[Ontbirds] Northern Shrike, Horned Lark, Rough-legged Hawk near Ottawa

[PETER HALL]

Hello Ontbirders:
   
  Late yesterday afternoon (4:00 pm) I sighted a Northern Shrike high in a Cottonwood tree on a ridge above the Carp River Valley on Diamondview Road to the west of Ottawa. Two minutes after seeing it, it flew down into the Valley. Shortly after, there was a single immature Horned Lark on the road edge which took no notice of me when I approached it. Given the proximity of the shrike, and the lark's tame behaviour, it may be at some risk.
   
  This morning, driving on highway 417 in the same vicinity, close to the junction with the March Road, a Rough-legged Hawk was sitting in a tree just off the highway.
   
  Winter birds are definitely moving into the Ottawa area in time for the X-mas bird count.
   
  Good birding
   
  Peter Hall
   
  Directions:
   
  From Ottawa, head west on Highway 417 until the turn off at March Road (regional road 49). Turn right at March Road and after about one-quarter mile, turn left on Diamondview Road. Head north for several miles until you pass the Carp River and proceed steadily up a ridge with views of the Carp River on the right. The shrike and lark were in front of #3167.