Back To Birding In Southwestern Ontario

Having been back in Southwestern Ontario for a little over a week I finally found time to get out for some birding. With so many options close to home I decided on Pinery Provincial Park. Why the Pinery? Easy, I wanted somewhere I could bird from my pack boat as well as on foot and the Pinery seemed like a logical choice based on the success I had there last year at this time. One of the best ways to be successful birding is to repeat what works. If I had great birding in late October there last year chances are (under similar conditions) the birding would be fantastic again this October. I like to bird with the adage in mind if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.   

Loading up my gear I left home just after 8 a.m. As I headed north I could see the clear blue sky in the direction of the park. With sunny skies and classic rock playing on the radio, I could feel my excitement building. Arriving at the park just over an hour later, I put my boat in the water and was heading down the Old Ausable Channel by 9:30 a.m. Several Canada Geese that were hanging around the launch area began to honk as I slipped through the water. Looking into the emergent vegetation along the shoreline I could see a Great Blue Heron standing motionless with its head tucked in and feathers puffed out. This is typical behavior of a bird trying to keep warm as it was a chilly start to the morning. 

Continuing down the river a pair of Wood Ducks took flight. These birds are extremely skittish and I only managed a brief look as they disappeared out of sight while their high-pitched whistles softened. Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were all seen and heard in the large trees lining the banks as I paddled along. It is here where I often see the less common Red-headed Woodpecker but unfortunately, on this day there was none present. At least none that I saw or heard anyway. Given this bird’s current status in the province (special concern) and that they are a short-distance migrant not seeing any wasn’t too surprising.  

Glancing up into a large tree, I could see the silhouette of a Pileated Woodpecker. As I admired this crow-sized bird another Pileated flew into a nearby tree. Raising my camera I snapped a few photos of the bird that was busy preening while the second bird flew across the river. 

As I paddled my way to the far end of the park I had some incredible views of Great Blue Herons. Three in total were present along the river and fortunately were posed in some pretty amazing positions and scenes. One bird, in particular, repeatedly flew short distances ahead of me as I paddled providing ample opportunities for flight shots.

After my paddle, I made my way to the Cedar Trail behind the visitor centre. The feeders were not out at the visitor centre my guess is due to COVID-19 and the park not wanting people congregating in this area. That didn’t mean there weren’t birds present as I quickly located two Fox Sparrows and could hear the calls of a Tufted Titmouse. 

Making my way down the trail bird sound filled the air. The most predominant sound was that of the Golden-crowned Kinglet a bird I saw hundreds of this day. As it tried unsuccessfully to photograph the kinglets (mostly bum shots and obstructed views) a female Eastern Towhee flew over the trail landing on the ground in the thick brush. As this bird scratched up food from the ground with its feet in true towhee fashion I failed to capture a clear image through all the branches. Arriving back at the car I heard the call of Sandhill Cranes but never laid eyes on the birds. I’m not sure if these birds were flying over or perhaps calling from the vegetation in the southern section of the river.   

Now it was time to check out the Heritage Trail. This is one of my favourites in the park. Beautiful habitat and a nice lookout over the river are why this trail is so appealing to me. This trail has been a good one in the past for seeing deer, turkeys, and several woodpecker species. On this day, Blue Jays were moving through the woods in good numbers presumably migrating and likely feeding on acorns as this trail has several mature oak trees. 

Finally, it was off to the beach 9 picnic area. This area always has lots of birds present and today was no different. Park visitors regularly feed the birds by hand here and it’s not uncommon to have chickadees land on you looking for a handout even if you aren’t toting seed. Other birds can be fed by hand in the beach 9 picnic area including the Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and even Downy Woodpecker. This is also a great location to achieve views of some of the park’s cute rodents including chipmunks and Red Squirrels. 

All in all, it was a great day getting back to birding in Southwestern Ontario after so many months away. I know throughout the remainder of fall and winter I will make several trips back to Pinery Provincial Park as it is a fantastic place to bird, hike, paddle, and picnic. 

Good birding,
Paul  

*Earlier this year I launched my vlog from Pinery Provincial Park. You can watch that inaugural video here.*