Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca February 27, 2020 Highlights: The find of the week was a much unexpected Vesper Sparrow on Drouin Rd in Prescott and Russell. A COMMON GRACKLE was photographed around Fitzroy. Other notable sightings: Single pairs of WOOD DUCKS continue along the Rideau at Billing Bridge and along the Ruisseau de la Brasserie, Gatineau. BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continue on the Ottawa at Parc Moussette, and on the Rideau at Strathcona Park. The GRAY PARTRIDGE were last reported off Hazeldean on the 21st, but are probably just hiding well. The immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continues daily at the Trail Road landfill. Golden eagle was reported from the 417 south-east of Ottawa, and as usual from Chemin Eardley Masham in les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. A BELTED KINGFISHER continues at Eccolands Park, Ottawa, and another was reported from Val-des-Monts, les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. CAROLINA WREN were reported from Britannia Conservation Area, Trend Arlington Park, Elmhurst Park, and Navan. WINTER WRENS were reported from different locations around Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, and Ch. Lamoureux, Gatineau. All three mimics continue to overwinter successfully: the Rue Leblanc, Gatineau, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, the GRAY CATBIRD at Marais Lamoureux, and the BROWN THRASHER South-West of Forêt-la-Blanche. Winter finches continue north of the Ottawa River and but went unreported south of it this week. Look for PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH, and RED CROSSBILL around Mayo in the East and Chemin Bradley in the West. Proof that there is always a blackbird lurking unreported somewhere, a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD was reported from Dewberry Trail. 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.