Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands

When it comes to shorebirds many species begin their fall migration in late June with Least Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs being the first to make their way south. As summer progresses, shorebird numbers steadily increase throughout Southwestern Ontario and by August shorebirds can be found in large concentrations throughout our area. Consequently, this is when I begin my search of area drainage ponds, sewage lagoons, and wetlands hoping to observe and photograph these long distance migrants.

pect - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **This Pectoral Sandpiper was among the many shorebirds I recently observed at the West Perth Wetlands**

One of my favourite places to observe shorebirds is the West Perth Wetlands located in Mitchell, Ontario. A series of shallow ponds and exposed mudflats provides an ideal habitat for shorebirds looking to rest and feed as they migrate south. Navigating around the wetland is quite easy thanks to a network of meticulously maintained mowed grass trails that sit on top of the berms surrounding each pond. Not only does this make for easy walking, it also provides an excellent vantage point for observing and photographing birds and other wildlife readily located along the edge of each pond. Naturalization of the sloping banks from the top of each berm to the water’s edge has occurred consisting of variety of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs all of which attract a nice mix of both songbirds and butterflies.

gggggg - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **Lesser Yellowlegs were by far the most abundant shorebird I observed on a recent visit to the West Perth Wetlands.**

After checking eBird and seeing that good numbers of shorebirds had been reported at the West Perth Wetlands, I grabbed my binoculars and camera and made the one hour drive from London hoping to observe some of these birds. Upon arriving at the wetlands, I could hear the echoing calls of several birds coming from the other side of the berm as I strapped on my camera and binoculars. Following the trail from the parking lot up onto the berm the first pond came into sight, and so too did a large flock of shorebirds.

kd - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **Shorebirds at the West Perth Wetlands are always on the move, providing excellent opportunities for flight shots.**

Raising my binoculars and scanning the first pond, it became evident that Killdeer and Lesser Yellowlegs were the most abundant of the shorebirds as dozens of these birds could be seen foraging on the large mudflat in the centre of the pond. After observing these birds for several minutes, I began to circle the pond in hopes of locating more shorebirds.

chick - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **While some shorebirds have already started to migrate, others including Killdeer are still raising their broods. This young Killdeer was one of three observed.**

As I made my way down the trail I observed a lone Killdeer watching over three small chicks. In my opinion, you can’t find a cuter baby bird than a Killdeer. These tiny balls of fluff were a treat to watch as they foraged in the mud and waded in the shallow water.

gbh - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **Great Blue Heron**

Coming to the end of the pond, I scanned through the abundance of vegetation with my binoculars and counted the heads of four Great Blue Herons. I decided that if I made my way to the other side of the pond I would be able to get an unobstructed view of at least three of the birds. As I rounded the corner a fifth heron flew in from the east. I raised my camera and captured several images of the bird before it landed in the middle of the pond.

shorebirds - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — This image demonstrates the wide variety of shorebirds I observed at the West Perth Wetlands. From front to back are Spotted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, and Lesser Yellowlegs. In the upper left corner of the frame just in front of the green vegetation is a Least Sandpiper.

Continuing east deeper into the wetland, I came to the second pond. As I looked down at a small section of mud bank in the near corner of the pond, I was treated to an extraordinary view of four shorebirds perfectly lined up from smallest to largest. Fortunately these birds were not moving around too much and I was able to capture several images of this unique scene. As mentioned, Killdeer and Lesser Yellowlegs were the most prevalent shorebirds present on my visit, but I was also treated to exceptional views of Spotted Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and Solitary Sandpipers.

cy - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **This male Common Yellowthroat was one of two warbler species observed.**

The West Perth Wetlands is a great place to bird and not just for shorebirds. Songbirds are also plentiful in the mixed habitat within and surrounding the wetland. Warblers including Yellow and Common Yellowthroat were both observed. Other notable species observed included an Eastern Meadowlark, Chimney Swifts, and two Green Herons. Cedar Waxwings and American Goldfinches were plentiful in the row of evergreens located at the southeast end of the property.

mobo - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **Monarch Butterflies were the most abundant butterfly observed around the wetland.**

A collection of butterflies were also observed, and to my delight Monarchs were the most abundant. Swallowtails, Viceroys, and both American and Painted Lady were all photographed. Dragon and Damselflies were present in good numbers with a variety of each observed.

drag - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **This male Widow Skimmer was one of the many dragonflies observed at the West Perth Wetlands.**

The West Perth Wetlands really is an impressive place to get out and enjoy nature. Whether you are searching for birds, insects, reptiles or amphibians there is something for everyone. One non nature observation I made that I think is worth sharing is that of a gentleman using an electric mobility device to get around the wetland, demonstrating that the well-maintained grass tails are accessible to everyone. If you are searching for a fully accessible location for birding, the West Perth Wetlands is a great option.

killll - Shorebirds Abound At The West Perth Wetlands — **This Killdeer was one of dozens recently observed at the West Perth Wetlands.**

Throughout August and September, look for shorebird numbers to increase further in Southwestern Ontario as they make make their way south. Area wetlands, sewage lagoons, and stormwater management ponds area all great places to observe shorebirds as they are drawn to these habitats to rest and feed. If you are looking for a place where great views of an abundance of shorebirds can be obtained, I highly recommend a visit to the West Perth Wetlands.

Good birding,
Paul

Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months

For as long as I can remember I have always had an interest in nature. Even as a young child I enjoyed observing birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Birds were and continue to be my passion, but in recent years my fascination with butterflies has grown exponentially. I think part of this fascination comes from the fact that we have such a variety of beautiful butterflies throughout Southwestern Ontario and I seem to encounter a different species almost every time I am out.

qm1 - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months — **Searching area meadows filled with wildflowers for butterflies is a great way to spend time outdoors during the summer months. I recently photographed this Question Mark Butterfly on a coneflower.**

Depending on the weather, butterflies are typically observed in our area from April to November with different species being observed at different times of the year. As the seasons progress, new species appear providing variety throughout the year. This continued influx of species adds to my fascination and makes every outing different. In many ways it is very similar to bird migration knowing that there is the potential to see something new every time I am out in the field.

Observing and photographing butterflies throughout the summer months and into early fall is a great way to spend time in the outdoors. I find it a nice change of pace from photographing birds and to be honest less challenging. Compared to birds, butterflies move slower, are less wary, and when nectaring on a flower often provide unobstructed views. Also, butterflies can be quite predictable regularly landing on the tallest flower in a group or the one with with a clear flight path to it, which allows me to prepare myself for the shot long before it presents itself.

mon1 1 - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months — **Despite being a species at risk in Ontario, Monarch Butterflies can be found in area fields and meadows. Searching meadows that contain milkweed is this best way to locate this beautiful butterfly.**

When it comes to butterflies, the Monarch is by far my favourite followed closely by the Black Swallowtail. Perhaps the fact that the Monarch Butterfly is a species at risk in Ontario combined with its impressive fall migration spanning thousands of kilometers is why I am so intrigued by this species.

Butterflies are plentiful in Southwestern Ontario and can be found in a variety of habitats. I like to concentrate most of my time searching fields and meadows with an abundance of wildflowers. Meadows containing a few small trees and shrubs adjacent to a forest edge are particularity productive as this offers the most diverse habitat and provides a location for butterflies to feed, seek shelter, and roost.

ra - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months — **Red Admiral Butterfly nectaring on a dogwood blossom.**

Since butterflies roost at night and during cold, wet weather, the best time to locate them is from mid-morning to late afternoon on sunny days. This is when daytime temperatures are the highest and consequently so too is butterfly activity. During the summer months, getting out during the midday sun in the hot humid conditions is the best time to locate butterflies. While birds and mammals may be less active during the heat of the day, butterflies are quite the opposite.

cat - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months — **While out photographing butterflies at an area meadow I found this monarch caterpillar within the buds of a Common Milkweed plant.**

When photographing butterflies I like to use similar camera settings as I would when photographing birds. If you are comfortable shooting in manual mode I would recommend doing so and adjust your ISO and aperture to give you a shutter speed of around 1/1000 of a second. This may seem like a fast shutter speed for butterflies, but has become my benchmark shutter speed for all nature photography. Butterflies may not move as quickly as birds, but a fast shutter speed is equally important for several reasons. First, butterflies will almost always give a slow wing flap when nectaring on a flower. This motion may not appear like much, but can result in a significant amount of blur on your final image if your shutter speed is too slow. Second, on windy days the flower or other object that the butterfly is resting on will move back and forth in wind. Having a fast shutter speed will help to freeze this action leading to a sharp image. Finally, a fast shutter speed will help compensate for any camera shake encountered while trying to steady the lens. If you are not comfortable shooting in manual mode than I would recommend aperture priority mode and again adjust your ISO and aperture to give you give you a shutter speed as close to 1/1000 of a second as possible. I prefer to photograph all nature including butterflies on sunny days as the bright sun really brings out the colours and contrast of an image, so achieving this fast of shutter speed under these conditions is never a problem.

al - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months

al2 - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months — Butterfly identification can be incredibly challenging as many species are very similar in appearance. For example, the American Lady (top) displays 2 large eyespots visible on the underside of the hindwing. The Painted Lady (bottom) displays 4 smaller eyespots on the underside of the hindwing.

During these sunny conditions one issue that is readily encountered is excessive highlights in your image. Often times flower petals and/or the buttery’s wings will be overexposed resulting in a loss of colour, contrast, and detail. I recommend turning your camera’s highlight alert on and paying close attention to your histogram to watch for this. These extreme highlights can be easily corrected by adjusting your camera settings to slightly underexpose the image if you are shooting in manual mode or by making use of exposure compensation in aperture priority mode. I find that on most sunny days I underexpose by 1/3 to 2/3 of a stop to compensate for these highlights. Making these simple adjustments will result in a better final image as it will capture the true colour, contrast, and detail of both the butterfly and the flower.

qm2 - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months — **The Question Mark Butterfly is named for the pearly silver question mark visible on the underside of its hindwing.**

When out photographing butterflies during summer conditions there are a few things I do to protect myself while out in the field. Wearing sunscreen is a must. It doesn’t take long these days to get a sunburn and the damage to your skin caused by the sun is not something to take lightly. I also make sure I stay hydrated and nourished by drinking lots of water and taking a snack. I prefer energy bars as they are quite filling and fit nicely into my pocket. Dehydration and hunger can sneak up fast on hot days and by being proactive both are easily avoided. I also choose to wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants rather than shorts and a T-shirt not only to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but also protect me from insects including mosquitoes and ticks. I also apply insect repellent for added protection. When searching for butterflies in areas where I have encountered ticks in the past, I tuck my shirt into my pants and my pants into my socks to prevent access to my skin. These simple measures make sure my time spent outside is enjoyable despite the conditions.

bs2 - Butterflies Provide Plenty Of Action During The Summer Months — **Black Swallowtail Butterfly nectaring on a Common Milkweed Flower.**

If you avoid getting out and enjoying nature during the summer months because it is too hot and humid or you find conditions slow, give searching for butterflies a try. I think you will agree that there is always plenty of action and will quickly forget about the heat, humidity, and undesired insects as you get lost in the beauty of not only the butterflies themselves but also the colourful summer blooms they are attracted to.

Good birding,
Paul

Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth

Goldenrod is one of the most abundant native wildflowers throughout Southwestern Ontario. Found in meadows, city parks, and even backyards, goldenrod grows just about everywhere. Unfortunately, goldenrod is viewed as a weed by many and its benefits to our landscape are often overlooked. To make matters worse, goldenrod continues to be falsely blamed as a cause of seasonal allergies.

buck - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — **Common Buckeye nectaring on a goldenrod flower.**

Often mistaken for ragweed, goldenrod is considered by many to be a contributing factor to their congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes. The truth is, unlike ragweed which relies on airborne pollination, goldenrod’s pollen is too heavy to travel by air and therefore must rely on butterflies and bees for pollination and consequently does not contribute to seasonal allergies.

tawny - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — During late summer and early fall a wide variety of butterflies can be found nectaring on goldenrod. Long after other flowers have bloomed, goldenrod provides a vital food source. This Tawny Emperor is one of many butterflies I photographed last September feeding on goldenrod.

Blooming throughout late summer and early fall, goldenrod is an incredibly beneficial late season food source for many pollinators including the Monarch Butterfly. During August and September, monarchs are often found nectaring on goldenrod’s colorfoul yellow flowers providing them the required energy needed to complete their long migration south to their wintering grounds in Mexico.

ag - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — **Since letting a patch of goldenrod grow in my yard I have seen an increase in the number of American Goldfinches. Finches are just one of the many songbirds that consume goldenrod seeds.**

Butterflies are not the only wildlife that benefit from goldenrod, Throughout fall and winter many songbirds can be found feeding on the seed heads after the flowers have lost their vibrant yellow colour. American Goldfinches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Dark-eyed Juncos are among the birds that can commonly be observed in our area feeding on goldenrod seeds.

downy 2 - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — **Downy Woodpecker preparing to extract a gall fly larva from a goldenrod stalk.**

Many insects overwinter in our area at various stages of their life cycles and they too benefit from goldenrod. Dry leaves and stalks provide the perfect location for insects to spend the cold weather months until they are ready to emerge in spring. Goldenrod Gall Flies are just one example of the many insects that use goldenrod to overwinter. Each summer, gall flies lay their eggs on the stalks of goldenrod plants. Once the egg hatches, the larvae burrows into the stalk which forms the round gall that can be found near the top of goldenrod stalks. It is here where the larva will spend the winter before exiting the gall the following spring as an adult fly to start the cycle all over again. Gall fly larva is readily consumed by both chickadees and woodpeckers and these birds are often observed pecking at the galls trying to extract the larva.

doe - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — **Large mammals including White-tailed Deer use goldenrod as a source of cover.**

Goldenrod is an important part of any ecosystem as it provides both food and shelter for many creatures from tiny insects to large mammals including deer. For these reasons, I have incorporated goldenrod into my landscape and am quite happy that I have. I enjoy watching Monarch Butterflies each fall during their migration as they stop to nectar. I do not cut my goldenrod back in the fall after it has bloomed, but rather leave it until the following spring. As a result I have noticed a substantial increase in the number of American Goldfinches visiting my yard each fall and winter as they are attracted to the bounty of seeds produced by this native wildflower. My garden may appear a bit messy to some as a result during these months, but I am happy knowing that these plants are still serving a purpose despite being a little less aesthetically pleasing. Come spring, I then remove the old stalks to make way for the new growth that is emerging.

chick 2 - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — **Black-capped Chickadee feeding on the seeds of a goldenrod flower.**

Due to its tall height and tendency to spread rapidly, goldenrod is not one of the most desired garden plants despite its tremendous benefits to our environment. Over the years, I have discovered a few tricks that have removed many of the headaches associated with goldenrod. First, I stay on top of pulling unwanted small plants in the early spring, which keeps my patch manageable and contained to exactly where I want it. Fortunately goldenrod pulls quite easily especially when the soil is moist after a spring rain. Second, in late June I cut my goldenrod back by about 1/4 to 1/3. By reducing the height of the plant it makes them less top heavy and prevents them from falling over after heavy rains associated with summer thunderstorms. After cutting, the plants bush out and produce more flowers which in turn means more food for the pollinators and more seeds for the birds.

junco - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — **Dark-eyed Juncos are among the many songbirds that feed on goldenrod seeds.**

There are several varieties of goldenrod available at area garden centres that specialize in native plants including those that do not grow as tall or spread as aggressively. If you are interested in adding goldenrod to your landscape, do some research and pick a variety that is best suited to your garden.

mon1 - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — **Monarch Butterflies nectaring on goldenrod at Point Pelee National Park.**

Searching large patches of goldenrod for wildlife to observe and photogrpah is highly productive at any time of the year. Whether it is insects, birds, or mammals their is always something to find among the leaves, flowers, and stalks of this incredibly important native plant. Next time you are out in the field and come across a patch of goldenrod stop and have a look. I think you will be impressed by the abundance of wildlife that you find relying on this plant for both food and shelter.

mon2 - Breathe Easy: Dispelling The Goldenrod Myth — On a trip to Point Pelee National Park during the peak of Monarch Butterfly migration, goldenrod was the nectar plant of choice. It was not uncommon to find multiple Monarchs nectaring on the same flower.

Suffering from seasonal allergies is certainly not a pleasant experience, but when it comes to goldenrod breathe easy knowing that this native wildflower is not to blame and take solace in all the benefits this colourful flower provides to our environment.

Good birding,
Paul

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Monarch Or Viceroy?
Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies

Watermark - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies — ***Due to their similar appearance Monarch Butterflies and Viceroy Butterflies are easily mistaken for each other.***

Butterfly identification can be extremely challenging. Often times only a slight variation in colour or marking is what separates two similar butterflies. Their small size combined with their propensity to not stay motionless very long often adds to the challenge of identification. Knowing what to look for can help achieve a quick and positive identification.

monarch - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies

viceroy - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies — **The Monarch Butterfly (top) and Viceroy Butterfly (bottom) are often found in similar habitats throughout Southwestern Ontario.**

Two virtually identical butterflies found in Southwestern Ontario are the Monarch and the Viceroy. At a quick glance, these two butterflies can easily be mistaken for each other. Fortunately, there are a few distinguishing characteristics I look for when out in the field to differentiate between the two.

vr2 - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies

vr1 - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies — **The black line running across the hindwings of the Viceroy Butterfly is visible from both the top and bottom.**

The most obvious way to tell the difference between a Monarch and a Viceroy is by looking at their hindwings. The Viceroy displays a black line that runs across the hindwings, which the Monarch does not have. This line is visible from both the top and bottom making it particularly easy to see when the butterfly is at rest.

Mongold - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies

vicegold - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies — **Goldenrod readily attracts a wide variety of butterflies including the Monarch (top) and Viceroy (bottom).**

A second but less obvious way to separate the Monarch from a Viceroy is by size. Monarchs typically have a larger wingspan than a Viceroy; however, a large Viceroy and small Monarch can have almost the same wingspan, so this characteristic is less dependable.

The third way I differentiate between a Monarch and a Viceroy is by their flight pattern. A Viceroy’s flight is much more erratic and less graceful than that of a Monarch. A Monarch tends to fly smoothly often gliding while making slow turns, whereas a Viceroy displays a more rapid wing beat, glides less frequently, and makes faster, sharper turns.

thistle - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies

viceup - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies — **The Monarch Butterfly (top) lacks the black line running through its hindwings that is visible on the Viceroy Butterfly (bottom).**

Perhaps the real challenge of butterfly identification is getting a long enough look to observe any or all of these unique characteristics that each butterfly displays. If you see one of these butterflies and are unsure whether it is a Monarch or Viceroy remember these three traits.

When I am out in the field and see a butterfly in question I quickly run through these 3 characteristics in my mind. If the butterfly is in flight, I will observe the size and flight pattern to get an accurate identification. With lots of practice, I can now confidently recognize the flight pattern of either butterfly. I will then watch for the butterfly to land and when it does, I quickly look to see whether or not the butterfly displays a black line across the hindwings to make certain of my identification.

monup - Monarch Or Viceroy? <br> Look For Subtle Differences To Positively Identify These Similar Butterflies — **Monarch Butterfly nectaring on a sunflower.**

Next time you are out in the field and question whether you see a Monarch or a Viceroy, try observing these characteristics to assist you with identification. As mentioned previously, looking for the black line across the hindwings is by far the easiest and most accurate method to positively identify these similar butterflies, but with a little time and practice recognizing size and flight pattern will soon become apparent too.

Southwestern Ontario is home to a wide variety of butterflies and getting out during the summer months to enjoy their beauty is especially satisfying. I think you will find that recognizing these three characteristics will be incredibly useful in helping you positively identify Monarch and Viceroy butterflies.

Good birding,
Paul

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If You Plant It, They Will Come:
Success From My Monarch Waystation

mon 1 - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **Creating a Monarch Waystation is a simple, inexpensive measure anyone can do to help this at risk butterfly.**

In the summer of 2015 I decided to designate a portion of my yard for the construction of a butterfly garden. I wanted to create a large habitat attractive to all pollinators, but in particular the Monarch Butterfly. After doing some research and following the guidelines laid out by Monarch Watch and their Monarch Waystation Program, I decided on the plants I wanted and came up with a size and shape for my garden. My existing garden already consisted of several of the plants required for a Monarch Waystation, but I wanted to increase the size of my garden and the variety of the plants within it. In particular I wanted to add more milkweed in hopes of eventually having Monarch Butterflies reproduce in my garden. I spent the first few weekends that September constructing the garden in anticipation of the fall native plant sale that takes place each year at the St. Williams Nursery. For those of you not familiar with this nursery, they specialize in native plants found in our area, and I knew I would be able to find everything I needed to complete my garden at this annual event.

mon 5 - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **Swamp Milkweed is an excellent choice for wet areas. The purple blooms provide an excellent nectar source for adult butterflies, while the leaves provide food for Monarch Caterpillars.**

As expected, I was able to find everything I wanted at the plant sale and was especially impressed by both the quality of the plants and the prices. I ended up coming home with a wide variety of native wildflowers including four varieties of milkweed. My garden already contained Common Milkweed that I had grown from seed, but I purchased several more plants as I wanted to have a more substantial patch in one particular section of my garden. The other varieties of milkweed I purchased were Butterfly Weed, Swamp Milkweed, and Sullivant’s Milkweed.

When I returned from the sale I quickly got to work getting everything planted. As part of the planning and construction of my garden, I had already marked out where I wanted everything based on plant height and light requirements. Many of the plants I purchased were still in bloom, and it wasn’t long after getting them in the ground when I observed several bees moving from flower to flower.

mobee - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — Butterfly Weed is a low growing variety of milkweed. The beautiful orange blooms are a great food source for all pollinators and as is the case with all types of milkweed is a host plant for the Monarch Butterfly.

12087671 787618071361644 5659097381689162113 o 225x300 - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **This sign on my fence indicates that my yard has been certified as an official Monarch Waystation.**

Meeting the criteria set out by Monarch Watch for their Monarch Waystation Program, I submitted an application form and registered my garden as an official Monarch Waystation. A few weeks later, I received my certificate and metal sign, which I proudly display on my fence overlooking my waystation.

Despite their recent drop in numbers, I had always observed a few Monarch Butterflies in my yard each year, typically during their fall migration as they would stop briefly to feed on my goldenrod and other late blooming wildflowers. To my knowledge, I had never had a Monarch Butterfly reproduce in my yard as I would often check the milkweed for eggs, caterpillars, or any signs of caterpillars including leaves that had been chewed or even droppings, also known as frass. I was optimistic that with my new larger garden and wider variety of milkweed this would eventually change.

As we entered spring of 2016, I was excited to see all of the plants I had added the previous fall emerge form the soil. I found myself out in the garden almost daily pulling weeds and watching as each plant grew. By summer, my garden had filled in nicely and everything was in bloom. Watching bees and other butterfly species move from flower to flower was quite rewarding, but unfortunately still no signs of Monarch Butterflies reproducing.

tag - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **In the fall of 2016, I photographed this tagged Monarch Butterfly nectaring on my New England Aster.**

Even without any signs of Monarch Butterflies reproducing in my waystation, I was still very happy with my creation. I spent many hours that first year watching and photographing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds as they all benefited from the habitat I provided. In September of 2016, I observed a tagged Monarch Butterfly as it nectared on one of my New England Asters. I was able to photograph the butterfly and read the number on the tag, which I submitted to Monarch Watch, as well as other online sites for sharing tagged Monarch sightings including various Facebook groups. Unfortunately, I never found out where the Monarch originated, but was still happy to see that my waystation was providing a food source for this particular butterfly as it made its long journey south to its wintering grounds in Mexico.

mon 2 - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **Monarch Butterfly nectaring on my Butterfly Weed**.

Spring of 2017 was virtually a carbon copy of 2016, I was out in the garden almost daily pulling weeds and watching plants emerge for another season. What was more challenging this year was that many of the plants had spread, so I had to be extra careful making sure that I was in fact pulling weeds and not any of the beneficial native plants that were now showing up in areas where I had not planted them. With the spread of these plants I am now planning to transplant many of them this fall and have already started designing another butterfly garden for my front yard.

egg - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **This Monarch Butterfly egg was found on the underside of a Common Milkweed leaf in my Monarch Waystation.**

By the end of May, I had observed several Monarch Butterflies in our area, but none in my yard. I began searching my milkweed plants for eggs and caterpillars, but still no sign of them. Eventually in mid-June despite having not seen a Monarch Butterfly in my yard, I discovered the first egg on the underside of a Common Milkweed leaf in my garden. Finally, a sign that Monarch Butterflies were reproducing in my waystation. As weeks passed, I continued to find more eggs throughout my waystation and even a few small caterpillars.

lay - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **Monarch Butterfly laying an egg on the underside of a Common Milkweed leaf.**

One day in early July, I noticed a Monarch Butterfly as it flew in circles over top of my Common Milkweed patch. I watched as it moved form leaf to leaf depositing several eggs on the underside of the leaves. What was unique about this Monarch was that she was missing the top portion of her left forewing, which made identifying her quite easy. As the month progressed, I noticed an increase in the number of Monarch Butterflies frequenting my waystation and consequently discovered more eggs. About a week had passed from the time I first observed the female Monarch Butterfly with the torn wing when she captured my eye once again moving about my Common Milkweed. I grabbed my camera and watched and photographed as she deposited more eggs on the underside of each leaf. In total, I saw her lay 31 eggs throughout my waystation. A few days passed, and once again the same female with the torn wing appeared in my waystation, again laying eggs. This time I witnessed 36 eggs laid bringing the total that I have seen laid from this one butterfly to 67 eggs.

cover photo - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — Creating a Monarch Waystation involves planting a variety of plants not just milkweed. Other flowers both for nectaring and shelter are required. Earlier this month I photographed this Monarch Butterfly as it nectared on a Purple Coneflower.

So far this year, I have observed multiple Monarch Butterflies in my waystation including several females laying eggs. I have enjoyed watching them as they nectar on the various flowers that are now in bloom including many of the milkweed plants. In fact, I have observed more Monarch Butterflies this year than I have by mid-July in previous years, which makes me optimistic that maybe their numbers might be on the rise.

mon 4 - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **I have observed this female Monarch Butterfly, easily separated from the others by her torn left forewing, lay 67 eggs in my Monarch Waystation.**

Those of you that have followed my blog for while now will know that I have particular soft spot when it comes to species at risk, so observing Monarch Butterflies reproducing in my waystation is incredibly rewarding for me. In fact, words cannot describe exactly how this makes me feel. What started out as an idea and a hope nearly two years ago has finally come to be, and I could not be happier.

mon8 - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **Monarch Butterfly nectaring on my Swamp Milkweed.**

Creating a Monarch Waystation or a similar habitat for Monarch Butterflies in your yard is easier and less expensive than you may think. Suitable plants can be found at many area garden centres and you do not need a large area to designate, simply start with a few plants. If you don’t have a yard of your own, ask a friend if they would be interested in creating a butterfly garden together in their yard. Other options would be at your child’s school, your church, or perhaps convincing your condominium corporation to add one on the property. With habitat loss being one of the biggest threats facing the Monarch Butterfly creating habitat is something anyone can do to make a difference.

mon 3 - If You Plant It, They Will Come: <br> Success From My Monarch Waystation — **With its low height and compact size, Butterfly Weed can be incorporated into even the smallest garden.**

Several varieties of milkweed can be purchased at local garden centres with each one having unique characteristics. Some varieties grow tall, some short, while others prefer moist areas. Regardless of your landscape, there is a type of milkweed perfectly suited to it. One thing all milkweed shares in common is that it is the only plant consumed by Monarch caterpillars and therefore the only plant Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs on. Without milkweed there would be no Monarch Butterfly.

I hope this post will inspire you to create your own Monarch Waystation or similar habitat. With a little work and some patience I think you too will see that if you plant it, they will come.

Good birding,
Paul

A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017

With spring coming to an end, I can’t help but reminisce about some of the fantastic birding I experienced over the past several months. With record breaking temperatures in February, many of the birds we typically don’t see until March arrived early, but as the weather returned to normal, so too did the arrival of spring migrants.

ep - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **The Eastern Phoebe is the first of the flycatchers to return to our area each spring.**

April saw the return of Eastern Phoebes to our area. These birds are always the first flycatcher to return each spring. I was pleasantly surprised to see my first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the year on Good Friday as it hovered over my yard. This was the earliest I can remember ever seeing a hummingbird in the area. As the month progressed, aerial insectivores including swallows and Chimney Swifts were observed throughout the area.

yrw - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **Yellow-rumped Warbler showing off the yellow rump for which they are named.**

As May approached, I patiently waited for the return of warblers to Southwestern Ontario. First to arrive this year, as is the case each year, were Yellow-rumped Warblers. In the days following, Yellow Warblers and Palm Warblers were also observed in good numbers.

palm - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **Palm Warbler**

Due to some stretches of unseasonably warm weather, leaf cover this spring was further along than in previous years, which made photographing warblers and other songbirds more challenging, but I am always more than happy to just watch these colourful birds through a pair of binoculars as they flit from branch to branch.

btb - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **Black-throated Blue Warbler**

Westminster Ponds ESA is my favourite place to bird anytime of year, but especially during spring migration. With an abundance of mixed habitat, songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey can all be observed in good numbers. During migration, it is not uncommon to see 50-70 species in a single day.

vr - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **Virginia Rails prefer to stay hidden among thick vegetation making them a difficult bird to observe and photograph.**

One morning in early May as I made my way along the boardwalk behind Tourist Information on Wellington Road, I observed a Virginia Rail as it walked through the emerging cattails in this swampy section of the Westminster Ponds ESA. These secretive birds are fairly common in our area, but are extremely difficult to find as they typically stay hidden within the thick vegetation of their preferred marshy habitats.

wd - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **Male Wood Duck photographed at the Westminster Ponds ESA.**

Early May was also great for observing Wood Ducks within the Westminster Ponds ESA. Looking through the wood cover surrounding Saunders Pond revealed many pairs of these beautiful dabblers. Since Wood Ducks are cavity nesters, several of these ducks were inadvertently seen high up in trees adjacent to the pond as I scanned the branches for warblers and other songbirds. Surprisingly, I also found a few late overwintering ducks on Saunders Pond with a pair Long-tailed Ducks and a lone female Greater Scaup observed. Both of these waterfowl species breed far to our north and are typically gone from our area by this time of year.

rbgb - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **While enjoying the many trilliums emerging from the forest floor in Hawk Cliff Woods, I observed this male Rose-breasted Grosbeak on a fallen log.**

If asked what bird I look forward to seeing most return each spring, my answer would be the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The unmistakable plumage displayed on the males of this species is simply stunning, and I was happy to see these birds once again back in our area in early May.

whimbrel 3 - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **This heavily cropped image represents only a small portion of the flock of 250-300 Whimbrels I observed on the east breakwater in Port Stanley, Ontario.**

Each May, Whimbrels can be observed in large numbers along the north shore of Lake Erie as they pass through the area on route to their breeding grounds across the Arctic. The largest flocks are typically observed around the Victoria Day long weekend give or take a few days. In years past, my timing has always been off just missing these large shorebirds by a day or two. On May 17, I took a short drive down to Port Stanley, Ontario and to my delight between 250 and 300 Whimbrels were resting on the east breakwater at the mouth of the harbour. Other shorebirds present were Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstones, and Least Sandpipers.

pw - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **This particular dead tree proved to be a favourite for this male Pileated Woodpecker as I observed it drumming on the hollow trunk on several occasions.**

Birding this spring wasn’t just about the many migrants returning to or making their way through our area. Resident birds are always fun to observe and I was treated to excellent views of many, including Pileated Woodpeckers. These crow-sized woodpeckers truly are a sight to see and can readily be found within the Westminster Ponds ESA.

nf - A Look Back On Spring Birding 2017 — **Woodpeckers including the Northern Flicker are among the many resident species that can be observed in good numbers throughout our area long after spring migration is over.**

Just because spring migration has come to an end doesn’t mean that great birding can’t still be enjoyed throughout our area. With so many birds spending at least the summer months in Southwestern Ontario, productive birding will continue right through the summer leading us into fall migration.

As the temperature warms up, I recommend getting out as early in the day as you can to not only avoid the heat, but this is when birds are most active. Summer birding can be incredibly satisfying as this is this only time of year to witness interactions between adult and baby birds. You may have to be a little more patient to see some of the birds through the leaf cover, and daily species counts may not be as high, but birding during the summer months is just as rewarding as birding any other time of year.

Good birding,
Paul

John E. Pearce Provincial Park Reveals A Nice Mix Of Species At Risk

Last week I decided to pack up my gear and head to Elgin county with John E. Pearce Provincial Park my destination. Situated on the north shore of Lake Erie and only a short drive from my home in London, this park is an area I had never birded before. With migration numbers having already peaked I was unsure what to expect, but knew this Carolinian habitat would be home to variety of birds.

balt - John E. Pearce Provincial Park Reveals A Nice Mix Of Species At Risk — **Baltimore Orioles could be seen and heard high in the treetops as I made my way through the park.**

Upon arriving, I parked in the large lot on the north side of the road next to the Backus-Page House Museum. I was instantly greeted by the songs and calls of several birds with Baltimore Orioles and Yellow Warblers being the first identified. Before strapping on my camera and binoculars, I walked over to a large sign containing a map of the area in order to formulate a plan of where to begin. I decided to commence my hike on the Spicer Trail, a 1.5 km loop that circled the north side of the property. This trail would take me through a mixed habitat of meadow and hardwood forest before leading me to the entrance for the trail on the south of the road overlooking Lake Erie.

yw - John E. Pearce Provincial Park Reveals A Nice Mix Of Species At Risk — **Yellow Warblers were one of the most prevalent birds observed within the park.**

As I entered the Spicer Trail, a House Wren was observed perched on the sign marking the trail entrance. I could hear a loud ruckus of breaking sticks and shaking grass just ahead of me to the right. Glancing through the trees and shrubs I saw a White-tailed doe as she ran through the meadow and into the cover of the thick timber. A variety of wildflowers lined the trail where several butterflies were observed including a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail. From within the dense thicket as the meadow transitioned to forest, Gray Catbirds could be seen and heard. Once in the forest, ostrich ferns and moss covered logs concealed much of the forest floor. Great-crested Flycatchers and Red-eyed Vireos could be heard singing high up in the canopy. Deeper in the forest, I saw a White-breasted Nuthatch emerge from a tree cavity, presumably in search of more food for its brood.

ets - John E. Pearce Provincial Park Reveals A Nice Mix Of Species At Risk — **Canadian Tiger Swallowtails were among the variety of butterflies observed.**

After exiting the Spicer Trail, I crossed the road and picked up the path on the lake side. Again, Great-crested Flycatchers and Red-eyed Vireos were heard high overhead. A Hairy Woodpecker called as it flew in front of me and landed on a leafless branch. The sound of rustling leaves on the forest floor directed my attention to an Eastern Chipmunk. At the midway point of the trail I stopped at an opening in the trees overlooking Lake Erie. Due to erosion, a fence has been installed running parallel to the lake keeping visitors away from the edge of the bluff. As I looked past the fence out over the lake I could see several Bank Swallows, a species at risk in Ontario, circling the sky. As their name suggests, Bank Swallows build their nests in the high banks after burrowing a tunnel in the sand. The addition of the fence will also prevent park visitors from disturbing the nesting colonies of this threatened species.

Heading back towards the road a flycatcher grabbed my attention as it flew from one side of the trail to the other. I watched as the bird landed in a small tree, one of only a few in a isolated group in this otherwise mature forest. I raised my binoculars hoping to get a better look and identify the species. As the sun filtered through the canopy onto the bird, I could see that it was greener than other flycatchers and displayed a thin eye ring. Given these field marks and the surrounding habitat, I was thinking this bird might be an Acadian Flycatcher. I watched this flycatcher for several minutes as it seemed quite content on its chosen perch. Before taking flight and moving to the next tree it let out a distinctive “peet-sah” call. I knew at that point that this was in fact an Acadian Flycatcher, a species currently listed as endangered in Ontario. Excited by this sighting, I continued down the trail as I did not want to disturb this bird especially if it was nesting in the area.

ib - John E. Pearce Provincial Park Reveals A Nice Mix Of Species At Risk — **There were plenty of colourful birds to see on my visit to John E. Pearce Provincial Park including this male Indigo Bunting.**

Exiting the woods, I scanned the trees and shrubs as I followed the main road back to the parking lot. This is not a busy road and the shoulders are quite wide, so I felt safe with my decision. Hearing the song of an Indigo Bunting I glanced up and saw a beautiful male singing from a tree top. Sensing my presence, the bird dropped down into a low lying area beside the road surrounded by the forest. While trying to relocate the bird I noticed a second male bunting perched low in the grasses not far from a female. This area had all the characteristics of typical nesting habitat for buntings, so I was not surprised to find three of these beautiful birds in such a small area.

jeprh2 - John E. Pearce Provincial Park Reveals A Nice Mix Of Species At Risk — **Red-headed Woodpecker**

Continuing along the gravel shoulder, a bird flying from south to north across the road caught my eye. After watching it land in a tree adjacent to the road, I raised my binoculars. To my delight the bird was a Red-headed Woodpecker. This was the second Red-headed Woodpecker I had seen in as many days as I had observed one the previous day in my backyard. As I lowered my binoculars and raised my camera I could hear a second Red-headed Woodpecker calling from across the road. While watching the first bird move to another tree, I picked up yet another Red-headed Woodpecker in my line of sight. Tallying three of these birds, currently listed as special concern in Ontario, in such a small area was one of the many highlights of my visit.

I was certainly impressed with my first visit to John E. Pearce Provincial Park, and will definitely visit again. The park’s geographic location and Carolinian habitat make it an incredible place to bird any time of year, but I can only imagine what it must be like during the peak of spring and fall migration not only for songbirds, but birds of prey too. I am already planning on returning in September to observe the large flights of raptors that make their way down the Lake Erie shoreline each year on their journey south. I highly recommend John E. Pearce Provincial Park to anyone that has not visited. It truly is a beautiful park loaded with wildlife and offers an excellent opportunity to observe some our province’s most fragile bird species.

Good birding,
Paul

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Red-headed Woodpecker: An Unexpected Backyard Visitor

Wednesday started in a similar fashion to most of my days, with a trip outside to fill my feeders. I like to ensure my feeders are full to start the day, so I am ready to enjoy the birds when they arrive at dawn and throughout the day as I work from home. After filling the feeders, I returned inside and sat down at my desk ready to begin my workday. As I glanced over my computer screen out the window, I noticed a flash of red at the feeder where I had just placed a handful of peanuts in the shell. Naturally, I assumed it was one of the Red-bellied Woodpeckers that regularly visit, but upon closer look I realized the bird was not a Red-bellied Woodpecker, but a much less common Red-headed Woodpecker.

Having only seen a Red-headed Woodpecker a few times in my lifetime, words cannot describe how excited I was to see this bird at my feeder. Red-headed Woodpeckers are currently listed as a species at risk in Ontario and therefore rare in most areas. The majority of reported sightings in Southwestern Ontario come from within two of our provincial parks, Rondeau and Pinery, as well as Point Pelee National Park.

redhead - Red-headed Woodpecker: An Unexpected Backyard Visitor — **I was rather shocked Wednesday morning to look out my window and see a Red-headed Woodpecker on my feeder.**

Typically when a new species or first of year migrant arrives in my yard, I am quite content to watch from indoors and let the bird feed undisturbed while getting accustomed to my yard before I venture outside in an attempt to capture an image. I would much rather enjoy viewing the bird from inside and not have a photograph than risk spooking the bird and have it leave my yard just for the sake of an image. On this day there was construction going on in the yard behind me with dump trucks, a backhoe, and several men working. I watched as the Red-headed Woodpecker made several trips to and from my feeder unfazed by the loud noises coming from the adjacent yard. Given the nearby commotion, I decided that my presence in the yard was unlikely to startle the bird if I kept my distance and avoided sudden movements. As I slipped quietly out the back door with my camera in hand I could hear the bird calling form a tree in the corner of my yard.

I positioned myself partially hidden on the corner of my deck at a 90 degree angle to the sun. This was not my first choice in terms of light or background for a picture, but again first and foremost, I did not want to frighten the bird. Only a few minutes passed when the Red-headed Woodpecker swooped down from the tree and landed on my feeder. I quickly pressed the shutter button capturing several images before the bird grabbed a peanut and flew off over the yard behind me. My excitement level was so high that I was actually shaking and uncertain how sharp my images would be knowing that there was a high probability of camera shake. I realized the presence of a Red-headed Woodpecker in my yard would be a major distraction from my work not to mention I may never get another opportunity like this again, so I decided to spend the day in my yard observing and photographing this rare visitor. Fortunately, my schedule allows me to set my own hours and the lost time can be made up by working evenings and on the weekend, a small sacrifice I was more than willing to make in order to enjoy this beautiful bird.

woody 3 - Red-headed Woodpecker: An Unexpected Backyard Visitor — This large tree behind my house proved to be a favourite perch of this Red-headed Woodpecker. Each time the bird returned to my yard it would pause briefly on this tree before continuing on to the feeder.

As time passed, it became even more evident that this bird was not perturbed by me or the loud noises coming from my neighbour’s yard. Even the loud banging of a dump truck tailgate did not prevent this Red-headed Woodpecker from making frequent trips to my feeder. Realizing that the bird was likely to return multiple times, I decided to switch positions in order to achieve better lighting and backdrops for my images. Still, I kept my distance from the feeder and stayed hidden behind various trees and shrubs in my yard.

woody - Red-headed Woodpecker: An Unexpected Backyard Visitor — **Great views of this Red-headed Woodpecker were had as it perched high above my feeder in a large sycamore tree.**

I first observed the Red-headed Woodpecker on my feeder around 7:30 a.m. and watched as it made regular visits throughout the day. Sometimes an hour would pass without seeing the bird, but its pattern of approaching from the south continued for several hours. When I finally went inside for dinner after 5 p.m. the bird was still making frequent trips to my feeder. I had to step out at 6:30 p.m. to run an errand, but when I looked out the back door before leaving, there it was grabbing a peanut and heading off to the south.

When I awoke Thursday morning, I headed back out to fill the feeders and hoped that the bird may still be around. After returning inside, again at about 7:30 a.m., I heard the Red-headed Woodpecker call and glanced out the window. High up in the sycamore tree I could see the morning sun glistening off its black back and red head. My schedule the remainder of the week did not allow me to devote as much time watching the bird, so I am unsure if it is still present. Having this bird stick around would be incredible, but despite plenty of food and adequate habitat, I imagine with such low numbers of these birds in our area it will move on to explore new areas in search of a potential mate. I will be sure to provide updates if the bird remains in the area.

red - Red-headed Woodpecker: An Unexpected Backyard Visitor — **Peanuts, both in the shell and halves kept this Red-headed Woodpecker returning to my feeder throughout the day.**

Despite being a species at risk in Ontario, a number of Red-headed Woodpecker sightings have been reported in 2017 to the various bird observation websites including eBird. As many as 6 Red-headed Woodpeckers were observed during this spring’s Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park. Other sightings from Elgin and Middlesex counties have also been submitted. Friends of mine who live in Orillia, Ontario informed me that they had a Red-headed Woodpecker visit their feeder in early May. Closer to home, a juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker was reported last December along the Thames River near Civic Gardens Complex. This particular bird remained in that area throughout the winter. and I was fortunate enough to view it back in January. Unfortunately, I have not seen any recent reports indicating that it is still in the area. Perhaps this is the same bird now displaying adult plumage. Whether or not these increased sightings are a sign of hope for this fragile species only time will tell.

woody 2 - Red-headed Woodpecker: An Unexpected Backyard Visitor — **Having this Red-headed Woodpecker spend the day in my backyard visiting my feeder is a memory I will always remember and certainly a highlight in my life as a birder.**

As is the case with all species at risk, habitat loss is one of the biggest factors leading to their reduced numbers. Red-headed Woodpeckers nest in dead trees, so the removal of these potential nest sites due to development, agriculture or safety reasons likely has contributed to their 60% decline in Ontario over the past 20 years. If you have dead trees on your property and it is safe to do so, leave them. Dead trees and branches not only provide potential nesting locations for many cavity nesting birds including the Red-headed Woodpecker, many birds prefer dead branches over live ones for perching. Decaying wood also houses plenty of insects which will in turn attract more birds. Dead and decaying trees may not be as aesthetically pleasing as live ones, but they are a key element to the survival of so many birds. By leaving some dead trees on your property you will certainly attract more birds, and who knows you may just save a species at risk in the process.

Good birding,
Paul

Good Birding Report: London, Ontario
February 17 – 24, 2017

wbn - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> February 17 - 24, 2017 — **White-breasted Nuthatches were observed in good numbers this past week while birding in the Forest City.**

With record breaking temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it was a great week to get out birding. In my last post Early Spring Migrants Highlight The Family Day Long Weekend, I reported observing several first of year species including Red-winged Blackbirds and an Eastern Meadowlark. As expected, this week’s continued warm temperatures and south winds brought even more first of year species back to our area.

sw - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> February 17 - 24, 2017 — **Tundra Swans are now making their way through Southwestern Ontario as they migrate north.**

Each spring, Tundra Swans can be observed throughout our area as they make their way north to their breeding grounds across the arctic. This past week, I observed my first flock after hearing their calls from high overhead. Learning and recognizing the call of the Tundra Swan is one of the best ways to locate them. Surprisingly, these large birds can pass by overhead often going unnoticed if not for hearing their call. Two of the best places in our area to observe large flocks of Tundra Swans as they migrate north are the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area and the Thedford Bog. Information on these two areas including how to get there and dally swan counts, can be found in the provided links.

kd - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> February 17 - 24, 2017 — **Killdeer are among the many birds that have returned to our area ahead of schedule.**

Another first of year species I observed this past week was a Killdeer. Like most of the birds I observe, this bird was first located by ear. After hearing its call, I observed this bird foraging in the wet grass at a local park. Killdeer are the first of the shorebirds to return each year, and like the Red-winged Blackbirds and Tundra Swans have arrived early.

rnd - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> February 17 - 24, 2017 — **Several ducks have begun their migration north and are now present in our area including this female Ring-necked Duck photographed on the Thames River at Greenway Park.**

Having seen both Northern Pintails and American Wigeons on the Thames River earlier this month, I was optimistic more dabbling ducks may now be present. Unfortunately, after multiple visits to the river this week, only Mallards and Canada Geese were observed. I did locate a lone female Ring-necked Duck while birding at Greenway Park. These divers are frequently observed in our area each spring during their migration north. As area lakes and ponds become free of ice, we can expect to see an increase in migrating waterfowl in our area.

cg - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> February 17 - 24, 2017 — **Large flocks of Common Grackles were observed throughout the city.**

Other early migrants seen in good numbers this past week were Common Grackles. These birds like the others mentioned are ahead of schedule. Despite their early arrival, this was not my first grackle sighting of the year. Back on February 5, I had one in my backyard feeding on peanuts.

dw 1 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> February 17 - 24, 2017 — **Downy Woodpecker excavating a tree cavity.**

Resident birds were also seen in good numbers this week with woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees being the most prevalent. Many of these cavity nesters were observed either exploring or excavating tree cavities.

Watermark 1 35 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> February 17 - 24, 2017 — **Aylmer Wildlife Management Area and the Thedford Bog are two of the best places in our area to achieve close views of migrating Tundra Swans.**

Many of the early migrants that are typically observed in our area in mid to late March have arrived in our area ahead of schedule. Despite cooler weather in the forecast for next week, above seasonal temperatures and more south winds are predicted. These are ideal conditions to bring even more migratory birds back to Southwestern Ontario. If you get the chance, spend some time outdoors enjoying this beautiful unexpected weather and the birds that have accompanied it. If you are interested in seeing large flocks of swans as they migrate through our area, follow the daily reports from Aylmer or Thedford and plan a trip accordingly. Visiting either of these locations and seeing such a large concentration of birds is well worth the short drive from London.

Good birding,
Paul

Early Spring Migrants Highlight The Family Day Long Weekend

Last week when I saw the forecast for the Family Day long weekend I knew it was going to be a great weekend for birding. Above seasonal temperatures and sunshine would be a nice change from the what seems like never ending cloud cover we have experienced so far this winter. What really peaked my attention about the forecast was the predicted winds, which were to be out of the south. I was optimistic that the combination of warmer temperatures and south winds would bring a few migrants back to our area ahead of schedule.

rbn - Early Spring Migrants Highlight The Family Day Long Weekend — **Red-breasted Nuthatches have been seen and heard in good numbers so far this long weekend.**

One of my first observations of the weekend was that several birds were beginning to vocalize much more with Northern Cardinals and Carolina Wrens heard signing loudly throughout many of my favourite areas. While the wrens were a challenge to see and photograph due to their propensity to remain in heavy cover, many of the cardinals were observed singing out in the open. Blue Jays are regularly observed all winter long in our area, but I noticed increased numbers as several large flocks moved through a local park. I couldn’t help but wonder if these flocks may have been birds that overwintered to our south and were making their way north. Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches were also seen in good numbers and much more vocal than in previous weeks.

rwbb - Early Spring Migrants Highlight The Family Day Long Weekend — **The above seasonal temperatures and south winds brought several birds back to our area ahead of schedule.**

On Sunday I drove down to Port Stanley, Ontario to see what species may be present on or along the lake. As soon as I stepped out of my truck I could hear the calls of Red-winged Blackbirds, my first of the year, echoing from a patch of phragmites near Little Beach. Song Sparrows could also be seen and heard calling from the shrubs adjacent to the rocky shoreline. As I walked out further towards the lake, a lone male Redhead swam close to shore. A pair of Common Mergansers passed by overhead while a few Canada Geese landed on the east breakwall. As I glanced out at the hundreds of gulls, mostly Ring-billed and Herring, that stood on the remaining ice, I heard the call of an Eastern Meadowlark, another first of the year for me. I turned and located the bird singing from one of the few remaining tall trees on the far side of the meadow. As I raised my camera to take a very distant shot, the bird dropped down into the thick tangles of grasses and brush below before I could press the shutter.

red - Early Spring Migrants Highlight The Family Day Long Weekend — **This male Redhead was observed in Port Stanley, Ontario near Little Beach.**

While driving back into London, I observed a few Turkey Vultures soaring over the open fields. Turkey Vultures are known to overwinter in Port Stanley and I have observed them there in previous trips this winter, but these were the first birds I have noticed inland, leading me to believe that maybe these birds too were ones that have recently returned to Southwestern Ontario.

ss - Early Spring Migrants Highlight The Family Day Long Weekend — **Song Sparrows are among the many birds that have become more vocal with the warmer weather.**

Seeing the first wave of migrants arrive back in our area ahead of schedule has made for an exciting start to the long weekend. With more beautiful weather in the forecast for holiday Monday, it looks like yet another great day to get out birding. In fact, most of the week looks nice with continuing warm temperatures and more south winds. If the forecast holds true, we should see even more early migrants arrive back in our area. If you get the chance this week, I highly recommend getting out and enjoying the sights and sounds this beautiful spring-like weather has brought with it.

Good birding,
Paul