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.
The bright orange legs and bill of the Greater White-fronted Goose are among the field marks that differentiate it from the Canada Goose.
Despite having one of the largest ranges of any goose in the world, the Greater White-fronted Goose is less commonly found east of the Mississippi. These geese breed across the tundra far to our north, while typically overwintering in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
On Thursday, a single Greater White-fronted Goose was reported among a large flock of Canada Geese at The Coves and adjacent soccer field behind the German Canadian Club in London, Ontario.
By observing from a distance, my presence went unknown to this Greater White-fronted Goose. I watched for several minutes as this bird, rare in our area, preened its feathers.
Having never seen a Greater White-fronted Goose, I headed out first thing Friday morning in hopes of adding this bird to my life list. After searching unsuccessfully in the area around The Coves where the bird was originally located, I headed down to Springbank Park to meet my Dad for one of our morning walks.
Still hoping to see the Greater White-fronted Goose, I kept a close watch on the various flocks of Canada Geese in the park and on the river. A few minutes into our walk, I observed a small flock of Canada Geese flying upstream over the river. After a quick glance, the flock appeared to contain only Canada Geese. Fortunately, I heard a high pitched call that was not that of a Canada Goose, which caused me to do a double take. Sure enough, the last bird in the flock was a Greater White-fronted Goose.
Greater White-fronted Goose preparing to set its wings after preening.
My Dad and I watched as the flock of geese banked over the path and landed on the soccer field in the west end of Springbank Park. I knew from the angle we were at, the morning sun would present challenging shooting conditions, so we circled wide around the field so the sun was behind us. Looking across the field, which contained approximately 200 geese, we could not see the Greater White-fronted Goose. I raised my binoculars and scanned the flock searching for the distinct field marks of the Greater White-fronted Goose, a bright orange bill and feet.
Finally, after scanning roughly half the flock I noticed a single orange leg in the middle of the field. There it was, the Greater White-fronted Goose standing on one leg with its head tucked under its wings. If not actively searching for this bird, it would have gone unnoticed as it blended in quite well with the surrounding Canada Geese.This is the perfect example of why not to dismiss a flock of Canada Geese while out birding. You never know what may be mixed in. Other goose species that are sometimes observed among flocks of Canada Geese are Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese.
Greater White-fronted Goose, Springbank Park London, Ontario
If you are looking to add a Greater White-fronted Goose to your year or life list, I recommend heading down to Springbank Park this weekend. Please remember this is a rare bird for our area, which has migrated thousands of kilometres and is likely exhausted and hungry. When searching for rare birds, remember to be respectful and keep your distance. Do not approach too closely, this will only put unnecessary stress on the bird and in many cases cause it to fly. Many other birders will most certainly be out this weekend in search of this goose, so please be respectful of them as well. Chasing a bird in order to get flight shot or up close image not only stresses the bird, but can spoil the opportunity for others to observe it. There is an old saying that I live by when out photographing birds and I ask you to keep it in mind when you are out, “If my behaviour changes the bird’s behaviour, than I am too close.”
With more above seasonal temperatures and plenty of sunshine in the forecast, it looks like a beautiful weekend to get out birding. Hopefully you will get the opportunity to head out in search of this and other beautiful birds.
Southwestern Ontario is home to a variety of raptor species, many of which reside here year round. Late fall is the perfect time to observe these impressive birds of prey.
In Southwestern Ontario raptor migration typically peaks about the third week of September. This is when we experience the highest concentration of hawks moving through the area. Coincidentally, many birders plan day trips to area hawk watching hot spots such as Hawk Cliff or Holiday Beach. In these areas daily raptor counts on peak days can be in the tens of thousands, which is a remarkable sight to see. However, close views are not always achieved as many of these migrating birds pass by high overhead.
Raptors in flight are my favourite subject to photograph. After a brief wait, I was able to photograph this mature Red-tailed Hawk as it took flight.
Despite the fact that raptor migration has already peaked, there are still great opportunities for viewing hawks, falcons and eagles across the area. In fact, many of the raptors that draw huge numbers of birders out during peak migration can be found throughout Southwestern Ontario year round, albeit in lower concentrations. Late fall is a great time to get out and observe raptors as leafless trees provide unobstructed views of these impressive birds.
Immature Red-tailed Hawk. Note the yellow iris and banded tail.
One of the most abundant hawks in our area, that also happens to be a year round resident, is the Red-tailed. These large raptors are regularly found on forest edges, and can be readily observed in city parks, ESAs, and even backyards. Red-tailed Hawks prey on a variety of animals, with small mammals making up a large portion of their diet. Mature Red-tailed Hawks are easily identified by their rufous-coloured tails for which they are named. Immature birds can be a bit more difficult to identify, displaying paler tails that feature horizontal bands. To further aid in proper identification, also note the colour of the iris in the bird’s eye. If it is dark in colour, than it is a mature bird and if it is yellow, then the bird is immature.
Cooper’s Hawks are abundant throughout Southwestern Ontario. The dark brown plumage and breast streaks combined with the yellow iris indicate this is an immature bird.This mature Cooper’s Hawk is a regular visitor to my backyard.
Another common resident raptor found in our area is the Cooper’s Hawk. Though not as big as the Red-tailed, they are equally impressive. These long, slender raptors are agile flyers, and therefore are often found in denser forests than the Red-tailed. Small birds comprise a large portion of the Copper’s Hawk’s diet, which makes them not uncommon visitors to backyards where bird feeders are present. Adults have a grey back with a rusty streaked breast. Immature birds display dark brown plumage on their backs with heavily streaked brown breasts.
The small head, short rounded wings and square tail help differentiate this mature Sharp-shinned Hawk from a Cooper’s.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is another raptor commonly found in our area, with a very similar appearance to the Cooper’s Hawk. Differentiating between these two hawks can be incredibly challenging, but there are a few key field marks to look for. The Sharp-shinned is often smaller than the Cooper’s. However, male Cooper’s Hawks and female Sharp-shinned Hawks often overlap in size, so this is not always the best tell. Sharp-shinned Hawks have shorter wings and a shorter square tail. The head and neck of the Sharp-shinned are also proportionately smaller than the Cooper’s.
Bald Eagles are becoming more common in Southwestern Ontario. Mature birds are easily separated from other large raptors by their massive size and solid white head and tail feathers.
One of my favourite raptors to search out at this time of year is the Bald Eagle. As is the case with many raptor species, these birds have slowly rebounded since the ban of the DDT more than forty years ago, but are still listed as at risk in Ontario. With five nests (that I know of) in the London and immediate area, it is not uncommon to find these birds flying up and down the Thames River. Mature Bald Eagles are virtually unmistakable, as no other common area raptor matches them in size or appearance. Look for their massive bodies and wingspans, combined with the distinct solid white head and tail feathers. Immature Bald Eagles can be a little more confusing as their plumage varies considerably from first to fourth year birds. Again their massive size and thick beaks help with proper identification. Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish, which is why we see them in close proximity to the river. Not all fish are live caught, as eagles are opportunistic feeders and will often scavenge for fish or other animals.
Immature Bald Eagles are often confused with other large raptors due to their varying plumage. The immense size of both their bodies and beaks helps to identify them.
Photographing birds in flight, particularly raptors, is one of my favourite subjects to focus on. Positioning myself and waiting for an in flight shot of one of these beautiful birds is when I find myself most patient as a photographer. Under no circumstance do I ever intentionally approach a bird too closely in order to flush it for a flight shot. Some of these raptors may be migrants from northern locations that have entered our area to spend the winter months. These migrants are often very hungry and already stressed. There is no need to put added stress on them by approaching too closely. With a little patience, a shot will eventually present itself. There is a saying that I live by when it comes to photographing wildlife, “If my behaviour changes their behaviour, then I am too close.”
This first year Bald Eagle displays a mostly dark plumage with white under its wings and tail.
As mentioned previously, raptors can be easier to locate this time of year now that the majority of area trees have lost their leaves. Any of London’s ESAs or city parks along the Thames River are great places to start your search for raptors. Be sure to keep a close watch on the sky for birds soaring high overhead. Pay extra attention for birds perched along forest edges or rows of trees adjacent to a field or other open areas. These forest edges are common locations to find raptors for two reasons. First, they provide a great vantage point of the surrounding open areas where potential prey can be observed. Second, raptors regularly return to these same perches to consume their prey after the catch.
Mature Red-tailed Hawk
Southwestern Ontario is home to an abundance of raptors that reside in the region year round. Late fall can be an extremely rewarding time of year to get out birding, especially when it comes to observing raptors. The weather too can be very cooperative at this time of year, as we often see plenty of sunshine and comfortable daytime temperatures. I encourage you to grab your binoculars and field guide and head out to your favourite natural area in search of the many beautiful raptors that grace our skies and forests.
Fall is one of my favourite times of year to get out birding; not only are the leaves changing, large concentrations of birds are migrating through our area.
Fall migration is one of the best times of year to get out birding. With such a high concentration of birds moving through the area, there is always plenty to see. This past week we saw a real mix of weather from almost summer-like to winter conditions across the city. Despite the fluctuating weather, fall migration continued as scheduled.
Hermit Thrushes are currently migrating through our area. They can be distinguished from other thrushes by their reddish tail.
Over the past seven days, I observed many of the species we would expect to see moving through the area at this time of year. Thrushes including Hermit, Swainson’s, and Veery were all observed on or near the forest floor in several of the wooded areas I birded. American Robin numbers increased this past week, as it seems many of the birds that breed to our north have made their way into our area. It is hard to pass by a fruit tree right now without hearing a flock of Robins calling back and forth.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are currently abundant as they migrate through the Forest City.
Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets are currently migrating through the city in impressive numbers. These birds can be found almost anywhere from backyards to city parks and ESAs. Spotting these tiny songbirds can be tricky, so be sure to pay attention for their constant movements and high pitched calls. Kinglets feed predominantly on insects, but will also eat the seeds of many plants on cooler days when insects are scarce at this time of year. If you are searching for these birds, pay close attention to fields of Goldenrod adjacent to forest edges.
Mid October is when large numbers of Turkey Vultures migrate across Southwestern Ontario.
Raptor species continue to move through our area with Turkey Vultures being the most abundant. These birds soar with their wings raised slightly upward giving them a “V” shape. This, along with their red featherless heads, helps distinguish them from eagles and other large raptors. Several Merlins were observed at various locations within the city including along the Thames River, Westminster Ponds, and in my own Old South neighbourhood.
Nashville Warbler perched in a Crabapple tree.
Despite warbler migration having already peaked, some species are still present in our area. Last week I observed a Nashville Warbler while birding in Greenway Park. One warbler that we expect to see this time of year and later is the Yellow-rumped. In fact, London, Ontario falls within this bird’s winter range, making it the only warbler to winter this far north. While most other warblers consume a strictly insect diet, the Yellow-rumped’s diet changes to fruit and seeds in the fall and winter allowing them survive in our climate. Look for Yellow-rumped Warblers along the banks of the Thames River, and along forest edges where there is an abundance of food in the form of berries and Goldenrod seeds.
Yellow-rumped Warbler perched adjacent to a field of Goldenrod.
Migrating waterfowl have begun to show up in the city, specifically at Saunders Pond in the Westminster Ponds ESA. I observed a large flock of RIng-necked Ducks on the east side of the pond over the weekend, and a Common Loon in the middle of the pond on Tuesday. Unfortunately, both of these species were too far out for quality photos. Scanning the pond with binoculars to get a better view of the loon revealed American Coots, Wood Ducks, and a Pied-billed Grebe.
Rusty Blackbird foraging in the swampy habitat at Westminster Ponds ESA.
Rusty Blackbirds were also present at the Westminster Ponds ESA. These birds have experienced one of the largest population declines of any North American songbird. It is estimated that their numbers have dropped by 85-99% in the last forty years. The name Rusty Blackbird describes their winter plumage perfectly, but may not depict how beautiful these birds truly are. The best access point to see the Rusty Blackbirds is from behind Tourist Information on Wellington Road. From there, follow the boardwalk north that runs alongside Saunders Pond.
Rusty Blackbirds can be found in flooded forests, wet thickets, swamps and marshes during migration. The west side of Saunders Pond in the Westminster Ponds ESA provides this exact habitat.
Dark-eyed Juncos and many of our winter sparrows, including White-throated and White-crowned, have now returned to the area. Many of you may have already seen these birds, as they are frequent visitors to backyard feeders. If you do not get these birds in your yard, you can find them feeding on Goldenrod and other seeds in the same open areas and forest edges where you will find Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Sparrows can be incredibly difficult to identify, especially in fall when many of these birds are still displaying their juvenile plumage. Remember to pay special attention to the subtle differences in their field marks to achieve proper identification.
Several winter sparrow species have returned to our area including the White-throated pictured here.
The weather this past week varied incredibly. The one thing that remained fairly consistent was strong winds. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of finding a location out of the wind to improve your birding success. By doing a few minutes of research and selecting a location out of the wind, you will not only stay warmer on the cool days, but you will also find more birds. Birds unnecessarily expend energy by balancing on blowing branches or trying to keep warm in the path of a cold wind. For these reasons, birds will almost always search out protected areas. The temperature difference between a sheltered and non-sheltered area can vary by several degrees at this time of year, and the warmer protected areas are where insect activity will also be the greatest. Insects will always be found on the leeward side of a forest, and consequently so too will the birds that feed on them. Some of the city’s natural areas are hundreds of hectares in size, but by doing your research and finding a food source out of the wind, you can eliminate a lot of area where bird activity will be limited.
Monday morning’s wet flurries provided the perfect backdrop for this White-crowned Sparrow, a species that recently returned to our area.
Fall migration has brought plenty of great species into the London area. Many of these species will be with us all winter, while others will not. If you get the chance, head to your favourite birding hotspot, or one of the locations I mentioned in this post; use the wind to your advantage and take in all of the beautiful sights and sounds fall birding has to offer.
Great Egrets are often observed during fall migration at The Coves in London, Ontario.
With fall migration now underway, great opportunities exist across the city for observing a variety of migrants. Warbler activity increased this past week with several species being observed. One of the best locations I found for warbler sightings was my own backyard. I observed five species in total from my deck while enjoying my morning coffee, including: Yellow, Pine, Black and White, Blackburnian, and Magnolia. These birds could be seen high in the tree tops, quickly moving from branch to branch as they fed on insects. Other warbler species recorded from areas other than my yard were Nashville and Common Yellowthroat. Warblers can be extremely difficult to identify, especially in fall, so having a pair of binoculars handy along with a field guide is recommended.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Late summer is one of the best times to observe Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. My backyard feeder was busy this week with birds looking to fuel up before heading south. Many people take their feeders down too early in September and miss out on all of the activity. Make sure your nectar is fresh, especially with the high temperatures we have been experiencing. Homemade hummingbird nectar is cheap and easy to make by boiling 4 parts water to one part white sugar. Be certain to let the mixture cool completely before refilling your feeder. If the mixture in your feeder looks cloudy, clean out your feeder and replace with fresh nectar. Hummingbirds can also be observed at the various parks and ESAs throughout the city. Look for these tiny birds hovering around blooming wildflowers, particularly Jewelweed. These small, orange, trumpet shaped, native flowers are a favourite of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Great Egret
Great Egrets typically stopover at The Coves each August during migration, and this year is no different. Excellent views from Springbank Drive have been achieved daily for several weeks now. It has been my experience that this egret is best viewed on the north side of the road in the morning, and on the south side during the afternoon. Other birds observed at this location include Great Blue Herons, Lesser Yellowlegs and Wood Ducks. Most of the Wood Ducks present are either females, juveniles or males in eclipse plumage, so don’t expect to see any vibrant males displaying breeding plumage just yet.
Great birding at The Coves as a Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret wade in the shallow water.
Along the Thames River several raptor species were observed, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Osprey. Shorebird species were also recorded with Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer all viewed in Greenway Park.
Chimney Swifts circling the Chimney located at King’s College before entering for the night.
Early September is the perfect time of year to observe large flocks of Chimney Swifts entering communal roosts at sunset. In London, we are fortunate to have several such roosts that had impressive numbers of swifts entering each night. Chimneys located at King’s College, Labatt’s Brewery, and Smith Fruit had counts of 525, 473, and 527 swifts respectively this past week. Don’t let these numbers fool you; the counts are down from previous years and Chimney Swifts are listed as threatened on Ontario’s Species at Risk List. If you wish to experience this incredible sight, I recommend getting to one of these locations about half an hour before sunset. Watch as a large flock of Chimney Swifts forms and begins circling the chimney. As darkness falls, swifts will begin diving into the chimney where they will roost for the night.
We may not see the same numbers as we did in years past, but Monarch migration is now underway and it is a teat to see these beautiful butterflies.
Birds are not the only species beginning to migrate in London. Despite their recent drop in numbers, Monarch Butterflies are beginning to make their way south. This past week I noticed an increase in the number and concentration of Monarchs. While observing the warblers in the backyard, two Monarchs also made their way through. Yesterday at Greenway Park six of these at risk butterflies could be observed nectaring on teasels and thistles in an open meadow in the east end of the park. This area has been supporting Monarchs for several weeks now and the numbers here have recently increased, albeit slightly.
The shallow mud flats of the Thames River are the perfect place to find Lesser Yellowlegs during migration.
If you get the chance this long weekend, head out to your favourite park or ESA and take in some of these migrants. Before you know it they will be gone, not reappearing until next spring. I personally am going to try to get as many shots of Monarch Butterflies as I can while they are still around. Many of the late blooming native wildflowers are flourishing right now, providing the perfect backdrop for these beautiful butterflies.
Milkweed is critical to the survival of Monarch Butterfly as it is the only plant consumed by their caterpillars. The City of London needs to make sure areas of Milkweed are protected in city parks.
Earlier this week I published a post City Of London Shows Disregard For Species At Risk regarding the recent pesticide use and mowing of Milkweed in Greenway Park. Through the power of social media, my concerns reached over 15,000 people and were shared with various Monarch Butterfly Groups, including the David Suzuki Foundation. Several concerned citizens, myself included, contacted their City Councillors asking why these actions took place. I have heard back from my Ward 11 Councillor Stephen Turner and learned the mowing occurred as a result of lost soccer balls. Whereas, the pesticides were applied to control Poison Ivy.
It was sad to learn that the City of London mowed the largest patch of Milkweed in Greenway Park over complaints of lost soccer balls.
Here is Councillor Turner’s response:
Thanks to Paul Roedding for noticing the issue regarding the activities in Greenway Park recently. He brought to my attention that a significant area of naturalized meadow adjacent to the soccer fields had been mowed and that this area was well populated with milkweed, which is an important food source and habitat for migrating Monarch butterflies. He also remarked about the use of pesticides in the area as well. I wrote to the City’s Parks and Recreation department to inquire about what had happened and why so I’d like to share the response with you. There is an area around the soccer fields that had grown tall and dense in recent years and regular complaints about this had been filed with City Hall. Soccer players were often losing balls in the meadow and were concerned about any concealed dangers they might encounter while searching for balls. In response, city staff cut the area back to provide a larger buffer to the soccer pitch, in particular, behind the goals. Unfortunately, staff were unaware of the significance of the milkweed or monarch population in the mowed area. Spot application of pesticides was performed along the fenceline of the Greenway pollution control plant to treat poison ivy that had grown in the area. While I have campaigned against the use of cosmetic pesticides, the pesticide application in this circumstance seems reasonable given the public safety risk. Staff have assured me that the area and practice will be reviewed and the appropriate area will be allowed to re-naturalize. I have asked that the sensitive areas be visibly marked out and that city staff be trained to recognize these habitats in order to avoid similar incidents in Greenway or other parts of the city as well. Having been a 9 year member of the Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory Committee and an inaugural member of the board of ReForest London, I very much share Paul’s concern about our sensitive environmental lands and I will continue to pursue strong environmental policies and practices for our city.
Greenway Park is a beautiful multi-use area along the Thames River, consisting of several soccer fields, an off-leash dog park, a playground, paved multi-use paths, and several natural areas that are home to many of London’s Species at Risk, including the Monarch Butterfly.
A large buffer already existed around this soccer field at Greenway Park. The large brown area in the right of the photo was once a large patch of Milkweed until the City of London mowed it after complaints of lost soccer balls. Similar mowing took place around the entire soccer field.
The area in question is located in the west end of Greenway Park, and surrounds one of the city’s soccer fields. At one end of the soccer pitch once stood the largest section of mature Milkweed plants in the park. I have photographed many Monarch Butterflies here over the years, and have observed this Species at Risk in the same location again this year. Despite there already being a large mowed area around the field and behind the goal, serving as a spectator area, the City of London Parks and Recreation Department mowed an even larger section surrounding the field, disrupting the naturalized area including this large patch of Milkweed. According to Ward 11 Councillor Stephen Turner, the city received complaints over lost soccer balls in the adjacent natural areas containing the Milkweed. Unfortunately city staff were unaware of the significance of Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies and mowed these mature plants.
I searched the few remaining Milkweed plants and found one Monarch Caterpillar, proof that this species was reproducing in the area. I can only imagine the number of other caterpillars or pupa destroyed by this mowing.
This Monarch Caterpillar was discovered in one of the few remaining Milkweed Plants in Greenway Park, proving that Monarchs were reproducing in the area.
Mature Milkweed plants, such as the ones mowed, produce a large taproot and will grow back next season if mowing ceases. It is unfortunate that this situation happened, but is an excellent opportunity to educate everyone about the state of the Monarch Butterfly and the importance of Milkweed. I am happy with Councillor Turner’s response and agree that city staff need to be trained to recognized these sensitive habitats. I would like to see a permanent sign go up in this area to educate all park users about the significance of Milkweed and why this area needs to be protected. It would also serve as a reminder to city staff not to mow the area in the future, as well as be aware of similar habitats in Greenway and other city parks. After all, soccer balls can be replaced at a local sporting good store, Monarchs however cannot.
The Milkweeds seed pods on the mowed plants were not yet mature and therefore will not germinate. The mature plants, with their long taproots will emerge next year if mowing is discontinued.
I am glad to hear Councillor Turner, like me, is opposed to the use of cosmetic pesticides. I would like to see the city perhaps take a closer look at areas where they are considering their use to determine if they are really necessary. We are often told that the safest method of application was used, but let’s not confuse safest with safe. When it comes to harmful chemicals that require a sign telling humans to stay off, they are not safe. I find that many of the city parks and ESAs I visit are using spot control methods of pesticide use for Poison Ivy, but not all of these spots require treatment to keep the public safe. The long term cumulative impacts of pesticide use add up. Many of these pesticides are being used in areas where human access is either limited or prohibited. In the case of Greenway Park, pesticides were used along the hedgerow adjacent to the Greenway Pollution Control Centre. This area is seldom used by foot traffic as the multi-use path is across the road. Anyone walking here would run a far greater risk of being struck by a car than coming in contact with the Poison Ivy. Perhaps signage stating that Poison Ivy is present in an area and to remain on marked trails would be a safer alternative. Signage could also save the city money in the long run as fewer areas would require pesticide use.
Spot applications of pesticides were applied along the hedge on the left side of the photo to control Poison Ivy. This area does not support human foot traffic and leaves me wondering if application was necessary at all.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances and the timing of this mowing, I am pleased with the response from Councillor Turner and the City of London, and would like to thank him for addressing this matter promptly. Acknowledging that a mistake was made, and hopefully using it as a learning experience to prevent it from happening again, provides a slightly positive twist on an otherwise negative situation.
I would like to thank all those who took the time to share my original post or contacted your City Councillor to express your concerns as well. When it comes to environmental issues like these, education is key. In today’s online world we have the ability to reach thousands of people; taking the time to start a conversation and present information in a positive way can often result in change. By coming together as a community, we can all become environmental stewards and make London, Ontario a better place.
Since Milkweed was removed from the noxious weed list in 2014, many individuals, groups, and municipalities have been adding it to landscapes to create habitat for the at risk Monarch Butterfly. So why would the City of London cut it down in Greenway Park?
It is no surprise that Greenway Park in London, Ontario is one of my favourite locations for birding and to take photographs. The mixed habitat and adjacent Thames River are home to a wide variety of wildlife, and those of you that follow me often see posts and images from this area. Several species found in the park are currently listed as at risk on Ontario’s Species at Risk list, making it one of the best places in the city to view these fragile species.
A large flock of Chimney Swifts was observed feeding on the swarms of insects directly above the area where the City of London applied pesticides in Greenway Park.
This past week while visiting the park, I observed the largest daytime flock of Chimney Swifts (currently listed as threatened in Ontario) that I have ever seen circling over the park and Thames River. Mixed in with this flock were several Barn and Bank Swallows (both listed as threatened in Ontario). Basking on the river banks next to the path were both Northern Map Turtles and Spiny Softshell Turtles (listed as special concern and threatened respectively in Ontario). Finally in the open field a little further down the path I observed four Monarch Butterflies (listed as special concern in Ontario). Observing so many Species at Risk in a forty yard section of the park left me feeling happy and optimistic for the future of these fragile species.
The Spiny Softshell Turtle, currently listed as threatened in Ontario, is one of the many Species at Risk jeopardized by the City of London’s use of pesticides in city parks along the Thames River.
As I rounded the corner of the path, I came across a sign stating that pesticides had been used in the area and to stay off. I called the number on the sign to find out more about the pesticide use. The representative from the company that was contracted by the City of London to apply the pesticides gave me an explanation and stated that the method of application was the safest possible method. Understanding their logic, I thanked them for the information and ended the conversation.
Regardless of what we are lead to believe, there is no safe way to apply pesticides.
The reality of this situation is that when dealing with Species at Risk, there are no safe pesticides or safe methods to apply them. That would be like saying there is a safe way to smoke a cigarette. If a sign is required telling humans to stay off, how safe are insects or birds whose weight is measured in grams not pounds? Furthermore, are we really supposed to believe that these harmful chemicals do not make their way into the adjacent river with runoff?
This freshly mowed area was once a large patch of Milkweed, a plant critical to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly. The City of London is responsible for the habitat destruction of this Species at Risk.
Pesticide use has far greater negative impacts than we are often led to believe, and many times the intended target is not the only species being harmed. As an avid nature lover and advocate for Species at Risk, it upsets me to know that our tax dollars are going toward the use of pesticides and potential demise of these species that are supposed to be protected.
These mulched up seed pods are all that is left of a large patch of Milkweed in Greenway Park after it was unnecessarily mowed by the City of London.
In addition to pesticide use, The City of London, for reasons yet to be determined, has mowed the largest section of Milkweed in the park. We all know how important Milkweed is to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, so I cannot fathom why the city would do this. The really upsetting part is this area was likely still hosting Monarch caterpillars and pupa. I can only image how many future Monarchs were destroyed by this senseless cutting.
This Monarch Butterfly was photographed on the Milkweed in Greenway Park prior to the City of London cutting it down.
These unnecessarily destroyed caterpillars and pupa would have developed into the generation of Monarchs that will soon migrate to their wintering grounds in Mexico. It is this same generation that begins migrating north next spring to continue the cycle.
Monarch Butterfly on the leaf of a Milkweed plant in Greenway Park.
I emailed my City Councillor to express my concerns and he forwarded my email on to the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of London. I will be interested to hear what their reasoning is for these two acts that jeopardize Species at Risk and their habitat.
If you are as fed up as I am with the ignorance and blatant disregard for Species at Risk and their habitat, by all levels of government, please share this. If you are a resident of London, Ontario, I encourage you to contact your Councillor to express your concerns.
London’s new City Council has the opportunity to become nationwide leaders when it comes to preserving and protecting Species at Risk. Collectively we can work toward becoming the solution and not the problem.
Among the shorebirds I observed this past week at the West Perth Wetlands, Lesser Yellowlegs were the most abundant.
With shorebird migration now underway, I decided to make a trip this past week to the West Perth Wetlands located in Mitchell, Ontario. These wetlands are a well known stopover for shorebirds looking to rest and feed as they move across Southwestern Ontario. After checking the recent sightings reported to eBird, and hearing from a blog subscriber who was there the previous week, I was quite confident there would be a nice mix of shorebirds present.
The Least Sandpiper is the smallest of the shorebirds, and was one of ten shorebird species I observed on a recent visit to the West Perth Wetlands.
Upon arriving at the wetlands, I looked out over the first pond and immediately saw hundreds of shorebirds. I knew at that moment it was going to be a great day. Glancing along the near shore I was instantly treated to excellent views of several Lesser Yellowlegs and Killdeer as they foraged close to the bank. I caught the movement of a smaller sandpiper out of the corner of my eye, so I raised my binoculars to get a better look. This bird was much smaller than the adjacent Killdeer and displayed yellowish legs indicating it was a Least Sandpiper, the smallest of the “peeps”. As I scanned across the pond I could see two Wilson’s Snipe, a Short-billed Dowitcher, and a Stilt Sandpiper feeding in the shallow water along the far bank. After circling halfway around the first pond I quickly added more shorebirds to my count, including a Solitary Sandpiper feeding on what appeared to be a large tadpole. I counted 10 species of shorebird in total on this trip to the West Perth Wetlands. A complete list of the shorebirds I observed is as follows:
Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Short-billed Dowitcher
Wilson’s Snipe
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Bobolinks were among the many songbirds present at the West Perth Wetlands.
Several waterfowl species were observed on the various ponds throughout the wetland. Mallards were the most prevalent, but other notable species recorded were Blue and Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, and Northern Shoveler. Songbirds were also abundant, with the highlight for me being several Bobolinks. In total, I observed 43 bird species including the 10 shorebirds on my visit.
Viceroy Butterfly.
Painted and Snapping Turtles were present throughout the network of ponds, as well as three species of frog: Bull, Green, and Northern Leopard. Monarch, Viceroy, and Red-spotted Purple Butterflies could be seen nectaring on the variety of wildflowers surrounding the ponds. Dragon and Damselflies circled the ponds with Green Darner, Widow and Twelve-spotted Skimmers the most abundant. Mammal species I observed included Groundhogs and Muskrats.
Killdeer setting its wings as it prepares to land on the muddy bank.
What makes the West Perth Wetlands such an amazing place for birding is not only how many shorebirds it attracts, but how close you can view them; this not only provides excellent views, but is perfect for those like me who wish to photograph these beautiful birds. With a pair of binoculars you can easily scan the far banks and still have great views of the distant birds. To make things even better, the network of trails completely circles each pond, which allows you to stealthily approach birds that were previously viewed from a distance. The mowed grass trails are incredibly easy to walk on (with the exception of a few Groundhog holes you must watch for) and the slight rise in elevation offers the perfect vantage point across each of the ponds. A picnic table in the parking lot provides a perfect place to rest or break for lunch.
Birds at the West Perth Wetlands are always moving around, making it a great place to photograph birds in flight.
Birds are constantly on the move at the wetlands, both coming and going as well as aggressively defending their feeding spots, making it perfect for flight photography. The West Perth Wetlands is the best location near London I know of that provides not only quantity, but variety of shorebirds with the opportunity to view and photograph them from a close distance.
Great Blue Heron foraging in the shallow water at the West Perth Wetlands.
To get to the West Perth Wetlands from London, take Highway 23 north to the town of Mitchell, Ontario. Once in Mitchell, turn right on Frank Street (the first street on your right as you enter town). Proceed down Frank Street a few hundred yards where you will see a baseball diamond. Turn right at the diamond and follow the road to the end where you will find the parking lot.
The diverse wetland habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, including this Muskrat.
Shorebird identification can be tough, so I recommend taking a field guide and a pair of binoculars. Remember to pay close attention to the subtle differences in each bird. Making note of the size and leg colour can help distinguish many of the smaller sandpipers. With such an incredible variety and quantity of shorebirds at the West Perth Wetlands, it is the perfect place to practice shorebird identification. In many instances you can do side by side comparisons of the various birds. If you have never visited the West Perth Wetlands before, I highly recommend checking it out this migration season. I know I will be returning a few more times before the end of the season.
Knowing where to find a flock of robins based on the week’s observations resulted in this image of one feeding following an ice storm.
When people take a look at my images, the same question and comment seems to always come up. “How long did you have to wait to get that shot?” or “you must be really patient”. Yes, I am patient, but rarely do I apply this to my photography. I find that being observant is far more advantageous, and yields better results than being patient. There are many photographers out there who will sit in a blind all day demonstrating great patience to get the shot. I, however, prefer to keep moving and observe the wildlife around me and their behaviour, so that I can later put myself in a position to get the shot. This not only saves time, but it also allows me to cover more ground and photograph more species.
I like visiting new areas, but I also enjoy returning to old favourites. By making several visits to the same location, I am able to observe the wildlife in that area and make note of their behaviour and any patterns that I observe. You may be surprised at how predictable an animal can be after observing it for several days in the same location. This to me far outweighs staying in one location all day, in hopes of a bird flying by or landing within range.
Rather than waiting all day in frigid temperatures for robins that may or may not show up, I prefer to use observation over patience.
Let me give you a few examples to demonstrate. During winter months one of my favourite locations to bird is along the Thames River. With the abundance of waterfowl, songbirds and the easy walking on the plowed trails, I find it hard to stay away. American Robins can often be observed all winter feeding in the various fruit trees that grow along the river banks. One winter, I observed the same flock repeatedly over the course of a week as I walked along the river from Greenway to Springbank Park. As fruit was consumed, the birds would move ever so slightly down the bank each day following the food source. One February morning I woke up to the remnants of an incredible ice storm. I immediately thought how great those robins would look feeding on the berries with the branches all covered in ice. I grabbed my camera, jumped in my truck and headed to the park. As predicted, there was the flock of robins gorging themselves on berries following the inclement weather. I fired off several shots and was very happy with the results when I returned home. No sitting, waiting or patience required, only knowing where the birds would be based on that week’s observations allowed me to achieve these images. My total time in the field that day was 15 minutes.
After watching this Bald Eagle perched in the same tree at the same time on multiple days, I decided to return another day a bit earlier to capture its landing.The second of a series of frames capturing the juvenile Bald Eagle landing.
Bald Eagles and other raptors can be very predictable if observed repeatedly. I often find the same bird perched in the same tree at the same time every day. By paying attention to these details I save a lot of time, energy and gas when looking to photograph birds. One week while observing Bald Eagles, I found one particular juvenile bird always perched in the same tree every day at 11 am. I managed several static shots of the bird but wanted some flight shots as well. Not wanting to wait all day, or being one to bait birds or chase them off a perch in order to get a flight shot, I simply returned to the location a few minutes before 11 am the next day. As anticipated, the eagle approached its favourite perch and I was able to capture several frames of the large raptor in flight, prior to its landing. Again, no patience was required, only the power of observation.
Being in position at the right time based on observation, resulted in this series of shots.The final shot, the juvenile Bald Eagle now perched in the tree. Total waiting time for this series of shots, about six minutes.
This past winter, birders flocked from all over Southwestern Ontario to the Thames River in hopes of getting a glimpse of the rare Harlequin Duck that overwintered on the river. A lifer for me, I found myself down at the river every chance I had trying to photograph this beautiful bird. It didn’t take long for me to pick up on this bird’s habits and behaviour. The Harlequin Duck is a bird of fast-moving water and this particular bird demonstrated this perfectly. I was able to observe the bird repeatedly as he dove and fed in a small section of rapids. Once it had drifted downstream out of the rapids and into the slower moving water it would then fly upstream to just ahead of the rapids and perform the same drift again. I watched as this duck did this over and over again. Situated where there was a nice clearing in the trees, I was able to get multiple shots of not only the duck diving and feeding, but also flight shots as it passed by before making another drift.
I cannot tell you the number of birders I watched chase this Harlequin Duck up and down the river trying to photograph it through trees and other obstructions. I spoke to a few onlookers holding cameras who had gathered in hopes of getting a shot. I explained that the bird would be back, and suggested staying put and being ready. Sure enough, only a few minutes passed and back came the Harlequin Duck in flight upriver and right passed us. The other photographers were not only excited to capture the bird as it flew then floated by, but were surprised how I knew the bird would be back. Simply observing the bird over the course of a few days was all I needed to understand and predict its behaviour, resulting in the shots I wanted and an incredible experience.
A few days of observing this Harlequin Duck’s behaviour was all I needed to put myself into a position to achieve the shots I was after.
These are only a few examples of my experiences where being observant far outweighed being patient. For me, observation results in more images than waiting all day for them to happen. Knowing and excepting that the shot I am looking for may not present itself that day and moving on is where my patience comes in. Patience for me comes over an extended period of time rather than devoting an entire day to staying in one spot. Observing the same bird over the course of several days, not only gives me the opportunity to achieve the shot I want, but it also allows the bird to become accustomed to my presence and less timid.
For most of us, photography is a hobby. Our lives are too busy to spend eight hours a day in the field waiting for a shot to present itself. We can, however, find time several times a week to get out for a walk with our cameras, and closely watch the wildlife that we come across to pick up a few patterns. By doing this I think you will achieve greater results in not only what you see, but what you are able to capture with your camera as well.
