In my recent post, Underutilized Area Houses An Array Of Spring Migrants I wrote about birding lately at a secluded location while achieving great views of a variety of species. This past week I returned to this area several times to bird in seclusion which resulted in great birding and many more first of year species.
As was the case last week Eastern Towhees, Brown Thrashers, and Gray Catbirds were among the most abundant species. Several first of year sparrow species were observed including White-crowned and Lincoln’s. As I scanned the open fields and forest edges with my binoculars the sight of these birds strewn across the ground could be seen while the sounds of leaves rustling under their feet as they foraged could be heard. It truly was impressive.
Thrushes were also abundant with Hermit, Gray-cheeked, Wood, and Veery all recorded. When it comes to thrushes, Veery seem to be the least concerned about people and incredible views from a few feet are often obtainable if you move slowly.
Several first of year warblers were observed with Black-throated Green, Nashville, Common Yellowthroat, and Ovenbird all seen. Other warblers present were Pine, Palm, Yellow-rumped, and many Yellow.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles were noticed in higher numbers this week as were flycatchers with several Least Flycatchers observed.
While working my way along a trail I heard a familiar sound. With my brain focussed on birds, I couldn’t place the call I was hearing. I then realized the sound was not a bird but in fact raccoons. As I looked around I saw several cute baby raccoons spilling out of a broken-off tree as their mom wandered down into the ravine.
Eastern Chipmunks could be seen scurrying along the forest floor and across fallen logs while their chip and chuck calls could be heard throughout the property.
I still haven’t seen an impressive number of warblers in this area as I have with some of the other species mentioned. Geographically and in terms of habitat this area has plenty to offer warblers so it may be a case of these birds running a bit late this year. Whether this will happen or not at this location remains to be seen. Every aspect of this spring has been unusual so far including the weather and lack of winds with a southerly component so I am still optimistic large quantities of warblers will appear and I will certainly be returning next week to find out.
The element of seclusion added to the experience as it was just me and the birds. It’s not that I’m antisocial or don’t like people, birding in seclusion is my way to distress, let go of any unwanted emotions, and reset my brain. While some may meditate or turn to other self-care activities, I go birding. Given the uncertainty of everything going on in the world right now and the advice to continue with physical distancing, I have been avoiding any location I feel will be too busy. This includes all of the locations I would typically visit at this time of year. Being able to relax and unwind in nature has been something I am grateful for.
I have uploaded a new video to YouTube from my visit to this area last week titled A Great Day Birding At A Secluded Area where you can see many of the aforementioned species in action. If you enjoy my videos, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
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If you have the opportunity, find your own secluded area and get out and enjoy nature. I think with more consistent weather, warmer temperatures, and a south wind we could see a big movement of birds, in particular, warblers to our area. With parks and conservation areas opening up remember to take the necessary precautions and continue to physical distance. With a little forethought, we can all enjoy the great outdoors while not setting society back or making our sacrifices over the past two months for nothing.
Good birding,
Paul
brilliant and informative blog again Paul. Nice selection of birds.
Pleased to say along with the Thrasher and oriole in our yard we have now seen a male rose breasted grosbeak frequent the yard. Seems like we have had a new species each day for the past week! We’re seeing lots of white crowned sparrows too.
Love watching the birds and hoping to get out sometime to look for more.
Keep up the great work.
Thank you very much Jon! I am glad to hear you are getting a great mix of birds in your yard.
Another great log….plenty of good birding going on right now at Canatara Park, Sarnia ON.
Thanks Mario, I’m glad to hear you have some great birding close to you. I popped over to a local park near me after the rain yesterday morning and found a nice variety of warblers. It was a great morning of birding for sure.
Great post and love the bit about being alone in nature. I actually can’t remember the last time I’ve done this (always have a friend or family member joining me). Will have to give the seclusion a try!
No orioles in our yard yet but two male rose-breasted grosbeaks, one male red bellied woodpecker, a male and female northern flicker, and a male ruby-throated hummingbird made for a good day of backyard birding yesterday. As well as that thrush, still not sure if it’s a hermit or Swainson’s but thanks for your insight there! The hummingbird didn’t find my glass feeder but instead favoured the flowering quince. Excited to try the Amazon feeder and hope it attracts more as the quince finishing blooming.
On the topic of unrecognizable calls – do you have a resource you usually recommend on learning the calls of our local birds? I’m finding that the Merlin app is good for birds I can see and then I can go about learning the call at that point, but there’s something in a neighbour’s yard belting out their song all day and just picking random birds on the app to listen to isn’t giving me an answer!
The physical and mental health benefits of birding in seclusion for me has been immeasurable. My stress level is much lower when I do resulting in lower blood pressure and just overall feeling well. I find my mood is better too and it makes me a more patient person which helps me deal with day to day life better.
It sounds like you have some great activity in your yard despite no orioles. I love Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, they are one of my favourite birds to see in the yard. I’m sure the hummingbird will find your feeder soon, thanks again for using the link! In my experience birds will always go for the natural foods first be it seeds, berries, or in the case of hummingbirds flowers first as they seem to know the feeder is there as a backup when the natural foods run out.
For me I use https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/ but it will be similar to the merlin app. When I was starting to learn call I always started with common birds I saw regularly. A cardinal for instance, I would play their call over and over until I new it then move onto something else. I would also learn groups of birds like woodpeckers. I started with the Donwy and would progress through all the woodpeckers to the point where I can recognize them all by ear. It takes time and a practice but this is how I learned.
It sounds like the bird in your neighbour’s yard is quite loud. Carolina Wrens have an incredibly loud call and are busy trying to attract at mate at this time of year. I wonder if this is what you are hearing?