Ottawa Area Birding: Panmure to McDonald's Corners with JC Birding

July 29, 2025

Birding Report by Jane Burgess

Ian, Barbara, Bill and Jane carpooled. While driving down the 417, Bill asked me if I had any planned route, Nope was my response, but Panmure Road sounds like a good starting point. Sounds good, says Bill. First birds we saw on Panmure were Wild Turkey far off in the field, We slowed down a bit when we passed the place where the Mountain Bluebird hung out for a couple of days. We stopped at Dwyer Hill by Road and on the road was a Killdeer, it seemed fascinated by the yellow paint on the road. We then saw Eastern Meadowlark, on the grass near the dirt road. We drove closer, it flew, darn. Back on Panmure, the Killdeer was still there with three young ones. Overhead we saw a few Barn Swallows.

We slowed down to look at a bird on the wire, I set my bins on birds on the hydro line on Rock Coady Terrance. I looked and looked, trying to figure out what they were, then one of the birds turned and the sun was perfect. Bluebirds, bluebirds, I get so excited sometimes. We drove slowly on the road, hoping the birds would not fly, sometimes they flew other times they would sit still. I am sure Barbara and Bill got some great photos. I did not because I was on the wrong side, I did get a chance on the way back, but my photos were too dark and the birds were just too far away. But we saw at least four of them.

We drove on and had stopped because a bird flew over the road, with the flight pattern it was obviously a woodpecker. I located it for a split second then it flew. Ian then located it, but again off it went. I located it for a few seconds and I said Black-backed Woodpecker. Bill responded by saying that it is awfully rare.. I checked my Sibley's app and said no, not a Black-backed Woodpecker but an American Three-toed Woodpecker. I saw the black wings and the black and white back. But because of Bill's reluctance at the sighting ( I respect his birding knowledge), the bird is not counted on the Species noted, but just written afterwards.

At another stop we watch an Eastern Bluebird being chased by an Eastern Kingbird. It must have been protecting its nesting sites. Kingbirds are known for their aggressive behaviour toward other birds protecting their space and resources, And they look like such calm,pretty birds.

We drove down Concession 12 road. This road has fond memories for us, we saw a pair of Sandhill Cranes there a couple of years ago. When we turned, there was a Brown Thrasher on the road, we stopped and were about to get out and the bird disappeared into the long grass. There were lots of American Crows, and we discussed a murder of crows or in this case would it be a massacre of crows. At the end of the road, we all got out and decided to walk further down the road. Barbara and I were the slow ones and I decided not to go that way, the road turned into a rough path for me and I did not want to re- injury my knee. So I went off in the other direction, once back at the vehicle I saw a very co-operative young Eastern Phoebe. I did not see many birds, a Turkey Vulture, a Song Sparrow and that was about it. Of course I saw insects and photographed some of them. Hearing the vehicle approaching, I wondered what they saw. Yeah an Indigo Bunting, good bird, I love hearing and seeing them.

We headed to Pakenham to check out the 5 arch bridge, On the water was an interesting sight, a whole lot of Common Grackles drinking water. We stopped at the feed company and there we saw American Goldfinch feasting up small sunflowers. At the river we saw resting Mallards.

Ian asked if we could go to High Lonesome, Bill checked it out and said it is only 10 minutes away, sure we can go, but there is walking. We arrived and walked to the building and there high in a big dead tree were three birds, mmmmm what are they, They were not singing, and we decided they were finches. Bill took some photos and then said Purple finch, we thought they were all females, but after looking at my photos, I think they were all juveniles. One of my photos definitely shows a reddish colouring developing. We decided against doing the trails, because the paths were so overgrown and we were not interested in the slightest in getting any ticks on us.

Back at the vehicle, we headed to the place I call 'where we see the Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers'. Bill and I have birded long enough together that he knew exactly where I meant. While on Sugar Bush Road, we stopped to look at a bird on a hydro wire - Kestrel, then it flew. No photos but we were happy we saw it. While driving there we passed a bunch of bird boxes. I saw a bird go in one, Bill backed up and we were patient. We thought the bird boxes were or had been occupied by Tree Swallows. We waited and out came a Northern House Wren. Ian said I have seen them with their tails up, this one did not have its tail cocked. We drove on to our destination and parked. We decided it was time for lunch oh the time was about 11:20ish. We all had our breakfast around 6:00 and today we did not stop for a snack, so I am famished. Ian, Bill and Barbara set up their chairs and brought out their lunches. I opted to sit in the vehicle. While I ate I watched the area in front of me for birds. There was activity and at one point I did see a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The others had pointed their chairs facing the road, not the forest. We had a lively conversation during lunch.

Once lunch was over we walked the road, Ian heard a Wood Thrush. We saw water, so we played Northern Waterthrush, no response. We walked for a bit and Barbara said something about going uphill. We both decided we would turn around and Bill and Ian continued. They were so lucky -- Scarlet Tanagers male and female and a Pileated Woodpecker. While they were getting these birds, Barbara and I were just in front of the vehicle looking toward the forest. I was sitting on a fallen tree trunk listening and I had Merlin playing, I heard a Great Crested Flycatcher, Merlin did not. I played their song and the bird eventually came closer. Oh that nice bird flew from one tree to the next, we got to see for a millisecond and it disappeared and stopped singing. I heard a song, did not recognize it, but Merlin indicated Brown Creeper, I heard the song again and Merlin lit up Brown Creeper, the little bird was singing. I played the song but it did not come in again.

We headed to Wolf Grove Road with a brief stop at BarbC's cottage, then back on Road 12 through McDonald's Corners.

Our last stop was the Carleton Place stormwater pond. It did not disappoint -- Trumpeter Swan, Blue-wing Teal, Green-wing Teal, Greater and Less Yellowlegs and Canada Geese. While we were checking out the pond, a Green Heron flew over as well as a Great Blue Heron. In the distance perched on a tree was a Great Egret. All good. We did not stay too long as Ian's dog had to be let out of the house and really it was time to go.

Have a relaxing long weekend.