Harlequin Duck

January 18, 2016

We finally got a sunny day, so returned to Bate Island to look for the Harlequin.  This time it was right below the rapids diving frequently.  As it was quite close, we managed some decent photos.

OFO Ottawa Outing with Roy John & Dave Moore

January 16, 2016

We met at the Coliseum theatre complex and headed to Bate Island to look for the Harlequin Duck.  There were several people out including Alan and Carol.  It was freezing with the wind off the water, but we eventually saw our target rather far out on a slush floe. The fog made it hard to see let alone photograph.

 Our next stop was New Edinburgh to look for the Summer Tanger again. We spent quite a bit of time there checking out various spots along Avon Lane, but were not successful.  However, an adult Cooper’s Hawk showed up and posed for a great photo.

Reluctantly, we moved on to the Rideau Tennis Club.  We could see only Common Goldeneyes and Mallards.  Undaunted Roy led us towards Hurdsman’s Bridge, where we finally saw a male Barrow’s Goldeneye.  Having found two out of the three targets, we decided to call it a day.

Summer Tanager

January 11, 2016

It's hard to believe, but Ottawa has another rarity.  We decided to combine a trip to the India visa office with a visit to the Summer Tanager.  It was a bitterly cold day, and we almost gave up hope after waiting a good ten minutes.  We got back in the car and drove slowly by; and there is was at the feeder with some House Finches.  We then went to the Rideau Tennis Club to check out the river from the new pedestrian bridge.  There were the usual Common Goldeneyes and a Common Merganser in with the Mallards.  The cold wind off the river on the bridge was decidedly unpleasant.

First Ski Trip to the Gatineaus

January 7, 2016

We finally go a free day to go skiing, so we headed up to P7 at Kingsmere.  At the junction of  Trails 8 and 30, Barbara spotted a Barred Owl high in a Pine Tree - good spotting!

We skied on to Shilly Shally where some on the regulars were at the feeders.  We are glad the NCC put the feeders back.