International Migratory Bird Day (2016)

Today is the International Migratory Bird Day, and here in Ottawa, there was an event at Brewer Park that included bird banding, birds-of-prey show, and guided walks around the park.

I was there mostly for the birds-of-prey, which was presented by the same organization from the Science by Night ten days ago; therefore, I had already seen three of the four birds.  But at least this time the birds were outside and able to show off their flying skills.

The new bird was Fergus the Harris Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), a bird found in southern US and Mexico.

Throughout the show, the birds were not welcomed by the resident birds and were frequently mobbed by the blackbirds, grackles, and even the swallows.


Fergus flying by.

Taking off!

Another take off.

Elvis the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), whom I had seen before.

It's always heartwarming to see a wondrous display for wildlife from children.  At what point of their growing up do they lose it?  Personally, I still kept mine.

Elvis was adorable!

Next were the nocturnal birds.  First was Boley the Barn Owl (Tyto alba).  Such a lovely face.

Enjoying the rewards.

Graceful flyer.

Taking off.

Beautiful.

The final bird of the show was Darwin the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus).

Darwin was the only one who did not participate in the fly-around.  I got a close shot of Darwin as he was being showed around.

What a look!

In addition to the bird show, I also walked around the park since I had not been here in almost 2.5 years!?

Mayfly on the water.

A family of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis).  I counted seven goslings.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) collecting nesting material.

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) inside a nest box.

Male Wood Duck (Aix sponsa).

A Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) in flight. It was across the water and very difficult to spot.

A Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus), a species that I have not documented before, so a lifer for me!

There is a bird perched on the building ledge in the centre of the photo.  It was a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) from almost 500-m away.  Very difficult to find if the bird walk leader didn't already know that they nest near that building.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)


One of the most common birds today was probably the Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia).  For some reason my camera was having a hard time focusing on the birds against a gray overcast sky.  This was the only decent photo I got.

Great Saturday overall!