[Ontbirds]Red-breasted Mergansers, west Ottawa

[Paul Matthews]

The west side of Shirley's Bay dike is now basically open, with just some lingering ice in the far bay this morning. Birding was decent, with a pair of Red-breasted Merganser (quite uncommon in spring in Ottawa), an adult Bald Eagle (which landed on the aforementioned ice), and my first Double-crested Cormorant of the year, which was showing its double crests to advantage. There were also several of the common bay ducks. Note that a scope was required to get good views of most of these birds. On the road down to the dike there were at least a dozen Rusty Blackbirds (in the flooded area) and a Winter Wren. The crows were making a tremendous racket. They presumably had a Great Horned Owl (known residents of the area), but the flooding didn't allow me to investigate. On the west side of Rifle Rd (about half way down), look for the huge Osprey nest on one of the big electricy pylons--not that you're likely to miss it!

Paul Matthews, Ottawa

Directions: You MUST call ahead to Range Control (613-991-5740) to get permission to visit the dike, which is close to an active firing range. Access is usually granted, but please respect any restrictions.

Going west from Ottawa on the 417, exit Moodie north, then turn left (west) at the T-junction at Carling. After a couple of kms, turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park in either of the lots at the end of Rifle and walk west along the road that's perpendicular to Rifle. Turn right (north) on the dirt road/track that has signs with no entry symbols. Proceed down the road, which eventually becomes the dike.