Ottawa/Gatineau: recent sightings to Feb 27, 2025 Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Derek Dunnett at sightings@ofnc.ca A short list this week, but with the long-staying Varied Thrush and a new Canada Jay, who can complain? Northern Shoveler (1) Nepean Creek Trail, Ottawa. Barrow's Goldeneye. Bate's Island surrounding vantage points on the river. Adàwe Crossing, Ottawa. Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Constance Bay, Ottawa. Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Ch. Steele, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. (1) Ch Vaillancourt, Val-des-Monts, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais. (1) Stony Swamp (Jack Pine Trail), Ottawa. (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) James Bell Dr., Ottawa. (1) Feb 15, Hexham Rd, Ottawa. Northern Flicker (1) Britannia CA (general location), Ottawa. (1) Forêt Boucher, Gatineau. Canada Jay (1), Feb 22 until at least Feb 26, Ridge Road. Some people are seeing it from the Mer Bleue Bog parking lot or near-by trails. Given the rough trails and depth of snow, a scope may be helpful. Hermit Thrush (1) Rapides Deschênes (incluant Parc), Gatineau. (1) Britannia CA--Britannia Ridge, Ottawa. Varied Thrush (1) Feb 12-16 (at least), Stonecrest @ Galetta SR, Ottawa. Advice from those who have seen it: 'Use your car as a blind and do not exit the car as it will fly away. Feeding on Juniper berries.' Chipping Sparrow (1) Richland Dr, Ottawa. Eastern Towhee (1) Rue Alexis-Rajotte, Aylmer, Gatineau. (1) Fine Estate Ottawa. Atlas notes: The final year of the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is now underway. As a direct result of the impressive effort of hundreds of volunteers across the province over the past four years, the Third Atlas is already a rich source of information on Ontario's bird life. Atlassing has been an exciting time of discovery: not only of breeding birds, but of bird behaviour. It has been a great opportunity to explore local patches and beyond. And for many participants, they have embraced the challenge of atlassing as an opportunity to refresh or improve their birding skills including birding-by-ear and the importance of recognizing habitat. There is still time to join in one of Ontario’s most ambitious and community science efforts here in Eastern Ontario. Though peak breeding season is still a few short months away, the Atlas welcomes all reports of both Crossbill species in suitable habitat at any time of year, and we are already into the breeding season for both Eastern Screech Owls and Great Horned Owls. Common Ravens have also been noted doing their mating rituals. Your observations – whether these species are seen or heard – are valuable and will provide essential information for Canadian researchers, scientists, government officials and conservation professionals that will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies across Ontario for years to come. Participation is straight-forward and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird using the Nature Counts app. For more information, visit https://www.birdsontario.org/ or contact the Ottawa Region Atlas Coordinator at Ottawa@birdsontario.org