Under the very capable leadership of Art Goldsmith, a group of us headed out for an evening walk through the fields behind West Carleton Secondary School and then through the trails and boardwalks of the Bill Mason Centre, an amazing outdoor facility for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. This outdoor classroom, named after the late naturalist, conservationist, author, paddler and film maker, meanders through mixed forest and a provincially significant wetland. It is open to the public and well worth walking if you haven’t been there yet but note: no dogs allowed.

The birds were not as numerous as we have found in previous years, perhaps because we were a week later than usual due to a cancellation because of bad weather the previous week, but we did tally 35 species, including Wilson’s Snipe, Virginia Rail and Spotted Sandpiper.  Along the way Art pointed out significant species in the wetland other than the birds.  We enjoyed the beautiful Yellow Lady Slipper Orchids and the hare that joined us on the board walk.

Pictures by Ian Somerville Evening Birding at the Bill Mason Centre