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: A Buff-breasted Sandpiper made a brief appearance at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, on the 23, but despite much searching it was not found again. Overview: A nice gentle week of fall migration, but the weather this weekend could drop more exciting birds, so keep an eye out. Other notable sightings: Duck migration continues with Common Goldeneye and Ruddy Duck at the Almonte Lagoons, Lanark. If you haven't been there lately, they have added a large blind. A Trumpeter Swan was reported from Heaphy Road x Dwyer Hill Road, Ottawa. A pair of Sandhill Crane were reported from Burnt Lands Provincial Park, Ottawa. An Upland Sandpiper was reported at Gabert X South Boundary Road, Ottawa. A Black-bellied Plover was confirmed at Parc Brébeuf, Gatineau. A Least Bittern continues along the Rideau River, North of Black Rapids, Ottawa. Another was reported at Heaphy Road x Dwyer Hill Road, and a third at Shirley's Bay Dyke, Ottawa. Adult and first year Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen at Deschênes Rapids, Ottawa. Adults were seen at the Moodie Drive Quarry, and Shirley's Bay, Ottawa. The Red-headed Woodpeckers continue in Torbolton Forest, Ottawa. Willow and Yellow-bellied flycatchers continue to flow through, with reports from all over the circle. A Yellow-throated Vireo was photographed at Shirley's Bay, and another seen at Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa. Philadelphia Vireos were seen at Andrew Haydon Park, Britannia Conservation Area, and the Trans Canada Trail X Jinkinson Rd, Ottawa. Carolina Wrens were reported at Britannia Conservation Area, and Fine Estate, Ottawa, as well as Rue de Saint-Malo, Gatineau. Outside the OFNC circle, but not far, a Prairie Warbler was reported from Young Road X White Lake Road, Renfrew. 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 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.