Mourning Cloak Butterflies are among the first to appear each spring in our area.
Last week the mercury rose to the mid-teens and as such, I observed my first butterflies of the year. With new bird species arriving daily, it’s easy to forget about butterflies emerging on a warm spring day; however, seeing the first one of the year is equally exciting.
Not all butterflies overwinter as adults, in fact, there are only a few species that do in our area. In order to survive the cold winter months overwintering butterflies seek shelter behind tree bark, in woodpiles or other crevices and enter a state of dormancy similar to other animals that hibernate. During the first warm days of spring, these butterflies become active and take flight.
My first sighting this year, as is the case most years, was a Mourning Cloak Butterfly. Seeing this while hiking in the warm sunshine instantly put a smile on my face and my smile widened when the butterfly landed in some nearby leaves allowing me to capture a handful of images. On this day I saw several Mourning Cloaks more so than I’ve ever seen in a single day before.
Eastern Comma Butterfly
As I continued on a little further my second species of the day appeared, this time an Eastern Comma. It too landed in the dry leaves after a brief aerial joust with a Mourning Cloak. Seeing the two butterflies spin rapidly in circles was like watching a colourful funnel cloud.
Nearing the end of my hike, I saw my third butterfly species of the day, a Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, spreading its wings in the sunshine.
Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly
Finding the first butterflies of the year can be quite easy if conditions are right and you search the best areas. First and foremost temperatures must be warm enough for the butterflies to be active. As mentioned earlier, temperatures in the mid-teens (Celsius) or warmer are required. On sunny days in deciduous forests is where I have the best luck preferably in wet areas near streams or swamps.
As far as photographing butterflies go you can get away with a much slower shutter speed than you can when photographing birds. I follow the reciprocal rule which means my shutter speed is set to at least the reciprocal of my focal length. For me shooting at 400mm this means I use a shutter speed of 1/400 or faster. On sunny days I use a lower ISO as well and typically find myself shooting between ISO 200 and 400 to achieve a shutter speed of 1/400. As in most cases, I shoot at f/8 as not only is my lens sharper at this aperture than it is wide open the added depth helps keep the entire butterfly sharp when I focus on its head.
Though not as colourful from the underside, this Mourning Cloak Butterfly was a treat to see on a sunny spring afternoon.
Remember to use your histogram to check your exposure because in sunny conditions a butterfly’s wings will reflect the light resulting in overexposure and loss of detail. In these situations, I often underexpose my images by 1/3 to 2/3 of a stop to retain as much detail as I can. Lastly, be sure your shadow does not project over the butterfly as this change from light to dark will cause the butterfly to spook and take flight.
With plenty of warm spring days to come there will be ample opportunities to get out and search for these early emerging butterflies. Find a sunny deciduous forest close to water, and keep your eyes peeled for their colourful aerial dance. With a little patience, these butterflies will land displaying their beautiful colours. This experience combined with the warm spring sun is bound to a smile on your face.
Good birding,
Paul
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Watching this Red-tailed Hawk capture and consume a vole was a treat to observe and photograph.
In my last post, Spring Has Sprung And The Birds Are Arriving On Cue I mentioned birding lately where there are no people so I can get out while practicing social distancing. These locations have proven to be incredibly rewarding in terms of birds and I have found the solitude to be incredibly beneficial for clearing my head and reducing stress.
A high perch provides a great vantage point of the meadow below.
At one location in particular, I have had great views of a Red-tailed Hawk routinely seen soaring overhead or perched in a tree overlooking a large meadow. On my last visit as I made my way back to the car, I saw the hawk sitting up high in a tree and moved in for a better view.
After noticing something move in the field below the hawk took flight.
One thing I always do when trying to get close to any type of wildlife is never walk directly towards it. I find by taking a zig-zag approach or going wide around the subject and advancing from the periphery I can get much closer. Also, I avoid direct eye contact rather keeping the subject in view out of the corner of my eye. In my opinion, approaching an animal straight on replicates a predator stalking its prey and the subject is almost guaranteed to flee.
At first, I couldn’t tell if the hawk had captured something of simply had a talon full of grass.
As I got closer, I took several photos of the hawk perched against the clear blue sky. Sticking with the adage if my behavior changes their behaviour than I’m too close, I did not proceed as the bird remained calmly at rest in the tree. Watching the hawk, I could see something in the long grass caught its eye. With my camera still held near my face, the hawk took flight and swooped down to the ground about forty feet from where I was standing. As the bird hopped around on the ground I wasn’t sure if it had captured anything or not. After repositioning itself I could see the hawk had a vole in its talons.
After repositioning itself I could see the hawk had captured a vole.
I watched for several minutes as the hawk consumed the vole. First a few small bites then eventually swallowing what was left whole. Once finished the hawk took flight and retreated to a nearby tree. The whole experience lasted less than ten minutes and was a treat to see and photograph.
The hawk’s sharp beak easily made short work of the vole.
To capture these images I used my Canon 7D and Canon 100-400mm lens (both the old versions not the MkII) at 400mm. The images in this post are cropped only slightly to improve the composition. As far as camera settings go I was using aperture priority mode with my aperture set to f/8 and ISO at 800 resulting in a shutter speed of 1/1600.
After tearing off several smaller pieces the hawk swallowed the vole.
I hope everyone is getting an opportunity to get out and enjoy the warmer temps and spring weather we have been experiencing lately. The sunny skies sure are brightening our days both literally and metaphorically. If you get the chance, find a secluded place near you and spend a few minutes immersed in nature and sunshine. This is a great way to forget about what is going on in the world, relieve stress, and appreciate the little things that surround us each day.
This Greater White-fronted Goose provided excellent views at a small pond in northeast London.
Most mornings after putting in a few hours of work, I check eBird to see if any uncommon birds have been reported in our area. I am not one to jump in my vehicle and drive hundreds of kilometers to potentially see a rarity. In fact, I am just as happy to see a cardinal at my feeder or a woodpecker at the local park as I am to put in hours of driving just to add a lifer to my list. That being said, if a rarity is reported from within my hometown or somewhere close that I have been considering visiting anyway, then I will usually venture out to see if I can locate the bird.
Male Canvasback preening.
This past week, a Greater White-fronted Goose and several Canvasbacks were reported from a stormwater management pond only a few minutes from home. Greater White-fronted Geese are mainly found west of the Mississippi while Canvasbacks only frequent Southwestern Ontario during migration and the winter months. Seeing either of these birds in the city in a given year is uncommon, but to find both is quite rare. Planning on taking the day off for some birding anyway, I decided to check the pond to see if these birds were still present.
This past week, 11 Canvasbacks were present at a local stormwater management pond.
Wanting to be prepared for any potential images upon arriving at the pond, I powered up my camera, removed the lens cap, and placed it on the passenger seat prior to pulling out of the driveway. As I approached the pond a large flock of Canada Geese was evident before even stopping the car.
For whatever reason this particular male Canvasback did not like sharing the pond with the others; he repeatedly attacked the other males forcing them underwater.
Next to the pond was a large cedar tree which would help conceal me in case any of the waterfowl present were skittish. I parked my car beside the cedar, grabbed my camera from the passenger seat, and slowly exited the vehicle.
During my visit to the pond, the waterfowl were unperturbed by my presence and proceeded to calmly preen.
Walking slowly I stayed hidden behind the cedar looking across the pond for my target species. Scanning the water I counted 11 Canvasbacks among the large group of Canada Geese and Mallards. To my delight, the Greater White-fronted Goose was only about 30 yards in front of me in plain view. None of the waterfowl observed on the pond were phased by my presence, and I was able to step out from behind the cedar and capture several images.
Binoculars were not required to achieve great views of these birds. Furthermore, quality images could easily be obtained with a lens in 250-300mm range.
For those of you in the London area wishing to see these birds, this stormwater management pond is located on Killarney Road across from Cedar Hollow Park just east of Highbury in the northeast corner of the city. Parking is available on the road right next to the pond.
Male Canvasback swimming among the Canada Geese.
Most stormwater management ponds in our area are frozen at this time of year making them void of waterfowl. Water entering the pond from the subdivision after the recent melt and accompanying rain must have been substantial enough to break up a section of ice exposing the open water.
Opportunities to see Greater White-fronted Geese so close to home do not happen every year.
With colder, more seasonal temperatures in the forecast, this pond will likely freeze over and these birds will move on. If achieving excellent views of a Greater White-fronted Goose and several Canvasbacks is something you are hoping for, I recommend visiting this pond before the opportunity passes.
This Great Blue Heron was one of many birds recently observed while birding in Greenway Park.
Winter is one of my favourite seasons to head out birding and photograph the many species found throughout our area at this time of year. Unfortunately, with winter now half over, I have only ventured out a few times with my camera. It’s not that I’ve lost interest in photography, I have been dealing with some persistent back issues that have made walking quite painful.
Those of you who know me personally are aware that it was because of a back injury I became so interested in photography. Back in 2013 after herniating a disk in my lower back I was told if I walked every day and did physiotherapy the issue would likely resolve in 4-6 weeks. At that time, I spent every day walking with my camera and taking pictures. Each afternoon after doing my exercises I would lay flat on either heat or ice (whichever felt best at the time) and watch YouTube videos about the various elements of photography. The following day I would try to improve on these elements during my walk.
Northern Cardinal eating a Buckthorn berry.
This regimen really helped improve my photography but when it came to my back I had plateaued and surgery was required. Following a successful surgery, I was encouraged to keep walking and exercising to maintain a healthy back. This is one reason why I am now such an avid walker. Walking keeps me active and relatively pain-free. Without it, my pain goes up and my mood goes down, so getting out for a walk every day is very important to me. The combination of physical exercise and being surrounded by nature is incredibly beneficial to my mental health as well. I typically take my camera with me on these daily walks to capture the abundance of wildife I encounter along the way.
Last November, this all changed when walking started to become painful. As a result, my walks have been much shorter, slower, and I have been leaving my camera behind as I have not wanted to carry the extra weight. This is why the lack of blog posts recently and so few Facebook updates. I appreciate everyone who has continued to follow during this hiatus and welcome the new subscribers who have been patiently waiting for a post to show up in their inboxes. More x-rays and another MRI helped my physiotherapist come up with a plan of attack, which resulted in new exercises as well as some old favourites, which to my delight, has me feeling much improved. I decided it was time to bundle up and head out with camera in tow to see what I could photograph.
Greenway Park is one of the best locations in London, Ontario to observe Bald Eagles during the winter months.
Wanting to ease myself back into things, I decided to visit Greenway Park, one of my absolute favourite winter birding locations. The flat ground combined with a lack of snow and ice (the City of London does an amazing job keeping the paved path plowed and salted) would make for easy walking and the adjacent Thames River and surrounding woodlots provides the perfect habitat for a variety of bird species.
Brown Creepers display some of the most incredible camouflage of any bird.
After parking my car and gathering my gear, I followed the river upstream. As usual, there were plenty of Mallards and Canada Geese in the river around the dock hoping to be fed by park goers. Two Muscovy Ducks sat on a fallen log close to the bank nicely sheltered from the cold wind. I could hear the high pitched calls of a Brown Creeper so scanned the nearby Willow Tree. The bird briefly came into sight, but I was unable to get a photo. Luckily, Brown Creepers are very predictable. If you are not familiar with the behaviour of a Brown Creeper they cling to tree trunks similar to woodpeckers and nuthatches looking for food. After ascending the trunk they then fly to the bottom of the next tree and repeat the process. This makes them easy to photograph once located and as result I was able to position myself for a series of shots.
The odd field marks on this goose left me scratching my head when it came to identification.
Making my way past the westernmost soccer field, I noticed a goose with some interesting field marks. The bird’s white cheek patch was larger than that of a Canada Goose and its head and neck were mottled brown and white not black. The body resembled a Canada Goose but the bird had orange legs. A prior report on eBird suggested this goose may be a hybrid between a Canada Goose and a Swan Goose, which seems reasonable based on its appearance. Swan Geese are native to Mongolia and China but have been domesticated in North America. I can’t say definitively what this was, other than an interesting sighting for sure.
Red-tailed Hawk perched on a platform installed to attract nesting Osprey.
Near the small island just downstream from the CN overpass, a single Long-tailed Duck swam amongst a group of Common Mergansers. Common Goldeneyes were also present. These ducks were all a little too far away to achieve a quality image. At the far end of the park, a Red-tailed Hawk surveyed the open meadow from high atop a platform the city erected in hopes of attracting a nesting pair of Osprey.
Heading west back towards my car, a Bald Eagle made its way upstream. I quickly turned my camera’s dial to adjust the exposure to compensate for the heavy cloud cover. Achieving focus, I held down the shutter and captured several images.
American Robins are often observed during the winter months along the Thames River.
Buckthorn Trees line a section of riverbank in the park and as a result, it is not uncommon to find American Robins here in winter feeding on any remaining berries. In one small tree, I counted seven robins. As I walked past, I could barely hear their soft calls. During the winter months, robins are much less vocal than in spring when they are regularly heard calling quite loudly at first and last light. Northern Cardinals were also observed in the park feeding on Buckthorn berries.
Great Blue Heron attempting to swallow a large fish.
Most of the waterfowl on this day were close to the near bank as this provided shelter from the wind. Looking over the edge into the water, I noticed a Double-crested Cormorant standing at the water’s edge. Three Great Blue Herons were also observed along the near bank one of which was struggling to swallow a large fish. I estimate this fish to be about 20″ long and watched for several minutes as the heron made repeated futile attempts at swallowing its prey. Eventually, the heron gave up and dropped the fish. I could see the fish’s white belly on the bottom of the river just in front of the heron. Not wanting to interrupt this bird from a potential meal on a cold day, I carried on.
White-tailed Buck at the top of the ridge overlooking Greenway Park.
Before reaching my car, a young White-tailed Buck made its way into the woodlot behind the parking lot. As it climbed the ridge entering Woodland Cemetery it paused long enough for a few photos.
Brown Creeper
After such a long hiatus from shooting it was absolutely amazing to be back out with my camera at one of my favourite locations. Greenway Park did not disappoint (it never does)! Much of the wildlife in Greenway Park is accustomed to human activity so a long telephoto lens is not necessary to capture images of many of these species. Before upgrading my lens, I was quite proud of the images I achieved with a 250 mm kit lens while birding at this amazing park. If you get the opportunity this winter, head down to Greenway Park and enjoy the vast array of wildlife that inhabits this great park.
Cool mornings last weekend made for little insect activity. This Tree Swallow seemed quite content to remain perched conserving energy until temperatures warmed and food became more abundant.
It was another incredibly rewarding week birding around the Forest City, with several more first of year species observed and a couple for my life list. High winds and cool mornings forced many birds that typically forage high up in the canopy much lower, resulting in excellent views. Warblers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings were all observed and photographed at eye level, while thrushes, wrens, and sparrows foraged on the forest floor.
Scarlet Tanagers can be challenging to locate as they typically reside in the forest canopy. High winds earlier in the week forced these and other canopy dwelling birds much lower.
As usual, I found myself birding in several city parks along the Thames River, and within the city’s ESAs. Birding around the city this week was so good I decided not to go to the 2016 Festival of Birds located at Point Pelee National Park. I could not justify a four hour round trip when exceptional birding could be found only five minutes from my house. There were species reported at this year’s festival that definitely peaked my interest and I would love to see. However, on Monday morning after locating a female Cerulean Warbler, currently listed as threatened on Ontario’s Species at Risk list, my mind was made up. Great views from close range and at eye level were achieved, allowing me to see the necessary field marks to properly identify this species, a lifer for me. The area where I located her was dense with cover, and I was unable to manage a picture. So instead, I used my binoculars to enjoy this rare sighting and now have this beautiful image permanently stored in my mind.
This Canada Warbler, a lifer for me, was one of the many highlights of my week.
Warbler numbers continued to increase from last week. American Redstarts and Black-throated Green Warblers seemed to be the most abundant species this week, with Chestnut-sided coming in a close third. Watch for an in-depth blog post featuring the warblers I’ve observed and photographed this season coming soon. A complete list of warblers I have observed so far this season within London is as follows:
American Redstart
American Redstart
Blackburnian Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Canada Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Northern Parula
Black-throated Green Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Wednesday proved to be my best day birding with 61 species in total being observed, including another lifer, the Canada Warbler. This bird too is a Species at Risk in Ontario, currently listed as special concern. Like the Cerulean Warbler, this bird was in an area of thick cover and shade, not making for the best conditions for a photo. I bumped my ISO up to 1600 in order to get a faster shutter speed, then waited patiently for the bird to come into view.
The buffy eye-ring of the Swainson’s Thrush helps separate it from other thrushes.
This past week I noticed an increase in the number of thrushes present as well, with Hermit, Veery, Swainson’s, and Grey Cheeked all being observed. These birds could all be observed hopping along the forest floor in search of food. Sadly, I did not observe any Wood Thrushes, perhaps a sign of this species’ recent decline in numbers.
Like the Scarlet Tanager, Great Crested Flycatchers are regularly found high in the forest canopy. Fortunately, high winds brought these birds down to eye level for great views.
Other species that were observed in good numbers included a variety of flycatchers. The call of the Great Crested Flycatcher could be heard throughout many of the wooded areas I visited. Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Phoebes, and Least Flycatchers were also observed.
The Eastern Kingbird, a large flycatcher, was observed at several locations throughout the city this week.
Another observation I made this past week was how quickly the leaves are emerging. Early in the week the smaller trees and shrubs that make up the forest’s understory were beginning to leaf out, while the majority of the main canopy was just beginning to emerge. What a difference a few 20+ degree days can make. By week’s end the forest canopy had thickened considerably, making observations much more challenging, especially on days when there was no wind to bring the birds down.
This Northern Parula is one of 21 warbler species I have observed so far this year in London, Ontario.
If you have not made it out yet to partake in spring migration, it’s not too late. Many birds, including several warblers, will continue to make their way through our region well into mid-June. Windy, cooler mornings can help bring the birds down out of the canopy making for better views. If possible, try to plan your birding around these weather conditions. If you are considering birding this long weekend, Sunday’s forecast shows higher winds with a low of 8 degrees. Early Sunday morning could be the best conditions for locating an abundance of birds.
I was very pleased to get excellent views of my favourite warbler, the Blackburnian, this past week while birding in London, Ontario.
If you are still not seeing the variety of birds you wish to within London, consider scheduling a guided Nature Walk with me. I would be more than happy to show you around some of my favourite birding hotspots, and help you locate more birds. Bring your binoculars, bring your camera, bring a friend, or bring all three. A great day of birding awaits.
Indigo Buntings were among the many colourful birds observed over the course of the week. This bunting was photographed ruffling his feathers after a recent bath.
It has been great running into so many of my blog followers over the past several weeks. I always enjoying sharing sightings and talking birds with each and every one of you. Have a safe and happy long weekend.
This Magnolia Warbler is one of the many warblers I observed while birding around London, Ontario this past week.
Each spring many birders, myself included, anxiously await the return of warblers to our area. These small songbirds are some of the most colourful birds to grace our area, yet are also some of the most challenging to identify. The first of May is a date I watch for on my calendar, as this is when we can expect to see warblers return to Southwestern Ontario in good numbers.
Yellow Warblers can be seen and heard throughout many of London’s parks and ESAs.
While birding in several locations over the past week, I saw a significant increase in the number of warblers present each day I was out. Three species continue to be the most abundant: Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers. I have been observing good numbers of these birds throughout the city, with numbers steadily increasing.
This Yellow-rumped Warbler clearly displays the yellow rump for which they are named. The black mask indicates that this bird is a male.
Other warbler species I have observed include: Magnolia, Pine, and Black and White. Sightings of Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and Northern Parula have also been reported from within the city.
Palm Warbler
City parks and ESAs are where I focused my efforts this past week, concentrating on the edges of wooded areas containing small trees and shrubs. Mornings are always when I have the most success locating warblers. Since warblers migrate at night, early morning is when these birds are most active; feeding heavily as they replenish energy spent the previous night.
Yellow Warbler
I have been paying close attention to the daily reports from the 2016 Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park. So far, 25 warbler species have been reported from within the park, which is low compared to previous years. The lack of clear nights and south winds could be contributing to these low numbers. Fortunately, this means many more warblers will be making their way through the city in the coming weeks.
The absence of a black mask indicates that this Yellow-rumped Warbler is a female.
When searching for warblers be sure you position yourself out of the wind. These sheltered areas are where insects will be most abundant, therefore attracting the highest concentration of warblers. When you come across an area rich with warblers, stay in that location; large concentrations of birds are often found within small areas. Some of our ESAs are hundreds of hectares in size, but many of the areas where I locate the largest number of warblers are often only 20 yards in length and 10 yards wide. Once you locate a high concentration of warblers, find an open area with pockets of light shining in. This will make for unobstructed views and optimal photos.
By avoiding sudden movements this Magnolia Warbler did not perceive me as a threat and continued to sing from a thicket.
When I locate a warbler, but cannot manage a clear view or unobstructed photograph, I stand still and study its behaviour. By not making any sudden movements, the bird doesn’t view me as a threat and becomes accustomed to my presence. I can then see its direction of travel, anticipate its movements, and put myself in a position to get a clear view and photograph. This technique does not require a lot of patience, and I am often rewarded within a few minutes. So often I see others chasing birds around, only to stress and scare them off.
No only do male Yellow Warblers display rusty breast streaks, they are more vividly coloured than the females.
The coming weeks will present opportune times for warbler viewing in our area. Pay close attention to the weather forecast; look for clear skies and south winds overnight. The mornings following these conditions can be the best ones to head out. Grab your binoculars, field guide, camera, and make your way to your favourite natural area. The warblers will be waiting for you.
I was able to photograph the Harlequin Duck in flight as he followed a flock of Common Goldeneyes downriver.
Since speaking with Wei Chen this past Monday on CBC’s Ontario Morning about the rare Harlequin Duck overwintering on the Thames River, I have received several emails from fellow birders looking for assistance in locating this bird. Let me start by saying that locating this bird is not as easy as many think. I have been fortunate to locate the male Harlequin Duck most days, but it has required quite a bit of leg work.
If you still need this bird for your life list and are hoping to find it at Springbank Park in London, Ontario I would like to offer a few suggestions based on my experiences. Begin your search at Storybook Gardens and walk the section of river between Springbank Dam and the old pump house. I personally have had the best luck locating the Harlequin Duck early to mid afternoon. Most days I chose the afternoon only because I wanted to wait for the temperatures to warm up, making walking more comfortable. On the few occasions I set out in the morning I was unsuccessful locating the Harlequin.
The fast moving water west of the pump house is a favourite spot of the male Harlequin Duck. There is a lot of tree cover on the bank and this duck is often tight to it. A methodical search in this area is often rewarding.
Be sure to look very close to the near bank as the Harlequin is quite comfortable close to shore in areas where there is thick tree cover. The section of Thames River between the parking lot at Storybook Gardens and the old pump house has a lot of tree cover on the near bank, so take your time and look as closely to the bank as you can. I have had a lot of success locating the Harlequin in the fast moving water west of the pump house, only a few feet from the bank. In open areas, the Harlequin Duck is more likely to find security mixed in with the other waterfowl on the far side of the river. It is here where scanning with binoculars can reveal its location. I personally have not seen the Harlequin Duck upstream from the pump house, so once you reach this point I recommend turning around and heading back downstream.
Further west towards the dam I have repeatedly located the Harlequin Duck in tight to shore, where the the lower road curves and carries on to the dam. If you are not familiar with this location, to the south there is a building up on the hill with washrooms and another parking lot directly behind that. The tree cover on the bank here is especially thick, but a favourite location of the Harlequin Duck. This is the most westerly location in which I have seen the Harlequin; I have yet to see it as far downstream as the dam.
On cloudy days the Harlequin Duck’s plumage camouflages well against the dark water. Here the male Harlequin slips past some Mallards and Canada Geese.
The Harlequin Duck has been associating with a small flock of Common Goldeneyes. Scanning these small flocks will often reveal the Harlequin. Pay attention to flying Goldeneyes too. The wing beats of the Common Goldeneye can be heard when taking off. Learn to recognize this sound and immediately look in the direction when you hear it. On several occasions I’ve observed the Harlequin Duck as the trailing bird in a group of Goldeneyes as they move up or down river.
Despite the Harlequin Duck’s colourful plumage, it appears quite dark from a distance. On cloudy days the dark, shadowed water provides excellent camouflage; looking for its white markings is critical. On sunny days, the slate blue feathers blend in with the bright blue water, making sightings challenging under these conditions as well. Again, the white markings on the head and back are what best gives away the Harlequin Duck’s location.
The Harlequin is often seen associating with a group of Common Goldeneyes.
Locating the Harlequin Duck typically takes a fair bit of legwork. You may be one of the lucky ones who gets out of your car and there it is, but be prepared to spend a few hours searching. On days when more birders are searching for the Harlequin there are many people scanning the river and sharing their sightings, but the increase in foot traffic makes the Harlequin more wary. It is on these days I have found searching as close to shore as possible the most successful.
It looks like we are in for plenty of sunshine on Saturday, so I imagine Springbank Park will be quite busy again with birders hoping to add the endangered Harlequin Duck to their life lists. If you are one of them, keep these suggestions in mind while you search and I think your chances of success will be much greater.
One benefit of these cold temperatures is the number of waterfowl species that migrate to the Thames River in search of open water. Male Red-breasted Merganser now present at Greenway Park.
This past week temperatures plummeted to the lowest we have experienced so far this winter. As avid birders in the London area know, when temperatures decrease, waterfowl on the Thames River increases. Frigid daytime highs and nighttime lows have made for greater ice coverage on Lake Superior and Lake Huron, leaving the Thames River as a viable option for many diving ducks looking for open water.
Greenway Park is a great place in London to view waterfowl. The section of river downstream from the Greenway Pollution Control Centre stays open year round and attracts several species, including this male Canvasback.
Along with the usual Buffleheads, Common Goldeneye, Common and Hooded Mergansers that routinely overwinter on the Thames, several other species appeared this week on the river. Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked and Horned Grebes, and a Canvasback were all observed this past week. Other notable species were Redheads, Northern Pintails, and Great Black-backed Gulls. Perhaps the most notable, and one that eluded me all week, was a male Harlequin Duck. This bird has been reported multiple times in various locations between Springbank and Greenway Parks. As mentioned in previous posts, this section of river is my favourite for observing winter waterfowl. Not only does it offer the most open water and a high concentration of ducks, geese and gulls; the pathways are kept clear of snow and ice, making for easy walking.
This adult Bald Eagle was photographed as it took flight after perching in large Poplar tree along the river bank.
Bald Eagles are still very much visible along river, with daily sightings of both adults and juveniles still occurring. Other raptor species observed along the river this past week were: Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks. Great Blue Herons could also be observed along the ice and in shallow open sections of the river.
This Hairy Woodpecker was observed tapping on the limb of this tree. If you are having trouble distinguishing a Hairy Woodpecker from a Downy, look at the size of their bill. A Hairy’s bill is the same length as their head, while a Downy’s is shorter.
Songbirds are always present in the trees and shrubs that line the banks of the Thames River. Blue Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Northern Cardinals were all recorded in good numbers. Three species of woodpecker: Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied were all observed. Several finch species were visible including: American Goldfinches, Common Redpolls, and Pine Siskins.
Greater Scaup were observed this past week on the Thames River. This male was observed in Greenway Park, while a female was observed further downstream in Springbank Park.
Temperatures for the coming week are supposed to remain cold, but be more bearable for outdoor activities. If you get the opportunity, I recommend heading down to the Thames River in search of some of these species. It is likely that many of these waterfowl species will be present on the river until temperatures warm up, but there are no guarantees so heading out sooner than later is advised. If you are looking to add one or more of these species to your year or life list, than the Thames River presents the best and closest option for those in the London area to do so. We may run into each other as I will be continuing my search for the Harlequin Duck to add to my own life list.
Common Goldeneye are one of several waterfowl species that migrate to the Thames River during winter months. These, and other diving ducks, plunge below the surface to feed on aquatic life making open water critical to their survival. The fast flowing water of the Thames River prevents it from freezing completely, making it attractive to several species.
For avid birders like myself, birding in cold weather is a given. Others who are new to birding, or not as fanatical as I am, may not realize the full potential of winter birding. For me winter birding has several benefits. First it keeps me active. Finding a place outdoors with a network of paths or trails to walk and plenty of birds to see is a great way to combine my favourite hobby with exercise. The combination of the two helps not only my physical health, but my mental health as well. Birding and being active in the outdoors is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Take last winter for instance; so many people were unhappy with the cold weather and relentless snowfall, but I embraced it. I found myself outdoors every chance I had, searching for bird species that overwinter across our region. Without my connection to the outdoors, I definitely would have been left feeling rather down with winter.
During extreme weather, the chances for rare or unusual sightings are much greater. Some birds that do not typically migrate to our area may find themselves here in search of food. This was the case last winter when I observed two Red-throated Loons on the Thames River, the first recorded sighting of this species in Middlesex County since 1898. Irruptions, the sudden increase in a bird population in an area, also can take place during extreme weather conditions as birds follow or search for a food source.
The sighting of two Red-throated Loons on the Thames River in London, Ontario was the first winter sighting in Middlesex County since 1898.
Several bird species do migrate annually into our area to spend the winter. Getting out in the cold is a necessity if we want to view these birds close to home. London is blessed with the Thames River. The number of waterfowl species that migrate from the far north to spend winter on the open river and feed is remarkable. It is only during winter months we can observe White-winged Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, and Common Goldeneye to name a few along the river. The narrow watercourse provides excellent views, even without the use of a spotting scope or binoculars.
Observing Snowy Owls is a great reason to get out birding during winter months.
Snowy Owls are frequently seen across our area during winter months. Last season’s irruption was quite spectacular. These large white Owls were seen north, south, east, and west of the city, with a few reported sightings within the city limits. The greatest numbers were to the south of the city, with several sightings coming from the Scotland Drive and Old Victoria Road area, and around the city dump on Manning Drive. Another popular location to observe Snowy Owls is in the Strathroy area. Snowy Owls often return to the same area each winter and have been recorded in this location annually for several years. A local birder reported seeing one along Egremont Drive outside of Strathroy on Friday.
The Northern Shrike, a predatory songbird, is only found in our area during winter months.
Northern Shrikes are another fascinating bird that inhabit London during winter. Westminster Ponds, Fanshawe Conservation Area and Greenway Park are all locations where I have observed these birds. Shrikes are unique in that they are a predatory songbird, feeding on small birds and rodents, often impaling them on thorny trees and wire fences. Roughly the size of a Blue Jay, they can be found over open fields, and along forest edges where they prefer tall trees for perching. Shrikes will often kill more prey than they can consume and store their prey for a later meal.
Bald Eagles are readily observed along the Thames River throughout the winter.
Winter is also a great time of year to view raptors. These large birds are more easily viewed at this time of year when there are no leaves on the trees. Owls are often sought out by winter birders for this reason. Among the largest Owls in our area, the Great Horned, begins nesting as early as February. Listening for pairs hooting back and forth at dusk is great way to locate these birds in winter. Returning under better light conditions to the same area often results in nice views. Remember to respect the birds and not approach too closely especially during nesting season.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles are a large raptor that are more readily observed during winter months in the city. They too use the Thames River as a food source and are easily found on various stretches of the river. One of my favourite places to view Eagles is at Greenway Park. These birds often perch in the tall Poplar trees directly across from the Greenway Pollution Control Plant, providing excellent views.
American Tree Sparrows are one of several songbirds present only during the winter in our area.
Winter birding is quite enjoyable when dressed for the weather. Let’s face it, no activity is fun if you are not comfortable. Investing in some quality winter clothing is the first step to successful winter birding. If you are wondering what I recommend wearing to stay warm, I wrote a post last winter on this subject which can be read here.
With winter days so short and much of our time spent indoors at work or the hockey arena, getting outside can be a huge benefit. I think if you try it, you will agree that partaking in an outdoor hobby is a great way to enjoy winter. Birding is a low impact, inexpensive, physical activity that is fun for the whole family, regardless of age or gender. If you are looking for new past time this winter, then why not give birding a try?
