ManorPark Community

Welcome Wildlife Lovers. Here is a new feature to my Wildlife Column. Each week I will publish a listing of birds or animals which I have seen within our boundaries. I hope other readers will submit their sightings also. One never knows what may appear in our area over the winter.

Here is my list of birds which I have seen within the confines of the Manor Park boundaries so far this fall/winter. Downy Woodpecker. Hairy Woodpecker, White Breasted Nuthatch, Black Capped Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Mallard Duck, Black Duck, Common Merganser. Mourning Dove, Rock Dove, American Crow, Cardinal

Spring is just around the corner. Already sightings of robins, Redwing Blackbirds, and Purple Grackles have been reported in our area. I have also heard and seen many flocks of Canada Geese flying their way northward to their nesting grounds. With milder temperatures on the way many more of our spring migrants will be passing through our area. Please keep your feeders well stocked so that our birds will have sufficient food to maintain them to at least the beginning of May. At that time food will become more plentiful and our offerings will not be required as often. Stay tuned to this column as more sightings will be forthcoming as more of our migrants arrive in our city.
Good Birding
Dave Collyer

It has been a very diversified winter in our city this year. We have had typical winter conditions with cold and snowy conditions and springlike condtions for the most part. With these unusual conditions it is important to maintain your feeding stations at all times. Feeders should be well stocked and cleaned after snowy conditions. The winter birds will now have become dependent on your offerings. The usual Blackcapped Chickadees, White Breasted Nuthatches, Cardinals, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers( looking for Suet Feeders) Blue Jays and House Sparrows will be fairly common at your feeders. I have noticed several feeding stations set up in our area and this is a welcome sight for us all. Please continue with your stations and report any unusual birds to this column for others to enjoy. All sightings will be included in the next Encounters with Nature Column in the next issue of the Manor Park Chronicle.
Bye for now and Good Birding
Dave Collyer

Migration is coming to an end.
A few straglers are still in our area. Small flocks of purple grackles, starlings and a few redwing blackbirds may still be found. On a recent trip in our area i noted several chickadees, white breasted nuthatches, and house sparrows. I also noticed several bird feeders are now in place. This will allow our resident birds to note the sites of these feeders so that they will have a food source during the coming winter months. Suet feeders can be added to your feeding station. This is an excellent food source for chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers. This allows them to keep warm during the cold winter months. Always remember to keep your feeders well stocked and free of ice and snow. Till the next time
Good Birding
Dave Collyer

Migration has now begun.
Many of our songbirds have now left our area. With a few species left in our area it is possbible to see some warbler species in fall colours. This may be difficult at times but with a good field guide it may be possible to identify them. Many yellowrumped warblers are present, identifiable buy a yellow spot at the area where the body ends and the tail begins. These are arriving in great numbers but be patient, other species may be travelling with them. The arrival of great numbers of Canada Geese may now be seen flying high overhead as they head southward to their summer homes. Our overwintering birds are busy searching out feeding areas for the winter months. Feeding stations are a great benefit to them and a delight to us over the wintery months. You never no what may appear at your feeder. Be kind to our feathered friends, they will grace you with their presence. Many varieties of feeders and feed are available. Be sure to check the Manor Park Website, some ideas are available. Last year I noticed a greater increase in the numbers of feeders around Manor Park. The Birds and I thank you tremendously. Bye for now.
Good Birding
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for August 1/06 to August 13/06
Summer in our city is now coming to an end. Many of our songbirds who graced us with their presence over the summer months have raised their families and now have migration on their minds. Many of them have left our city already. A walk in any patch of woods you will notice how quiet it has become. Gone are the many yellow warblers, american redstarts and common yellowthroats. The occasional baltimore oriole may still be heard. The american goldfinch is now into its breeding season, which can be seen and heard just about everywhere the common thistle is abundant. This is their main source of food. In the coming weeks our skies will be filled with Canada Geese flying high overhead and heading south in a hurry. Many other migrants will also be seen passing through as they too begin their journey. Watch for them and report your findings to naturesencounters@rogers.com I will pass your reports on to our readers so they too can enjoy. Until the next time Good Birding
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for July 1/06 to July 20/06
Welcome nature lovers. Its been an extremely hot and humid two weeks. reports of sightings have been sent in. Favourite locations, eastern and rockliffe parkways have resulted in the following species of birds, been seen. Many yellow warblers,american redstarts, common yellowthroat,blue jays, killdeers, eastern meadowlark, kingbirds, bobolinks, savannah sparrows and cardinals. The pair of indigo buntings have not been seen for over a week but we are hopeful that they are still in the area. A Great Creasted Flycatcher was the highlite for this report. Also there are many wildflowers in full bloom and they are a delight to see. Butterflies are in abundance, notibles being the Monarch and Swallowtails. Watch for them they are amazing and extremely colourful. Further reports will follow. Bye for now.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for June 01/06 to June 30/06
The lazy days of summer are here and with it comes families being raised, as parents of young birds are busy searching for seeds and insects to feed their young.Reports of many varieties of birds are coming in across our area. Warblers are being seen in numbers, yellow warblers, american redstarts and the odd common yellowthroat. Bobolinks,and eastern meadowlarks are widespread throughout the Rockliffe Parkway and Aviation Museum areas. Savannah sparrows are quite common also in the open areas along the parkways. Kildeers are present in these areas as well. Baltimore orioles can be heard singing high up in trees. They are a sight to see. During the past weekend I spotted a pair of indigo buntings near the aviation museum. This a very colourful bird and a great find for our area. The male is a medium to deep turquoise blue, the legs and feet are black, wings and tail dark with blue highlights. The female is soft brown overall, faint wing bands and a short conical grey beak. Also present were numerous yellow warblers, american redstarts and a magnolia warbler. Further reports will be forthcoming so be patient and you may see something special. Bye for now.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for May 13/06 to May 31/06
The migration is in full swing and with the arrival of warm weather the songbirds are pouring into our region. The following is a list of local sightings. The highlite is a Canada Warbler, and a Northern Waterthrush seen in Beechwood Cemetary. Yellow Warblers, Catbirds, Brown Thrasher, White Crowned Sparrows,Tree Swallows,Merlin, were also seen. Further reports will follow as more migrants arrive.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for May 1/06 to May 12/06
Spring has arrived and with it the arrival of our songbirds. Recent reports include the following list of birds. Chimney Swifts, Killdeer,yellow warblers,Yellow Shafted Flicker,Rose Breasted Grosbeak,Catbird,Bobolink Pileated Woodpecker, plenty of Robins, Purple Grackles, Red Wing Blackbirds, Week after week more migrants will arrive. Many of our most colour warblers are in our area and with patience and a keen eye you may see some of them. I will keep you posted of future sightings.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for April. 2/06 to April 12/06
On a recent trip through our area I observed the following: 1 Male Green Wing Teal , several Mallard Ducks, Canada Geese, 4 Kildeer,Robins, Chickadees Juncos, Tree Sparrows, Starlings, Red Wing Blackbirds, Purples Grackles, Tree Swallows Cardinal, Mourning Doves,Turkey Vultures, House Sparrows, and numerous Ring Billed Gulls. Spring is here, be on the lookout for more migrants. If you observe any migrants you can report them to me at naturesencounters@rogers.com so other bidders can have the same oportunity to see them. Bye for now
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for Feb. 15/06 to Feb. 26/06
A mixture of all types of weather have brought us a mixture of different species to our feeders and surrounding habitats. Our usual friends chickadees,nutchatches, hairy and downy woodpeckers are widespread thoughout our neighborhood. Other notables are starlings, juncos, cardinals and house sparrows are quite common also. A few observations to be mentioned are the appeareance of a Northern Shrike, a Coopers Hawk and a few Pine Siskins. Watch your feeders, The Shrike, and Coopers Hawk are predators and they like to be near feeders where can prey on smalls birds. The Pine Siskins are welcomed visitors, they look like a Finch in some respect, but look for the yellow markings on the wings. They also have a slender pointed bill. They tend to feed on birch, fir, and alder seeds but look for them in thickets. Be Patient Spring is on the way, soon you will hear RedWing Blackbirds singing at MacKay Lake. It is a great time of the year with our songbirds returning for yet another year. Bye for now
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for Dec. 15/05 to Dec. 23/05
Winter has arrived. Colder temperatures and Snow will now bring our feathered friends to our feeders. Please keep them cleaned and well stocked Suet is a necessity for many birds as they depend on it for warmth during the cold winter months. Chickadees, woodpeckers, and nuthatches will be seen feeding on this food item. Sunflower seed, and a wild bird feed will attract many birds to your feeders. Nyger seed will attract goldfinches and redpolls to feeders (tube type feeder.) Most birds will arrive at your feeder at first light, be alert and you may see something special. Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for Oct. 17/05 to Oct. 28/05
The cooler weather is now upon us and most of our songbirds have left our city. You may see the occasional thrush, fox sparrow or warbler but they also will leave for warmer climates. Slate coloured juncos, a few fox sparrows and a couple of confused red wing blackbirds have been spotted in our area. Other migrants will be passing through, be alert and you may see something special. Feeders should now be in place and well stocked as the colder weather will soon be upon us. (snow)? A Late sighting were a pair of sharp shinned hawks chasing pigeons in Beechwood Cemetary. Bye for now.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for Sept. 28/05 to Oct. 3/05
Fall is now upon us and with it sights and sounds of fall migration,The sight of Canada Geese flying high overhead in their traditional V formations is spectacular. Many of our songbirds have now left our area but some are still around as the temperatures of summer have remained with us. You may see some late migrating warblers still reluctant to leave. You may now see slate coloured juncos passing through as well as thrushes. Plenty of chickadees to report, hairy and downy woodpeckers,cardinals,goldfinches, robins and bluejays. It is now October and feeders should be up and well stocked as cooler weather will soon be with us. Check our website under the fall wildlife section for feeder types and kinds of seed to put out for our feathered friends. Enjoy this time of the year as it is amazing. Bye for now.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for July 28/05 to Aug. 2/05
Summer is drawing to a close for yet another year. Parents have been busy raising their families and in the next couple of weeks they will begin their migration to the south. Many of our songbirds will begin their journey around the middle of August and migration will be complete by the end of September. Be sure to check out favorite areas for our feathered friends, McKay Lake, Mile Circle, and the Aviation Museum. Many wayward migrants may come our way during this time, be prepared for them. My first column in the Manor Park Chronicle will be out in the early part of September with reminders of bird feeding during the upcoming winter months. Please refer to our Website for various types of feeders and a selection of foods.(Fall) Good Birding
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for July 10/05 to June 15/05
Humid Weather has birding slow at the moment. However, most species are busy feeding their young. Robins, Cardinals, starlings. goldfinches, Tree Swallows, sparrows, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Crows, Purple Grackles, and Kingbirds have been recorded. Yellow Warblers, American Redstarts are plentiful around the Aviation Museum. With the end of summer approaching birds will have thoughts of migration on their minds. The second week of August usually begins this transition. Keep tuned to this column as updates will follow.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for June 1/05 to June 19/05
American Goldfinch, Tree Swallow, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart,Kingbird,Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Killdeer,Turkey Vulture, Red Tail Hawk,Wood Pewee,A Pair of Brown Thrashers, A Pair of Summer Tanagers(These are probably nesting in the area.) The area around the Aviation Museum and Near the Rockliffe Airport are excellent areas for a number of species. You will also notice many wildflowers in full bloom and plenty of animals, with their young. Till next time.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for May 21-May 31/05
Black Capped Chickadee, Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole,Eastern Meadowlark,Red Wing Blackbird, Purple Grackle,Robin,Mallard Duck. Most birds are now nesting and raising their young. Our songbirds have all returned. Be on the lookout for our colourful warblers. They are widespread throughout our area. Updates will be done regularily as there is lots to see. Check out your favorite places to view the birds in our area.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for May 14 - 22/05
Spring has arrived and with it the return of our songbirds. Species sighted were as follows: Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow Rumped Warbler Black Throated Blue Warbler,American Redstart,Turkey Vulture,Sharp Shinned Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Merlin, Hermit Thrush, White Throated Sparrow, Cardinal. Please refer to the Manor Park Chronicle, Spring Edition, for the best locations to observe our spring returnees and other wildlife in our area. Further observations will be updated weekly as this our best time of the year for birdwatching. The colours are exceptional.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for April 24/05
I have seen the following species as of April 24/05. Robin, Starling, Purple Grackle, Black Capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Yellow Shaffted Flicker, Eastern Meadowlark, Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Mallard Duck, Black Duck, Turkey Vulture, and Canada Goose.. Spring has arrived. Watch for more migrants in the coming weeks, warblers, orioles, tanagers. It will be exciting. Good Birding.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for March 27/05
Recent reports in and around manor park week ending March 27/05 are as follows: Black capped chickadee, cardinal, robin, downy and hairy woodpecker, red wing blackbird, purple grackle, merlin (Anthony Vincent Park) Coopers hawk, american goldfinch, slate coloured juncos. As you can see spring migrants are beginning to arrive, more to follow in the coming weeks.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for February 28/05
Recent reports for the week ending February 27/05 are as follows: Black Capped Chickadees, White Breasted Nuthatches, Downy Woodpecker, Starling,House Sparrows, Slate Colored Juncos, Cardinal, Blue Jays, Crow. Great Gray Owls are still being reported near the Aviation Museum. Also a report of the Townsends Solitaire is being reported in the same area. This bird was first seen in Rothwell Heights three weeks ago. This a rare bird for our area. An inhabitant of western canada (Mountain Ranges ) A must see bird for all.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for February 15/05
Several active feeders have been recorded in and around Manor Park The species noted were Black Capped Chickadees, White Breasted Nuthatches, Starlings, Cardinals, House Sparrows, Juncos, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Common Redpolls. Within the last month there have been approximately 45 Great Gray Owls in our City. Recently roughly 18 of these owls have been sighted on the eastern parkway. This would be an excellent chance for these owls to be observed before they return to their homes to the north. If readers spot an owl in this vicinty please do not hesitate to let us know. (Email wildlife@manorpark.ca or call me at 746-3003). Feeder operators, please keep up the good work. Our feathered friends Thank you.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for January 2/05
This is wonderful news for the residents of Manor Park. I received an e-mail from A. Audette of 23 Farnham Cres. At 8:30 a.m. on Jan 2/05 he was awakened by a noisy commontion at the rear of his property. His backyard backs onto Anthony Vincent Park. A huge flock of crows were very upset at something in the park. To his amazement an owl was sitting on a branch of an oak tree not 30 feet from his house. He grabbed his camera and took some shots. He checked his bird books and determined that this was a Great Grey Owl. Several of these birds have been reported in Ottawa this winter. I contacted Andre and went to his house. Over coffee I told Andre that this owl was a first to be seen in Manor Park. Andre will provide me with some pictures and maybe we can put some in the Manor Park Chronicle. The owl flew towards the RCMP grounds so it may be still in the neighbourhood. Any readers who sight this owl please call me at 746-3003. A job well done Andre. Good Birding. Also a Northern Shrike has been seen in Beechwood Cemetary.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for December /04
Winter is now upon us. Many of our bird friends will be visiting feeders they had searched out earlier in the fall. They are now dependent on our offerings to carry them over to spring. Be sure the feeders are stocked and clear of ice and snow. You may be visited by chickadees,nuthatches,cardinals,bluejays,sparrows,and mourning doves. Woodpeckers will be seen feeding on suet if provided. You may also find finches and redpolls coming to nyger feeders. You may wish to report your bird visitors to other readers on the website. This can be done by e-mail as pointed out in the wildlife section of the website. Everyone can enjoy your successes. Have A Safe and Enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for November /04
Summer has now come and gone. Our feathered friends have raised their families during this time and have now migrated to their wintering grounds in warmer climates to the south. Thousands of Canada Geese have been seen in their familiar V formations flying high overhead. Most of our songbirds have long since departed with a few lingering flocks of starlings and red-winged blackbirds still present. Bird feeders should be now in place for the upcoming winter months. Our friends will become dependent on our hospitality for the cold months which lie ahead. Be sure to check the manor park website for feeder types and types of food.( Refer to fall wildlife section) Be sure feeders are well stocked at all times and you will be rewarded with their presence. You may wish to report birds which frequent your feeder. With your help our website section sightings will be beneficial to our readers. Also interesting wildlife stories which occur in and around manor park will make interesting reading in our Manor Park Chronicle. Bird sightings and wildlife stories can be forwarded to me at wildlife@manorpark.ca. Lets make our website a success.
Good Birding
Dave Collyer

Bird Sightings for March 1-14/04
Black Capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker,Hairy Woodpecker,White Breasted Nuthatch,Starling,House Sparrow,Sharp Shinned Hawk,Goldfinch,Mourning Dove,Crow,Starling,Red Wing Blackbird,Robin,Canada Geese,Pileated Woodpecker. Spring is on the way. Watch for new arrivals.
Dave Collyer

Be patient Spring is on the way and with it the migration of songbirds.

Listing for week of December 9th:
The following is my list of sightings for the past week. White Breasted Nuthatch, Black Capped Cickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Crow,Cardinal, Sharp Shinned Hawk, Rock Dove, Blue Jay.
Dave Collyer

Listing for the months of Jan.-Feb./0
Black capped chickadee, Downy woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White Breasted Nuthatch, Starling, Rock Dove, Pileated Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Crow, American Goldfinch)

Listing for January 4, 11, 18 and January 25, 2004
Black Capped Chickadee, White Breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Common Redpolls, America Goldfinches, Blue Jay, Crow, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Cardinal,Starling.

Listing for December 28, 2003 to January 4, 2004
Black Capped Chickadee, Starling, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Rock Dove, White Breasted Nuthatch,Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Goldfinches, and a report of a Carolina Wren. Please note - Locations of feeders, especially busy ones would be greatly appreciated by me for photography purposes.
David Collyer

Listing for week of December 21:
White Breasted Nuthatch,Hairy Woodpecker,Downy Woodpecker,House Sparrow,Mourning Dove,Cardinal,Crow,Rock Dove,Blue Jay,Pileated Woodpecker,American Goldfinch,Blacked Capped Chickadee,Starling.

Listing for week of December 14th:
White Breasted Nuthatch,Hairy Woodpecker,Downy Woodpecker,House Sparrow,Mourning Dove,Cardinal,Crow,Rock Dove,Blue Jay,Pileated Woodpecker,American Goldfinch,Blacked Capped Chickadee,Starling. Make our list grow by submitting your sightings. Numbers of species are important especially at census time.