Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca March 5, 2020 Highlights: Opinion may vary on whether these are highlights or lowlights, but the influx of RING-BILLED GULLS and male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS starting last week heralds a change of seasons. Other notable sightings: The BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continue on the Ottawa on the Rideau River at Strathcona Park. After March they will be much harder to find until next winter. A single GRAY PARTRIDGE was reported off Hazeldean on the 1st. A GOLDEN EAGLE flew over the Jack Pine Trail on Feb. 28. The Northern Flicker at the Richmond lagoons has successfully overwintered into March. The CAROLINA WREN continues in the south-west of Britannia Conservation Area. WINTER WRENS were reported from different locations around Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, and Ch. Lamoureux, Gatineau (near the GRAY CATBIRD). All three mimics made it to March: the Rue Leblanc NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, the GRAY CATBIRD at Marais Lamoureux, and the BROWN THRASHER south-west of Forêt-la-Blanche. RED CROSSBILL and WHITE_WINGED CROSSBILL continue in les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. Singing WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs may be attempting to nest in the area. A CHIPPING SPARROW was reported from Jean Talon St. Ottawa. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community. Good birding.