Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca August 20, 2020 Highlights: A young Marbled Godwit spent a day feeding in the mouth of Pinecrest Creek, Ottawa, offering difficult views. Adding to the drama, one observer reported a Peregrine Falcon attempting to hunt the godwit. Overview: Spurred into movement by cold weather, mixed flocks of confusing Fall warblers and even more confusing vireos added some more excitement. Other notable sightings: Lesser Scaup continues, seen this week from Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau. Trumpeter Swans were seen in Goulbourn, Ottawa, and the Almonte Lagoons. A family of Sandhill Crane were seen on Perrault Rd, Ottawa. A Pectoral Sandpiper and a couple of Stilt Sandpiper were seen on Route 148 at chemin Elm, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. A Least Bittern was reported from the Rideau River, Ottawa. A flock of six Sandhill Crane were seen in Cumberland, Ottawa. The Lesser Black-backed Gull continues at Rapides Deschênes, Ottawa. The Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa. Seasonal flycatchers continued with Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at Shirley's Bay, Olive-sided at Mud Lake, and late Willow at Andrew Hayden, Mud Lake, and Giroux Road Ponds, Ottawa. Carolina Wrens continue to be reported from multiple locations in Gatineau and Ottawa, including: Rue de Saint-Malo, Ch McConnell, and the Domaine de la ferme Moore, Gatineau, as well as Andrew Haydon Park, and Champlain Street Marsh, Ottawa. Philadelphia Vireo were seen at Stony Swamp (Sarsaparilla Trail), Britannia Ridge, Rockcliffe Airport Woods, and Shirley's Bay Dyke, Ottawa. A Yellow-throated Vireo was photographed in the Winchester area. A Red Crossbill was reported from High Lonesome Nature Reserve, Pakenham, Lanark. The Northern Mockingbird continues on Carlsbad Lane, Ottawa. A Grasshopper Sparrow was seen on the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail, Lanark. 2020 Ottawa Seedathon: The 2020 Ottawa Seedathon will take place Sunday, August 30th. As in the last few years, this will be a team effort where anyone can contribute. Participation in the seedathon is a fun and worthwhile way to contribute to bird records and to support the OFNC winter bird feeders. There are two ways you can contribute: 1. Bird anywhere within the 50K region anytime on August 30th , and share the results with the Seedathon eBird account (Ottawa_seedathon). It doesn’t matter where you go, how long you spend, or whether the area is covered by other people. Try for a “Big Day” or bird your yard, your neighborhood, or your favorite patch. However, if you are looking for something different to do, why not go to some good but less frequently birded area? For example, we receive few contributions from Quebec, and some areas like Plaisance are excellent at this time of year. See reports of previous seedathons at https://ofnc.ca/programs/birding-in-the-ottawa-area#Seedathon 2. Make a financial contribution. OFNC is grateful to those who have donated in previous years. All funds raised go specifically to pay for bird seed for the many OFNC sponsored winter feeders. Maps of the OFNC feeder locations are at https://ofnc.ca/programs/birding-in-the-ottawa-area#Where. To make a donation, go to http://ofnc.ca/membership-and-donations and specify that the donation is for the seedathon. The number of species found during the seedathon will be reported. A donation of a lump sum, or an amount corresponding to the number of species found will be appreciated Shirley's Bay reminder: OFNC members on the access list must call Range Control (613-991-5740) to provide their names, how long they intend to be out on the causeway, and a mobile number they can be reached. There is a new 5 person limit on the causeway and this will be strictly enforced. As well, members must comply with any applicable COVID related municipal/provincial regulations. At the time of departure, you must phone and advise Range Control that you are clear of the property. DND also requests that you inform them of any trespassing on the causeway. Good birding, and stay safe.