Ottawa Area Birding: Mer Bleue to Eastern Fields with JC Birding

April 28,2026

Birding Report by Jane Burgess

Bill, Barbara and I met up with Barb C, Ian and Eleanor at Elmvale Acres and drove directly to Mer Bleue where we met Alan and Carole. Many American Tree Sparrows were under the trees near the latrines, along with some White-throated Sparrows and a lone Fox Sparrow. This Fox Sparrow was different, usually Fox Sparrows are skulky birds, this one was out in the open, must have been hungry, scratching the ground along with the others. Dark-eyed Juncos and Mourning Doves joined the sparrows under the trees. A couple of Wild Turkeys were heard then seen down the trail closer to the picnic tables.

We walked towards the broadwalk where we spotted a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, there was no doubt it was a Ruby-crowned because the ruby crown was so visible. But in true Kinglet fashion, it was flying here, there then disappeared. I don't think anyone got a photo. Many, many Red-winged Blackbirds were singing in the swamp, but the usual Wren we see was not there this year,mmm maybe a bit too early. Some Swamp Sparrows were singing, Bill pointed out the Painted Turtles to me and said listen, Spring Peepers.

Once we got to the area where the Palm Warbler is usually seen the group split up, some further up the trail. Eleanor and Carole were lucky, they got to see two Sandhill Crane fly by. At this point Richard joined us. I played the song of the Palm Warbler and it flew so close to me, I could feel the breeze. It perched on a short tree then flew, I played it again and it then perched on a tree for at least a few minutes, everyone got to see it.

We were hoping to hear the Wilson's Snipe, nope didn't happen. Maybe see an American Bittern, wishful thinking, well birders are positive thinkers.

In the wooded area, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was busy checking out the trees flying from one to another. Then one became a pair. A Hairy Woodpecker joined in the action.

Once we got back to the parking lot, we checked the area where we saw so many Sparrows. Barb C in her very friendly manner started up a conversation with a lady, who she soon introduced to me. She was interested in our group and of course we asked her to join us on later day trips.

Off we went down Ridge Road to Dolman Ridge, what a disappointment, nothing in the bushes as we drove to the parking lot and just a couple of birds near the parking lot. We walked past the gate and nothing. We checked out the latrine for an Eastern Phoebe's nest, nothing. Let's cut our losses and move on,

It is a short drive to the Prescott Russell Link pathway, where traditionally there has been Northern Waterthrush. We were not disappointed, one very cooperative Northern Waterthrush singing away. Many photos were taken, love the song. At this point Richard received a call and said he had to leave us.

We drove down Anderson to Russell and turned onto Farmers Way. We were hoping to see maybe a Vesper Sparrow, nope did not happen, We went on to Hall Road hoping for Swallows and maybe Eastern Bluebirds, nope that did not happen either. High in the sky we Barb C and I saw a Red-tailed Hawk. We decided to have lunch at the end of the road, Common Ravens and Turkey Vultures were flying about. Barb C joined us and Eleanor and Ian said their goodbyes.

We drove to the other end of Hall Road and at the stream area, we heard House Wren, but we did not see it. On the water, Mallards were swimming. The feeder beside the house was busy - American Goldfinch and House Finch along with the other usual suspects. As we drove along Hall Road to Russell Road we saw at least 6 or 7 bird feeders, no birds on them because there were no seeds in the bird feeders.

We checked out Carlsbad Road, again hoping for Vesper Sparrow, nope. At the bridge far down on the water were a small flock of Green-winged Teal. Of course I have forgotten to mention the numerous flocks of Canada Geese we saw on the ground and flying. On the way back Barb C noticed a dead Red-tailed Hawk lying beside the road. Luckily we saw a pair of Northern Harrier hunting, but sadly no photos.

We drove down Milton, Smith and Perrault. We stopped at a spot and played Northern Mockingbird, nothing. We kept our eyes wide open searching for Sandhill Cranes. We stopped on Perrault at Navandale farm to admire their goats and Shire & Clydesdale horses. The kids are so cute. We drove just a bit where we saw a foal having a peaceful rest lying on the grass. Barb C thought it might be dead, but it lifted its head, no doubt to determine what was going on and then went back to sleep. Foals often sleep on the ground to support their rapid growth and development, while adult horses doze while standing up.

Driving McFadden, and Frank Kenny and again we stopped at the water, and were rewarded with Canada Geese. I think it was here where we saw a single Snow Goose, hoping it was a Ross's Goose out came the scopes. Nope Snow Goose. Onto Russell Road and Rockdale crossing Colonial and drove to the pit, where we looked at the distant pond. All of a sudden the birds took off, Snow Geese at least 500 of them. I suggested we drive through to Giroux. No he said it's private property, so we took Colonial to Dunning and turned onto Giroux stopping at the ponds. On the south pond, really only 2 Common Mergansers and 1 Double-crested Cormorant.

We stopped and got out to get our scopes, oh what an absolute wonderful sight as at least a 1000 Snow Geese flew over head. On the north pond, many, many Canada Geese, but so many Tree Swallows flying over the pond hawking for insects. So many Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, a couple of Gadwall and two Double-crested Cormorants. Before I started scoping the area, two cars drove up and an older gentleman approached me to ask about the Snow Geese. He said he had scoped them while they were in the field on Giroux just beyond the hill. My goodness he and his friends had really good eyes because they spotted 2 Ross's Geese in that huge flock. Lucky them. We spend a good will checking out the birds on the pond.

We left the area and drove to Navan, stopping at the area for a health break. We noticed a large photo of a 50 horse team, I asked two men if they knew when the 50 horse team was in Navan, No but it doesn't matter, that record was beaten with a 60 horse team. Wanting to know when the team was in Navan I texted my brother, he did not disappoint, he wrote back with the exact date, August 13, 1995.

Driving down Trim road, we stopped at Prescott Russell link Trail (another area than the first stop), hoping to see a House Wren. Barb C played the song and thought she heard a response, If she did that bird just skedaddled out of there. We had a short discussion on if the House Wren was once called a Jenny Wren, some thought yes, others thought the name referred to a Winter Wren. A text to Ann G that made no sense to her what I wrote because I wrote it without my glasses, she thought I had some problem. Fine I will call her, after she stopped laughing at me, she said House Wren. I asked Bill about the flower in the ditch - Marsh Marigold. It was good seeing the flowers along the way as we birded.

Leaving the path, Bill asked if I was for or against the high speed train project. He pointed to the signs that the people around the trail were definitely against it given the signs. Apparently the high speed train rails will use the Prescott Russell link hence the displeasure of the people living close to the trail.

Dropped Barb C off at her car and I was home by 4:30. Another great day at birding.