Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca July 23, 2020 Many of us have spent the last few months close to home, but that didn't stop the birds from migrating, or even the odd surprise from showing up. Here are some of the regional highlights since the beginning of April: An American Avocet was seen on April 20 at the Station d'épuration, Gatineau. A Summer Tanager was reported in Cantley, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais, on April 30. Two Glossy Ibis stopped briefly at the Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa, on May 2. A Western Meadowlark was seen for a couple of days in mid-May along chemin Terry-Fox, Pontiac. May 25 was a good river day with a Parasitic Jaeger at Shirley's Bay, and a Little Gull at Britannia Pier, Ottawa. A Black-legged Kittiwake made a brief appearance on the First of June at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa. That same day a Lark Sparrow was photographed at the PN de Plaisance, Papineau. A Sage Thrasher was photographed at Burnt lands Provincial park on 18 June. Despite the efforts of many birders it was not refound. A Dickcissel sang from cover on June 28, on Kinburn side Rd, Ottawa. The Barnacle Goose seen along the Rideau River in May was seen again by many birders in June and July at Wesley Clover Parks, Ottawa. The last report was on July 8. Sandwiching these sightings, a Black Vulture was seen from a yard in Richmond on 5 April, and the same or another bird was seen on July 7 in Parc de la Gatineau at Vallée Meech. Recent highlights: It's breeding season, and all the expected local birds are working hard to feed the kids. Less expected are several sightings of small groups of Red Crossbills along the eastern edge of Lanark, as well as Constance Bay Ottawa. The Redheaded Woodpecker pair continue at Constance Bay again this year. They are presumably more welcome than all the non-local beachgoers. There appear to be several Northern Mockingbirds around the region. The one on trim Road seems reliable. Also, surprise! The pause between migrations is over. The first shore birds have returned from their northern breeding grounds. Sanderlings, Least Sandpipers, and both Yellowleg species have been reported this week. The first shorebirds to pass through are usually unsuccessful breeders. Unlike the Spring migration that many of us missed, the Fall migration is a leisurely, drawn out affair, offering lots of time to safely catch up on our bird lists. Good birding, and stay safe.