Ottawa Area Birding: Cobden Sandhill Crane Trip with JC Birding

October 27, 2022

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.