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OCT 16 (995

JME 29 NUMBER 4 PAGES 129 -172 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1995

TRAIL

(Sl

LANDSCAPE

A Publication Concerned With
Natural History and Conservation

The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club

CANADIAN MUSfeUM Of NATOHe
MU6^ CANAOIEN OE LA NATURE
LIBRARY • BIBUOTREOOE

TRAIL & LANDSCAPE

Editor

Fenja Brodo

Associate Editor
Bill Gummer

Production Manager
Sandra Gushue

Production Assistants
Suzanne Blain
David Thomson

Mailing Team

Jennifer Chaundy
Don Davidson
Gwen Jenkins
Roy Jenkins
David Smythe
Verna Smythe

Views expressed in Trail & Landscape and in its news supplement
The Green Line are not necessarily those of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Oub.

The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club

— Founded 1879 —

President
E. Franklin Pope

Objectives of the Club: To promote the appreciation, preservation and conser¬
vation of Canada’s natural heritage; to encourage investigation and publish the
results of research in all fields of natural history and to diffuse the information on
these fields as widely as possible; to support and co-operate with organizations
engaged in preserving, maintaining or restoring environments of high quality for
living things.

Club Publications: THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST, a quarterly
devoted to reporting research in all fields of natural history relevant to Canada,
and TRAIL & LANDSCAPE, a quarterly providing articles on the natural
history of the Ottawa Valley and on club activities.

Field Trips, Lectures and other natural history activities are arranged for local
members; see “Coming Events” in this issue.

Membership Fees: Individual (yearly) $23 Sustaining (yearly) $50
Family (yearly) $25 Life (one payment) $500

Subscriptions to Trail A iMndscape: (libraries and institutions): $23
per year (volume)

Single copies of recent issues: $6.00 each postpaid

Index to Vols. 1 - 20: $10 postpaid; to Vols. 21-25 $5 postpaid.

Membership application, correspondence: Information:

THE OTTAWA HELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB (613) 722-3050

Box 35069, Westgate P.O. After 10 a.m.

Ottawa, Ontario KIZ 1A2

Second Qass Mail Registration #2777

TRAIL & LANDSCAPE

Published by

The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club
Box 35069, Westgate P.O., Ottawa, Ontario, KIZ1A2

Volume 29 Number 4
October - December 1995

Table of Contents

Welcome, New Members .130

From the Editor .131

Wanted! Mailing Team Coordinator/A/ic/iaeZ/JossMu/p/iy.131

Notice of the 117th Annual Business Meeting/FranfcFo/w.132

Access to Shirleys Bay and the Munster Sewage IjagoonsIFrank Pope .133

Ottawa Duck Club Inc. 19th Annual Wildlife Art & Carving Show/Sale .134

The Ottawa District - a Hundred Years of Knowledge Gained/

Joyce M. Reddoch . 135

Passage [Poem]/Z?oZ)ert Nero .137

Eastern Screech Owls - Gone from Billings Bridge?/C/im Traynor .138

A Birder’s Guide to the Moses-Saunders Power Dam Area/

Bruce <6 Laurie Di Labio .142

Second Ottawa-Hull Mid-fall Bird CounilDaniel St-Hilaire .155

Winter Bird Sightings/C/im Traynor .156

Newfoundland Mountains [Poem]/Bnan Coleman .160

Ottawa-Hull Christmas Bird Count 1994/

Bruce M. Di Labio & Daniel St-Hilaire .161

Species List for Ottawa-Hull Christmas Bird Counts 1919-1994/

Bruce M. Di Labio .164

Index to Volume 29 .167

Coming Events .169

Ottawa-Hull Mid-fall Bird Count [announcement] .IBC

1995 Ottawa-Hull Christmas Bird Count [announcement] .IBC

Deadline.IBC

Welcome, New Members

Ottawa Area

Laura Armstrong
Maria Bohuslawsky
Julien Brazeau
John Cook

Gail C. Cosgrove and Family
Peter J. Gillespie
Bonnie C. Hamden
Shirley I. Holt
Kelly A. Kilpatrick
Francois G. Lafleche
Jean-Sebastien Ledoux
Maria E. Macrae
Ross and Beth McLeod

Peter A. H. Meggs and Family
Karen and Cameron Metcalfe
M. Joan O’Brien and Family
Nora O’Brien
Diane Parkin amd Family
Dr. Pearl 1. Peterkin
Dr. Scott Redhead
Fiona S. Reid

Barbara and Stuart Robertson
Linda J. and Erwin J. Wiens
Mary Wyndham and Family
Amanda Yenson

Other Areas

Don Buckle, Saskatoon, Sask.
Rosalind F. C. Chaundy, Toronto, Ont.

P J. Mickey Narraway
Membership Committee
August, 1995.

130

From the Editor

I would like to think that Anne Hanes, the first editor of Trail & Landscape,
would be very pleased with the journal that she launched with so much hope in
1967.1 remember her delight and eagerness to receive material to publish.
There must always have been that undercurrent of worry whether there will be
enough to fill the next issue. We are not immune from that either. Invariably
though, and in plenty of time before we go to press, new and interesting
manuscripts begin to arrive. This is a sure indication that there is much to say
of the local natural history scene, and that there are many people willing to put
their observations and thoughts to paper. We thank you all; it is you who make
this journal such a treasure.

It is with great pleasure that I thank Sandra Gushue my production and right-
hand person as well as Alan German and friends of the Computer Committee
who have smoothed out the difficulties inherent in computer changeovers.

Many thanks also to our reviewers, Tony Beck, Irwin Brodo, Ellaine Dickson,
Albert Dugal, Bill Gummer, Joyce Reddoch, Phil Youngman, and especially to
Jack Gillett who filled in as final proof-reader for the last issue because my
other right-hand person. Bill Gummer, was not well but recuperating, n

Wanted!

Mailing Team Coordinator

Michael Ross Murphy

A volunteer from the Ottawa area is needed to coordinate the mailing of
the Trail Landscape magazine, four times a year. Each mailing requires
approximately one evening of effort with a team of 5 or 6 people, followed by
a daytime visit to the postal terminal.

To maintain our very favourable mailing rules we must follow specific instruc¬
tions. Canada Post will provide the necessary training which will give our
volunteer coordinator valuable skills for using the Canadian postal system.
Call Fenja Brodo at 723-2054 for more details.*^

131

Notice of the 117th
Annual Business Meeting

Canadian Museum of Nature
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 9th, 1996

Frank Pope

The Annual Busmess Meetmg is the only formal occasion during the year
that members have an opportunity to learn about and to control the operations
of the Club. Attendance normally ranges between 40 and 70 members. Most
organizations find annual business meetings to be poorly attended, a situation
that concerns some members.

In the past few years we have tried to keep the focus on business but to present
it in an interesting manner. Members arrive at 7:30 p.m., pick up a coffee and
peruse the annual report, noting any points meriting a question or comment.
Having allowed study time, we consider it unnecessary to read the annual
report aloud when the formal meeting starts at 8:00 p.m. Representatives from
all committees are on hand to answer questions. A slate of officers and mem¬
bers of the Council is presented for election so there is little chance of a mem¬
ber being coerced into a job at this meeting. The formal part of the meeting is
followed by a presentation featuring one of the committees. To date we have
heard from the Conservation, Publications, and Education & Publicity commit¬
tees. After an annual business meeting I am frequently approached by mem¬
bers who comment on how interesting the meeting has been and how much
they have learned.

Featured this year will be the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. The committee manag¬
ing it is made up of representatives from the Club, Friends of the Farm and
Landscape Ontario. Speaking on behalf of the Committee will be Jeff Harrison,
chair, visionary and driving force since the idea was conceived over a decade
ago. This year, the time and energy put into the Garden is beginning to bear
fruit. The backyard garden is in place. Building 138 has been refurbished
inside and is in use, many of the plantings have become estabUshed
and the garden is beginning to reflect the master plan. It has been
a big project, one that few naturalists’ clubs have attempted, and it
makes an interesting story.

Don’t miss it.>^

132

Access to Shirleys Bay and the
Munster Sewage Lagoons

Frank Pope

These two excellent locations for watching ducks and shore birds have been
favoured by birders for years; therefore, some people may be disappointed
to learn that access to them will be somewhat restricted in the future. Upon
reflection, however, I am sure that most of us can understand the situation.
These properties are not open to the general public. The current increase in
legal claims against property owners and some of the settlements awarded for
damages would make any property owner wary of offering free access to the
general public. We have been privileged in the past to enjoy relatively free
access to these properties.

Relatively free access will continue. Recognizing the popularity of these sites
among our members, the Club has negotiated and signed agreements with both
administrations to allow access to these sites under certain specified conditions.

Shirleys Bay

To accommodate new training requirements for local civilian police the hand¬
gun range is being re-oriented and extended. This will increase the area where
birders run a risk of being struck by stray bullets. Henceforth, the area west of
the path from the road to the berm will be off limits. A chain-link fence, with a
gate at the entrance to the berm, will be constructed soon. Access will be per¬
mitted only when the berm is safe. Club members may pick up the key to the
gate from the Range Control Office in the Connaught Headquarters Building
on Shirley Boulevard opposite the national flag (Building No. 34). The office
normally is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., including weekends. Be
prepared to show your OFNC membership card. To avoid disappointment,
members of the Club should call before leaving home to find out if the berm is
clear. The telephone number for the Range Control Office is 991-5740.

The “Rules of Access” to the Shirleys Bay Causeway published earlier in
T&L no longer apply.

Munster Sewage Lagoon

A fence with a gate has already been installed. Keys may be borrowed from the
following sources:

133

The President
Frank Pope
7 Kimberley Rd.,
Nepean, 829-1281

Bird Status Line
Mike Tate
4 Jerrilynn Cr.,
Nepean, 825-5277

Chair, Excursions and Lectures Committee

Colin Gaskell

Apt. 6,501 Athlone Ave.,
Ottawa, 728-4582

Chair, Birds Committee

Tony Beck

2083 MagladryRd.,

RR #3 Navan, 835-4455

Member at Large
Gordon Pringle
236 Henry Farm Dr.,
Ottawa, 224-0543

We are grateful for access to these two good sites. Remember that continued
access depends upon our good behaviour.n

Ottawa Duck Club Inc.

19th Annual Wildlife Art & Carving Show/Sale

OFNC Members should be aware that the Ottawa Duck Club will be holding its
19th Annual Show & Sale, October 27-29th in Hall B at the Nepean Sportsplex
on Woodroffe Avenue. This event is to raise funds for wildlife conservation in
the Ottawa area. The Duck Club builds and sets out improved boxes for raising
not only ducks and geese but also nesting boxes for blue birds, swallows and

martins.

This exhibition features wildlife carvers, antique and contemporary decoy col¬
lectors, taxidermists, wildlife artists and photographers. Carving and painting
demonstrations are encouraged.

As in the past, our Club plans to have an exhibit in this show. The hours are:
Fri. Oct. 27, 5 - 9 p.m.; Sat. Oct. 28, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sun. Oct. 29, 10 a.in. - 4 p.m.
Admission is $3. Call Ellaine Dickson (729-1554) for further information.^

134

The Ottawa District -
A Hundred Years of
Knowledge Gained

Joyce M. Reddoch

The Ottawa District has an amazingly rich variety of plants, animals and
habitats. From its almost 8,000 km^ area, we have records of more than 1,500
species of vascular plants, about 400 lichens, 17 amphibians, 15 reptiles, 81
fishes and 94 butterflies. Of 336 species of birds sighted here, at least 178 have
nested.

Our knowledge of the Ottawa District is the result of more than a century of
dedicated work by Club members. One of the more important starting points
was the agreement in 1895 to have a common study area for all branches of
natural history.

Before that, in 1879, James Fletcher put together for Club members a list of the
plants he had collected that summer within 12 miles of Ottawa. Twelve miles
from home was about as far as one could reasonably expect to travel in a day.

But that soon changed. Naturalists began taking steam boat excursions east and
west on the Ottawa River to Buckingham and Chat’s Falls, and train trips in
various directions, west to Galetta, southeast to Casselman and north to
Wakefield. A 30-mile circle around Ottawa would include these favourite
haunts.

And so, in 1895, the Club’s journal. The Ottawa Naturalist, proclaimed the
establishment of an official study area: “The Ottawa District - For purposes of
Natural History and for more exactly defining the limits of the phrase ‘Ottawa
District,’ it was unanimously agreed at the last Council meeting of the Ottawa
Field Naturalists’ Club to limit the territory included, to that which is com¬
prised within a circle whose centre is Ottawa, with a radius of thirty miles.”

In 1981, the Council updated the definition of the Ottawa District in two ways.
It approved the metrication of the circle’s radius to 50 km and accepted the
Peace Tower as the centre of the circle. “Ottawa” was no longer a dot on the
map.

135

The Ottawa District

Outer circle: 50 km radius; inner circle: 30 mile radius.

In the last hundred years, members have published an impressive collection of
articles and books on the natural history of the District in Club and government
publications. These reports have come from naturalists, biologists and
geologists working on their own or as part of their jobs. Naturally, a fair num¬
ber of studies were done by members employed by the federal and provincial
governments: Agriculture Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the
Geological Survey of Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority,
to name the most prolific.

136

Have we learned everything about the natural history of the Ottawa District?
By no means! Conditions have changed markedly during the last century and
will continue to change. The need for updating is continuous. There are many
areas that have never been explored - roadless parts of the Shield country
and inaccessible woodlots and ravines on the lowlands. Even places that have
been known since the 1880’s can produce surprises like the Spotted Turtles
discovered in the Mer Bleue only in 1974. There is every opportunity for
naturalists to add to the knowledge built up during the last hundred years
and to compile new information about the District in the years to come.

Listings of articles on the Ottawa District in Trail & Landscape can be found in
the cumulative indices (1967 -1986 and 1987 - 1991).

Acknowledgements: I am grateful to the following people for providing me with the cur¬
rent status of various flora and fauna: Albert Dugal, Ernie Brodo, Francis Cook, Brian
Coad, Don Lafontaine and Bruce Di Labio.n

Passage

Robert Nero

I miss all those birds
but I knew they had to go
their destiny drawing them
down the continent
far from our bountiful feeders:
Fox Sparrows, Harris’ Sparrows
White-crowns, juncos, all
streaming through the night
mist-eyed flutterings over
glittering towns and cities
a phalanx of migrants sweeping
past the cold white moon.

An abundance of birdseed
kept them here longer
than expected, their frantic
bickering at mealtimes suggesting
a lack of haste to depart
but overnight they’ve vanished,
their urges more compelling
than our need to see them.

137

Eastern Screech Owls -
Gone from Billings Bridge?

Chris Traynor

Billings Bridge Screech Owl in a favoured roost, 1987. Photo by C. Traynor.

For years now many Ottawa area birders have had their first introduction to
the Eastern Screech Owl {Otus asid) by observing the birds in the Billings
Bridge area. The old woods (east of Bank Street, south of the railroad tracks
and just north of Kilborn Avenue) have had resident Screech Owls for such a
long time that they were, for Ottawa birders, an institution. Screech Owls have
been recorded from this area at least since the 1930’s and appeared fairly often
(every three years on average) on the Ottawa Christmas Bird Counts (CBC).
This was the only place in our area where Screech Owls were seen with any
degree of consistency. They were last recorded on an Ottawa CBC in 1987.

Screech Owls seem to show a preference for mature woods with streams or
creeks close by. Not only did they have both here but large old trees, like those
once found in this tot, are not very common in the Ottawa area. In addition,
there were numerous cavities suitable for nesting and roosting making it very
attractive for the owls.

138

The Billings birds were reported quite often in the local papers but their
precise location was never divulged. There were several futile searches on my
part before I discovered them. However, once having become familiar with the
general area, their favoured roosts were easily seen.

I was once familiar with at least seven different roost spots. During the 1970’s,
when listing was at its peak (listing being the practice of recording as many
species of birds as possible in a given time frame) the woods were visited every
month. At that time the birds were using at least fifteen roost sites. Over the
course of the last ten years, however, these roosts have been levelled, one by
one, to the point where few now exist.

Screech Owls come in two colour phases or morphs, red and grey, and both
were reported to be present. My luck was poor when it came to finding the
more elusive red morph birds. Red morph birds were never reported as often
as grey. I have been told that the red owls were more likely to slip back into
their holes when approached. Grey birds will also slip back into a cavity
when approached, so why were the red birds generally less visible? A possible
explanation is that this behaviour is a survival adaptation. In a 1983 study
(Merson et al.,) it was found that red morph birds roosted inside cavities 80%
of the time compared to 38% for grey morph birds. It has been suggested that
red feathers do not absorb the heat as efficiently as grey. This would explain
the tendency for the red birds to remain inside the cavity (Mosher & Henry
1976). It also helps explain why red morph birds are extremely rare in the
Ottawa District and become more common as you head south. However, the
grey morph birds were not shy and were probably the most photographed resi¬
dent birds around, as most owl enthusiasts in the area can attest. It was naively
assumed they would always be around.

A major destruction of their habitat occurred in the summer of 1987 when the
greater part of the woods were cut down to make way for a road and eventually
a small number of large homes. While this was certainly a set-back it did not
deter the owls. In the spring of 1988, Peter Dunn and I provided nest boxes in
the hope that these few extra cavities would give the birds a chance to hang on
here. A day after installation the first box was occupied; that was certainly an
exciting moment. With new homes available and a few of their favourite trees
still remaining there was, at least, hope. Also, while they had lost a major part
of their habitat they still had a small park (on the grounds of the Ottawa
Archdiocese Centre) in which to hunt. On several occasions the birds were
seen flying about there. In the summer of 1988 they successfully produced
young. I remember Peter and I finding the fledged young in a small maple
tree in the park. These young owls, not yet as stealthy as adults, had given

139

Screech Owls take quickly to boxes, in this case the next day (1988). Photo by C. Traynor.

themselves away by rustling about in the leaves. Unfortunately a manicured
park makes a poor substitute for natural habitat and it is doubtful that this park
alone provided enough food to support a family of owls. Probably the summer
of 1988 was the last year they bred in this location.

On December 2,19881 found a grey phase Screech Owl roosting in a nest box.
As far as I know, no Screech Owl has been seen here since. In the summer of
1993 there were a few dried up pellets (an owl pellet is the regurgitated un¬
digested fur and bones of prey) inside a nest box but these were far from fresh.
Several attempts to induce the birds to respond to taped calls met with failure.
Of the two nest boxes they used one was lost when a large hemlock in the park
was cut down for no apparent reason. The other box, that had been an instant
favourite, has been checked often but with no success.

On October 2,19941 visited these familiar woods and was more than shocked
(my actual reaction was neither polite nor printable) to see how little remained
of their habitat. To make way for the expanding transit-way and to accom¬
modate a new railway bed, most of the Screech Owl’s woods were sacrificed.
Not only had most of the remaining lot been destroyed but the shifting rail line
had reduced the small creek that ran alongside the woods to a mere drainage

140

ditch. The nest box remained only a few feet from a sharp drop to the transit¬
way below. Since I have the feeling that it has been used for the last time in this
location, I will move the nest box to a more promising location.

However, the situation is not without hope. Bruce Di Labio and I scouted out
the remains of the area. Though the main part of the woods has been
decimated there is still some suitable habitat in a park north of the railroad
tracks and west of the Billings Estate. Here there are a number of suitable trees
and some hunting area, although quite close to a large apartment building.
There are too many variables for us to determine the range of any one urban
owl, we assume that their original territory may have included this park. Both
Bruce and I realized that, if we hadn’t known Screech Owls were once resident
here, we might have picked this spot to look for them. The Screech Owl is
known as a city dweller and it is still possible it could survive here. They have
been reported living quite close to houses locally in the Hampton Park area
and in Rockliffe Village. However, their reclusive nature can make them very
difficult to locate at times. While far from common in our area they quite likely
are somewhat under-reported.

The possibility remains that we have witnessed the dying off of the local owls in
this woods. Or maybe these owls just moved out to the suburbs. If this is the
case, then it is possible that a completely new pair of owls may move in here
and make this area their home. Until then, the old regulars will be missed.

Author’s note: While I personally have not recorded an owl here since 1988
(and have not heard of anyone who has) I recognize that it may just be terrible
luck. I would certainly be interested in knowing if anyone else has recorded
them since.

Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Bruce Di Labio for filling me in on
some of the earlier history of Screech Owls in the Billings Bridge area as well
as for his comments on the article itself.

References:

Merson, M. H., Leta, L. D. & Byers, R. E. 1983. Observations on roosting sites of
Screech Owls. Journal of Field Ornithology.

Mosher, J. A & Henny, C. J. 1976. Thermal adaptiveness of plumage colour in
Screech Owls./tufc 93:614-619.°

141

A Birder’s Guide to the
Moses-Saunders
Power Dam Area

Bruce and Laurie Di Labio

Figure 1. Moses-Saunders Power Dam. Photo by Bruce Di Labio

11 October, 1993 — Marbled Murrelet!! A great flock of birders descended on
the Moses-Saunders Power Dam (MSPD) to view this exciting vagrant which
was new for Ontario and New York State. For many it was an introduction to a
new birding destination.

Situated along the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall, Ontario, the MSPD
(Figure 1) was completed in 1958 as an Ontario-New York State joint hydro
project, but this spot was relatively unknown to Ontario birders prior to 1980.
Since then, the few birders who have ventured here have uncovered a unique
birding location for migrating and wintering water birds.

142

The uniqueness of the MSPD is due to its location on a major north-south
flyway and being situated on one of the largest bodies of water in the area.

Also, the proximity of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the east and the Great Lakes
to the west attracts an exciting and diverse selection of birds. Atlantic Puffin,
Razorbill, Northern Fulmar, and Ivory Gull are just a few of the notables that
have made the area not only one of the best kept secrets but one of Ontario’s
most challenging and rewarding birding destinations.

In addition to the above, Ontario’s first recorded Leach’s Storm-Petrel was
found in a weakened condition on 19 July 1939, two miles below Cornwall
along the St. Lawrence River, and on 19 November 1963, a Dovekie was picked
up near Cornwall.

General Information

Autumn and winter are the most interesting seasons to “bird” the power dam
and surrounding area. Water along this section of the St. Lawrence remains
open year-round, drawing many wintering and migrating species. But be
forewarned, as with most birding areas situated near large bodies of water,
fo ggy and misty conditions are a constant threat to visibility.

Successful birding depends greatly on knowledge of weather systems passing
through the region. The most interesting birding opportunities follow storms
or high wnds originating from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and, during the fall
and early winter, on the heels of cold fronts from the northwest. Other produc¬
tive times follow cold snaps during the months of December and January. As
calm waters freeze, many undetected late lingerers and other wintering birds
are forced to seek the open water at the power dam.

Although weather affects the birding in this area, regular coverage can yield
interesting finds. For example, both the Marbled Murrelet and the Atlantic
Puffin were found on relatively clear days with no significant previous weather
changes.

Most roads in the area are paved and make birding locations easily accessible
regardless of the season. Cornwall and Massena are the two largest towns in
this region and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and gas stations.

Depending on the season and weather conditions, birding in this area requires
at least one full day and possibly a second day to do the region full justice.

Keep in mind that during the winter some of the locations near the dam may be
frozen and snow-covered and less time overall may be needed to visit these
sites.

143

Just two reminders. Firstly, when crossing the international border be sure that
all optical equipment is registered in advance with Canada Customs. Secondly,
most of the areas in this region have public access but remember to obey no
trespassing signs and other signs restricting public use.

Suggestions for Birding the Power Dam and Surrounding Area

The Robert Moses section of the power dam (RMPD) and Hawkin’s Point are
the most important vantage points. If time is short, you should concentrate on
these two locations. Although the power dam can be “birded” from either side
of the river, viewing is far superior from the American side. Afternoon lighting
conditions should first be taken into consideration. From the American side,
the sun is at your back whereas you must look into the sun on the Canadian
side.

The most significant factor, however, is the availability of public access to the
power dam facilities. On the Canadian side, viewing at the Robert H. Saunders
Generating Station (RSGS) is restricted to June, July, and August. Because the
centre’s hours change during the year, you should first contact Ontario Hydro
in Cornwall to gain permission to access the area. Ontario Hydro can be
reached by phone at (613)938-1518, or by mail at Ontario Hydro, R.H.
Saunders Information Centre, P.O. Box 999, Cornwall, Ontario, K6H 5V1.

The RMPD on the American side is open year-round during the week from
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on weekends from Victoria Day to the Canadian
Thanksgiving. During the summer (June to September), public access hours
are extended to 7:30 p.m. However, for safety reasons, the observation deck is
closed to the public during strong winds and heavy rain or snow. For further
information, call the New York Power Authority at (315)764-0226, or write to
the St. Lawrence F.D.R. Power Project, Community Relations Division, P.O.
Box 700, Massena, New York, 13622.

Birding the Ontario Side of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam

From Ottawa, take Highway 417 east for 60 km. Exit at Highway 138 just east
of Casselman (See Map 1). Continue south on 138 for 40 km and turn right at
the stop sign. Proceed for 1 km, turn left onto Brookdale Avenue and continue
to Highway 2 west. Turn right onto Highway 2 (Vincent Massey Drive), then
left onto Power Dam Drive to Saunders Drive and right at the stop sign to the
generating station (See Map 2).

Birders from Kingston, Toronto, and other southern Ontario locations, follow
Highway 401 east to Cornwall and exit south on Power Dam Drive. Continue
south on this road, crossing Vincent Massey Drive (Highway 2) to Saunders

144

Drive and turn right at the stop sign. This route leads to the entrance of the
RSGS.

Robert H. Saunders Generating
Station (Sites 2a and 2b; Map 2)

Proceed to the gate house and in¬
quire as to whether access is per¬
mitted to the parking lot and
observation deck. These are the
best two vantage points to “bird”
the dam. If access is denied, park
in the western parking lot and
walk up the embankment to view
the headpond (Site 2b) or follow
the fenceline on the east side of
the gatehouse to the edge of the
river and view the base of the
power dam (Site 2a). You can also walk along the bicycle path which runs
parallel to the river and stop at various spots to scan for birds below the power
dam. (See Site 5 for details about the birds).

Guindon Park (Sites la and lb)

Guindon Park is a large recreational area with many nature trails, cross¬
country ski trails, a boat launch, and picnic areas {Map 2). From the Generat¬
ing Station, retrace the route to Vincent Massey Drive (Highway 2). Turn left
and drive to the sign at the West Entrance of the park and turn left on Trillium
Drive. Follow this road to the boat launch (Site la) which provides an excellent
view of the headpond. Check for roosting gulls in the field. The most common
ones will be Ring-billed, Herring, and Great Black-backed, but Iceland,
Glaucous, and Thayer’s are regular visitors during the fall and early winter.
Also watch for Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Scan the open field during the fall
and along the gravel roads in winter for the occasional Grey Partridge.

If you have a lot of energy and time, follow the dyke along the water’s edge,
from site la to lb, as there are many bays and inlets that cannot be seen from
the boat launch. The rocky shoreline along the dyke makes this a good area for
Purple Sandpiper from mid-October to mid-November. Anything is possible!
On the 1990 Massena-Cornwall Christmas Bird Count (CBC), a Northern
Hawk Owl and a Gyrfalcon were observed here. Stranchan Island should be
checked for Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Red-necked Phalarope, and other
shorebirds. During the breeding season, the island is occupied by nesting Ring¬
billed Gulls and Double-crested Cormorants. On 3 May, 1991, an adult Great

145

Cormorant was observed on the island among the other cormorants. Continue
by travelling east on Highway 2 to the east entrance of Guindon Park (Site lb).
From the parking lot you can see the dyke at a distance. Follow the trail to the
dyke. (For a complete review of species, see Site 5b.)

Figure 2 View ofStranchan Island. Photo by Bruce Di Labio.

Birding the American Side of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam

Return to Highway 138 (Brookdale Avenue) and proceed south through the
town of Cornwall to the bridge to the United States. The first bridge leads to
the Akwesasne Indian Reservation on Cornwall Island, and a toll of $2.25
(either U.S. or Canadian) is collected upon entry and return. The second
bridge crosses the border into the United States. After U.S. customs, proceed
south to the traffic circle and take the first right onto Haverstock Road which
leads to the Reynold’s Aluminum Plant, the first stop on the route.

Reynold’s Aluminum Plant (Site 3; Map 2)

Follow Haverstock Road past the Reynold’s Plant and over the railroad tracks.
At this point the road curves to the left and you can park anywhere along the
guard rail to view the channel and banks of Cornwall Island directly across
the river. The best time to check this area is from November through March.
Depending on ice conditions, December, January, and February usually
harbour the highest concentrations of waterbirds (the more ice, the more birds
but only up to a certain point - too much drives them away). As this section of
the river remains open during the winter, it provides a good location for roost¬
ing waterbirds. Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers are the most

146

abundant winter ducks. Carefully check for occasional wintering Barrow’s
Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Greater Scaups, Canvasbacks, Oldsquaws, Red¬
breasted Mergansers, or Hooded Mergansers. (During the winter of 1990-91,
an immature male Harlequin Duck overwintered until 3 March 1991. On the
Massena-Cornwall CBC 23 December 1990, a female King Eider was observed
at this location.) Remember to watch along the breakwall for Snowy Owls in
the winter and Cormorants in the fall. During early fall, it is also worthwhile to
check for Bonaparte’s Gulls and Little Gulls that frequently feed along this
channel.

Once you have checked this area, continue west along Haverstock Road. From
late fall through winter, investigate the tangles of grape vines along the road for
the presence of American Robins, and Bohemian Waxwings and roosting
Northern Saw-whet Owls. Upon entering the open fields and woodlots, look
for Northern Shrikes, Snow Buntings and overwintering Northern Flickers as
these birds frequent this area. Also watch for Red-tailed and Rough-legged
Hawks, American Kestrels, Grey Partridges, Homed Larks, and occasional
Lapland Longspurs, particularly if manure has been recently spread in the
farm fields. After passing the farm, take the first right, and follow South Grass
River Road. Don’t forget to check the residential feeders. Watch for American
Tree Sparrows, Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, Mourning Doves, and
overwintering blackbirds particularly Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed
Cowbirds, and Common Crackles.

At the stop sign, turn right onto Trippany Road and proceed to the dead-end
sign where you turn left towards Highway 37 (see See Map 2), and then turn
right onto 37 and continue to Route 131, located directly across from the St.
Lawrence Shopping Centre. Turn right and continue on 131, the main road
crossing over the Grass River. Watch for Bohemian Waxwings and Common
Redpolls during the winter and in the fall, check any pine plantations along this
route for wintering owls.

Continue along Eisenhower Lock Road (formerly Route 131) passing beneath
the Eisenhower Lock which is the boundary to Robert Moses State Park. Go
past the Information Centre, cross over Barnhart Island Bridge, and take the
first left. This is also a good area to listen for Eastern Screech Owl at dusk or
dawn. (Three were heard along this stretch on 18 December 1993 and 16
February 1995.)

The Marina/Beach (Site 4; Map 2)

Proceed north to the marina/boat launch area. From this vantage point, scan
the open water for loons, grebes, cormorants, diving ducks, and gulls. As the
water is frozen in the winter, the most advantageous time to “bird” this area is

147

during the fall and early winter. Check the islands off the marina for Snowy
Owls which can be found on exposed rocks. Also check the islands for roosting
Bald Eagles. To leave this area, turn left onto Barnhart Island Road to the
dam. A variety of species, including Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, and
American Robin can be found feeding on the oriental crabapple trees along
this stretch of the road. One of the few New York State records of the Sage
Thrasher was an individual found feeding in these trees at the entrance to the
dam on 27 December 1971, the date of the first Massena/ Cornwall CBC.

Robert Moses Power Dam (Site 5a; Map 2)

Once through the dam’s main gate, proceed to the parking lot. You can view
this area from the parking lot and from the observation deck on the top floor of
the power dam. It is highly recommended that both areas be checked.

Over the years, the RMPD has hosted an impressive total of 16 species of gulls
and four species of terns. The numbers of gulls and terns begin to increase in
mid-August, and consist mainly of Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s Gulls and
Common Terns. Carefully scan below the dam for Little Gulls which appear
anytime from early August on. In September, there is a further increase in gulls
as the first migrants move through the area. At this time, Bonaparte’s Gulls can
number anywhere from 100 to over 1000. Although not a frequent visitor, the
Sabine’s Gull is a good possibility during the latter part of September, most
often observed feeding below the dam. Little Gull numbers generally peak at
the end of the month. Eight were observed on 30 September 1990 and sbc on 25
September 1991. Common Terns peak in late September and early October.
Usually numbering in the hundreds, this species can be found actively feeding
below the dam or sitting on the dam structure itself. Also watch for Arctic
Terns which have been observed twice during early October, feeding amongst
the Common Terns. Black Terns are regular visitors in August to mid-Sept¬
ember. Also watch for an occasional Caspian Tern migrating during the early
fall.

October marks the increase in the numbers of larger gulls such as the Great
Black-backed, Herring, and Ring-billed Gulls. Carefully check through the
gulls as they feed on the water or rest on the power dam structure. With the
influx of the larger gulls, an occasional Lesser Black-backed Gull may be
found. Patience can be rewarded as the first New York State record of a Mew
Gull was found feeding below the dam on 4 and 5 October 1986. Subsequent
observations of this gull were made on 27 December 1992 and 19 November
1994. The California Gull, another western rarity, was also found feeding in
this same area on 23 October 1990. Franklin’s Gull has only been recorded
once at this site with a first-winter plumage bird present from 12 September to

148

24 October 1986. Black-legged Kittiwakes are rare but regular visitors to the
dam in small numbers. Usually one to three birds can be found feeding below
the dam during November and occasionally in late October. Carefully scan
through the large raft of Ring-billed Gulls resting on the water for first-winter
Black-legged Kittiwakes. The majority of Kittiwake records are first-winter
birds, but on 6 November 1986,2 adult Black-legged Kittiwakes were observed
feeding below the dam.

A significant fluctuation in gull numbers occurs during November and Decem¬
ber, depending on weather conditions. If temperatures durmg late fall are cold,
the Bonaparte’s Gulls, will as a rule, have migrated out of the area. If the condi¬
tions are mild, this gull will remain though in reduced numbers. Carefully check
the flocks of “Bonys” for Common Black-headed Gulls as they have been
recorded four times, three of which were in November. All birds were adults in
winter plumage and were feeding below the dam. Ring-billed Gulls follow a
similar pattern to that of the Bonaparte’s, however, they tend to linger in the
power dam area longer, sometimes into late December. Numbers in the fall
usually range from 1000 to 5000 birds, whereas in December, if conditions are
favourable, a few hundred may remain. Early November also marks the arrival
of the “white-winged gulls.” Two northern species, the Glaucous and Iceland
Gulls, usually appear at the dam site at about the same time, in response to
the freezing of lakes further north. As the season progresses, their numbers
incease. Record numbers are generally noted m January or February with a
high count of 67 Iceland Gulls on 6 February 1991 and 53 Glaucous Gulls on 3
February 1992. It’s interesting to note that no two years are the same. Data
gathered over the past 10 years have shown that either species can outnumber
the other, with no single factor, apparently, controlling this fluctuation.

Another white-winged gull, the Thayer’s Gull, is a rare but regular visitor,
appearing anytime between early November and late February. With usually
only one bird found each season, one must scrutinize the flocks of Herring
Gulls to locate this elusive gull. Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls are
regular winter residents at the power dam. Their numbers also vary with
weather conditions. When severe cold hits the area numbers can be reduced
from a few thousand to a few hundred overnight. There is only one record of
the Ivory Gull, an immature found off Hawkin’s Point on 8 December 1977 and
13 January 1978. More sightings of this species are definitely overdue!

Depending on weather conditions, by late February or early March the diver¬
sity of species decreases rapidly as wintering gulls move north or down to the
gulf of St. Lawrence and are replaced by thousands of Ring-billed Gulls which
breed on numerous islands above the power dam.

149

Lake St. Lawrence / Headpond (Site 5b; Map 2)

Figure 3. Rare sighting of Juvenile Atlantic Puffin. Photo by Bruce Di I^bio.

From the observation platform at the RMPD, survey the headpond located
above the dam. This area can be very rewarding from August through to early
January. Two of the rarest birds here have been a Marbled Murrelet (11-30
October 1993) and a juvenile Atlantic Puffin (14-16 October 1994) (Figure 3).
Two Northern Fulmars and two juvenile Northern Gannets were also observed
on 15 December 1994. One of the fulmars was found dead the following day.
The other fulmar was again observed flying over the headpond during the Mas-
sena-Cornwall CBC. 17 December 1994. Lake St. Lawrence is usually frozen by
January but occasionally as early as mid-December. This location can net a
variety of species, most notable being the Red-throated Loon, Red-necked and
Horned Grebes, Brant, White-winged Surf and Black Scoters, all of which can
be found during October and November. A Parasitic Jaeger was observed
roosting on the water on 15 September 1991, and on 11 November 1989, three
immature Pomarine Jaegers spent the afternoon feeding and resting in this
same area. This observation deck is also a good location for watchmg hawks.
Regular migrants included Red-tailed, Rough-legged, Red-shouldered,
Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Bald and Golden Eagles, Peregrine
Falcon and Merlin are occasionally observed. From late December through
mid-March, overwintering Bald Eagles, from the Ivy Lea Bridge area west of
Brockville, wander down river to the open water at the dam in search of food.

152

During late fall and winter watch for Snowy Owls resting on the power dam
structure or sitting out on the ice.

Hawkin’s Point Lookout (Site 6; Map 2)

Retrace the route taken to the power dam. After crossing the bridge, turn
left onto Robinson Bay Road (formerly East-west Road) at the Information
Centre. Continue eastward along this road checking the pine plantation on
the left for owls, finches. Ruffed Grouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Golden-
crowned Kinglets. At the transmission line structure, 3.8 kilometres from the
turnoff, turn right onto the dirt road which leads to two ponds. A variety of
waterfowl can be found here, but most notable were the 5(X) Redheads and 350
Ring-necked Ducks viewed on 3 November 1991. During the late fall and early
winter the berry and fruit trees along this road are a haven for Bohemian
Waxwings, wintering American Robins and Pine Grosbeaks. Carefully check
any flock of robins because a male Varied Thrush was found feeding in a small
group of 17 on 15 January 1991. Towards mid-winter and early spring. Ruffed
Grouse can be observed just before dusk “budding” in nearby poplar or aspen
trees. It is also during this time that Northern Shrikes can be found perched
high in the deciduous trees. Return to the Robinson Bay Road; turn right to
continue eastward; at the sign to the boat launch turn left. During winters of
heavy snowfall, the road leading to Hawkin’s Point may be inaccessible. Under
these conditions it is best to walk to the point, a distance of about 1 kilometre
from the turnoff. Located directly across the channel from the dam, the
lookout site prowdes one of the best vantage points for birding. From this
location thoroughly check the base of the dam as well as down river towards
the bridge. All gulls and terns highlighted in the section under RMPD can be
seen here as well. The sheltered bay, just east of the lookout, is a good spot for
wintering ducks and gulls. Scan the roosting American Black Ducks and
Mallards for other unusual visitors such as an occasional Green-winged Teal,
Gadwall, or Northern Pintail. Snowy Owls are sometimes found during the
winter resting on the ice or along the shore. Viewing from Hawkin’s Point is
at its best during late fall and winter. Diving ducks begin to increase in numbers
during early fall and by mid-November thousands and sometimes as many as
10,(XX) Common Mergansers may converge to the area below the dam and to
the bay. The Harlequin Duck has overwintered here twice and Barrow’s
Goldeneye is a rare but regular winter visitor. Annually since 1985, a few
Barrow’s have been found amongst the 500 to 2,500 overwintering Common
Goldeneyes. Storms from the northeast from October to early December have
produced a few rarities including an immature Razorbill on 27 November 1987,
a juvenile Northern Gannet, which stayed from 22 November to 3 December
1986, and another on 3 November 1991.

153

Loop Road Area (Site 7, Map2)

To reach the loop, exit Hawkin’s Point and turn left onto Robinson Bay Road.
Take the left side of the fork in the road and continue up the hill. From the
road, check the bays and inlets for waterfowl and the open fields for Red-tailed
and Rough-legged Hawks, American Kestrels and Northern Shrikes. At dusk,
watch for Short-eared Owls. The spruce woodlot on the right, about 300 metres
from the road, can also be rewarding. During the winter of 1987-88, at least 5
Northern Saw-whet Owls and one Long-eared Owl were seen roosting there.
The dense protection of this lone coniferous lot in the area attracts a variety of
finches such as the White-winged Crossbill and Pine Siskin, as well as Northern
Cardinals, Ruffed Grouse, Golden-crowned Kinglets and the occasional
Carolina Wren. The end of the loop marks the entrance to the woods that
lead to a number of vantage points, the most accessible being Polly’s Gut and
Massena Point. (Parking along the loop is permitted but do lock all valuables m
car trunks as the vantage points are a distance from the road.) To reach these
locations, follow the trail and turn left at the service road. At the T-junction,
turn left towards Massena Point or right towards Polly’s Gut. Polly’s Gut is
located directly across from the Reynold’s Plant, therefore the birds found at
the plant can be seen here as well. The advantage of this site is that many of the
birds can be observed more closely. From Massena Point, on the other hand,
you can see many bays and inlets that cannot be observed from other locations.
Don’t forget to walk through the woods to look for a variety of landbirds.
Northern Flickers have been overwintering in this area for the past 10 years
and up to 5 birds have been found annually.

Conclusion

Since 1981 one of us (Bruce) has been regularly leading OFNC trips to this
area and the next one is scheduled for October (see Coming Events). It is
hoped that this site guide will generate further interest in this region, for much
is yet to be learned about the frequency and diversity of species that pass
through or winter in this area. For those who get the opportunity to bird the
RMPD area, please forward a copy of your observations to the authors.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Ross Harris, Liz Stevenson, Chris Traynor and Norm
Crookshank for their valuable comments on earlier versions of the manuscript.
We are grateful to Norm Crookshank for the preparation of the maps and Lee
Harper for the use of his boat on a number of occasions. °

154

Second Ottawa-Hull
Mid-fall Bird Count

15 October to 13 November 1994
Daniel St-Hilaire

This second Fall Count gives us a tally of the species reported by seventeen
birders. The most important sightings were a Red-throated Loon on the
Ottawa River (6 Nov., R. Curtis & B. Ladouceur); a Harlequin Duck at the
Deschenes Rapids, Ottawa River (3 Nov., M. Aub6 and 12 Nov., T. Beck,

L. & M. Neily, & G. Pringle); all three species of scoter and a female Ruddy
Duck at Br6beuf Park, Hull (2 Nov., M. Aub6); a Bald Eagle at Shirleys Bay
(30 Oct., R. Curtis & B. Ladouceur); a Purple Sandpiper on the Ottawa River
at Aylmer (6 Nov., Le Club des Ornithologues de I’Outaouais field trip); and
20 White-winged Crossbills in Hull (10 Nov., M. Aube).

The following table compares the effort and the results of the 1993 and 1994
mid-fall birds counts.

1993

16 Oct. -14 Nov.

1994

15 Oct. -13 Nov.

Number of Participants

Number of Birding Days

Number of Species

119

Number of Individuals

87,207

53,948

I thank all the participants and especially Collin Bowen who entered the
data on computer. For this type of census we should produce a form for a
Bird Check List on which each birder could report all bird observations and
document the environmentally sensitive areas within the 50 km radius of the
Peace Tower, Ottawa. Those places are frequently menaced by development.^

155

Winter Bird Sightings

1 December 1994 to 28 February 1995
Chris Traynor

Varied Thrush. Drawing by Christina Lewis.

The winter of 94/95 was in stark contrast to the previous winter. Very little
snow and relatively mild temperatures made for comfortable birding. Was
there anything to see? Well, with the exception of the incredible numbers of
gulls, the weather did not appear to play a significant role in variety or numbers
of other birds. While not one of our more exciting winters (to me, any winter
without large numbers of owls is a dull winter) it had its moments.

Herons

A Great Blue Heron remained around long enough to be tallied on the
Dunrobin-Breckenridge count (Jan. 2). Obviously a difficult bird to get on a
Christmas Bird Count (CBC), especially in January, this was only the second
recorded on this count. Another Great Blue was seen in the SouthBank area
on Jan. 6.

Waterfowl

No one went to the bother of reporting any of the ubiquitous Blacks and
Mallards that remain in the area over the winter. Never-the-less they were
around. A male Green-Winged Teal, at Billings Bridge (Feb. 18) was rather

156

unusual. Perhaps the warm spell made him believe it was actually April.
Certainly one of the highlights of the season was the presence of the two
Harlequin Ducks that appeared in the Deschenes Rapids near Britannia.
Despite much effort, they were not seen on the Ottawa CBC. Barrow’s
Goldeneyes, seemingly regular now, were recorded in all three months. They
could be seen mingling with their more common cousin, the Common
Goldeneye, in both the Remic and Deschenes Rapids.

Hawks

The Northern Goshawk, a hawk of the forest, was reported just once in
February from Lees Avenue. Our two smaller accipiters, more adapted to city
life, appeared to fare quite well this winter. Cooper’s Hawks, however, were
reported much more often than the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk. This
presents us with an interesting situation. Are people not reporting the more
common “Sharpy” or is it time to get out the hawk identification books? A 3:1
ratio (Cooper’s to Sharp-shinned) is certainly not reflective of their true
numbers.

Neither of our two winter buteos were common although they could be found if
looked for. The Greenbank Road/ Fallowfield area was a good spot for Rough¬
legged (as it usually is) and the Cedarview and Trail Roads had “Roughies” as
well as the odd Red-tailed Hawk.

The magnificent Gyrfalcon, an Ottawa winter specialty, put in but one brief
appearance on the Dunrobin/Breckenridge CBC from the Aylmer area. With
the number of participants the Quebec side had it would have been hard to
miss. They must have been bumping in to each other as a second party also
reported a falcon species (large) which was recorded as the same Gyr. (How
many people in your sector Bernie?) There were numerous reports of the
Peregrine Falcon. The sightings were the usual from the Coates Building at
Tunne/s Pasture as well as from Albert and Lyon Streets downtown. A single
Merlin, from Spadina Street (Feb. 22), was the only report of that species. It Is
always a difficult bird to see in Ottawa in the winter. American Kestrels were
around in decent numbers although no one reported any. Though not as
spectacular as the larger falcons, it is a successful little hunter, quite able to
withstand the worst an Ottawa winter can throw at it. The Central Experiment¬
al Farm was an easy place to find one.

There were several reports of Bald Eagles this winter. One was spotted flying
over McGillvray Street (canal area) on Christmas Day. Another was spotted off
Fourth Line Road during the Dunrobin CBC. It was part of an amazing raptor
hour (Long-eared Owl, Cooper’s and Rough-legged Hawks, Bald Eagle in 45

157

minutes) on the Dunrobin CBC. What an hour! There was a single report of an
immature Golden Eagle (Jan. 2) from the Dwyer Hill area.

Gulls

Gulls put on an impressive show this winter with large numbers present on both
the Ottawa and Dunrobin CBCs. The Great Black-backed Gull even outnum¬
bered the Herring Gull on occasion. The Dunrobin count yielded record highs
for both Great Black-backed (162) and Herring Gulls (127) and added a new
bird for the count, the Glaucous Gull (9). These were conservative estimates.
The Ottawa count had high numbers for the aforementioned gulls and also
added Iceland and lingering Ring-billed Gulls. The continued expansion of the
Great Black-backed Gull continues to impress us each year. It is interesting to
note that just ten years ago (1985-86) Ottawa recorded a mere five Great Black-
backs and even more recently (1989-90) recorded a combined 100 gulls of five
species. Dunrobin, in the same season, recorded 0! Incredible!

Owls

The winter of 94/95 will not be remembered as one of our more exciting owl
winters. The three northern owls were virtually non-existent and resident owls
difficult to find. Even the regular Snowy Owls were not easy to find till late
January and February. Only Carleton Place, of the local Christmas bird counts,
managed one. Great Horned Owls, while not plentiful on the CBC’s, were like¬
ly around in normal numbers despite the lack of reports. Short-eared Owls, ir¬
regular at best, were reported only twice, one from the Central Experimental
Farm (Jan. 29) and three from the Navan area (Dec. 24). There was only one
report of a wintering Long-eared Owl. This bird was located in a dense cedar
woodlot on the Dunrobin CBC (Jan. 2). Interestingly, it was the third straight
year a Long-eared Owl was found in this woodlot. This is a fine example of the
importance of being thorough on count day. Until three years ago no one had
ventured into this secluded wood to check. The sightings for Snowy Owls
started out slowly but they could be found in the usual locations (Greenbank,
Fallowfield, and the fields around Richmond), with a high of four from
Richmond on Jan. 17th. The Eastern Screech Owl, quite difficult to locate in
Ottawa, was recorded three times in the period (Dec. 4, Dec. 26, Jan. 28), all
from the Trail Road location. Always a rare bird in an Ottawa winter, the
Northern Saw-whet was reported only twice. This diminutive owl has shown in
the past that it can survive our harshest winters, yet only one from Greens
Creek (Dec. 3) and one on the Carleton Place CBC (Dec. 27) were reported,
despite a relative lack of snow and no lengthy deep chills. Its larger relative, the
Boreal Owl, was again absent. Lastly, the only Hawk Owl recorded was from
the Richmond Fen. This bird was reported on the Toronto Hotline and it is

158

believed it was seen from the train. This is our third straight winter without a
reliable sighting of a Hawk Owl.

Woodpeckers

Northern Flickers will occasionally overwinter in Ottawa but there was just
a single report (Jan. 8) from Britannia. The rare Red-bellied Woodpecker
was found in Bourget in January and was seen at least till the 22nd. This is
a beautiful woodpecker made even more so by its scarcity. Pileated Woodpeck¬
er numbers appear to be quite healthy. Any ramble through the proper habitat
usually yields one or two of these obtrusive characters. Black-backed Wood¬
peckers (3) were reported only twice, on the Dunrobin CBC and from
Gatineau Park. There was only one report of the less common Three-Toed
Woodpecker, also on the Dunrobin count from the River Road/Constance
Lake area. This general vicinity is one of the safest bets for finding either
species. Years ago birders could find Three-toed woodpeckers just about
anywhere because of Dutch Elm disease. They were often found within the city
feeding on the infected trees. This is no longer the case. Now they are usually
found only in the more heavily wooded areas.

Wrens

There were two interesting wren reports. An excellent find on the Ottawa CBC
was a Marsh Wren from Gatineau. A Carolina Wren was discovered in Hull
(Jan. 28) and remained at least till early February.

Thrushes

There were two reports this winter of the Varied Thrush. One bird was found
in February in Kanata and was very co-operative (as was the owner of the
property) to those who sought it. An earlier report was from Bourget (Jan. 7)
by the same individual who reported the Red-bellied Woodpecker. How many
people get to record both those birds in these parts on the same day? Wow!

Finches

Despite a fair cone crop, thousands of winter finches did not descend on
Ottawa this winter. Evening Grosbeaks are still around but only in small num¬
bers. The glory days of the seventies and eighties when hordes would empty a
feeder in minutes appear to be gone. Even the Jack Pine Nature Trail at Stony
Swamp, once an easy bet, was devoid of grosbeaks. Pine Grosbeaks were hard
to come by as well. The birds seen in Merivale Gardens on the Ottawa CBC
represent the only record this winter. Both species of crossbill were recorded
on the Ottawa CBC from the Britannia sector. White-winged Crossbills were
also reported from the Navan area in early December and Riddell Road in
February. Anyone interested in looking for winter finches (and Three-toed
Woodpeckers) and other more northerly birds would do well to scour the

159

Riddell/River Road areas as it consistently produces excellent sightings. As is
often the case, neither the Common Redpoll nor Pine Siskin put in much of an
appearance. Like many winter finches, they tend to be exceedingly common or
very difficult to find at all. That was the case this winter. Purple Finches were
relatively uncommon but they were reported a few times, often in company
with the House Finch. The House Finch has become so common that you can
find yourself wishing for House Sparrows at the feeder — seriously.

Farther afield

For birders who cannot confine themselves to the 50 km radius of our district
(and there are many) there were enough interesting birds within a reasonable
distance to fuel their desires. The highlight bird was certainly the Ross’s Gull
at Fort Chambly south of Montreal. This bird was seen in December at least till
the 10th. Unfortunately it was likely the same Ross’s Gull that was devoured by
a Great Horned Owl at Port Weller, Ontario. A few feathers (and some Great
Horned Owl tracks) was its legacy. A large flight of Northern Gannets at
Beauharnois (P.Q.) and Cornwall in December excited many birders. Even
more exciting were the two Northern Fulmars at Cornwall (Dec. 15) including
one that stayed around for the Cornwall/Messina CBC. The second of these
stiff winged seabirds fared worse and was scooped out of the water by Power
Dam personnel on the 16th. Other interesting birds from here and there in¬
cluded a Say’s Phoebe from Picton, Summer Tanager from Oshawa and a
Vermilion Flycatcher from St. Clair.

Recent Bird Sightings reflect the reports called in to the Bird Status Line aug¬
mented by the author’s own records and personal communications. Thanks to
all those who called in their reports.°

Newfoundlan(d Mountains

Brian Coleman

Mountain sentinels
playing soldier.
Light green moss,
red and purple berries,
yellow flowers -
on a trampoline of bog.

160

Ottawa-Hull

Christmas Bird Count 1994

Bruce M. Di Labio & Daniel St-Hilaire

Barred Owl, one of the two owls seen on the CBC.
Drawing by C. Lewis from Wild Bird Care Center photo.

A relatively mild but overeast day greeted the 68 participants and 53 feed
watchers of the Ottawa-Hull Christmas Bird Count (CBC) held on December
18th, 1994. With temperatures ranging from -3° to -I- 3‘’C, this was one of the
more “comfortable” CBC’s experienced in recent years. The mild conditions
contributed to the record high numbers of Herring and Great Black-backed
Gulls and American Black Ducks found along the open patches of water on the
Ottawa and Rideau River systems. Other record highs included 75 American
Robins, 246 Northern Cardinals and 1,346 House Finches.

A total of 71 species were observed, down from 76 in 1993. Highlights for the
day included a Marsh Wren in the Gatineau sector, a first record for the CBC,
as well as 2 Three-toed Woodpeckers in Aylmer, a Brown Thrasher in
Gloucester, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, one found in Gloucester and the
second bird at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden Feeder, Experimental Farm, and
a Swamp Sparrow in Aylmer.

161

Winter finches such as the Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, and Pine Grosbeak
were low in numbers compared to 1993. With the continuing changes in habitat
occurring in many areas within the count circle (7 1/2 mile radius from the
Peace Tower), many field or open farmland species are becoming harder to
locate. Records indicate this trend with no Snowy Owls nor Lapland Longspurs
observed as well as low numbers of Homed Larks (1), Gray Partridges (22)
cuid Northern Shrikes (5). No Bohemian Waxwings were seen but Cedar
Waxwings were noted in 4 of the 6 sectors.

We would like to thank all participants and sector leaders for their continued
support. See you all December 17th, 1995.

Gl=Gloucester: Ott=Ottawa; Br=Britannia;

Gat=Gatineau; Hull=Hull; Ayl=Aylmer
Boldface highlights a new species for the Christmas count or a new total high.

••Record high •Ties record high

1994 OTTAWA-HULL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

SPECIES/ESPteES Totals

Otl

Gal

Hull

Ayl

Canada Goose/Bemache du Canada

American Black Duck/Canard noir^^

165

190

352

165

908

Mallard/Canard colvert

125

176

215

251

675

Hybrid Black x Mallard/Canard noir x C colvert

American Widgeon/Canard siffleur d’Amerique^
Common Goldeneye/Garrot a ceil d’or

286

109

330

481

Barrow’s Goldeneye/Garrot de Barrow^^

Com. X B.’s G’eye /Hybride eeil d’or G. Barrow^^

Bufflehead/Petit Garrot

Hooded Merganser/Bec-scie couronne

Common Merganser/Grand bec-scie

Red-breasted Merganser/Bec-scie i poitrine rousse

Sharp-shinned Hjwk/Bpervier brun^

Coo^r’s Hawk/Epervier de Cooper

Northern Goshawk/Autour des palombes

Red-tailed Hawk/Buse a queue rousse

Rough-legged Hawk/Buse pattue
AmericanKestrel/Cr^cerene d’Am^rique

Merlin/Faucon Em^rillon

Peregrine Falcon/Faucon pdlerin^

Gray Partridge/Perdrix grise

Rutted Grouse/G^linotte hupp^e

Ring-billed Gull/Go^land i bee cercl^

Herring Gull/Go^land argent^^^

Thayer's Gull/Goeland de Thayer^

211

5250

176

3000

5250

Iceland Gull/Go^land arctique

Glaucous Gull/Godland bourgmestre

G. Bl.-backed Gull/Go^land a manteau noir^

1785

116

700

1785

Rock Dove/Pigeon biset

489

989

1238

535

495

273

3746

Mourning Dove/Tourterelle triste

104

319

Great Homed Owl/Grand-duc d’Amerique

Barred Owl/Chouette rayee

Downy Woodpecker/Pic mineur

Haiiy WoodMcker/Pic chevelu

Three-toed Woodpecker/Pic tridactyle

120

162

Totals

1994 OTTAWA-HULL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

SPECIES/ESPteES

Northern Flicker/Pic flamborant
Piteated Woodpecker/Grand Pic

Homed Lark/AIouette coraue
Blue Jay/Geai bleu

American Crow/Ctomeille d’Am^rique
Common Raven/Grand Corbeau

Black-capped Chickadee/M^nge i t£te noire
Red-breasted Nuthatch/Sittelle a poitrine rousse
White-breasted Nuthatch/Sittelle a poitrine blanche
Brown Creeper/Grimpereau brun
Marsh Wren/Troglodyte des marais

Golden-crowned Kindet/Roitelet d couronne dor^e
American Robin/Mene d’Amdrique**

Brown Thrasher/Moqueur roux*

Cedar Waxwing/Jaseur des cedres
Northern Shrike/Pie-gri^che grise
European Starling/Etoumeau sansonnet
Yellow-rumped Warbler/Paruline i croupion jaune
Northern Cardinal/Cardinal rouge**

American Tree Sparrow/Bruant hudsonien
Song Sparrow/Bruant chanteur
Swamp Sparrow/Bruant des marais
White-throated Sparrow/Bruant i gorge blanche
Dark-eyed Junco^unco ardois^

Snow bunting/Bruant des neiges

Red-winged Blackbird/Carouge i Epaulettes
Common Grackle/Quiscale bronzE
Brown-headed Cowbird/vacher i tfite brune
Pine Grosbeak/Dur-bec des pins
Purple Finch/Roselin poumre
House FincIvRoselin tamifier**

Red Crossbill/Bec-croisE rouge

White-winged Crossbill/Bec-croisE i ailes blanches

Common Redpoll/Sizerin flammE

Pine Siskin/Chardonneret des pins

American Goldfinch/Chardonneret jaune

Evening Grosbeak/Gros-bec errant

House Sparrow/Moincau domcstique

Totals

Species

Individuals

Ott

Gat

HuU

Ayl

101

189

509

127

415

503

127

167

1395

407

375

535

373

545

646

2881

136

1115

795

895

493

1012

678

4988

246

243

185

111

406

651

101

393

228

232

153

239

1346

111

123

266

311

251

296

1358

410

798

769

472

604

268

3321

3600

5639 12757

2832

4725

6998

31482

Note: Individual totals may seem incorrect but that is because the compilers
considered there to be some species overlap in the count. Species totals do not
include the hybrids.^

163

Species List for
Ottawa-Hull Christmas
Bird Counts 1919-1994

Bruce M. Di Labio

The following list is a summary of Ottawa-Hull Christmas Bird Counts from
1919 to 1994. The list contains a total of 143 species recorded in a 7 1/2 mile
radius of the Peace Tower of the Parliament Buildings.

The list includes the following information: species names in both official
languages; first record - the year a species was first recorded; years recorded -
the number of CBC counts on which the species has been found; record high -
the highest number of individuals of a species found on any one count; and
record year - the year in which the record high was recorded. When the record
high was tied for more than three years, the number of years is given rather
than the years themselves. Less specific records (for example, scaup sp., ac-
cipiter sp., hawk sp., gull sp.) are not included in this treatment.

A=First Record; B=Years Recorded; C=Record High; D=Record Year;
Boldface highlights additions to list since the last major compilation in
T&L 19(5): 247 (1985).

SPEClES/ESPfeCES

Red-throated Loon/Huart a gorge rouge

1970

70,91

Common Loon/Huart a collier

1962

62,77,84

Pied-billed Grebe/Grebe i bee bigarrd

1968

Homed Grebe/Grebe cornu

1973

Red-necked Grebe/Grebe jougris

1949

1987

Double-crested Cormoranl/Cornionin A aigrettes

1990

Great Blue Heron/Grand H^ron

1952

1965

Snow Goosc/Oie des neiges

1992

Canada Goose/Bemache du Canada

1957

2,203

1992

Wood Duck/Canard branchu

1971

1979

Green-winged Teal/Sarcelle d ailes vertes

American Black Duck/Canard noir

1979

1990

1941

908

1994

Mallard/Canard colvert

1931

997

1993

Northern Pintail/Canard pilet

1975

1979

American Widgeon/Canard silTleur d’Am^rique

1993

93,94

Canvasback/Morillon a dos blanc

1968

68,73

Ring-necked Duck/Morillon i collier

1952

1966

Greater Scaup/Grand Morillon

Lesser Scaup/Petit Morrilon

King Eider/Eider remarquable

Harlequin Duck/Canard narlequin

1952

1979

1969

84,92

1983

1971

1987

Oldsquaw/Canard kakawi

Surf Scoter/Macreuse i front blanc

1956

69,84

1984

White-winged Scoter/Macreuse aux ailes blanches
Common Goldeneye/Garrot S ceil d’or

1970

1924

586

5 yrs.
1993

Barrow’s Goldenwe/Garrot de Barrow

Bufflehead/Petit Garrot

1960

1994

1953

1993

Hooded Merganser/Bec-scie couronnd

1937

1984

Common Merganser/Grand Bcc-scie

Red-breasted Merganser/Bec-scie i poitrine rousse

1926

1991

1948

1949

164

SPECIES/ESPfeCES

Bald Eagle/Py^we it t£te blanche
Northern Hamer/Busard Saint-Martin
Sharp-shinned Hawk/tpervier brun
Coo^r’s Hawk/Epervier de Cooper
Northern Goshawk/Autour des palombes
Red-shouldered Hawk/Buse aux epaulettes
Red-tailed Hawk/Buse a queue rousse
Rough-legrcd Hawk/Buse pattue
AmericanKestrel/Crdcerelle d’Amerique
Merlin^aucon £merillon
Peregrine Falcon/Faueon p£lerin
Gyrfalcon/Faucon gerfaut

Gray Partridge/Perdrix^se
Ring-necked Pheasant/Faisan ii collier
Spruce Grouse/r£tras du Canada
Ruffed Grouse/G£linotte hupp£e

American Coot/Foulque d'Am£rique
Common Snipe/B£cassine des marais
Common Black-headed Gull/Mouette rleuse
Ring-billed Gull/Go£land i bee cercl£

Herring Gull/Godland argent£

Thayer^ Gull/Go£land de Thayer

Iceland Gull/Go£land arctique

Lesser Black-backed Gull/Go£land brun

Glaucous Gull/Goeland bourgmestre

Great Black-backed Gull/Goeland a manteau noir

Black-legxed Kitiwake/Mouette tridactyle

Thick-billed Murre/Marmette de Briinnich

Rock Dove/Pigeon biset
Mourning Dove/Tourterelle triste

Eastern Screech Owl/Petit-duc macut£

Great Homed Owl/Grand-duc d’Am£rique
Snowy (^l/Harfang des neiges
Northern Hawk-Owl/Chouelle ipervidre
Barred Owl/Chouette rayde
Great Gray Owl/Chouette lapone
Long-eared Owl/Hibou moyen-duc
Short-eared Owl/Hibou des marais
Boreal Owl/Nyctale bor£ale
Northern Saw-whet Owl/Petite Nyctale

Belted Kinefisher/Martin^cheur
Red-bellied Woodpecker/Pic £ ventre roux
Downy Woodpecker/Pic mineur
Hairy Woodpecker/Pic chcvelu
Three-toed Woodpecker/Pic tridactyle
Black-backed Woodpecker/Pic d dos noir
Northern Flicker/Pic flambcn^nt
Pileated Woodpecker/Grana Pic

Eastern Phoebe/Mouchcrolle ph£bi
Horned Lark/Alouette comue

Gray Jay/Geai du Canada
Blue Jay/Geai bleu

American Crow/Comeille d’Amirique
Common Raven/Grand Corbeau

Black-capped Chickadee/M£sange a t£te noire
Boreal Chickadee/M£sange a t£te brune
Tufted Titmouse/Mesange bicolore
Red-breasted Nuthatch/Silelle a poitrine rousse
White-breasted Nuthatch/Sitelle a poitrine blanche
Brown Creeper/Grimpereau brun
Carolina Wren/Troglodyte de Caroline

1972

1991

1984

84,90,92

1921

5 yrs.

1960

1993

1924

73,76

1948

48,55

1960

73,93

1956

1973

1940

1990

1931

3959,92

1972

9 yrs.

1972

1980

1948

675

1980

1932

1944

1919

1979

1969

69,84

1970

5yrs.

1986

1957

1984

1923

5,250

1994

1973

4yrs.

1956

IW3

1979

79,90,92

1943

1993

1957

1,785

1994

1981

81,88

1952

1932

7,369

1980

1952

544

1993

1923

4 yrs.

1929

1971

1954

1967

1922

65,91

1933

1977

1983

1973

1957

6 yrs.
1962

1973

73,76

1971

1986

1964

4 yrs.

1979

1921

211

1980

1921

224

1975

1941

1976

1927

1980

1958

1984

1926

1993

1969

1948

167

1960

1921

1972

1921

663

1984

1921

1,716

1984

1971

1991

1919

3,089

1993

1927

1972

1979

79,89

1920

388

1976

1921

263

1980

1920

1979

1971

80,93

165

SPECIES/ESPfeCES

Winter Wren/Troglodyte des forfits

1950

1974

Marsh Wren/Troglodyle des marals

1994

Golden-crowned Kinglet/Roitelet d couronne dorde

1927

1992

Ruby-crowned Kinglet/Roitelet i couronne rubis

1949

1982

Hermit Thrush/Gnve solitaire

1960

1994

American Robin/Merle d’Am^rique

1921

1994

Varied Thnish/Grive d collier

1979

Northern Mockin^ird/Moqueur polyglotte

Brown Thrasher/Moqueur roux

1964

1968

73,79

5yrs

American Pipit/Pipit d’Amdrique

1954

Bohemian Waxwing/Jaseur bordal

1930

4,953

1985

Cedar Waxwing/Jaseur des cedres

1932

403

1984

Northern Shrike/Pie-grieche grise

1921

1977

Loggerhead Shrike/Pie-grieche migratrice

1962

European Starling/^toumeau sansonnet

1924

6.742

1984

Nashville Warbler/Paruline a joues giises

1992

Northern Parula/Paruline a collier

1993

Yellow-rumped Warbler/Paruline d croupion jaune

1967

1979

Black-throated Green Warbler/Paruline verte d gorge noire

1984

Pine Warbler/Paruline des pins

1982

Common Yellowthroat/Parulinc masqude

1979

Ovenbird/Paruiine couronnee

1990

90,91

Northern Cardinal/Cardinal rouge

1945

246

1994

Rose-breasted Grosbeak/Cardinal i poitrine rose

1968

68,82

Rufous-sided Towhee/Tohi a flancs roux

1%9

Syts.

American Tree Spanow/Bruant hudsonien

1920

477

Chipping Sparrow/Bruant familier

Fiela Sparrow/Bruant des champs

1969

1965

4yTS.

1971

Savannah Sparrow/Bruant des pr^s

1966

Grasshopper Sparrow/Bruant sauterelle

1993

Fox Sparrow/Bruant fauve

Song Sparrow/Bruant chanteur

1984

1924

1984

1979

Swamp Sparrow/Bruant des marais

1968

1977

White-throated Sparrow/Bruant i gorge blanche

1922

1976

White-crowned Sparrow/Bruant i couronne blanche

1948

1970

Harris’ Sparrow/Bruant a face noire

1992

Dark-eyed Junco/Junco ardoise

1932

232

1984

Lapland Long^ur/Bruant lapon

1937

1961

Snow Buntini^ruant des neiges

1921

1,876

1975

Red-winged Blackbird/Carouge d dpaulettes

1928

1972

Eastern Meadowlark/Stumelfe des pres

1931

1980

Rusty Blackbird/Quiscale rouilleux

1964

1977

Common Grackle/Quiscale bronzd

1930

72,73

Brown-headed Cowbird/Vacher a tite brune

1960

1980

Northern Oriole/Oriole du Nord

1978

Pine Grosbeak/Dur-bec des pins

1919

1,446

1985

Purple Finch/Roselin pouiprd

House Finch/Roselin familier

1920

519

1976

1980

1,346

1994

Red Crossbill/Bec<roisd rouge

1950

108

1976

White-winged Crossbill/Bec-croisd k ailes blanches

1927

300

1984

Common Redpoll/Sizerin flammd

Hoaiy Redpoll/Sizerin blanchiitre

Pine Siskin/Chardonneret des pins

1919

3,264

1981

1952

1919

1,133

1986

American Goldfinch/Chardonneret jaune

1923

1,591

1984

Evening Grosbeak/Gros-bec errant

1923

2,621

1972

House Spanow/Moineau domestique

1927

6,655

1968

166

Index to Volume 29

Birds

Bird Feeders 1995 Update, OFNC.40

Bird Sightings 1994, Summary of Notable .113

Winter 1994-95 .156

Bird Status Line .42

Birder’s Guide to the Moses-Saunders Power Dam Area, A.142

Christmas Bird Count, Ottawa-Hull, 1994 .161

Species List 1919-1994 .164

[Crow & Robin] Change of Heart [poem] .99

Duck Club Inc. 19th Annual Wildlife Art & Carving Show/Sale, Ottawa.134

Eastern Screech Owls - Gone from Billings Bridge?.138

Great Horned Owl: Supper at -10°C.10

[House Sparrow & Peregrine Falcon] Extremes [poem] .55

[Killdeer] Transformation [poem] .103

Late Summer Shorebird Trip, A .107

Loons [poem].57

Mid-fall Bird Count, Second Ottawa-Hull .155

Spruce Grouse, Moose and Gray Jays in Algonquin Park .104

Club History and Affairs

Annual Business Meeting, The 116th .52

The 117th, Notice of.132

Coming Events. 43,73,122,169

Editor, From the.131

Fletcher Wildlife Garden: Diary of a Habitat Manager .60

“Golden Anniversary” Membership List 1944-1995 . 51

Information Highway, The OFNC - Now on the.6

OFNC Committees for 1995 .56

Ottawa District - A Hundred Years of Knowledge Gained, The .135

Shirleys Bay and the Munster Sewage Lagoons, Access to.133

Soir6e and the 1994 OFNC Awards, The 1995 . 83

Storage Problem for Back Issues of Trail & Landscape . 3

Trail & Landscape Circulation.51

Wanted! Mailing Team Coordinator .131

Welcome, New Members.2,50,82,130

167

Conservation

Aylmer’s Natural Landscapes.24

Madawaska Highlands Land Use Planning Process,The .31

Elxcursions

Fall Rhapsody.Ill

Late Summer Shorebird Trip, A .107

Invertebrates

[Woolly Aphids] A Woolly Wonder! .58

Water Bugs Take a Dive at the Sportsplex.88

Mammals

Weasel, Life Cycles: One Year in the Life of a.18

Plants

Asters of the Ottawa District .89

Butterfly Gardening Network -Reminder .86

Canadian Rare Plants Project.72

Ephemerals and Other Woodland Spring Flowers, Lifecycles: .66

Thoroughworts of the Ottawa District .100

Poems

Change of Heart. 99

Extremes. 55

Loons. 57

Loughborough Lake .110

Newfoundland Mountains.160

Ode to Happiness: Afternoon Walk in Mer Bleue [poem].12

Passage. 137

Sermons in Stones . 9

Transformation.103

Miscellaneous

Changes Natural and Normal: 25 Years in Stony Swamp.13

Mugs, Mugs, Mugs.5

Ottawa Regional Science Fair.87

168

Coming Events

arranged by the Excursions & Lectures Committee
For further information,
call the Club number (722-3050) after 10 a.m.

Times stated for excursions are departure times. Please arrive earlier; leaders start
promptly. If you need a ride, don’t hesitate to ask the leader. Restricted trips will
be open to non-members only after the indicated deadlines.

ALL OUTINGS: Please bring a lunch on full-day trips and dress according to the
weather forecast and the activity. Binoculars andtor spotting scopes are essential
on all birding trips. Unless otherwise stated, transportation will be by car pool.

REGISTERED BUS TRIPS: Make your reservation for Club bus excursions by
sending a cheque or money order (payable to The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club)
to E.M. Dickson, 2037 Honeywell Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 0P7, at least ten
days in advance. Include your name, address, telephone number and the name of
the outing. Your cooperation is appreciated by the Committee so that we do not
have to wait to the last moment to decide whether a trip should be cancelled due
to low registration. We also wish to discourage the actual payment of bus fees on
the day of the event.

EVENTS A T THE CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NA TURE: The Club is grateful
to the Museum for their cooperation and thanks the Museum for the use of these
excellent facilities. Club members must be prepared to show their membership
cards to gain access for Club functions after regular museum hours.

BIRD STA TUS LINE: Phone 825-7444 to learn of recent sightings or birding
potential in the Ottawa area. To report recent sightings call Michael Tate at
825-1231. This service is run on behalf of the Birds Committee and is available to
members and non-members.

Le Club des Omithologues de TOutaouais has a similar service, in French, run
by Daniel St-Hilaire. The Club number is 776-3822 and the Bird Status Line is
778-0737.

Date and GULLS OF THE CORNWALL POWER DAM
Time to be Leader: Bruce Di Labio

decided Meet: Elmvale Shopping Centre, northeast corner of the

parking lot, St. Laurent Blvd. at Smyth Road.

This will be full-day outing to the the Moses-Saunders Power
Dam to observe various species of gulls. Bring proof of
citizenship or residency for entry into the U.S.A. Call the
Club number (722-3050) by October 1 to register.

Registrants will be informed of date and time of trip.

169

Sunday

1 October
9:00 a.m.
to

4:00 p.in.

BUS EXCURSION:

AUTUMN COLOURS IN GATINEAU PARK

Leaders: Colin Gaskell and Ellaine Dickson

Meet: Supreme Court Building, front entrance, Wellington at
Kent Street.

Cost: $8.00 (PLEASE REGISTER EARLY... see

Registered Bus Trips at the beginning of COMING

EVENTS for details).

Our tour will visit several interesting locales within the Park
affording ample opportunity to wander along different trails.

Tuesday

10 October
8:00 p.in.

OFNC MONTHLY MEETING

THE NATURAL WONDERS OF STONY SWAMP
THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS

Speaken Bill Gummer

Meet: Auditorium, Canadian Museum of Nature, Metcalfe
and McLeod Streets.

The Stony Swamp Conservation Area comprises nearly

5,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands and field habitats
surrounded by the neighbouring communities of Kanata and
Nepean. Bill’s introduction to this alluring natural area
occurred in 1972. Since then he has returned on countless
occasions in all seasons to enjoy and photograph the flora,
geology, winter snow scenes, ice growths and the tales of
wildlife recorded in tracks on the surface of the snow.

Copies of Bill’s recently published book on Stony Swamp
will be available for sale.

Sunday

22 October
8:00 a.ni.

FALL BIRDING ALONG THE OTTAWA RIVER

Leaden Tony Beck

Meet: Britannia Drive-In Theatre, 3090 Carling Avenue.

We will visit several spots along the Ottawa River on this
half-day outing to observe water fowl and other migrants.

Saturday

4 November
9:00 a.m.

LATE FALL RAMBLE IN GATINEAU PARK

Leader: Philip Martin

Meet: Supreme Court Building, front entrance, Wellington
at Kent Street.

This general interest walk will focus on the identification of
various nuts, fruits, seeds, fungi and other interesting forms
of plant life. The occasional bird or mammal may also be
encountered along the trails. Bring a lunch and dress warmly.

170

Sunday

5 November
8:00 a.m.

NOVEMBER MIGRANTS

Leaden Jim Harris

Meet: Westgate Shopping Centre, southeast comer of the
parking lot, Carling Avenue.

Pmticipants will be led on a quest for late fall raptors and
passerines as well as some intriguing early winter arrivals
that signal the cold, harsh days ahead. This is a half-day
outing.

Sunday

12 November
9:30 a.m.

GENERAL INTEREST WALK IN THE WEST END

Leaders: Ellaine Dickson and Robina Bennett

Meet: Lincoln Heights Galleria, northeast corner of the
parking lot. Richmond Road at Assaly Road.

Dress warmly and bring a snack for tHs long half-day
adventure in the fall woods. The leaders will select a
particularly rewarding locale a few days prior to the trip.

Tuesday

14 November
8:00 p.m.

OFNC MONTHLY MEETING

THE BRUCE PENINSULA THROUGH A
PHOTOGRAPHER’S LENS

Speaker: Darryl Davies

Meet: Auditorium, Canadian Museum of Nature, Metcalfe
and McLeod Streets.

Darryl Davies, a criminologist by profession with the
Department of Justice, is also a noted nature photographer
whose works have appeared in magazines, books and
calenders. His presentation will portray the rich diversity of
flora and fauna found on the scenic Bruce Peninsula, as well
as emphasize his passionate belief in a stewardship
approach to the environment.

Sunday

3 December
8:00 a.m.

LATE FALL AND EARLY WINTER BIRDS

Leaden Tony Beck

Meet: Britannia Drive-In Theatre, 3090 Carling Avenue.
Participants will join Tony in search of lingering fall migrants
and various species of birds that choose to inhabit the

Ottawa District during Nature’s harshest season. This is a
half-day outing.

171

Tuesday OFNC MONTHLY MEETING

12 December THE PLIGHT OF THE PORCUPINE CARIBOU HERD:
8:00 p.m. A CONTENTIOUS TRANSBOUNDARY ISSUE

Speaker: Dick Russell

Meet: Auditorium, Canadi£ui Museum of Nature, Metcalfe
and McLeod Streets

Since 1987, the American proposal to drill for oil and gas in
Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Range has raised
considerable concern for the welfare of the 170,000 member
Porcupine caribou herd. At risk are the herd’s core calving
grounds eis well as the best foraging and insect-relief areas
along the Arctic coastal plain. Potential alterations to the
herd’s traditional migratory patterns would also severely
affect the Vuntut Gwitchin in the Old Crow Flats region.
The Yukon First Nation depends on the caribou for
sustenance and considers the species an integral part of its
cultural identity. Dick Russell, a biologist with the Canadian
Wildlife Service, will discuss the ecological, sociological,
political and international issues pertaining to the topic in
_ an illustrated presentation. _

Tuesday OFNC 117th ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

9 January Meet: Auditorium, Canadian Museum of Nature, Metcalfe
7:30 p.m. and McLeod Streets.

The 1996 Council will be elected at this meeting and a
summation of the various Committee activities in 1995 will
be given plus a full disclosure of the Club’s financial
position. This is an excellent opportunity to learn
more about the inner workings of your Club. As
an added bonus, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Committee will present an overview of the gr^
achievements they have accomplished
during the past year.

Saturday WINTER BIRDING AT THE CORNWALL POWER DAM
13 January Leader: Bruce Di Labio

8:00 a.m. Meet: Elmvale Shopping Centre, northeast corner of the
parking lot, St. Laurent Blvd. at Smyth Road.
Overwintering gulls, waterfowl and seasonal species
frequenting the vicinity of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam
will be sought on the full-day outing. Bring a lunch, a warm
drink and heavy winter clothing as well as proof of
citizenship. (We may travel to the American side of the
dam.) Transportation will be by private car.

172

Ottawa-Hull Mid-Fall Bird Count

Once again The OFNC is proud to coordinate a Fall Bird Count. This year we
will hold the event on one day only, Sunday, October 29,1995.

The Ottawa District (50 km radius of the Peace Tower) will be the count area.
The area is divided into four sectors by the Ottawa, Gatineau and Rideau
Rivers. There are plenty of excellent birding spots to choose from. All birders,
of every skill and level, are welcome. Due to popular demand, on count evening,
we will hold a compilation party at Riverpark Place, near Andrew Hayden
Park. Food and refreshments will be served.

If you are interested, contact Bev Scott at work: 228-8911 or home: 225-6842.

1995 Ottawa-Hull Christmas Bird Count

This year’s Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday, December 17th.
Members interested in participating should contact the coordinator, Daniel
St-Hilaire, of the Club’s Birds Committee at 776-3822 (home phone), or at
19 rue Connaught, Hull, J8Y 4C8. He will provide information on action time,
sectors where counts will be made and the sector leaders.

At 4:00 p.m., after the count, there will be a meeting of all interested people
involved to review the events of the day and to compile an official summary of
numbers and species of birds. This will be followed by a meal. Participants will
be informed by the section leaders of the location for this get-together.

The figures from the final count will be presented as the official Ottawa-Hull
report to the National Audubon Society. As previously, participants will be
asked to pay a fee of $5.

Any Articles for Trail & Landscape?

Have you been on an interesting field trip or made some unusual observations recently? Is
there a colony of rare plants or a nesting site that needs protection? Write up your thoughts
and send them to Trail & Landscape. If you have access to an IBM or IBM-compatible
computer using 5.25 or 3.5 inch diskettes, all the better. If you don’t, we will happily receive
submissions in any form—typed, written, printed or painted!

DEADLINE: Material intended for the January-March 1996 issue must be in the
editor’s hands by November 1,1995. Mail your manuscripts to:

Fenja Brodo

Editor, Trail & Landscape
28 Benson Street
Nepean, Ontario, K2E 5J5
H: (613)723-2054; Fax: (613) 990-6451.

ISSN 0041-0748

TRAIL & LANDSCAPE

published by

THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB

Second Class Mail - Registration Number 2777
Postage paid in cash at Ottawa

Change of Address Notices and Undeliverable Copies:
Box 35069, Westgate P.O.,

Ottawa, Ont. KIZ 1A2

Return postage guaranteed

Printed by

LOMOR PRINTERS LTD.

News Supplement to TRAIL&LANDSCAPE Vol. 29 No. 4/Autumn 1995 |

CCEEN EINE

Leading By Example

Opinion by Michael Ross Murphy

Q: What’s the difference between the
Canadian Museum of Nature and a
condo developer?

A: A condo developer isn’t "committed
to ensuring that all of its programs and
activities are carried out in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner”.

Tips for condo developers from the CMN:

Decide what you want to do, basing your decision on
narrow, short-sighted economic objectives: do not
unnecessarily complicate your decision at this stage by
considering either consequences or alternatives. Pre¬
tend to do so only after you have committed
irrevocably to a course of action.

Hire a reputable engineering firm that also offers an
environmental impact assessment service, to do your

When you’re ready to submit your project to the
public review process, the time has come to be as
cynical and as manipulative as your imagination allows.
Some practical suggestions:

1) When naturalist groups like the OFNC won’t play
along, slander and smear their reputations.

2) Make the rounds of any other Environmental
Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs), looking
for at least one group not actually opposed to your
project that you can describe as favourable. For
example, try Wildlife Habitat Canada or the Canadian
Wildlife Federation, conservation organizations known
to be concerned with wetlands. Attempt to portray any
lack of concern about a tiny wetland that isn’t
productive duck habitat as support for your project

3) Hold a public meeting for no other purpose but
to smoke out your opponents’ strategies. Hope they’ll
vent all their anger and frustration in a forum where it
won’t do them any good. Use the cxxasion to
patronize and to educate them. Explain that your

servicing studies. Relying on repeat business as they
do, they can be relied upon to write a report that
minimizes the value and significance of the site
selected. All studies they produce must support and
justify your original decision; this is especially impor¬
tant if the decision turns out to be wrong.

Ignore key goals of the Canadian Wetlands
Conservation policy, such as: “/7o net Joss of wetland
functions on aJI federal lands and »ateri\ Fail to
provide the positive leadership role of the Federal
government on which the success of the policy
depends.

At this point, it helps to be behind schedule so you
can apply pressure to any agencies whose approvals
you may need.

Score points by voluntarily submitting to the Cana¬
dian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) which
can’t harm you either. Since there is no way to
mitigate the environmental impact of the destruction
of the significant wetland you’ll be building on,
demonstrate your commitment to the environment by
promising not to use herbicides on the lawns.

planning process is much too far along for you to
consider another site. Keep a record of the proceed¬
ings as evidence that you consulted the public.

The beauty of Environmental Assessment, as it is
governed by the CEAA, is that although it insists that
you ask yourself all the right questions, it doesn’t make
you listen to the answers. It shouldn’t surprise anyone
when you take the tough decision to proceed with the
mission-critical project after all.

It looks simple, doesn’t it? But remember, it takes
great patience, skill and commitment from all levels of
your organization - especially senior management - to
resist and effective^ w'ear down your opposition. Your
staff must be courteous and polite at all times but it is
essential they frustrate any attempts by the public to
obtain information that may be helpful to their cause.

Oblige them to consult the single copy of your study,
withholding the references, during restricted hours at
remote locations inaccessible by public transit Miss
no opportunity to inconvenience the public: if they
want to exercise their rights, make good exercise!

News Editor: Michael Murphy (613) 727-1739 / Fax: 727-1245

ai536@f reenet. carleton. ca

The OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB

Nature of The
Museum

by Michael Ross Muq)hy

The Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) intends
to build their new research and collections facility
on Pink Road in Aylmer, Quebec. Although it is
clearly a good idea to consolidate CMN staff and
collections into a single building designed for the
purpose, the CMN has chosen a wetland as the
building site! Just bow this came about is a long,
convoluted and unpleasant story.

It suffices to say that in 1989 Public Works
procured the lands, partly on behalf of the CMN.
Unhappy with the building they bad been provided
with, the CMN decided in 1991 to build their own
facility. They obtained approval for a scheme to
transfer ownership of the land as security to a
builder who would finance the design and construc¬
tion of a new building under a “leaseback”
arrangement But it wasn’t until late in 1994 that
any field investigations were conducted. The field
work was accurate (so far as it went) but the analyis
of the data failed to indicate the presence of a large
wetland occupying almost the entire property.
When the OFNC critically reviewed these reports,
we remarked that the evidence inthe consultant
reports actually indicated that more than half of the
proposed site must be a peat wetland.

The environmental study reports were later sup¬
plemented with observations gathered in additional
field work conducted in June 1995 by CMN
contractors and scientific staff. But even now this
information is neither comprehensive nor complete;
it is more of a reconnaissance than an inventory.
For instance, only one family of insects, Tipulid
craneflies, was collected. Despite the fact that an
amazing diversity and abundance of cranefly species
was found on the site (including a species new to
science), no other insect families, - not even
lepidoptera! - were investigated. One thing definitely
established was that over 80% of the site to be
developed is old-growth cedar swamp. As some
measure of the value of the wetland to be
destroyed, there are 410 vascular plants, of which 93
are regionally-significant and 3 are provincially-
significant species, such as Clinton’s Wood Fern.

Nevertheless, the CMN intends to proceed with
the project Their Environmental Assessment
Report concludes that there would be "no signifi¬
cant environmental impact" due to the proposed
development and actually goes so far as to predict
improved conditions on the site for the Midland
Chorus Frog, which is listed as provincially-rare!

I_I

The Short Story ...

Wetlands Working Group reports

The Wetlands Working Group (WWG) has made its
final report, consisting of 11 recommendations to the
Council of the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-
Carleton (RMOC), on how to implement the Ontario
Wetlands Policy in the RMOC without causing a
backlash from rural property owners. The WWG will
be presenting their report to the Planning & Environ¬
ment Committee of the RMOC on October 10th at
17:00 at Regional Headquarters. Those interested in
attending, or in obtaining a copy of the report, should
contact Michael Murphy, OFNC representative to the
WWG, at 727-1739 for information.

NCC Swaps Land with the City of Ottawa

If the Federal Treasury Board approves the deal, the
NCC will obtain ownership of Rockliffe Park from the
City of Ottawa in exchange for a 168 acre parcel of
NCC lands in the Alta Vista area, known as the
Eastern Corridor. Local activists are pleased that the
the City of Ottawa will keep Grasshopper Hill and
Orlando Park as parkland. Rockliffe Park, east of the
Prime Minister’s Residence, includes the Rockliffe
Lookout and the gazebo. The Western Corridor and
Pinecrest Corridor lands remain in NCC ownership.

Mer Bleue Designated by Ramsar

The NCC-owned Mer Bleue Conservation Area has
been awarded an Intemationally-Significant Wetland
designation under the Ramsar Convention. Note that
by the beginning of October, the boardwalk facilities
accessed via Ridge Road will be protected by “dusk to
dawn” gate closures to prevent further vandalism and
related problems. The NCC has expressed willingness
to provide after-hours (or early-hours) access to the
OFNC for scheduled outings.

Shirley’s Bay Access

OFNC members have been experiencing problems
gaining access to the dike at Shirley’s Bay, even when
following the protocol recently negotiated between the
OFNC and the Department of National Defence.
Until further notice, it is recommended that OFNC
members cooperate when forbidden access.

OFNC Bird Status Line Update

The OFNC Bird Status Line number has been
changed, effective September 27th, 1995, to permit
local calling to the Status Line without long-distance
telephone charges over a wider service area. The new
number is (613) 860-9000. Please continue to report
sightings at (613) 825-1231.

I_r_^_I

The OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB

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