Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca Dec. 17, 2020 A quiet week, but Christmas Bird Counts this coming weekend may flush out some interesting birds. Notable sightings: Cackling Goose - One at Brownlee/Akins roads, Ottawa. Wood Duck - The pair at Billings Bridge continues, Ottawa. Northern Pintail - A female-type hanging out with the mallards at Long Island Lock, Ottawa. White-winged Scoter- Another late duck at Baie Simard, Gatineau. Horned Grebe - One reported from Parc des Cèdres, Gatineau. Double-crested Cormorant - One late-staying bird at Deschenes Rapids Lookout, Ottawa. Glaucous Gull - One continues at Deschenes Rapids Lookout, Ottawa. Belted Kingfisher - Still hunting the open shoreline along Greenbelt Trail 10, Ottawa. Red-bellied Woodpecker - Continuing in Ottawa at the western edge of the Britannia Conservation Area, and now at the Hilda Road Feeders, and coming to a feeder at Kanata Lakes, Ottawa. Continuing in Gatineau at Parc du Lac-Leamy. Red-headed woodpecker - At least three continue at Constance Bay, Ottawa. Canada Jay - Outside the OFNC circle, but much closer than Algonquin, a Canada Jay has been coming to a feeder in Lavant, Lanark, since early November. Winter Wren - Continuing on Old Quarry Trail (in the marsh), Ottawa, and another on Wolf Grove Road, Lanark. Carolina Wren - Continuing at Mud Lake, on Villa Crescent, and Au bois Avenue., all in Ottawa. Eastern Bluebird - Continuing on Quigley Hill Rd, Ottawa. Hermit Thrush - On Bon Echo, Ottawa. Red Crossbills - A few reports, most consistently from Chemin Eardley-Masham, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. Red Crossbill - In Ottawa on the Crazy Horse Trail in Dunrobin, and on the Lime Kiln Trail. On Marcil Road, Clarence-Rockland, Prescott and Russell. Consistent on Chemin Eardley Masham, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. At Parc de la Gatineau at Lac Kingsmere, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais, and in the woods at the Musée canadien de la nature, Gatineau. White-winged Crossbill - More widely reported than Red Crossbills at the moment. Small flocks and/or individuals at Murphys Point Provincial Park - Upper Ski Lot as well as at Staff House, and Wolf Grove Road, Lanark. All over Ottawa. In Prescott and Russell on Grant Rd, Limoges and on Sentier Gagnon Trail, Clarence-Rockland. Evening Grosbeaks - Scattered over the region in small numbers. Seem to be somewhat consistent on the Crazy Horse Trail, at the Dewberry trail Feeder, and on Dolman Ridge road. There is an inaccessible flock of over 100 on Belvedere Road, Prescott and Russell, so there are definitely birds around. Pine Grosbeaks - Again, scattered reports of small flocks. Fairly consistent on the Crazy Horse Trail, Ottawa. White-crowned Sparrow - One on Shirley Avenue, Ottawa. White-throated Sparrow - Belvedere Road, Clarence-Rockland, Prescott and Russell. Swamp Sparrow - Continues at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. Song Sparrow - Ottawa Valley Rail Recreational Trail, South of Almonte, Lanark. Eastern Towhee - A female continues in Fine Estate, Ottawa. Red-winged Blackbird - A male continues to hang tough on Cardinal Creek Trail behind Caprihani, Ottawa. 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 five person limit on the causeway and this is 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.