Monday, October 31, 2011

OFO Field Trip - Dusk Birding Along the Ottawa River with Tony Beck

October 28 - 1:00 pm

Tony and Nina were assisted today by Bob Cermak and Mark Gawn.  Other birders were Rick, Russell, Brenda, Judith, Sally, Martha and several more.  Herewith Tony's account:

On Friday afternoon, twenty enthusiastic birders gathered at Andrew Haydon Park for OFO’s “Dusk Birding along the Ottawa River”. After a spectacular week of stellar birding, mainly east of the Deschenes Rapids, expectations were high that the river would continue to reveal mega-rarities. We stayed mainly along the shores of the western side of Lac Deschenes. However, a cold west wind and high water levels made viewing conditions bitter and challenging resulting in low diversity. Regardless, everyone had an excellent time, often getting close-up views of uncommon species.  Those that stayed to the end were treated to an enchanting show of large flocks arriving for their evening roost, their aerobatic flights draped against a clear vermillion sky. Other highlights included a juvenile Brant, a female Northern Shoveler, 2 juvenile Greater Snow Geese, 11 Red-necked Grebes, all three species of scoter, and several individuals & small flocks of Long-tailed Ducks. For photographers, one very accommodating Long-tailed Duck, and a cooperative Wilson’s Snipe, provided some pleasant diversion.