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 27, 2020 Highlights: An adult Long-Tailed Jager thrilled long-time area birders with brief glimpses from the 27th to the 29th around the Deschênes Rapids. A Western Kingbird just east of Perth was seen by many on the last two days of August. Overview: Storm weather to the South and weird winds resulted in interesting birds all over Eastern Ontario, and the OFNC circle got its share. Other notable sightings: New ducks continue to appear such as a Bufflehead at the Alfred Sewage Lagoons, Prescott and Russell. Small numbers of Sandhill Cranes continue to be reported in the region, often a pair with a colt. A Black Vulture was seen in La Pêche, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. There was lots of shorebird action this week: Nine Black-bellied Plovers were seen at Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau. A juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was seen for three days at the Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa. Two Baird's Sandpipers continue since the 31st at Shirley's Bay Dyke), Ottawa. A Whimbrel was seen briefly at Shirley's Bay Dyke, Ottawa, before a hungry harrier chased it off. There were two juvenile Stilt Sandpipers at the Richmond Sewage lagoons, Ottawa, on the 3rd. Although a small number of Common Nighthawks breed in the OFNC circle, lucky birders enjoyed large flocks hawking insects over the past week as northern birds migrated through. Five Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa. Carolina Wrens were reported at Champlain Marsh, Britannia Conservation Area, Frank Ryn & Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa, as well as Rue de Saint-Malo, Gatineau. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher reported at the Parc des Rapides-Deschênes, Gatineau, on the 3rd, and across the river at the Britannia Conservation Area on Aug. 26 and 30th. A Gray-cheeked Thrush was seen at Britannia Conservation Area on Sept. 3, and more were heard migrating at night on the 30th and 31st. There were early reports of Orange-crowned Warbler at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, on the 29th and 30th. A Connecticut Warbler was reported from Parc des Rapides-Deschênes, Gatineau. A surprise Evening Grosbeak was seen at Murphys Point Provincial Park, Lanark. Four Rusty Blackbirds were hanging out in a large flock of blackbirds at the Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa, on the 31st. 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 where 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.