Ottawa/Gatineau: recent sightings to May 04, 2023 Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca A little turnover in the birds, but lots of potential in the imminent warmer weather. Many birds holding just south could move in mass. Outside the OFNC circle, but of interest to local birders, an Adult Northern Gannet was photographed in Farran Park, near Ingleside on May 04. Snow Goose - Not 'rare', but a lovely spectacle, thousands of geese on Frank Kenny on May 04. Ross's Goose (2) May 03, Colonial Road, Ottawa. Greater White-fronted Goose (2) May 03, Ch Sarsfield, Ottawa. May 02, Dunning Rd, Ottawa. Brant (28) Apr 29, Chaudière Island, Ottawa. (19) Apr 29, Andrew Haydon Park West, Ottawa. (60) Apr 28, Eardley, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. Early, but part of a broader push including Montreal. Trumpeter Swan (2) Continuing Vance’s Side Rd/Constance Creek, Ottawa. (4) April 30-May 01, Bruce Pit, Ottawa. (4) Apr 29, Sarsapilla Trail, Ottawa. White-winged Scoter - May 02, -Shirley's Bay (boat launch), Ottawa. Ruddy Duck (3) May 04, Moodie Quarry, Ottawa. Iceland Gull - May 04, Brophy Drive Area, Ottawa. April 28 Moodie Drive Quarry, Ottawa. Lesser Black-backed Gull (3) May 04, Brophy Drive Area, Ottawa. May 03, Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (15) May 02,Fourth Line Road, Ottawa. Red-throated Loon - May 04, Innis Point Bird Observatory, Ottawa. Early. Golden Eagle - Apr 28, Parc de la Gatineau--Lac Black, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. American Three-toed Woodpecker - May 02, Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy), Ottawa. Black-backed Woodpecker - April 30, May 04, Greenbelt Pathway (East/West of Conroy), Ottawa. Red-bellied Woodpecker - May 04, Domaine Mackenzie-King, Gatineau. May 03, Cumberland Ridge Drive Dog Walk Loop, Ottawa. Apr 30, Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Sewage Lagoons), Ottawa. Apr 29, Ottawa--Dewberry Trail, Ottawa. Harris's Sparrow - Continued to at least Apr 28, Ch des Boulders, Gatineau. Louisiana Waterthrush - May 03, Parc de la Gatineau--Sentier de la Chute, Gatineau. Atlas note: With spring upon us, several local species have already started their breeding behaviour. Migrants are arriving daily and staking out territory before nesting. Observing and reporting this activity to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas provides essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will help guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come. The Atlas is conducted every 20 years and is five years in duration. Participation in this once in a generation community science opportunity is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org