Birding this spring has certainly been unique. Unique in the sense that with provincial parks and many conservation areas closed the obvious destinations for taking in spring migration have been off-limits. As a result, I have found myself frequenting an area that remains open and is underutilized to get my fix of spring migrants.
Now when I say underutilized I don’t just mean in regards to birding I mean underutilized period. This area has been almost absent of birders, dog walkers, runners, you name it. If fact, having spent all day at this location multiple times this spring the busiest day saw just three other users over the course of the entire day. I’ve had this area virtually to myself all day and the birding has been great.
All of the migrants I would expect to see the first week of May have been present with some seen in greater numbers than others. On one visit, I saw more Brown Thrashers in a single day than I have before in my entire life. Warblers, orioles, grosbeaks, as well as a plethora of resident species, have also been plentiful.
Wood Thrushes, a species currently listed as special concern on Ontario’s species at risk list, have been surprisingly prevalent at this location. These birds along with the aforementioned Brown Thrashers, Eastern Towhees, and White-throated Sparrows could be heard scratching in the leaf litter on the forest floor.
Working my way along the dense thickets at the edge of the forest, the cat-like meow of Gray Catbirds could be heard. Fortunately, some birds could be observed on top of the thickets feeding on berries affording me the opportunity for a photo or two.
Most of the warblers that return the first week of May have been recorded including Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Palm, and Black-and-White. Large numbers of Chipping Sparrows have also been seen and heard from around the property.
This area is home to a multitude of wildflowers including Trilliums, Trout Lillies, Mayapples, and a host of others I have yet to identify. Wildflower identification is something I continue to work on with the help of my Peterson Field Guide To Wildflowers
Mornings last week started cool but each day the temperature quickly climbed and the birds and wildlife became more active. As the mercury rose Red Admiral, Mourning Cloak, and Eastern Comma Butterflies were observed flying in and around the forest.
With Doug Ford announcing the opening of provincial parks and conservation areas next week I imagine many birders will be flocking to Rondeau, Komoka, and the Pinery as well as everyone else who has been missing these great parks. I think I’ll sit this spring at the usual hotspots out and continue to physical distance just to be on the safe side. After all, I have found an underutilized area I have enjoyed all to myself and plan to return this week.
Normally I am happy to share where and provide directions to the areas I bird, but given the current situation I’m keeping this area a secret and I hope you support my reasoning for this. If you get the chance this week, head out for some birding and enjoy the great outdoors. Remember we still need to physical distance as we are not out of the woods yet. The second week of May is typically the best week of spring migration and I’m curious to see what species will appear at this amazing location. Stay safe and as always
Good birding,
Paul
* Please note this post contains an Amazon affiliate link. You can help support my website by using the above links when you purchase products on Amazon (they send me a few bucks when you do at no additional cost to you). I only provide links to products I have purchased and am satisfied with based on my own experience. Thanks for your support!*
*I’ve uploaded a new video to my YouTube Channel titled Birding At My Local Patch. In this video, I find several species including warblers, Wood Ducks, and a Bald Eagle to name a few.*
A great blog post Paul and what an array of birds you’ve seen already. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Thank you very much Jon! I shot a lot of video of the birds from this post that I am hoping to get put into a vlog and uploaded to YouTube soon.
Just watched the vlog, another awesome and informative vlog.
Just thought I’d let you know that we had a male Baltimore Oriole in our yard today, and I haven’t even got an oriole feeder out (but I will be the end of the day!!) it landed on my girls colourful pinwheel!!
Anyway, carry on with the great work.
Thank you very much Jon, I am glad you are enjoying the vlog and finding it informative. I am also happy to hear you had an oriole visit that is awesome!
Following your Blogs and Vlogs is a fantastic education in bird identification. I haven’t seen many of the birds you’ve photographed for years. One is the thrush which used to be prevalent when I was young roaming the forests and
fence rows. Now everything is so weed free in my little urban patch that only the most common birds are seen. It’s still a thrill to see and hear what birds I do get. Thanks for allowing me to broaden my patch of bird watching through your lens.
Betty Fitchett
I am happy to hear you find my blogs and vlogs helpful Betty. I remember as a kid seeing Wood Thrushes all the time in the wooded backyard at my parent’s house. Now with their decline it is a real treat to see them. It’s always exciting to see what birds you can attract to your own urban patch. Thanks for following along on my adventures!
Thank you Paul! I think we will all be searching out our own personal under-utilized birding areas! Happy you found your own piece of paradise!
Thank you Joanne. I have really been enjoying this place and am looking forward to see what birds show up this week as migration continues!
I really enjoy your blog Paul.I had a male oriole yesterday to my yard feeder. My 1st of the season.
I am happy to hear you enjoy my blog Marion and happy an oriole finally showed up for you’!
Thanks Paul for your blog. You shhow birds I haven’t seen before and some not since I was a child. All the good
birding has been bu=uilt up so keep up the good work. Really enjoy it.
Thank you very much Peggy for your kind words. I am glad to hear you enjoy my blog. Comments like yours are what really inspire me to share my images and experiences outdoors with others.
Hi Paul.
Hi wanted to thank you for all the info and advice you have provided recently. My yard is beginning to become quite the place for birding. I have finally had some goldfinches come to the feeder, along with some chipping sparrows. But probably the most unusual bird so far, one I’ve never seen before, is a brown thrasher this morning at the edge of the evergreens. Wish I got a photo!!
Anyways, thanks again for all the advice.
Regards and happy birding.
Jon
Hi Jon, I am really happy to hear that! Brown Thrashers are such an amazing bird and not one that regularly visits a backyard so that is fantastic. I appreciate all your feedback and recommendations for my blog and vlog. Thank you!
That’s what I figured. Thankfully it came back and I was able to get a fairly decent picture of it although I’m not the best photographer in the world (another thing I like about your blogs, the photographer lessons!). Also had a downy today. Live watching them all interact!
Happy birding.
That’s awesome Jon. I’m glad it came back and you got a shot. Good birding to you too!