Spring migration this year already started! We observe the long goose wedges over land, stopping in various places on their way to breeding grounds. The two most common species of geese in the Ottawa River Valley are the Canada Goose and the Snow Goose. Canada geese not only migrate but also nest both in water bodies around cities and in the cities themselves, forming an urban population that reaches significant sizes in Ontario. Although most of the geese still fly north to the Arctic tundra, where they spend a fleeting summer. But the snow goose could be found in Ottawa River Valley during migration. These geese nest in water bodies along the Arctic coasts. Both species have increased markedly in recent decades, and even the migration patterns of snow geese have changed. The snow goose has become a regular stopover species during the autumn and spring migration in fields in Ontario along the St. Lawrence River valley. Each spring, huge swarms of white geese return from their wintering grounds in the United States to nesting places in the Arctic tundra stopping at wetlands near Ottawa for several weeks, from where they fly in the morning to feed through the agricultural fields just opened after the winter snow. The Canada goose flies in a scattered front: clusters and small flocks of these geese can be seen in a variety of places – along reservoirs, along the banks of rivers and lakes, in farmland fields and openings, and on lawns in cities. The snow goose, on the other hand, always migrates in large flocks and forms huge congregations at the stopover places. They follow a certain route, which is insistent from year to year. Our tour will focus on visiting such places! You will be able to learn about geese, ducks, cranes, and other fauna that nest in Ontario or are found here during periods of seasonal migration.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

Snow geese nest far north, on lakes, rivers, and other water reservoirs in tundras. However, during migrations, large flocks of geese stay to rest and feed on agricultural fields in Ontario. This spring, the first migratory snow geese just appeared near Ottawa. We expect that the mass migration will start in early April. We plan to go to some such places in the Cobbs Lake Creek area, known as a stopover for snow geese during spring migration. We hope to see not only snow geese but other interesting bird species, including other geese species, birds of prey, ducks, gulls, and passerines. If we’ll be lucky, we’ll be able to see even sandhill cranes.

We’ll meet in the middle of Milton Rd. (exit #96 to Boundary Rd. from Highway 417) at 9:00 am on Monday, April 10. There is an opportunity for carpooling from west Ottawa (3 places). The duration of the guided hike is 4-5 hours until 1-2 pm.

Dress:

Spring just started. This is a time with fresh weather, contrasting temperatures, and often rains. Please, watch the weather forecast for the day and prepare to hike accordingly the forecast. It is good to have warm jackets and gloves. Waterproof boots will be appropriate to walk around wetlands after abundant rains in the last week. Take your binoculars and cameras. Do not forget about the water and light snack.