Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca July 30, 2020 The thin edge of Fall migration has arrived. Last week's scattering of shorebirds has been followed by some returning waterfowl. A Trumpeter Swan was seen in Richmond on Purdy Rd, Ottawa. Common Goldeneye was seen at the Almonte Lagoons, Lanark, and Dow's Lake Ottawa. Shorebird habitat is in short supply, although the Richmond lagoons had mixed groups on the weekend. Sandhill Crane were reported from Fine Estate, Ottawa. The Red-headed Woodpeckers continue at Constance Bay, Ottawa. Lincoln's Sparrow continues on Dolman Ridge Road, Ottawa. Carolina Wren may be having a good year. They have been reported at Frank Ryn & Elmhurst Parks, Ottawa , Lytle Park, Kanata, and Wychwood, Gatineau, this week. Much anticipated, Sedge Wrens finally showed at Marlborough Forest off Roger Stevens, Ottawa, as well as Carroll Rd, Drummond/North Elmsley and Carroll Rd, Montague, Lanark. The "gyp gyp gyp" call of the Red Crossbill can be heard widely across Gatineau, Ottawa and Lanark. Continuing the Fall theme, a Tennessee Warbler was seen on the 29th at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was reported on the Black Rapids Creek Greenbelt Pathway, Ottawa. Several Northern Mockingbirds continue in the region. Three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were photographed at PN de Plaisance, Marais aux rubaniers, Papineau, on the 23rd. From the description, it may have been a family unit, which implies breeding. Good news about Shirley's Bay Causeway as of July 30-2020: OFNC members can now access the causeway again. 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 they can be reached at in the event of an emergency or if we do not hear back from them. 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 known trespassing on the causeway. As of the 29th, there was no shorebird habitat at Shirley's Bay . Good birding, and stay safe.