Birding Report by Jane Burgess
We met at the Eagleson Park and
Ride for 7:45, one might think that was a strange time but sunup was at
7:41 and I wanted to ensure we drove in sunlight. The weather was a
bit cool, with a wind, I think we all were dressed for the weather with
heavier mitts and hats. I drove with Eleanor and Barb C drove with the
Bowmans, the lead car. While on the 417 a largish bird flew right in
front of us - it was obvious who it was because of the white band near
its tail -- Northern Harrier, good one to start the day with. Further
up the road, a Great Blue Heron was spotted in a small pond, the only
one we saw all day.
We agreed we would stop at
the pond just before Cobden, no birds, but the boat ramp was so much
better. Not a lot of birds but a Canvasback, can't remember when I saw
one last. A small flock of birds flew in - turned out to be a mixed
flock - two Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup and Black Scoters.
Before
we went looking for the Sandhill Cranes, a bathroom stop was in order.
Just before getting into the cars, we checked out the gully area, an
American Crow flew into a tree, with his large morsel of food - 1/2 a
donut, first time I have seen a crow with a donut, then it flew off to
devour his donut, not sure what kind of donut it was, but an interesting
advertisement for Tim Hortons.
We wanted to
see Sandhill Cranes and that we did. Taking the road, I think it was
#7, to Foresters Falls, and checking out the roads to the left we found
at least 6 flocks of Sandhill Cranes, the flocks ranging in size from
approximately 10, 150,12, 40+, 90+ and 30+. But the best flock was not
standing in the field but the flock of about 250+ Sandhill Cranes we saw
flying overhead and into the fields. I have never seen so many flying
and honking and well it was just an absolutely awesome sight. It kind
of reminded me of Snow Geese, and yes some were flying in a v shaped
pattern. I think for each one of us, it was the best, best, best sight
of the day. Wow I wanted to see Sandhill Cranes and that we all did.
Thanks Bill for doing your homework, it was much appreciated by all.
A stone's throw away from seeing the Cranes,we stopped because a Bald Eagle was sighted.
We
went to the Westmeath area to see if there was a hope in seeing the
Nelson's Sparrows, the water was very high. There was no hope at the
first place, but we went to the usual place, but rather than parking we
drove to the end of the cottage road that parallels the Ottawa river and
parked at a gazebo-like structure that was located maybe 5 minutes walk
away from Westmeath Provincial park. We walked along the beach, Barb C
playing the voice recording of the Nelson's Sparrow, but no nothing. I
asked Barbara what the berries were, she indicated low bush
cranberries. We walked further then turned around, nothing. Barbara
decided she would pick some cranberries, she was prepared with a cloth
bag she always carries. (She made muffins with them and I was so lucky
she brought me some the following day, thank you for the delicious
muffins and your thoughtfulness). We were bad, we ate lunch in the car
beside the gazebo, it was just too cool to eat outside under the gazebo.
Why were we bad you ask, well it was private property.
We
then drove over to Lake Dore, while enroute, Bill stopped and Evening
Grosbeaks were spotted. Then another stop yielded a Red-tailed Hawk and
on the other side of the road a pair of Common Goldeneye. On Lake
Dore, far away and with the aid of our scopes, we saw several Common
Loons and Horned Grebes.
We checked out Shaw
Woods -- the big draw there was finally we found bathrooms, all of the
other outdoor latrines were locked up for the winter, but thank goodness
not at Shaw Woods. We wanted to checkout Snake River again, but
nothing. We stopped to check out another place and when we started up
again a Merlin came cruising by.
We decided the
last stop would be the boat ramp in Cobden. Lucky us. We were looking
far out and right before our eyes at the water's edge the Gulls decided
to harass a Common Merganser, those little beggars take every
opportunity to take food for anyone - this time it was a Common
Merganser who had come up for a breath of air, but too close to the
Gulls because they spotted the little fish in the Mergansers beak. Off a
bunch went to try to take it away, the Merganser ducked under the
water, but the Gulls were relentless, finally when the Merganser
reappeared with no fish, the Gulls left it alone, then Mr. Merganser
took flight. Again far away with our scopes on the most powerful
setting we saw Red-throated Mergansers as well as Red-necked Grebes.
All
in all a good day, some really good birds were seen - Black Scoter,
Canvasback, Horned Grebe, Red-throated Merganser, Red-necked Grebe and
of course the highlight of the day were the many Sandhill Cranes.
Back
to Eagleson by 5:15. The weather all day was comfortable,
especially when the sun was out. I think the high for the day was 8
degrees. Next outing I will bring slightly warmer clothing. It takes a
while but I will get there.
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