[Ontbirds]Ruffed Grouse (Ottawa) and birds of prey

[Ott User]

Hi OntBirders.
                        The Ruffed Grouse was at the Hilda Road feeders 
again today.  Just like the previous 3 days, it showed up in the early 
afternoon (1:00 pm this time).  It didn't stay as long as on previous 
visits.  The feeders weren't as active as on other days.  Earlier in the 
morning, a Coopers Hawk captured a bird right on the side of the road 
(Hilda) opposite the feeders.  You can still see some feathers in the snow 
where it apparently happened.  Thanks to the 3 birders who alerted me to it 
and the people still there who told me about it when I got there. 
Apparently the the hawk caught a Mourning Dove (not confirmed).
                       As if that weren't enough, a Merlin showed up at 
around 12:30pm.  It perched momentarily at the top of a tree in the same 
field as the feeders before perching somewhere behind it.  The raptor parade 
continued as all the birds flushed once again later as a hawk (Coopers or 
Sharp-shinned....didn't get a close enough look) flew low across the snow at 
the far end of the feeders.  All the raptor activity may be a contributing 
factor to the lower than normal activity at the feeders in the afternoon. 
The Pileated woodpecker showed up offering great close-up looks at it along 
with Hairy woodpeckers.
                       Francine Streeting reports the Barred Owl reported 
yesterday on March Valley Road was quite active early in the afternoon. 
Quite a number of photographers were treated to some photo ops of the owl. 
Happy birding.


Ruffed Grouse.
http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/90958728/original




W. Hum
www.pbase.com/golfpic


Directions to Shirley's Bay area (Rifle Road, Hild Road feeders) courtesy
www.NeilyWorld.com
http://ca.geocities.com/larry.neily@rogers.com/orwo21.htm

Directions to Barred Owl courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/
larry.neily at rogers.com/orwo24.htm