Mild weather along Lake Ontario luring early spring migrants

Bruce Di Labio
Published Feb 03, 2016  •  Last updated Jun 03, 2020  •  3 minute read
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Common Goldeneyes regularly overwinter here in small numbers and can be found at Deschenes Rapids or Remic Rapids along the Ottawa River and any open areas along the Rideau River. Watch for males doing the courtship display as they throw their heads back and call.
Common Goldeneyes regularly overwinter here in small numbers and can be found at Deschenes Rapids or Remic Rapids along the Ottawa River and any open areas along the Rideau River. Watch for males doing the courtship display as they throw their heads back and call. Photo by Judith Gustafsson

With the recent mild temperatures over the past week there have been a few unusual spring migrants reported along Lake Ontario in the Presqu’ile Provincial Park area. Though spring is still six weeks away some species of waterfowl will move north early if weather conditions are favourable.

On Feb. 1 a flock of 11 Ross’s Geese were observed at Barcovan Harbour between Brighton and Trenton while more than 3,500 Redheads were counted at Presqu’ile Bay. With continuing mild conditions it will be interesting to see if any other waterfowl move north.

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Bald Eagles continue to be reported from numerous locations in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais. Since the ban of DDT during the early 1970s the Bald Eagle has made a spectacular come back and now is a regular sight in our region. Most observations are of single birds but occasionally there can be concentrations if the feeding is good. On Feb. 2 there were 10 in the St. Isidore area and on Jan. 31, 14 were reported from Wolfe Island near Kingston. There have been other reports of two or three birds feeding on deer carcasses in the area. The species has expanded as a breeder in our region and it’s no longer unusual to find anytime with winter being the best. If you see one flying along the Ottawa River or Rideau River in the downtown area don’t be surprised. They’re scavengers and searching for anything to eat.

Feeder watcher reports continue to be dominated by American Goldfinches, Purple Finches and House Finches with a few small flocks of Pine Siskins. All these finches enjoy sunflower and nyjer seed.

Other reports include Mourning Doves, Hairy Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees and Dark-eyed Juncos. Over-wintering land birds are doing well. This includes Red-bellied Woodpeckers, a Hermit Thrush, two Carolina Wrens, one Northern Mockingbird and lots of White-throated Sparrows. At least two Northern Flickers were reported in Ottawa during the past week. The immature male Summer Tanager continues to frequent bird feeders in New Edinburgh and was last reported on Feb.2 eating peanuts and sunflower seeds.

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Over wintering waterfowl are doing well with the immature male Harlequin Duck attracting lots of birders and photographers to Bate Island along the Champlain Bridge. A female Red-breasted Merganser continues to be reported from the Rideau River near Carleton University and at least three Bufflehead have been seen at Remic Rapids during the past week.

Wild Turkeys were reported across Eastern Ontario with some flocks of up to 40 birds in the Smiths Falls-Kemptville area and a large group of 75 seen near Carp on Jan.28. Numerous feeder watchers have reported small groups. Birds of prey continue to be reported from backyards feeders. I’ve received reports of Cooper’s Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks and one Merlin. Most were in pursuit of Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons and squirrels.

Snowy Owls continue to be reported from many locations with the best being along Eagleson Road between Fallowfield and Richmond Roads. Late afternoon and at dusk is a good time. Check all open fields, fence lines and telephone poles as they can easily blend into the winter landscape.

The Bullock’s Oriole which was captured and brought to the Wild Bird Care Centre on Jan. 6 has gained its weight back and is now in a large flight cage. The Northern Fulmar continues to recover and will hopefully be sent to a larger bird rehab centre in Nova Scotia.

I’d like to thank all birders, photographers and feeder watchers that sent reports and/or photographs during the past week. Please e-mail bird observations and/or photographs to: dilabiobirding@gmail.com Subject line: Ottawa Citizen Birds. For photos, please provide date, location, and photographer’s name and for bird reports, observer, date and location. The birding Code of Ethics and guidelines of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club can be found at www.ofnc.ca/birding/Code-of-Conduct.pdf . To reach the Wild Bird Care Centre for orphaned and injured birds call 613-828-2849. Report bird bands to pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/bblretrv/. Access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway is restricted. You must obtain permission from the Range Control Office before entering the area. Please call 613-991-5740 for permission. View more great photos online at ottawacitizen.com/category/life/world-of-birds

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  1. Common Goldeneyes regularly overwinter in the Ottawa-Gatineau district in small numbers and can be found at Deschenes Rapids or Remic Rapids along the Ottawa River and any open areas along the Rideau River. Watch for males doing the courtship display as they throw their heads back and call.
    Common Goldeneyes regularly overwinter in the Ottawa-Gatineau district in small numbers and can be found at Deschenes Rapids or Remic Rapids along the Ottawa River and any open areas along the Rideau River. Watch for males doing the courtship display as they throw their heads back and call.Photo by Judith Gustafsson /Ottawa Citizen
  2. The male and female Pileated Woodpeckers are similar looking but the male has a complete red crest with a red line on its cheek. The female has less extensive red cap and no red on the cheek. Check for these woodpeckers in city parks and wood lots.
    The male and female Pileated Woodpeckers are similar looking but the male has a complete red crest with a red line on its cheek. The female has less extensive red cap and no red on the cheek. Check for these woodpeckers in city parks and wood lots.Photo by Bruce Di Labio /Ottawa Citizen
  3. The male and female Pileated Woodpeckers are similar looking but the male has a complete red crest with a red line on its cheek. The female has less extensive red cap and no red on the cheek. Check for these woodpeckers in city parks and wood lots.
    The male and female Pileated Woodpeckers are similar looking but the male has a complete red crest with a red line on its cheek. The female has less extensive red cap and no red on the cheek. Check for these woodpeckers in city parks and wood lots.Photo by Bruce Di Labio /Ottawa Citizen
  4. An immature Bald Eagle feeds on a deer carcass. Immature birds are an overall brownish colour with varying amounts of white mottling.
    An immature Bald Eagle feeds on a deer carcass. Immature birds are an overall brownish colour with varying amounts of white mottling.Photo by Nat Capitanio /Ottawa Citizen
  5. The Mallard is the most common wintering duck in our area and can be found in numbers along the Rideau River and creeks.
    The Mallard is the most common wintering duck in our area and can be found in numbers along the Rideau River and creeks.Photo by Bruce Di Labio /Ottawa Citizen
  6. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a regular winter resident in small numbers and enjoys sunflower seeds and suet feeders.
    The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a regular winter resident in small numbers and enjoys sunflower seeds and suet feeders.Photo by J. Gregory McIntosh /Ottawa Citizen

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