Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca Oct. 1, 2020 Highlights: Pomarine Jaeger - It's been a week of exciting chases between Andrew Hayden Park and Britannia Pier, Ottawa. Well, exciting for the birders and the jaeger. More terrifying for the Ring-billed Gulls. Tufted Titmouse - A Tufted Titmouse has been photographed in Kars this week. Nelson's Sparrow - Constance Creek, Ottawa. Several birders have pointed out that this individual can be seen at the edge of the marsh with a little patience, and does not require the use of playback or trampling over sensitive habitat. American Coot - annual but not always easy to see, this bird spent a couple of days at the mouth of the western creek in Andrew Hayden Park. Overview: Summer sparrows are being replaced by fall and winter versions. Warbler variety is falling. Some that were common two weeks ago now appear as rare on eBird. There are scattered reports of pipits and siskins. Duck numbers and species are increasing. Other notable sightings: Snow Goose - a flock of 6 continues at the Halte routière, Lochaber, Papineau. One bird was seen over Baie McLaurin, Gatineau, another at Billings Bridge, Ottawa, and a small flock in Baie Noire, PN de Plaisance, Papineau. Cackling Goose - reported from Andrew Hayden park and Billings Bridge, Ottawa. Black Scoter - a flock of six flew past Petrie Island on the 25th, Ottawa. Trumpeter Swan - a pair observed flying alongside Highway 7 near Ashton might be the pair reported earlier in the year. Glaucous Gull - one report from Andrew Hayden Park. Red-headed Woodpecker - some continue in Constance Bay, while a juvenile, probably from this family, has dispersed into Dunrobin, Ottawa. Least Flycatcher - Rockcliffe Airport Woods and Richmond Sewage Lagoons, Ottawa. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - single birds were reported from Britannia Conservation Area, and Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa. Northern Mockingbird - a frustratingly brief appearance on Sep 27, Andrew Haydon Park East, Ottawa. American Tree Sparrows - arriving in small numbers in Dunrobin, and at Andrew Hayden Park, Ottawa. Fox Sparrow - single birds at Chapel Hill and Richmond sewage lagoons, Ottawa and in Montague, Lanark. Evening Grosbeak - a pair in Montague, Lanark. Coming next week: info about the next Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. 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.