Migration Floodgates About To Open

As a birder spring is my favourite time of year. With warmer temperatures, longer days, and an inpouring of birds it’s hard not to feel upbeat and excited. Throughout March and April, new species have been arriving almost daily with Killdeer, Tree Swallows, and Eastern Phoebe among the many birds once again present in our area. Early warblers such as Pine and Yellow-rumped are also being reported from the southern reaches of the province. This steady stream of birds entering Southwestern Ontario is merely a precursor of what we can expect come May. 

During the first week of May, we can expect to see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles return to our area. It’s a good idea to get your feeders out early in anticipation of their return. Placing orange slices or orange halves around your yard is a simple way to attract orioles. Be aware that squirrels too like oranges so placing them somewhere they are not accessible is a good idea.

In my last post The Safflower Solution: How To Outwit Those Pesky Blackbirds I talked about the benefit of filling your feeders with this energy-rich seed. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, which will also return the first week of May absolutely love safflower seed, so adding this to your feeders now will help attract these stunning songbirds. 

For a large number of birders, it’s the arrival of the warblers most of us anxiously await. As mentioned previously, Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers have already returned while Yellow Warblers, Palm Warblers, and Black-and-white Warblers will appear in early May with the remaining species arriving shortly thereafter. 

As I have in previous years, I am planning on taking two weeks vacation in early May to absorb as much of spring migration as I possibly can. Visits to some of my favourite local hotspots will definitely be on the agenda as will some short day trips to enjoy a couple of Southwestern Ontario’s annual bird festivals both of which begin May 1. 

The Festival of Flight held annually at Rondeau Provincial Park is well worth a visit each spring. Birds are plentiful with great opportunities to see some rarities including the endangered Prothonotary Warbler. Scarlet Tanagers, vireos as well as an abundance of warblers are among the many birds you can expect to see within the park. The Tulip Tree Trail, Harrison Trail, and the Maintenance Loop are my preferred areas to search. 

Point Pelee National Park is where thousands of birders visit each May for the Festival of Birds. The park’s geographic location and mixed habitat make it a bird magnet during spring migration. Huge concentrations of migrants stop within the park to rest and feed after crossing Lake Erie. Over 20 species of warbler are regularly reported each year during the festival and like Rondeau Provincial Park, there is a good chance of seeing a Prothonotary Warbler at Pelee as well. Other rare warblers including Hooded, Cerulean, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Kirtland’s seem to be found each year.  

Excellent views of all the thrush species which frequent our area is something achievable at Pelee. The sheer number of birds within the park during spring migration is truly impressive. If you have never been, I highly recommend planning a trip. Yes, the park can be a bit busy but don’t let the large crowds deter you from this incredible experience. There are no bad areas to bird within the park but my two favourite and most productive areas each year are the Woodland Nature Trail and Tilden Woods Trail. No trip to Pelee is complete without a visit to the tip, the southernmost point in mainland Canada. 

If Rondeau and Pelee are too far away or you are looking to bird closer to home, city parks, ESAs, and conservation areas will be loaded with spring migrants. Most warblers and other songbirds can be found in forests or the shrubby areas adjacent to them. Here in London, the Thames River acts as a bird highway for species migrating north, so birding any of the city parks along its banks is always productive. Komoka Provincial Park is another fantastic location to check out during spring migration. 

During May, temperatures can vary considerably throughout the day often starting quite cool and being almost hot by day’s end. Dressing in layers will help ensure you are comfortable all day long. If birding at Rondeau or Pelee, keep in mind daytime highs will be slightly lower as Lake Erie’s cool water keeps the temperature down. A breeze off the lake can make it feel even colder so it’s always a good idea to pack a jacket or windbreaker just in case. 

It won’t be long now until the migration floodgates are wide open. Planning a visit to any of the aforementioned parks is well worth the driving time, cost of gas, and park admission. If you don’t have a lot of time for a day trip, visiting a local park or conservation can be quite productive as well. Despite occurring over several weeks, peak migration will be over before you know it and is undoubtedly the best time to see the most birds. With so many birds present, it’s no wonder I always have the Andy Williams classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” stuck in my head. 

Good birding,
Paul