This Black-throated Green Warbler was photographed at a focal length of 190mm. This uncropped image demonstrates that a long lens is not always required for nature photography.
When it comes to nature photography, many of today’s top professionals are wielding telephoto lenses in the 500mm – 600mm range. Add on a teleconverter and focal lengths of 700mm – 1200mm are achieved. Sure this gives the photographer plenty of reach, but some of these combinations also come with a five figure price tag. While many of us, myself included, may dream of a lens of this magnitude, results are achievable with much more affordable gear.
Fortunately, these long focal lengths are not always required when photographing wildlife. Most of today’s DSLRs come with either a 250mm or 300mm telephoto zoom at the time of purchase, and these kit lenses are more than adequate for nature photography in many situations. When shooting with a shorter lens, getting close to your subject is paramount. One simple technique I use to get closer to my subject is to study their movements. After watching their behaviour and direction of travel, I try to put myself in a position where I believe the subject will be next. This technique is extremely productive especially when birds are feeding in the wild, and yields far better results than trying to directly approach them. Many wild animals are routinely pursued by predators and will quickly flee if they feel they are being stalked. By not pursuing your subject, and waiting for it to come to you, you won’t be perceived as a threat and closer views will be possible. Be sure to avoid sudden movements as this too will startle wildlife, causing them to run or fly from the area.
This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed at 250mm using a Canon 55-250mm kit lens.
If you are shooting with a lens in the 250mm – 300mm range, photographing nature at your local park or own backyard can be your best options. Many of these animals are accustomed to human activity and are easily photographed with a shorter lens. Remember to avoid pursuing your subject as well as sudden movements as this will scare them off. Over the years I have taken many images with these shorter focal length lenses that I am more than happy with.
Next time you are out, keep these tips in mind. I think you will agree that regardless of what focal length your lens is, you will find yourself getting closer to nature.
Blackburnian Warblers are my favourite when it comes to warblers. I eagerly await their appearance each spring.
During the month of May, I focused most of my efforts on observing and photographing warblers throughout the Forest City. Opting not to visit Point Pelee National Park this year, I was quite satisfied with the 21 warbler species I observed, all within a ten minute drive of my house. Two highlights for me were a couple of life birds, the Canada Warbler and Cerulean Warbler.
The Chestnut-sided Warbler returns to our area in mid-May each year. These birds will remain in the area throughout the breeding season.
My most productive locations were the Westminster Ponds ESA and Greenway Park, both located in the city’s south end. The cool start to the month resulted in a lack of leaf cover, which made for optimal views and photographs. I found early mornings to be the most productive and used the weather, most notably the wind, to my advantage.
Black-throated Green Warblers were one of the most abundant warblers I observed this May in the Forest City.
Warblers feed on insects, so naturally I positioned myself in areas where insects were abundant. How do I find areas rich with insects? I use the wind. A stiff breeze will blow insects from open areas into wooded or other sheltered areas that are protected from the wind. These protected areas will then be full of insects and consequently warblers. For example, at Westminster Ponds ESA I would search for warblers along the edges of the ponds opposite the direction of the wind. If the wind was north, I would bird on the south side of the pond and vice versa. The morning winds would push the insects across the open ponds into the trees and shrubs along the bank. It was areas like these where I found the highest concentrations of warblers. Early in the month when there was a lack of leaf cover and shelter in the canopy, strong winds helped keep the insects and thus warblers, at eye level.
The Black-throated Blue Warbler breeds further to our north and therefore only passes through our area in spring and fall.
As expected Yellow-rumped Warblers, Yellow Warblers and Palm Warblers were the first to arrive at the start of the month. These three species always arrive in early May. Magnolia Warblers, Chestnut-sided Warblers and Black-throated Green Warblers soon followed. As the month of May progressed, the late arriving warblers began to appear, including the previously mentioned Canada Warblers and Wilson’s Warblers.
It may not have warbler attached to its name, but the Northern Parula is one of 21 species of warbler I observed in London this spring.
Some warbler species lack the word warbler from their names and can be forgotten as warblers. Ovenbirds, American Redstarts and Northern Parulas are all warbler species that were readily observed during May.
Black-and-white-Warbler
Black and White Warblers are regularly observed clinging to tree trunks. If careful attention is not paid, these birds can be mistaken for nuthatches due to this characteristic and the similar colour in plumage.
Blackburnian Warbler
My favourite warbler, the Blackburnian Warbler, is regularly viewed from underneath as it forages high in the canopy. Fortunately, due to the high winds I achieved eye level views of this stunning bird.
The male Wilson’s Warbler is easily identified by his black cap. Wilson’s Warblers migrate later in May than many other warblers.
While many of these warblers just pass through our area on their way to their breeding grounds further north, some remain and nest in our area. Female Yellow Warblers can currently be observed incubating eggs throughout many of my favourite birding areas.
American Redstarts, like the male pictured here, spend the breeding season in our area and are one of the many warblers we can enjoy until the fall when they migrate south.
Next time you are out birding, keep an eye out for some of the warblers that breed across our area. Now that the leaves are fully and emerged and these species are nesting, they are certainly more challenging to locate but great views can still be achieved. If you do come across a nest, remember to respect the birds and give them some space.
Female American Redstart
While the peak warbler migration may have passed, some late migrating warblers will still be making their way through our area. If you get the chance, head out on a cool, windy morning and position yourself where the insects will be most abundant. Keep a close eye for movement at eye level, as well as higher up in the canopy. You may just be rewarded with some great views of these beautiful warblers.
Cool mornings last weekend made for little insect activity. This Tree Swallow seemed quite content to remain perched conserving energy until temperatures warmed and food became more abundant.
It was another incredibly rewarding week birding around the Forest City, with several more first of year species observed and a couple for my life list. High winds and cool mornings forced many birds that typically forage high up in the canopy much lower, resulting in excellent views. Warblers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings were all observed and photographed at eye level, while thrushes, wrens, and sparrows foraged on the forest floor.
Scarlet Tanagers can be challenging to locate as they typically reside in the forest canopy. High winds earlier in the week forced these and other canopy dwelling birds much lower.
As usual, I found myself birding in several city parks along the Thames River, and within the city’s ESAs. Birding around the city this week was so good I decided not to go to the 2016 Festival of Birds located at Point Pelee National Park. I could not justify a four hour round trip when exceptional birding could be found only five minutes from my house. There were species reported at this year’s festival that definitely peaked my interest and I would love to see. However, on Monday morning after locating a female Cerulean Warbler, currently listed as threatened on Ontario’s Species at Risk list, my mind was made up. Great views from close range and at eye level were achieved, allowing me to see the necessary field marks to properly identify this species, a lifer for me. The area where I located her was dense with cover, and I was unable to manage a picture. So instead, I used my binoculars to enjoy this rare sighting and now have this beautiful image permanently stored in my mind.
This Canada Warbler, a lifer for me, was one of the many highlights of my week.
Warbler numbers continued to increase from last week. American Redstarts and Black-throated Green Warblers seemed to be the most abundant species this week, with Chestnut-sided coming in a close third. Watch for an in-depth blog post featuring the warblers I’ve observed and photographed this season coming soon. A complete list of warblers I have observed so far this season within London is as follows:
American Redstart
American Redstart
Blackburnian Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Canada Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Northern Parula
Black-throated Green Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Wednesday proved to be my best day birding with 61 species in total being observed, including another lifer, the Canada Warbler. This bird too is a Species at Risk in Ontario, currently listed as special concern. Like the Cerulean Warbler, this bird was in an area of thick cover and shade, not making for the best conditions for a photo. I bumped my ISO up to 1600 in order to get a faster shutter speed, then waited patiently for the bird to come into view.
The buffy eye-ring of the Swainson’s Thrush helps separate it from other thrushes.
This past week I noticed an increase in the number of thrushes present as well, with Hermit, Veery, Swainson’s, and Grey Cheeked all being observed. These birds could all be observed hopping along the forest floor in search of food. Sadly, I did not observe any Wood Thrushes, perhaps a sign of this species’ recent decline in numbers.
Like the Scarlet Tanager, Great Crested Flycatchers are regularly found high in the forest canopy. Fortunately, high winds brought these birds down to eye level for great views.
Other species that were observed in good numbers included a variety of flycatchers. The call of the Great Crested Flycatcher could be heard throughout many of the wooded areas I visited. Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Phoebes, and Least Flycatchers were also observed.
The Eastern Kingbird, a large flycatcher, was observed at several locations throughout the city this week.
Another observation I made this past week was how quickly the leaves are emerging. Early in the week the smaller trees and shrubs that make up the forest’s understory were beginning to leaf out, while the majority of the main canopy was just beginning to emerge. What a difference a few 20+ degree days can make. By week’s end the forest canopy had thickened considerably, making observations much more challenging, especially on days when there was no wind to bring the birds down.
This Northern Parula is one of 21 warbler species I have observed so far this year in London, Ontario.
If you have not made it out yet to partake in spring migration, it’s not too late. Many birds, including several warblers, will continue to make their way through our region well into mid-June. Windy, cooler mornings can help bring the birds down out of the canopy making for better views. If possible, try to plan your birding around these weather conditions. If you are considering birding this long weekend, Sunday’s forecast shows higher winds with a low of 8 degrees. Early Sunday morning could be the best conditions for locating an abundance of birds.
I was very pleased to get excellent views of my favourite warbler, the Blackburnian, this past week while birding in London, Ontario.
If you are still not seeing the variety of birds you wish to within London, consider scheduling a guided Nature Walk with me. I would be more than happy to show you around some of my favourite birding hotspots, and help you locate more birds. Bring your binoculars, bring your camera, bring a friend, or bring all three. A great day of birding awaits.
Indigo Buntings were among the many colourful birds observed over the course of the week. This bunting was photographed ruffling his feathers after a recent bath.
It has been great running into so many of my blog followers over the past several weeks. I always enjoying sharing sightings and talking birds with each and every one of you. Have a safe and happy long weekend.
Observing two male Scarlet Tanagers while birding at the Westminster Ponds ESA was a highlight for me this past week.
It was another fantastic week birding in the Forest City with a steady increase in migrants, including many more first of year species observed. The week started out with firsts of Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, as well as Warbling Vireos, and a single Magnolia Warbler observed at Greenway Park. While warbler numbers have been increasing steadily to this point, I still wasn’t observing a tremendous variety with Yellow, Palm, and Yellow-rumped being the most abundant. I knew it was only a matter of time before the migration flood gates opened.
First of year Warbling Vireos were observed in good numbers earlier this week in Greenway Park.
When I woke up Wednesday morning and looked out into my backyard, I was happy to see seven Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at my feeder gorging themselves on safflower seed. I knew a significant number of birds must have been on the move the previous night, and was excited to get out birding. Hoping to see the variety of warblers I have been so patiently waiting for, I decided to check out the Westminster Ponds ESA.
Magnolia Warbler
Located in the city’s south end, this 200 hectare parcel of land is great for birding year round, but is especially good for observing warblers during spring migration. The morning sunrise quickly gave way to overcast skies and a strong east wind. Fortunately, there are many protected areas within the ESA that I expected would be holding good numbers of warblers and other recent migrants.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
After arriving at the ponds I followed a line of shrubs at the edge of a field protected from the east wind. Immediately I heard the call of an Indigo Bunting. I scanned the area and could see the bird calling from a tall perch. Unfortunately the bird flew before I could get into a position for a photograph. Making my way along the field edge, I entered the forest to see what else was present. Along a row of tall Spruce Trees an American Redstart, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Red-eyed Vireo were all observed foraging high within the branches, three first of year species for me.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
As I made my way around the ESA, Hermit Thrushes could be observed sifting through the leaves on the forest floor as they searched for food. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers were seen, as the calls of both Red-bellied and Pileated Woodpeckers echoed throughout the forest. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers flitted through the tree tops while orioles and grosbeaks could be seen and heard.
Blackburnian Warbler
Arriving on the south side of Saunders Pond, more warblers came into view. Chestnut-sided, Nashville, and Blackburnian were all observed in this area. Again, all first of year species for me. Rounding out my list of warblers for the day was one for my life list, the Northern Parula, with four of these birds being observed. These birds were very high in the canopy and I was unable to capture any photos. However, the sight of these birds was an incredible experience.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Three more first of year birds were observed before I wrapped up my day, as a Gray Catbird, Great-crested Flycatcher, and two vibrant male Scarlet Tanagers came into view in the northeast portion of the ESA. In total, 51 bird species were observed on this day, including nine warbler species. A return trip to Westminster Ponds ESA on Friday yielded many of the same birds, plus a male Eastern Bluebird.
Eastern BluebirdScarlet Tanager
According to area reports, excellent birding took place this week from various locations within the city and Southwestern Ontario. Komoka Provincial Park had great numbers of birds, and the report from the 2016 Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park read, “The warblers were dripping from the trees.”
The Yellow Warbler is one of the more common warblers found in our area.
My recommendations for areas to bird this weekend would be any of London’s ESAs including Westminster Ponds. Kilally Meadows and Meadowlilly Woods are also favourites of mine. Their mixed habitat and close proximity to the Thames River make them great birding locations. City parks along the Thames River are also prime locations to find migratory birds, as many birds follow the river valley during migration. Gibbons, Greenway, and Springbank are three that I regularly visit and have success at.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are one of the birds I most look forward to returning to our area each spring.
If you are contemplating heading out birding this weekend, I highly recommend it. We are in for some cooler temperatures, but there will still be an abundance of birds present. Things definitely picked up mid-week and great opportunities exist for those heading out. Regardless of where you decide to visit, there will certainly be plenty to see.
This Magnolia Warbler is one of the many warblers I observed while birding around London, Ontario this past week.
Each spring many birders, myself included, anxiously await the return of warblers to our area. These small songbirds are some of the most colourful birds to grace our area, yet are also some of the most challenging to identify. The first of May is a date I watch for on my calendar, as this is when we can expect to see warblers return to Southwestern Ontario in good numbers.
Yellow Warblers can be seen and heard throughout many of London’s parks and ESAs.
While birding in several locations over the past week, I saw a significant increase in the number of warblers present each day I was out. Three species continue to be the most abundant: Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers. I have been observing good numbers of these birds throughout the city, with numbers steadily increasing.
This Yellow-rumped Warbler clearly displays the yellow rump for which they are named. The black mask indicates that this bird is a male.
Other warbler species I have observed include: Magnolia, Pine, and Black and White. Sightings of Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and Northern Parula have also been reported from within the city.
Palm Warbler
City parks and ESAs are where I focused my efforts this past week, concentrating on the edges of wooded areas containing small trees and shrubs. Mornings are always when I have the most success locating warblers. Since warblers migrate at night, early morning is when these birds are most active; feeding heavily as they replenish energy spent the previous night.
Yellow Warbler
I have been paying close attention to the daily reports from the 2016 Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park. So far, 25 warbler species have been reported from within the park, which is low compared to previous years. The lack of clear nights and south winds could be contributing to these low numbers. Fortunately, this means many more warblers will be making their way through the city in the coming weeks.
The absence of a black mask indicates that this Yellow-rumped Warbler is a female.
When searching for warblers be sure you position yourself out of the wind. These sheltered areas are where insects will be most abundant, therefore attracting the highest concentration of warblers. When you come across an area rich with warblers, stay in that location; large concentrations of birds are often found within small areas. Some of our ESAs are hundreds of hectares in size, but many of the areas where I locate the largest number of warblers are often only 20 yards in length and 10 yards wide. Once you locate a high concentration of warblers, find an open area with pockets of light shining in. This will make for unobstructed views and optimal photos.
By avoiding sudden movements this Magnolia Warbler did not perceive me as a threat and continued to sing from a thicket.
When I locate a warbler, but cannot manage a clear view or unobstructed photograph, I stand still and study its behaviour. By not making any sudden movements, the bird doesn’t view me as a threat and becomes accustomed to my presence. I can then see its direction of travel, anticipate its movements, and put myself in a position to get a clear view and photograph. This technique does not require a lot of patience, and I am often rewarded within a few minutes. So often I see others chasing birds around, only to stress and scare them off.
No only do male Yellow Warblers display rusty breast streaks, they are more vividly coloured than the females.
The coming weeks will present opportune times for warbler viewing in our area. Pay close attention to the weather forecast; look for clear skies and south winds overnight. The mornings following these conditions can be the best ones to head out. Grab your binoculars, field guide, camera, and make your way to your favourite natural area. The warblers will be waiting for you.
Great Blue Herons are among the many birds you can expect to observe while birding around a stormwater management pond.
Stormwater management ponds are located throughout large cities and can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. These human-made ponds and their adjacent habitats are often overlooked as birding hotspots. Last week, after receiving a tip from a blog subscriber, I decided to check out a stormwater management pond that I had not yet visited, and was rewarded with great views of a variety of birds.
Female Red-winged Blackbird.
The pond I visited is located in the northwest part of London, Ontario in the area known as Hyde Park. I accessed the area from Gainsborough Road, where there is a small area for parking. Upon exiting my truck, I immediately heard the calls of the Red-winged Blackbird and American Robin. Grabbing my camera and binoculars, I headed north along the paved path. On each side of the path was a narrow meadow-like habitat consisting of mixed grasses and small shrubs. Hearing rustling to my right, I turned to look, and from the dried stalks of grass appeared an Eastern Cottontail. Further down the path a small pond came into view, with a wooded area on either side. I was eager to see what species I might encounter next.
This Eastern Cottontail was the only mammal species I observed on this day.
As I continued on, a Northern Flicker could be heard calling and drumming from the woodlot to the east, as an Osprey circled the pond. The small shrubs lining either side of the path contained several Field Sparrows. I’m sure anyone who recognizes the song of the Field Sparrow will agree, it is a lovely trilling sound. Other sparrow species observed around the area were Song and White-throated, both singing beautiful songs of their own. Eastern Phoebes could be seen flying within the meadow, briefly landing on the grass stalks.
Song Sparrow.Eastern Phoebe.
I watched as the Osprey hovered over the pond, and anticipated this bird to plunge into the water after a fish. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen. The large raptor banked to the east and disappeared over the treeline. The rattling call of a Belted Kingfisher echoed over the pond as it moved about the small trees that circle the area. On the far bank I could see a Great Blue Heron wading in the shallow water. As I made my way around the pond, it became clear that this bird was more fixated with what was below the surface than it was on my presence. I raised my camera as it slowly stalked its prey. With a quick strike and a large splash, the heron captured something. Whatever the prey was, it was not visible to me and was immediately consumed as the bird threw back its head.
Great Blue Heron capturing a meal.
At the water’s edge I could see movement. I raised my binoculars to see a Spotted Sandpiper running along the muddy bank, while a Killdeer called not too far away. Scanning the bank with my binoculars, the Killdeer quickly came into view.. These and other small shorebirds blend in extremely well with their surroundings and can easily go overlooked without the aid of a pair of binoculars. I watched and listened as three Greater Yellowlegs circled overhead, but these birds must have been aware of my presence and continued north.
In the blink of an eye, a Great Blue Heron can capture and consume its prey.
Bank, Barn, and Tree Swallows were all observed darting over the pond while feeding on insects. Surprisingly, waterfowl was almost nonexistent with only a few Mallards and pair of Canada Geese present. Quite often during migration, stormwater management ponds are popular stopover areas for a variety of migrating waterfowl. In total 19 species were observed on this day, which made for a rewarding morning.
Killdeer and other shorebirds blend in extremely well with their surroundings. Watching for movement and scanning the bank with binoculars is often the best way to locate them.
Stormwater management ponds are easily found by searching Google maps. These online maps will show the pond itself plus any access points. Be aware that some of these ponds may not be on municipal property, or access may be restricted. Please be sure to obey the rules of any posted signage at the pond you visit.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Spring migration can be one of the best times of the year to view a variety of birds at one of these habitats. I am a huge fan of shorebirds and these ponds can be one of the best locations to view these birds close to home. It has been at stormwater management ponds that I have achieved some of my best views of Great Egrets in our area during migration. If you have never birded around a stormwater management pond, I highly recommend visiting one in your area.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is the first of the warblers to return to our area each spring.
Late April and early May is my absolute favourite time of year to get out birding. It is an exciting time of year as spring migration starts to pick up, and we birders see an incredible number of first of year species. Each time I venture out, I know there is the possibility to see a bird that I have not seen since last fall. This is what motivates me, and can often keep me out in the field for hours at a time. This past week did not disappoint, as I observed many first of year species, and of course many of the ones I had previously observed this year.
Late April and early May is when many migratory birds return to our area including the Palm Warbler.
The week started out with my first warbler of the year. It came as no surprise it was a Yellow-rumped. These birds have the shortest migration distance to reach our area of any warbler and are always the first to return each spring. Other warblers observed this past week included: Pine, Yellow, and Palm. All in all it was a pretty good week for warblers given it is still the end of April. Expect the number and variety of warblers to increase substantially over the coming weeks. The lack of leaf cover currently on the trees makes finding and photographing these small, fast moving birds less of challenge.
I have been observing Tree Swallows in our area for several weeks now, including this pair I photographed today .
Other than Tree Swallows, I had not observed any other swallows to date until this week. I am happy to report that Northern Rough-winged, Bank, and Barn Swallows have all returned to the Forest City. It is especially great to see Bank and Barn Swallows as these birds are currently listed as at risk in Ontario. The quick aerial maneuvers of any swallow are a treat to watch as they capture insects on the fly.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow in flight.
Other first of year species for me this week were the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Blue-headed Vireo. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers can be a tricky bird to locate, but fortunately their nasally zee call will help give away their location. If you hear their call, look up as these birds typically forage on insects high overhead. Blue-headed Vireos are the first of the vireos to return each year and can be found in the same deciduous habitats as warblers and gnatcatchers.
For me listening for the call of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is the easiest way to locate this bird.Among the vireos, the Blue-headed Vireo is the first to appear in late April.
A few first of year shorebirds were also observed this past week with the Spotted Sandpiper and Greater Yellowlegs added to my list. While many shorebirds tend to be found along the beaches of the Great Lakes during migration, others are equally at home along small ponds and rivers. Pay close attention to muddy or sandy shorelines along any body of water if you wish to find these birds.
The Spotted Sandpiper, a small shorebird, can be found along riverbanks and pond edges throughout our area.
I am still waiting to see my first Baltimore Oriole and Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the year. I have heard several reports of them in our immediate area, but they have eluded me so far. If you haven’t already, make sure both your oriole and hummingbird feeders are out, and the nectar is fresh. These birds will show up in good numbers any day now. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, another spring favourite of birders and non-birders alike, have been reported in our area, but I have not laid eyes on one yet. Grosbeaks are particularly fond of both black oil sunflower and safflower seed, so keep your feeders full. Like orioles and hummingbirds, grosbeak numbers will increase any day now.
Saturday looks like a beautiful day to get out birding and there are many great places within the city to bird. Remember a few things before you head out. Most of these returning birds consume insects, so look for them where food is abundant. I have the greatest success locating these birds in protected areas out of the wind, where there is the highest concentration of insects. Birds are most active first thing in the morning, making this the best time to head out.
Palm Warbler
Birds typically migrate at night, with many of these migrants actively feeding at first light to replenish spent energy after their long journey. With this in mind, carefully plan your route before heading out. If you have the option to, start at the east end of the trail and walk west. This will put the sun at your back, illuminating the birds and avoiding silhouettes. This makes observation and identification much easier, and provides the best light for photographs.
We are in for some great birding action over the coming weeks. If you get the opportunity, head to your favourite park, ESA, or other natural area, and take in the beautiful sights and sounds of spring migration.
The Pileated Woodpecker is one of many birds that excavates its own tree cavity for nesting.
Cavity nesting birds come in all shapes and sizes. Small songbirds, medium sized ducks, and even large birds of prey make up the 85 North American species that nest in tree cavities. These birds excavate their own holes, use holes excavated by other species, or use naturally occurring cavities that have resulted from decaying trees. You may have seen woodpeckers in early spring excavating their own cavities, while wood ducks, flycatchers, and owls use existing cavities.
Great Crested Flycatchers prefer to nest in natural cavities, but will use an old woodpecker hole or nest box.
Several cavity nesting birds have seen their numbers decrease in recent years, with habitat loss being a contributing factor. As trees are cleared to make way for development, so too are potential nest sites for these and other bird species. In many of our ESAs, city parks, and neighbourhoods, dead trees and limbs are removed due to safety concerns further reducing potential nest sites.
Black-capped Chickadees are another species that excavate their own cavity. I photographed this bird as it excited a decaying willow branch with a beak full of wood.
Some of the more common backyard cavity nesting birds found in our area are: woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, and nuthatches. Depending on the habitat of your yard you may also find: swallows, bluebirds, ducks, and even owls nesting in cavities on your property. If your yard lacks dead, decaying limbs or you have removed them for safety reasons, many of these cavity nesters will readily accept a properly placed nest box of the appropriate size.
The Eastern Screech Owl nests in natural cavities or one previously excavated by a woodpecker. These small birds of prey will also use a nest box of the correct size.
I like to make my own nest boxes with materials purchased from my local building supply store. Boxes are easy to make and the supplies needed are inexpensive to purchase. I have had great luck attracting cavity nesters to my yard following the free plans provided at 50 Birds.com. I find it incredibly rewarding to watch birds nest in a box that I made with my own hands. If you do not have access to tools, or just prefer the convenience of a ready made box that only requires hanging, nest boxes can be purchased from the same local independent retailer where you purchase your seed.
Red-bellied Woodpecker peeking out of a tree cavity.
Now that the spring weather has finally arrived, cavity nesters are busy searching for potential nest locations. Survey your yard for any dead trees or limbs, assess any potential danger, and if safe to do so contemplate leaving them. If they have to be removed, or you have previously removed them, consider adding nest boxes to provide potential nest sites for any displaced cavity nesters.
This male Redhead was observed in a small pond at London’s Springbank Park.
For area birders, Springbank Park located in London’s west end is a popular destination. The mixed habitat and adjacent Thames River provide the perfect environment for a wide variety of birds, including waterfowl. When local lakes and ponds freeze, a large number of ducks and geese can be observed on the river within the park as it is often the only source of open water in the area.
With Great Lakes ice coverage not nearly what it has been the previous two winters, many expected far fewer ducks on the river this winter. Concentrations of ducks have not equaled that of the winters of 2014 and 2015, but local waterfowl enthusiasts, myself included, have still been treated to some spectacular views from within Springbank Park this winter, including a Greater White-fronted Goose and three Harlequin Ducks.
Eye and bill colour are key field marks that distinguish the male Redhead from a male Canvasback.
Over the weekend, a male Redhead could be observed in the narrow pond that parallels Storybook Gardens. This pond is typically filled with hundreds of Mallards and is often overlooked by some birders that quickly dismiss all ducks on the pond as this abundant dabbler. Those taking the time this weekend to scan the small pond were rewarded with close up views of a beautiful diver, the male Redhead.
Redheads are a medium sized diving duck. Males display a red head, black breast, and grey body. They are similar in appearance to a male Canvasback, but with a traditional duck-shaped head and not the sloping forehead of a Canvasback. Other key field marks to look for on a male Redhead are the bluish-grey bill and yellow-orange eyes. On the male Canvasback, the eyes are red and the bill is black.
After feeding on aquatic vegetation, the male Redhead exited the pond and began to preen.
Redheads feed primarily on submerged aquatic vegetation, but will also consume: snails, mussels, insects, and their larvae. I watched this duck on Saturday and Sunday as it dove repeatedly in the small pond, surfacing with aquatic vegetation. The pond seemed to offer adequate food, as the bird appeared to be feeding well.
With above seasonal temperatures on Sunday, Springbank Park was quite busy as it is one of London’s most popular multi-use parks. The male Redhead was not agitated by the constant foot traffic of adults, children, and dogs. After watching this bird feed for several minutes Sunday afternoon, it then climbed up on the bank of the pond where it proceeded to preen and settle in for a nap, unfazed by parkgoers.
Male Redhead
If you are wishing to catch a glimpse of this beautiful duck, he was observed in the east end of the pond closest to the old pump house. There is plenty of free parking located at Storybook Gardens, with this small pond being a short walk along the paved pathway to the east. This Redhead was observed all weekend long and will hopefully continue to provide excellent views into next week.
Three Harlequin Ducks, two males and one female, have recently been observed on the Thames River in London, Ontario.
For the second year in a row, Harlequin Ducks have been reported on the Thames River in London Ontario. Last year a single male bird was observed, whereas this this year a trio of these ducks, two males and one female, have been seen on the river. Harlequin Ducks are rare to our area, as over half of the eastern population of these diving ducks overwinter on the Atlantic coast.
These Harlequins were first reported two weeks ago at Springbank Park. Since then, I have spent a considerable amount of time in the area trying to locate these birds. After an unsuccessful first week, I was finally treated to excellent views of the Harlequin Ducks last Sunday, in the stretch of river downstream from the Springbank Dam.
With the unseasonably warm temperatures, a significant amount of runoff has entered the river as the snow melts. This, combined with recent rain, has water levels on the Thames River unusually high for this time of year. As a result, many of the rapids in this section of river are currently under a significant amount of water, altering this preferred habitat of the Harlequin and making locating these birds more challenging.
The near bank provided an adequate current break for the three Harlequin Ducks, allowing me to view them from close range.
On a visit to Springbank Park with my Dad last weekend, we located the Harlequin Ducks downstream from the dam near the small island in the centre of the river. The ducks were roughly three quarters of the way across the river, drifting downstream quickly with the fast current. We watched as the group of Harlequins made their way across the river through the island, which was predominately underwater, and settled in against the near bank directly in front of us. The ducks appeared to be content using a slight jut in the near bank as a current break and were impervious to our presence. Seeing the three Harlequin Ducks at such a close range was quite exiting as last year’s bird typically stayed to the middle or far side of the river. After taking several several photos, my Dad and I carried on with our walk heading to the west end of the park.
Harlequin Ducks swimming along the near bank.
On our way back, we watched for the Harlequins in the same stretch of river as we had seen them only minutes earlier. Strangely, we were unable to locate the birds. After carrying on a little further, we noticed the Harlequin Ducks swimming in a line lead by one of the males now slightly upstream from the dam. Not making much headway in the strong current, the three ducks then drifted back through the dam and came to rest once again along the near bank. From here I managed a few more photos as the birds slowly drifted downstream.
I have been out a few times since, and unfortunately have not been able to relocate the three Harlequin Ducks. To my knowledge these birds have only been reported twice, once on February 15 and then again by myself on February 21. With the high water, these birds may not be in the typical areas that we would expect to find Harlequin Ducks, as increased water is flowing over the rapids making these preferred areas almost nonexistent.
Harlequin Ducks
If you are heading out this weekend in search of the Harlequin Ducks, be sure to pay close attention to any rapids that you encounter along the river. Keep a close eye for any exposed rocks that may provide a current break or area where these ducks can exit the river. Having said that, don’t discount other types of current breaks including: flooded trees, fallen logs, islands, or bends in the river. With the high water, many of the overwintering diving ducks are associating to these particular areas. Remember too that the Thames is a large river and with such a mild winter to date, there is significantly more open water than in previous years; these ducks could be almost anywhere up or downstream.
Bald Eagles are among the many birds of prey observed along the Thames River.
Even if you are unsuccessful locating the Harlequin Ducks, there is always plenty to see along the Thames River. Bald Eagles make regular passes up and down the river and often perch in the tall trees that line the banks. A wide variety of waterfowl is also present, albeit spread out due to the high water. Songbirds are always plentiful along the shrubby, tree-lined banks.
I’m sure many birders will be out again this weekend in search of the rare Harlequin Ducks and other overwintering waterfowl on the Thames River. It has been great seeing and talking with so many of my blog followers along the river over the past few weeks. If you do happen to see me, please stop and say hello. I am always happy to share my observations with fellow birders along the way.
