February 2022 Meeting Sightings – Macnamara Field Naturalists' Club

Maureen Carrier reported seeing a Peregrine Falcon in Arnprior; Michael noted that the bird, recorded in the Pakenham-Arnprior CBC, was still around yesterday, February 1.

The Romeskis watched a bird of prey swooping down on, but just missing, a woodpecker. Its size and colour was discussed, with Michael distinguishing between a Merlin and Sharp-shinned Hawk, the latter with a longer tail and smaller head. Michael noted that a record number of Merlins had been spotted on the Christmas Bird Count.

Lynn Arsenault watched a bird of prey capture a Mourning Dove in Stittsville on January 18. Whether it was a Northern Harrier or a Goshawk or Cooper’s Hawk was discussed. From its description, Michael thought a Sharp-shinned Hawk the most likely candidate. A picture would be conclusive.

Arlene Harrold reported a Horned Lark on January 2 and a Lapland Longspur at Ivy Acres. Michael reported neither of these were recorded on the Christmas Bird Count. Good sightings, says Michael.

Stephen Duff spotted Horned Larks on Hunt Line Road January 18; they are reputed to be a harbinger of spring notes Michael.

Stephen also reported Bohemian Waxwings and a Barred Owl on Lillie Side Road

Betty Michalowski reported a Horned Lark and Snow Bunting on Downey Side Road. Betty also spotted a Snowy Owl on January 22 at the intersection of Hunt Line and the Kinburn Side Road.

On January 31, Estelle Rother recorded a Northern Hawk Owl in Ottawa.

Jim and Cathy Dick noticed an American Robin on Redpine Bay, becoming more common in winter. The Dicks also reported a bizarre sighting at the same location after a very cold night: a dead Common Raven hanging upside down from a branch.

On January 13, 2022 at MacLaren’s Landing, Ann Lambert watched flock of 40+ American Goldfinches with one orange individual, the aberrant colour likely arising from the bird eating non-native berries.

American Goldfinch with orange coloration

In January, Judy and Murray Borer watched a Pine Grosbeak eating Sumac.

Also in January, Michael Runtz spotted a flock of Pine Grosbeaks eating Crab Apples at Old orchard Estates

Also seen at Old Orchard Estates was a Red-breasted Nuthatch with a deformed beak (due to Avian Keratin Disorder according to Michael) at the feeder of Olga Janoska.

On February 2, Mark Gusewski photographed a leucistic Red Squirrel in Kanata.

Did you miss the sightings reported at our January meeting? They’re summarized here.