Old Habits Die Hard

Since first visiting John E. Pearce Provincial Park several years ago in early June, returning every year the same month is one of the many habits in birding I have adopted. Situated on the north shore of Lake Erie and comprised of varied habitat including Carolinian forest, grassland, a pine plantation, and a recently constructed wetland, this park has something for everybody when it comes to birds. As a result, a successful day birding is always enjoyed, hence my return every year. 

In June, I made two trips to the park and was treated to some great views. In the open meadow behind the Backus-Page House Museum, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds were observed on the tin roof of an old shed. These birds repeatedly dropped down into the freshly mowed grass grabbing some type of green worm/larvae before taking it to a nearby nest box.  

Every year when visiting the park, a House Wren has been singing from the top of the fence at the entrance to the parking lot demonstrating that birds too have habits when it comes to this location. 

Around the wetland, typical species which frequent this type of habitat were observed with Red-winged Blackbirds being most abundant. Bank, Tree, and Barn Swallows were present circling the ponds while feeding on flying insects. A pair of Wood Ducks passed by overhead while others could be heard calling from deep in the cattails.

Birds of prey tallied included Turkey Vultures, a Cooper’s Hawk, and a juvenile Bald Eagle which passed by overhead. 

Around the perimeter of the forest, several sparrow species were observed including song, field, and chipping while various flycatchers could be seen and heard both along the treeline and from deep within the Carolinian forest.   

The main reason I can’t stay away from this quiet park each June is it has quickly become my favourite place to see and photograph the Red-headed Woodpecker, a species currently listed as special concern on Ontario’s species at risk list. On my most recent visit, I did see one of these beautiful woodpeckers on the south side of Lakeshore Line in a dead tree but it was too high up to better any of the images I have already captured of this fragile species. Some of the images I’ve captured of Red-headed Woodpeckers at this park during previous visits can be found in these older blog posts:

Local Provincial Park A Hidden Gem For Area Birders
John E. Pearce Park Reveals A Nice Mix Of Species At Risk 

Speaking of woodpeckers, John E. Pearce Provincial Park is not just home to the Red-headed. On my last visit, I also observed Downy, Red-bellied, Pileated, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Northern Flicker.

Along with the wonderful mix of birds, I also observed and photographed other wildlife while visiting the park. Several butterfly species were identified including Canadian Tiger Swallowtail, Monarch, Question Mark, and Red Admiral. Eastern Chipmunks, White-tailed Deer, and Eastern Cottontails comprised the mammals present.  

 Some of you may be wondering if I get bored seeing and photographing the same creatures in the same locations year after year. The answer is absolutely not. When spending time outdoors I love being immersed in wildlife. If this means searching the same spots so be it. Don’t get me wrong, I still like visiting and exploring new locations too. I often get asked how I get so lucky finding the number of birds I do to photograph and I honestly believe luck has very little to do with it. Birds can be incredibly predictable in their movements and behaviour and by sticking to old habits successful outings are almost guaranteed. In the case of John E. Pearce Provincial when visiting in June, I expect to see Red-headed Woodpeckers, a House Wren singing at the entrance and Indigo Buntings in the trees along the roadway. This isn’t luck it’s a pattern as I have experienced these same observations here for the past three years. 

If you have a favourite birding location you visit regularly, pay close attention to birds and wildlife demonstrating habits of their own. Look for patterns to develop on each trip and make note of them. By being cognizant of this behavior each time you return, you will likely be rewarded with similar views each time, which for you photographers can result in more images. I often have to make multiple trips to an area and observe the same birds in the same location before getting the shot I was hoping for. If you haven’t already, start forming habits of your own and be ready for more rewarding outings. By doing so I think you will soon see that old habits do in fact die hard. 

Good birding,
Paul