consideration that the individual may not be in the best shape. Be aware that if you approach such a bird for better viewing or photographing, you may be contributing to its demise."
Peter Scully of Vermont says it well: "If an owl is reacting to your presence, you are too close. Making noises to get an owl to react for a photo is inappropriate. If an owl flushes because of your approach, you are far too close. If it flushes multiple times on multiple approaches, the stress you are imposing on the owl is not insignificant. Please give these birds the space they need. The Whiting birds are obliging and visible from a comfortable distance. Let's keep it that way and set a good example."
Just outside the checklist circle, on Dec. 5, 2008 there were five Snowy Owls in the vicinity of St-Isidore and the village of St-Rose. Four were seen on Dec. 11. Five were seen again on Jan. 11. 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Snowy Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Northern Hawk-Owl          From Dec. 11, 2008 to at least Feb. 21, 2009 one was seen along and off the end of Grandview Road/Hastings Street in Ottawa, ON, or near Granview and Carling Avenue, especially in February. On Dec. 1 to at least Dec. 11, 2008 one was seen on Rue (Boulevard) Hurtubise (east of the intersection with Campeau) in Gatineau, QC. Photo of this bird on the left was taken Dec. 8, 2008 by Saul Bocian. On Nov. 18-20 one was seen along Highway 366, in the Masham, QC area, about a kilometre west of the intersection with the Ramsey Lake (Eardley-Masham) Road. One was seen on Nov. 7, 2008 at the Shirleys Bay boat landing. On March Road north of Almonte at Upper Dwyer Hill Road on Jan 25, 2009 one was sitting on the wires alongside the road just across from Red Rock Kennels. On Feb. 5 one was seen not far away on the Upper Dwyer Hill Road, on the west side of the road near the Vaughan Side Road. On Feb. 7 one was seen on Alert Road, Ottawa, ON.
Farther afield, just outside the circle, on Nov. 5, 2008 one was seen at the West end of Beulah Road near Oxford Station, south of Kemptville. Another was seen on Ridge Road near Vankleek Hill, ON from Dec. 1 to at least Dec. 16. Another was seen from Dec. 16-23 at Highway 7 and Cameron Side Road, about 12 kms west of Perth, ON. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Hawk-Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Great Gray Owl          Another southward invasion appears underway, with many reports in the latter half of January 2009. From Dec. 25, 2008 to at least Jan. 1, 2009 a Great Gray Owl was seen near the creek along Chemin de la Sapinière, c. Luskville, QC. During the week prior to Jan. 16 three were seen west of March and Dunrobin Roads but none relocated. One was found along Torbolton Ridge Road, one on Old Carp Road near Huntmar Drive and another off March Road near Peter Robinson Road. From Jan. 21 along Greenland Road, from the corner of Thomas Dolan and 5th Line/Greenland east of Dunrobin, ON to beyond Vance's Side Road, 1 to 3 birds were seen through March. On Jan. 23 one was seen on Chemin Valiquette, Gatineau, QC. One was seen Jan. 27 at the corner of 6th Line and Vance's Side Road. On Jan. 29 three were seen along Greenland Road, 2 on Vances Side Road and one on March Valley Road. On Jan. 31 there were 3 on Greenland and 3 on March Valley. On Feb. 1 one was in the Torbolton Forest, Constance Bay, just off of the snowmobile trail. On Feb. 2 one was on the west side of the Upper Dwyer Hill Road between Panmure Road and Vaughan Side Road. On Feb. 16 one was found along Prescott-Russell Regional Road 8, south of Bouget, in the Larose Forest. One bird was still present along Greenland Road until Apr. 15.
Not far outside the circle, from Dec. 9-11, 2008 one was seen well off a public road behind a private residence and was viewed from inside. Unfortunately it cannot be seen from the public road and the property owner does not want the location made public. On Dec. 10 a Great Gray was seen and photographed at about 3 PM on the Upper Perth Road. By 4:30 PM it was gone and it was not seen there Dec. 11. Directions to the Upper Perth Road: From Ottawa take Highway 7 to Carleton Place, continue west on 7 about 11 km and turn right at the church onto Lanark Road 15, signposted to Lanark. Travel for 6 km and turn sharp right onto Upper Perth Road. The owl was seen roughly midway between Concession 10B and Miller Road. On Dec. 17-18, 2008 one was seen on a hobby farm at 1111 9th Concession Bathurst, (Tay Valley Township), RR#1, Balderson, ON. One was seen on County Road 17 between Smiths Falls, ON and Jasper, ON where Kitley Line 2 meets County Road 17, approximately 6 km from Smiths Falls. On Dec. 14, 2008 a Great Gray Owl was seen and photographed on the VanKleek Hill Christmas Bird Count at L'Orignal.
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          One was found in the Torbolton Forest at Constance Bay on Jan. 19.
Farther afield, the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island is a consistent spot for seeing these birds. Good numbers are been seen this year, as last year (20+ on Dec. 7, 2008). Link to Where and When to See Guide's Long-eared Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Short-eared Owl          Up to 4 birds regular at dusk around the s-bend on Earl Armstrong Road. One seen Dec. 12 at Cedarview and Strandherd in Barrhaven.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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.
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          On the night of Jan. 18, 2009 a Boreal Owl was seen in the Torbolton Forest at Constance Bay, ON (see RBA page). One entertained birders and photographers along March Valley Road (500 to 800 m northwest of Klondike Road) on Jan. 26 and 27.
Farther afield, the Owl Woods on Amherst Island are your best bet. Up to 3 have been seen there this winter.
Photo courtesy Saul Bocian taken in the Owl Woods on Amherst Island on Dec. 16, 2008. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Boreal Owl entry.      Return to Main Menu

Northern Saw-whet Owl          These residents can be found in appropriate habitat throughout the Ottawa Checklist Circle. Some were found on the Ottawa CBC on Dec. 14, 2008.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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).
Farther afield, it is seen with some regularity in the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island, but in small numbers (8 on Jan. 2, 2009). 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 in the last two, 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 Mar. 5, 2009 one was found in the Nortel trails area of Ottawa. It may well have been there earlier, as one was found there 2 winters ago. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Red-bellied Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu

American Three-toed Woodpecker        
In the winter of 2007-08: 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          One was found on Oct. 19, 2008 along Flood Road in the Marlborough Forest.
Outside the Ottawa circle, a male was seen in Poland, along Highway 16, west of Almonte, ON. It was present from early January to at least Mar. 14, 2009. Farther afield, it can be found in Algonquin Provincial Park.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Black-backed Woodpecker entry.      Return to Main Menu

Northern Shrike          On Oct. 26, 2008 one was at Luskville, QC. One was spotted on Nov. 23 along with a Carolina Wren at a backyard feeder in Carleton Place. On Dec. 1 one was seen in the Baie Noire area. On Dec. 2 one was seen on Chemin de la Baie. On Dec. 6 there was one at the Hilda Road feeders at Shirleys Bay. One Dec. 25 in the Cumberland area. One Dec. 28 in the Crystal Beach area. Jan. 5 - one at the corner of Rifle Road and Carling Avenue. Jan. 11 - one at the Britannia Conservation Area. On Feb. 7 one was at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. Two were present along Carp Road near Carp on Mar. 10. One was still at Shirleys Bay on Apr. 10. The most consistent locations have been the Qualicum Graham Park neighbourhood and the area near Carling Avenue and Rifle Road. 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.
Farther afield, 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          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 first seen in mid to late Nov. stayed to at least Dec. 7, when it was photographed, at 739 Hamilton Road, Russell, ON. The feeder is not visible from the street, but the bird no doubt circulates in the area. Please respect private property.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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          Here in Ottawa, this species is much harder to find than in the SE USA. Here, while it is a permanent resident, it is quite uncommon and much less obvious. Its local population however appears to be increasing. Spots where these birds have been seen follow. On Oct. 17, 2008 there was one on Lake Road, Aylmer, QC. On Nov. 5 there was one in Britannia near the western fence line of the conservation area. One was spotted on Nov. 23 at a backyard feeder in Carleton Place. Also in Carleton Place, at Riverview Park, one was seen through much of the winter to at least Mar. 17. One appeared at a backyard feeder by the Britannia Conservation Area on Dec. 7. One appeared briefly at a suet feeder on Grandview Road on Jan. 1. One has evidently decided to spend its 4th consecutive winter in the Riverview neighbourhood; it was most recently reported on Jan. 2. One was also seen in the Hampton Park area over the winter. They are often hard to find, but a check of these areas and the areas they were seen last winter might help.
In the winter of 2007-08: In October, and again in November, 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Carolina Wren entry.      Return to Main Menu

Townsend's Solitaire          No local reports so far this winter.
Farther afield, one was found on Jan. 12, 2009 on Wolfe Island, ON.
Photo from Reevecraig, ON 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          On Dec. 2, 2008 a Varied Thrush was seen at the corner of Dupuis and Pharand Streets, opposite the Université du Québec en Outaouais in Hull, QC.
Just outside the circle from Dec. 17, 2008 to at least Feb. 2, 2009 there was one at 800 Dalhousie Concession 6, west of Watson's Corners, ON.
Farther afield: An adult male was seen from before Nov. 28 to at least Nov. 30, 2008 at 13 Greenwood Street in the town of Deep River, ON. Photo of this bird taken Nov. 29, 2008 courtesy Brian Young.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Varied Thrush entry.      Return to Main Menu

Northern Mockingbird          One was found Dec. 6, 2008 opposite 236 Grandview Road. Still present to at least Jan. 10. Photo Dec. 7, 2008 Larry Neily.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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. 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. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Northern Mockingbird entry.      Return to Main Menu

Bohemian Waxwing          On Nov. 18 along the Ramsey Lake (Eardley-Masham) Road, there was a flock of 35 Bohemian Waxwings. On Dec. 10 there were 20 at Billings Bridge on the Rideau River. Dec. 20 - 25+ near Antrim along Highway 417. Dec. 21 - 2 flocks totaling 100 birds along March Valley Road. On Jan. 2, 2009 there were 40+ at Huntmar & Old Carp Roads and 150+ near Carling Avenue and Hertzberg Road. There was a record high 1315 on the Dunrobin CBC on Jan. 3. On Jan. 5 there was a flock of 150+ along Moodie Drive near Carling Avenue. On Jan. 29 there was a large flock of 250+ off Grandview Road and Carling Avenue. A flock of over 100 was at the Hilda Road feeders on Jan. 31. A flock of 25 was still to be seen at Britannia on Apr. 12,
Photo Jan. 22, 2006 on the Jack Pine Trail courtesy Rubby Neville.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Bohemian Waxwing entry.      Return to Main Menu

Eastern Towhee          One reported in early January from the Mont-Luc area of Gatineau on private property.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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 four winters. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Harris' Sparrow entry.      Return to Main Menu

Lapland Longspur          The St. Albert seawge lagoons hosted 69 Lapland Longspurs on Oct. 18. On Oct. 26 along Brownlee Road 6 were seen. On Oct. 29 along Akins Road, near the corner of Eagleson, two were seen with large numbers of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. On Oct. 29 one was observed along Eagleson Road, southeast of Brownlee. On Oct. 29 there were a few along open patches of grass and beach areas along the Ottawa River at Constance Bay. On Nov. 24 four were seen among the Snow Buntings and Horned Larks at the corners of Eagleson and Brownlee Roads. One was noted among a flock of Snow Buntings at Akins and Shea Roads on Jan. 11.
Just outside the circle, on Dec. 11 two were seen east of Casselman; and in the same area, two on Jan. 4 and one on Jan. 9 on Concession 20 and one on Jan. 16-17 in this same area.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Lapland Longspur entry.      Return to Main Menu

Yellow headed-Blackbird         
In the winter of 2007-08: 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          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. There was a record high 277 on the Dunrobin CBC on Jan. 3, 2009. On Jan. 21 at least 200 were seen in the Carp, Kinburn and Dunrobin areas. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Pine Grosbeak entry.      Return to Main Menu

Red Crossbill          Only small numbers have been seen in the Ottawa area this winter. Two males were noted at Regimbald Road, at the corner of Sarsfield Road, north of Sarsfield on Jan. 5.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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          A big year for this species so far here, but many are continuing south. Many have stayed through the winter so far. As early as Nov. 18 along the Ramsey Lake (Eardley-Masham) Road, there were several small flocks. They are being regularly seen in small flocks throughout the circle in appropriate habitat. 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 in weedy fields and at feeders throughout the Ottawa Checklist Circle this winter.Link to Where and When to See Guide's Common Redpoll entry.      Return to Main Menu

Hoary Redpoll          There was one on the Dunrobin CBC on Jan. 3. On Feb. 7 one or two were seen and one photographed at the Hilda Road feeders. One was seen there again on Feb. 14. On Mar. 10 the Hilda Road feeders were active with 100+ Common Redpoll and 2 Hoary Redpoll. On Mar. 20, the two were still present.
Just outside the circle, on Jan. 10 one was seen with about dozen Common Redpolls coming to a feeder in Merrickville.
In the winter of 2007-08: 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 Road 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. 11 some were seen near Masham on the Eardley-Masham (Ramsey Lake) Road. On Jan. 31 a couple of small flocks were seen at feeders on the north and west sides of the Larose Forest. On Feb. 22 three were seen on Bradley Road. Link to Where and When to See Guide's Evening Grosbeak entry.       Return to Main Menu