Good Birding Report: London, Ontario
January 4-11 2015

IMG 0121 1 2 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br/> January 4-11 2015 — The Brown Creeper can be a difficult bird to locate. Their feather pattern is perfect camouflage against almost any tree bark.

Frigid temperatures and high winds made for predictable birding this past week. As expected, birds could be found in areas out of the wind and close to a food source. Wind breaks come in a variety of forms, and some of my favourites are evergreens, hillsides and riverbanks. The thick foliage of an evergreen tree provides great shelter from elements like wind and snow, as well as hungry predators. These trees are also an excellent food source as their cones contain seeds. The leeward side of a hill or riverbank is also a perfect place to find birds during windy conditions. I located several bird species in these areas feeding on a variety of fruits and seeds from the various trees and shrubs. Although I did not come across any lifers, I did tally 29 species to add to my 2015 year list.

IMG 9890 1 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br/> January 4-11 2015 — Common Goldeneye and Common Mergansers are commonly observed on the Thames River during winter months.

IMG 9814 1 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br/> January 4-11 2015 — Common Goldeneye male.

Waterfowl numbers on the Thames River drastically increased this past week. As area water bodies freeze several species, including many diving ducks, migrate to the river to overwinter. Good numbers of Common and Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead are visible. My favourite stretch of river for observing winter waterfowl is between the Sanitorium Rd bridge in the city’s west end, and the Wharncliffe Road bridge, mere blocks from the city’s core. Large concentrations of waterfowl can be observed on this stretch of river. The river’s current flow in this section keeps the water open year round, providing these ducks with a place to feed. I enjoyed watching a flock of Hooded Mergansers feeding in this area. The ducks dove repeatedly, surfacing with gobies on almost every dive. After catching their fill they proceeded to an ice flow for some preening and a nap. Springbank or Greenway Park are excellent access points to this section of river. Plenty of free parking is available and walking is made easy as The City of London’s Parks Department does an incredible job of plowing and salting the paved path that parallels the river between these two parks.

IMG 9962 1 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br/> January 4-11 2015 — This juvenile Red-tailed Hawk uses the thick foliage of a spruce tree to shelter it from the frigid west wind and blowing snow.

Bald Eagles are also common in this section of river during winter months. In fact, winter is the best time of year to view these majestic raptors along the river within the city. This past week saw I observed adult and juvenile birds flying up and down the river. Other raptor species observed this week were Red-tailed Hawks, a Cooper’s Hawks and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

IMG 9906 1 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br/> January 4-11 2015 — Birds weren’t the only animals seeking refuge from the wind. Unfortunately this Raccoon did not pick the best spot.

Brown Creepers are a resident species across our region, but their numbers do increase in winter as birds that breed to our north migrate to our area to overwinter. Birding in wooded areas this week revealed many of these small, incredibly well camouflaged birds. Brown Creepers can be observed climbing tree trunks as they search for food behind the bark. Their feather pattern blends in with almost any tree bark making them extremely difficult to locate. Learning their call will increase your odds of locating this bird.

IMG 9399 1 2 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br/> January 4-11 2015 — Red-bellied Woodpecker female.

Other tree clinging birds observed this week were: Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, as well as Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches. At one point I observed a Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpecker all in the same tree only a few feet away from each other. Unfortunately too far apart to fit all three in a single camera frame.

IMG 9670 1 - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br/> January 4-11 2015 — White-breasted Nuthatch

Many of the other common year round resident birds were also observed this past week. Cardinals, Blue Jays, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Black-capped Chickadees to name a few. Winter birding can provide some of the best views of the year. Birds are much more visible perched in tree that contains no leaves, and this is one huge advantage of heading out this time of year.

Birding during the cold winter months can be incredibly rewarding and is a great way to stay active. Dressing accordingly and limiting your time outside if needed are key to enjoying this activity. If you wonder what I wear to stay warm during these extreme winter conditions you can read my blog post Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather.

Good birding,
Paul

Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather

It looks like we are in for a bitter cold week across Southwestern Ontario. High temperatures in the negative teens are forecast, and strong winds will make it feel much colder. As homeowners, there are a few things we can do to make it easier on our feathered friends during adverse weather.

IMG 8728 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Black oil sunflower seeds are a favourite of many birds, including Northern Cardinals.**

Birds keep warm in several ways during cold weather. One of these methods is by shivering. Shivering raises their metabolic rate, which keeps them warm but uses their fat reserves. Offering a high-quality seed will help replenish energy used during this process. Be careful where you buy your seed from. You may be tempted by what seems like a low price to purchase mixed seed from a big box store. The truth is, seed from a big box store is never fresh, often dusty, and contains several cheap fillers that is less desirable to birds. You may think you are saving a few dollars a bag, but do yourself and the birds a favour and purchase your seed from a birdseed retailer. When you purchase seed from a birdseed retailer, it is always fresh and doesn’t contain cheap fillers. Your backyard birds will consume every seed making it a far better deal than the discount seed that gets scattered on the ground as birds search for the few good seeds.

Your local seed retailer can also advise you on what seed is best for the birds in your area. I like to offer a variety of seed because it attracts the widest variety of birds. Some of my favourite seeds to offer are: black oil sunflower, peanuts (both in the shell and halves), safflower, white millet, nyjer, and suet. If you are reluctant to feed the birds because of the seed shells left behind, many retailers offer a mixed seed that contains no shells. Again, the price may seem a bit high, but remember you are only paying for the weight of the seed, not the shells.

IMG 8870 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Dark-eyed Juncos are a species found in our area during winter months. They are a common backyard visitor that often feeds on the ground, cleaning up seeds spilled by other birds.**

Fresh water is equally important during cold weather and often attracts more birds to your backyard than food. A heated birdbath is a great way to offer water to birds during winter months. Remember to change the water frequently to ensure that it is fresh. Heated birdbaths can also be purchased from your local seed retailer.

IMG 8898 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Providing high-quality seed to backyard birds helps supplement their diet and is more nourishing than other foods.**

Birds require shelter during extremely cold temperatures. Shelter protects birds from the cold, wind, snow, freezing rain, and predators such as hawks and cats. Evergreens are a great source of shelter for birds year-round, but especially in winter. If your yard is lacking evergreens than adding shelter is quite simple. The easiest way to provide shelter this time of year is to put your Christmas tree outside. Juncos, cardinals, wrens, chickadees, and sparrows will all quickly seek shelter in the thick branches of a Christmas Tree. Standing these trees upright may be more aesthetically pleasing, but is not necessary; laying the trees down on their sides provides adequate shelter. Adding multiple trees around your yard is even better. Watch for your neighbours to place their trees out to the curb or gather a few from one of the local recycling depots. Positioning them out of prevailing winds and in the sun makes an excellent spot for birds to keep warm. Place a few closer to your feeders to give birds a safe spot to dive into in case a raptor takes a swipe at them. Make sure the trees are far enough away from your feeder that squirrels can’t use them to gain access. Trees can then be placed at the curb in spring when the city resumes picking up yard materials.

IMG 8843 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Black-capped Chickadees are one species that huddle in groups for warmth and will benefit from a roost box.**

Roost boxes provide excellent shelter for birds during winter. Roost boxes are similar to nest boxes but have perches inside and the hole is located at the bottom. Several birds will enter, then huddle on the perches for warmth. The hole located at the bottom helps to retain heat. Rising hot air is trapped in the box making it that much warmer. Chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches and other birds typically use roost boxes at night to stay warm. I have noticed birds on cold windy days and during snow squalls enter my roost boxes to escape the elements. I built my roost boxes with reversible fronts, so they can be converted to next boxes in the spring, but commercial boxes can be purchased at a seed retailer. Roost boxes should be placed out of the wind and in the afternoon sun so they will warm-up for the birds to use at night.

Having a backyard refuge for the birds has several benefits. Not only will you be helping wild birds survive when it is unbearably cold, but it is also a great way to enjoy nature from the comfort of your warm living room.

Good birding,
Paul

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Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography?

I recently published a blog post titled Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks, where I shared information about getting the most out of your camera and lens by finding its “sweet spot” and shooting within its limitations. The images I used in that post were all shot with my Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, a lens that retails in Canada for $1499.00. Like almost everyone else, I started out with a much less expensive kit lens. Realizing that many people are shooting with kit lenses I wanted to demonstrate that acceptable images are achievable with equipment that costs much less. For this post, I decided to dig out my old kit lens, a Canon EFS55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II. I have not shot with this lens since December of 2012, but wanted to illustrate the kind of results that can be achieved with a lens that retails for $229.00, and is included with many Canon DSLRs at the time of purchase.

IMG 9214 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Taking the time to understand your camera’s functions and perfecting your skill is more advantageous than spending thousands of dollars on a new lens. This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed using a Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Kit lens.

Although equipment plays an important role in photography, technique and knowing how to use that equipment are even more important. Image quality has a lot more to do with the person behind the camera and lens than many people may realize. The main things you can do to improve your image quality are: take the time to learn and fully understand your camera functions, be able to quickly adjust your settings to changing conditions, and utilize techniques to steady your lens. Even if your budget allows for a $10,000 lens (for example, a 500mm f4), don’t expect to achieve instant results. The fact of the matter is, if you don’t hold the lens steady or properly expose your images, expensive equipment isn’t going to do you much good.

IMG 8979 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — The added reach and increased auto focus speed are what I deem the two biggest advantages in a lens upgrade. This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed using the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. Retail price $1499.00

IMG 9247 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Getting close to your subject will make up for lost reach. This Photo was taken using the Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens. Retail price $299.00

So if I can achieve results I am happy with using my kit lens, what do I get from a lens that costs five times as much? First of all, added reach. The extra 150mm comes in very handy because we all know how hard it is to get close to birds and wildlife without scaring them off. The build quality, including optics are better. Yes, better optics will give better results, but again, only if used properly. Most kit lenses are constructed mainly of plastic, where the Canon L series are mostly metal. For me this is not a huge issue as I am pretty careful with my equipment. For someone who travels a lot, the added durability of metal will help protect against light bumps. Drop either lens and I’m sure the fact that the kit lens is plastic will be the least of my worries. The Canon 100-400 is also partially weather sealed, providing increased protection against dust and moisture. This added build quality translates to added weight. My Canon 100-400mm weighs just over three pounds. A lens hood and case were also included with the Canon 100-400mm. The thing I like most about my Canon 100-400mm is the auto focus. Canon’s USM (ultrasonic motor) is incredibly fast and accurate. This to me, is worth every penny. Some bird species move incredibly fast and almost constantly, making focusing on them extremely difficult. Photographing birds in flight is also much easier with a lens that features a USM.

IMG 9120 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Black-capped Chickadee. Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II.

Achieving results with a kit lens is possible if you keep a few things in mind. As is the case with any lens in wildlife photography, get as close as possible. For some bird species, especially waterfowl, this can be difficult. Many birds in your backyard or at the local park are accustomed to human activity and can be approached closely. For other species this requires increased patience or hiding in a certain spot waiting for the bird to come into view. I find auto focus speed to be the biggest set back of a kit lens. In an area where there are leaves, branches and other obstructions, locking onto the target can sometimes take the lens longer then the subject is willing to wait. If this is the case, switch over to manual focus. By rotating the focus ring manually you will be able to track and lock onto flitting birds much faster. Be sure to hold your camera and lens as steady as possible. Even with image stabilization and fast shutter speeds, camera shake will quickly ruin an otherwise acceptable shot. If camera shake is a problem, than the use of a monopod will be beneficial.

I have been photographing birds and wildlife for three years now, and have seen improvements to my images in that time. I have read and watched countless tutorials, and spent hours practicing what I have learned. There has been much trial and error along the way, and there is always room for improvement. My photographs are by no means perfect, but I am happy with the results that I achieve. My first camera and lens combination was a Canon T3i with the EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II that suited me quite well. After understanding the functions of the camera and honing my skills and technique, I realized an equipment upgrade could improve my photography. My current set up, the Canon 7D and EF100-400mm f/4.6-5.6L IS USM gives me more reach, faster auto focus and more frames per second, three things that help with bird photography. When I sit back and scrutinize my images, I look to see what I could have done to improve the image quality. Perhaps I should have selected a faster shutter speed or different aperture. Maybe instead of focusing on the bird’s eye, I focused on the branch beside it. Camera shake is often to blame for my blurry images, even with the use of image stabilization. In all of these cases human error was to blame for the missed shot, not my equipment.

IMG 9274 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Refining your technique will reward you with better results than investing in an expensive lens. Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II

If you are a serious hobbyist like me, than upgrading your kit lens can help you achieve better results. Expensive lenses help reduce the limitations put on photographers by their equipment, but is not however a substitute for skill and technique. If you are currently shooting with a kit lens, practice achieving the best possible results with your set up. Work on being able to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture quickly while shooting. Become familiar with your camera’s various metering modes, and the use of exposure compensation. These are elements of photography that are incredibly helpful in many shooting situations. When you consistently get results you are happy with, yet find range and focus speed are holding your photography back, then consider upgrading your lens. If you are not getting the results you hoped for from your camera and lens set-up, consider signing up for a one on one workshop.

*Click on the images in this post to view larger*

Good birding,
Paul

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Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls

While many people may have been dreaming of a white Christmas, the lack of snow in our area has made locating one bird much easier. Snowy Owls have returned to overwinter and new sightings are being reported daily throughout Southwestern Ontario. These large owls are often found sitting on the ground in open fields and are much easier to locate without any snow. Increased sightings and a lack of snow make now the perfect time to search for these owls.

I decided to check out a well-known wintering area west of London for Snowy Owls last week, and quickly located three in a couple of kilometer stretch of road. Knowing that Snowy Owls also like to perch high up on hydro poles, on fences posts, and even on top of agricultural buildings, I scanned high and low searching for these owls. Two of the birds were perched high up on hydro poles, and one was on a fence post. The bird on the fence post could have easily gone unnoticed if there was snow in the background. With no snow accumulation in the forecast for our area until late in the week, I recommend getting out there and searching for Snowy Owls.

IMG 8377 1 - Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls — When searching for Snowy Owls it is important to look high and low. These owls often perch on hydro poles, fence posts, agricultural buildings, and even on the ground.

When searching for Snowy Owls there are a few things to keep in mind. Patience is key. Snowy Owls will stay in the same area until February or March if not disturbed. Once an owl is located, be prepared to return to the same location many times to achieve and optimal view or photo. Many times these birds will be too far from the road to get a great look or a decent photo. By simply returning another day the same bird may be in a better location providing excellent views and photo opportunities. Remember to be respectful of property owners, fellow birders, and most importantly the owls. So often I see people chasing the owls out in the fields or from post to post hoping to get an optimal look or photo. Keep in mind many of these birds are on private property and land owners do not want birders trespassing on their land. Chasing the owls puts unnecessary stress on the birds, and denies other birders the opportunity to observe the bird. If the view or photo you are hoping for doesn’t present itself, return another day.

11408596914 f515214053 b - Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls — This Snowy Owl, photographed last winter, demonstrates how well camouflaged they are in a snow covered field. Increased sightings and a lack of snow make now the perfect time to search for these owls.

When you do come across a Snowy Owl and wish to photograph it, stay in your car. Snowy Owls are less stressed by humans in cars and you will be able to achieve better and longer views than if you try to approach on foot. If needed, circle back to position your vehicle in an ideal location so you are not shooting into the sun, but stay in your car. Again be patient. If you need to drive down the road to safely turn around, do so. There is no need to jam on the brakes and pull a U turn if you suddenly spot a Snowy Owl on top of a hydro pole. In fact, erratic car movements such as quickly braking, accelerating or turning are more likely to startle the owl causing it to fly. Once in position, roll your window down and shut off your car. Use the top of your door to help steady your camera. Turning the car off will eliminate any camera shake caused by engine vibrations.

By staying in my vehicle I was able to achieve great views of this Snowy Owl and managed several photos. The owl was not stressed by my presence and casually turned its head from side to side as other vehicles passed. Satisfied with my views and photos, I carried on leaving the owl unstressed and in the same location for others to enjoy. Would I have preferred a more dramatic background than a cloudy, rainy sky? Of course I would, but I know I can return multiple times this winter to this area and find the same owls perhaps against a different backdrop. It is more important to me as a birder to put the best interest of the birds first, than to achieve the “perfect shot” as a photographer.

Good birding,
Paul

Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River

Winter is less then a week away and temperatures are not feeling very wintery. However, the Thames River is offering nice views of some winter waterfowl. The Thames River is a popular overwintering area for a wide variety of diving ducks, and many of the regular winter visitors are now present.

15764761679 c84b978d87 o - Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River — Common Mergansers are the most abundant of the winter species currently being observed on the Thames River.

Over the past week I have been checking out various sections of the Thames River between Springbank and Harris Parks. This my favourite section of the river for finding winter waterfowl. The most abundant species present throughout this section is the Common Merganser. Several small groups of Hooded Mergansers, were also observed on this section of river. These small ducks, especially the females, are sometimes difficult to spot from a distance. Their dark plumage blends in against the river, so watching for movement or a ripple on the water can be helpful. The males, with their white feathers on the sides of their crests, are much easier to locate. Many times I spot the males first, then notice the females mixed in within the group upon closer inspection. Buffleheads are also present, but not in the the same numbers as the Mergansers yet. Earlier this week I noticed my first pair of Common Goldeneyes of the season on the river.

12178736134 57dff5d189 o1 - Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River — Female Hooded Mergansers can be difficult to spot at far distances. Their drab colour tends to blend in with the water.

These, and other ducks, overwinter annually on the Thames river and will be present throughout the winter months. If you wish to view some of these species on the river, but do not want to cover the several kilometer section I mentioned, than I would suggest Greenway Park. I observed the highest concentration of winter waterfowl between the CN overpass and the outflow at Greenway Pollution Control Plant. This narrow section of river provides excellent views, even if you don’t own a pair of binoculars or spotting scope. Make sure to move slowly and quietly along the banks as many of these northern species are not as accustomed to human presence as our resident ducks. The slightest noise or erratic movement will startle these birds, causing them swim to the far side of the river or fly off.

IMG 6099 1 - Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River — This past week saw a pair of Common Goldeneyes show up on the Thames River.

As winter sets in and temperatures fall, many of our local water bodies will ice up. As the amount of frozen water increases across the area, so too will the number of ducks on the Thames. Often in January and February the Thames River is the only open water in the area for these diving ducks to feed, making it the perfect place to observe winter waterfowl. If observing winter waterfowl is on your birding wishlist this season, than I highly recommend checking out the Thames River.

Good birding,
Paul

Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks

I am receiving a lot of questions lately from followers asking about my camera gear, camera settings, and any pointers I can offer to help them with their bird photography. This post is designed to help answer some of these questions and hopefully give you something to take away to help improve your shots.

Currently, I am using the Canon 7D with the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. I do like the versatility of the zoom, but have to admit the majority of my shots are taken at 400mm. I love the 8 frames per second on the 7D, especially for photographing birds in flight, and the autofocus on the 100-400mm is accurate and fast. New models of both of these pieces of equipment were introduced this year, so if you are looking to upgrade, prices have been drastically reduced on these noncurrent items.

I like to incorporate my bird photography with hiking, so for this reason, I do not use a tripod and shoot everything handheld. I am not one to stay in the same spot long, so for me setting up and taking down a tripod is too much of a hassle. I do use a tripod for landscape photography.

IMG 5704 1 2 - Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks — Under ideal conditions, I like to shoot with low ISO and a high shutter speed. The low ISO results in a less noisy image and the high shutter speed helps freeze the action if the bird moves. 1/1250th second ISO 640 f8 at 400mm.

My first piece of advice, if you haven’t already done so, is to stop shooting in any of the program modes. In these modes, the cameras adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed automatically. The camera does it’s best job to get these settings right, but when it comes to bird photography these program modes will really hold you back.

As far as what settings I use, this obviously varies depending on the conditions. I like to use the lowest ISO possible, but maintain a high enough shutter speed to freeze the action. Unfortunately, with birds this is where the difficulty comes in. In order to get a high enough shutter speed, you must increase the ISO, but if you increase the ISO too much you get noisy images. In order to improve the quality, you must first understand the limitations of your equipment.

Regardless of what camera and lens set up you own, it is going to perform best at certain settings. For example, a camera’s image quality drastically decreases once you reach a certain ISO. Similarly, lenses are much sharper when not shot at their widest apertures. It doesn’t matter if you own an entry-level DSLR and kit lens or a top of the line professional body and super-telephoto lens, each piece of equipment has what I call a sweet spot.

15954808585 678c2fa111 o - Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks — **Photographing birds in flight requires a fast shutter speed. Sometimes a little blur on the wings is nice to capture the element of motion. 1/800th second ISO 400 f8 at 400mm.**

Finding your camera’s sweet spot is quite easy, but requires the use of a tripod to eliminate any shake factor. Go outside and look for a subject to photograph. Make sure it is something stationary as you are going to take several shots of the same object. Switch your camera to aperture priority mode and extend your lens to it’s maximum range. Adjust the aperture on your camera to the widest aperture for your lens. On most kit lenses this will be f5.6. Set your ISO to 100. In aperture priority mode the camera will adjust the shutter speed for you. Take a photo of the predetermined object. Increase your ISO to 200 and take another photo of the same object. Continue to do this throughout the ISO settings on your camera. This will allow you to see the increased noise as you increase ISO, and where on your camera it becomes too noisy.

Similarly, you are going to want to do the same with aperture. To do this, keep your ISO at the same setting and only adjust your aperture. Again, the camera will adjust the shutter speed accordingly for proper exposure. Take repeated shots of the same stationary object as you narrow your aperture, f6.3, f7.1, f8, etc. You will notice your images become sharper. This will let you know at what aperture your lens is sharpest.

15669633139 966b1fb71a o - Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks — **As is the case with anything, practice is key. The more you shoot, the better you will become. 1/1250th second ISO 500 f8 at 400mm.**

If you are just starting out I recommend shooting in aperture priority mode. Set your ISO to auto, but a maximum of whatever value your camera still performs best at. In most cases this will be 800. Set your aperture to the sharpest value you determined in the previous test. Note: be sure to keep a wide enough aperture to allow adequate shutter speeds, which are required to capture sharp images of moving birds. Likely f8 is going to be best. By doing this, you are shooting at the best possible aperture and ISO for camera and lens combination, while the camera adjusts the shutter speed. Light conditions are going to play a huge factor so I recommend doing this under good light conditions. By narrowing your aperture and limiting your ISO, I think you will see an improvement in your image quality.

15206765374 5b27c176a9 o - Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks — **As conditions change throughout the day so too must your camera settings. 1/640th second f8 ISO 800 at 400mm.**

I have since moved to full manual mode, which gives full control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. With my particular set up, my lens is sharpest at f8 and images start to get increasingly noisy above 800 ISO. For this reason, I try to shoot at these settings and adjust my shutter speed accordingly to achieve proper exposure. Ideally, I like a shutter speed of 1/1000 or slightly higher, especially to freeze a moving bird. For birds in flight, I will increase this even higher. Unfortunately, light conditions do not always allow for this so shutter speed, aperture, or ISO must be adjusted accordingly.

IMG 7167 1 - Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks — **Weather conditions do not always allow fast shutter speeds, low ISO, and optimum apertures; camera settings must be adjusted accordingly. 1/200th second f5.6 ISO 800 at 400mm.**

Sharp images are still achievable at lower shutter speeds with the help of image stabilization if the bird holds still. Practice holding your camera steady; keeping your arms close to your body will help eliminate shake. Use your knee or some other object to help stabilize your camera. Breathing can also help reduce camera shake. Once you have composed your shot and focused on a bird, take a breath in. Exhale slowly and gently press the shutter once you have almost expelled your breath. I have found this technique incredibly helpful. Quite often shake is caused by excitement of a new species or anticipation of a shot, and practicing this breathing helps calm and relax you prior to the shot.

IMG 7191 1 - Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks — **Black-capped Chickadee. 1/200th second ISO 800 f5.6 at 400mm.**

Shoot often and take lots of pictures. That is the joy of digital. Hundreds of images can be easily discarded without spending a fortune on film or developing charges. Do not get discouraged, use each outing as a learning experience, and try to improve one aspect of your photography each time you are out. Most importantly, only compare your photos against your photos. There will always be photographers who produce better images than you and those who do not. This for me has been the best way to see and measure results.

If you have any further questions regarding bird photography, I am always available and willing to offer assistance. If a private, one on one or small group lesson in the field would be beneficial to you please contact me and we can arrange a time and place.

Good birding,
Paul

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The Red-Bellied Woodpecker Is Tops On My Bird List

When it comes to birds and birding, “What is your favourite bird” is the question I am asked most frequently. It is a difficult question to answer because I can honestly say I love all birds. Some I prefer more than others but I do love them all, even Starlings and Grackles.

If I had name a bird as my favourite, it would be the Red-bellied Woodpecker. I find their black and white feather pattern combined with their red crowns and napes simply striking. Their ascending, rolling call is music to my ears. The fact that these birds are easily found clinging to tree trunks in plain view, is another point in favour for this bird. Their medium size, colour, and call make locating and photographing these birds much easier than smaller birds that prefer a more dense habitat. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are often called Red Headed Woodpeckers by mistake, a separate species of woodpecker. The reddish belly for which they are named is most often held close to tree trunks and therefore is seldom seen.

12055495213 19dcffb885 o - The Red-Bellied Woodpecker Is Tops On My Bird List — Red-bellied Woodpeckers are often found clinging to tree trunks and stumps searching for food.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers are year round residents in our area and can be found in most forests and wooded areas. These birds also regularly frequent city parks and backyards. If you wish to attract these and other woodpeckers to your property, the addition of a peanut and suet feeder will certainly help.

12935884575 670f788bdd o1 - The Red-Bellied Woodpecker Is Tops On My Bird List — Red-bellied and other woodpeckers use their powerful beaks to excavate food from trees. The solid red crown indicates that this bird is a male.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers feed on insects, nuts, seeds and berries and are most often seen clinging to tree trunks searching for food. Woodpeckers listen for insects and other arthropods living behind the tree’s bark. Once food is located, they use their powerful beaks to move the bark or excavate a hole in the trunk. Next their long, sticky tongue is used to remove their meal. Red-bellied and other woodpeckers can also be seen storing food such as seeds and nuts behind tree bark and in cavities to be consumed later.

IMG 7103 1 2 - The Red-Bellied Woodpecker Is Tops On My Bird List — Woodpeckers use their long sticky tongues to extract insects and other arthropods from tree cavities.

IMG 7108 1 - The Red-Bellied Woodpecker Is Tops On My Bird List — Success! Today’s meal appears to be some type of larva or grub.

If finding one of these woodpeckers is something you wish to do, start by learning their call. I say this about a lot of birds, but in the case of the Red-bellied Woodpecker their call is easily recognized and they are not shy about using it to give away their location. If one of these birds is in the area you will hear it. Next time you come across a Red-bellied Woodpecker, admire their beautiful colours, markings and call. Once you do, it may become one of your favourite birds as well.

Good birding,
Paul

A Search For Waxwings Starts With A Search For Berries

If you are looking for excellent views of the beautiful Cedar Waxwing, late fall, and early winter is the perfect time. These colourful birds are a year-round resident of our area, but with leafless trees and predictable movements at this time of year, some of the best views are now achievable.

Cedar Waxwings can be found in a wide variety of habitats including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, city parks, backyards, and alongside rivers and ponds. Their diet mainly consists of fruits and berries, but during summer months insects are also consumed. Waxwings are a common backyard visitor if you happen to have Serviceberry, Mountain Ash, Dogwoods, or other fruit-producing trees and shrubs in your yard. Unless you have a large property with several fruit trees, visits will likely be short-lived as these birds quickly devour all the fruit from a tree and then move on.

IMG 5508 1 - A Search For Waxwings Starts With A Search For Berries — **The diet of a Cedar Waxwing consists solely of berries during winter months.**

During late fall and winter, large flocks of Cedar Waxwings can be found feeding on remaining berries on various trees and shrubs. With a limited diet and food sources this time of year, locating these birds is quite easy. Find berries and you will find Cedar Waxwings. Once a flock is located, they can be observed feeding in the same location for days until all of the fruit is consumed. In areas where fruit trees are abundant, Cedar Waxwings will be found all winter, only moving short distances to search for food.

This past week I discovered a large flock of Cedar Waxwings feeding on berries in Springbank Park. The flock was observed feeding daily in the same group of trees. The birds were more interested in feeding than they were concerned with my presence, and many views were had from merely an arm’s length away. In fact, I had to step back in order to photograph the birds with a 400mm lens. The week passed and the trees are now completely void of berries. Fortunately, the area is full of fruit trees and I located the flock only a short distance away. Knowing these predictable feeding areas and movements will provide excellent views, and photo opportunities all winter as the birds move along the river.

IMG 5512 1 - A Search For Waxwings Starts With A Search For Berries — **Cedar Waxwing reaching for a berry.**

The silent movements of Cedar Waxwings often go unnoticed as they flit around consuming berries. It is not uncommon to be right next to these birds without detecting their presence. Learning their soft whistling call is a great help in locating Cedar Waxwings. Flocks of Waxwings will regularly perch high in trees letting out their soft calls while others feed closer to the ground. It is these faint whistles that will alert you of Cedar Waxwings in the area.

Pay close attention to trees and shrubs that still contain fruit next time you are out birding. When an area is discovered, listen for the soft whistles of the Cedar Waxwing. Once located, these birds will provide colourful views for you all winter long.

Good birding,
Paul

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Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions

What a difference a week makes. Last Tuesday, temperatures in London spiked to 16°C. For many, outdoor activities were enjoyed in a light jacket or sweater. So far this week, we’ve seen a light dusting of snow and daytime highs hovering around -6°C. Add in the windchill and it feels more like -19°C.

IMG 5299 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Birds use several techniques to keep warm in cold weather. Feather puffing, demonstrated by this Song Sparrow, creates pockets of air which act as insulation. Shivering increases their metabolism, generating more body heat.

Not one to let the cold keep me indoors and needing my daily fix of birds, I headed to Westminster Ponds ESA. I knew the strong southwest wind blowing at 35kmh and gusting to over 50kmh would make the birding a bit tricky. Finding areas that provide shelter from the wind and a source of food for the birds would be key to having success. Fortunately there are plenty of such areas within the ESA.

I decided to start my walk in the woods knowing that the row of Eastern White Pine trees on the edge of the forest would provide an excellent wind break. Among the pines I could hear the calls of the Black-capped Chickadee. Pausing briefly, I could see several birds flitting amongst the branches, inspecting the cones for any remaining seeds. As I entered the mixed deciduous forest behind the row of pines, more Chickadees appeared. Also present were Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and a White-breasted Nuthatch.

IMG 5381 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Male Northern Cardinal feeding on a Common Buckthorn berry.

The back edge of the forest is overgrown with Common Buckthorn, an invasive species in Ontario. Despite the fact that they are not native, several bird species feed on their berries during winter months when other food becomes scarce. I have read mixed reports on whether or not buckthorn berries are healthy for birds. Some suggest the berries give birds diarrhea and can lead to dehydration, others claim only unripe berries cause diarrhea. It is believed that buckthorn berries are less nutritious than native berries because they are higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein and fat. Regardless of which theory is true, you cannot argue the fact that birds eat buckthorn berries. Among the tangles of buckthorn branches, several Northern Cardinals were present feeding on the bounty of fruit.

Following the trail through the buckthorn thicket, I could hear the high pitched notes of the Golden-crowned Kinglet. Glancing amongst the maze of branches revealed two of these birds. As is the case with all birds, learning their songs and calls is the best way to locate them. If not for hearing them, these tiny little birds would have gone unnoticed.

IMG 5236 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Berries from the Common Buckthorn tree, an invasive species in Ontario, are a popular food of the American Robin during winter.

The stand of trees on the west side of Saunders Pond yielded a sufficient wind break for a group of Mallards making their way along the thin ice at the ponds edge. Hooded Mergansers could be seen further out toward the north shore. The row of Common Buckthorn alongside the boardwalk revealed a flock of American Robins feeding on the berries. A single Song Sparrow was present seeking refuge from the wind.

IMG 5305 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — The winter range of the American Robin stretches across our region and even into Quebec and the Maritimes. Look for them in winter along forest edges, rivers, and ponds where berry trees and shrubs are present.

After circling the pond, I came to the open meadow on the east side. The wind was howling across the pond, but I managed to find shelter behind a row of trees. Scanning over what was left of this year’s grasses and wildflowers, I could hear the tweets and chirps of several birds. The most abundant were Northern Cardinals and Dark-eyed Juncos. Further scanning of the area produced a lone Fox Sparrow feeding close to the ground. Having never managed a clear photograph of one of these birds, I was excited for the opportunity. Unfortunately, it never ventured far enough out of the thick cover for me to obtain an obstruction free shot.

IMG 5347 1 2 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Getting a clear shot of this Fox Sparrow was made difficult by the thick cover.

Dressed properly, I was quite comfortable despite the frigid temperatures and strong wind. Even with less than ideal conditions, I still enjoyed a productive day birding. It is important when faced with difficult conditions to always put the odds in your favour. Paying close attention to the conditions and my surroundings, combined with finding locations that provided food and shelter are what made made this outing successful and enjoyable. Keep these factors in mind when you go birding and I think you too will have similar success.

Good birding,
Paul

Reap the Rewards of Cold Weather Birding

For avid birders like myself, birding in cold weather is a given. Others who are new to birding, or not as fanatical as I am, may not realize the full potential of winter birding. For me winter birding has several benefits. First it keeps me active. Finding a place outdoors with a network of paths or trails to walk and plenty of birds to see is a great way to combine my favourite hobby with exercise. The combination of the two helps not only my physical health, but my mental health as well. Birding and being active in the outdoors is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Take last winter for instance; so many people were unhappy with the cold weather and relentless snowfall, but I embraced it. I found myself outdoors every chance I had, searching for bird species that overwinter across our region. Without my connection to the outdoors, I definitely would have been left feeling rather down with winter.

During extreme weather, the chances for rare or unusual sightings are much greater. Some birds that do not typically migrate to our area may find themselves here in search of food. This was the case last winter when I observed two Red-throated Loons on the Thames River, the first recorded sighting of this species in Middlesex County since 1898. Irruptions, the sudden increase in a bird population in an area, also can take place during extreme weather conditions as birds follow or search for a food source.

IMG 5504 1 - Reap the Rewards of Cold Weather Birding — The sighting of two Red-throated Loons on the Thames River in London, Ontario was the first winter sighting in Middlesex County since 1898.

Several bird species do migrate annually into our area to spend the winter. Getting out in the cold is a necessity if we want to view these birds close to home. London is blessed with the Thames River. The number of waterfowl species that migrate from the far north to spend winter on the open river and feed is remarkable. It is only during winter months we can observe White-winged Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, and Common Goldeneye to name a few along the river. The narrow watercourse provides excellent views, even without the use of a spotting scope or binoculars.

12076214086 29ed7f410c b - Reap the Rewards of Cold Weather Birding — Observing Snowy Owls is a great reason to get out birding during winter months.

Snowy Owls are frequently seen across our area during winter months. Last season’s irruption was quite spectacular. These large white Owls were seen north, south, east, and west of the city, with a few reported sightings within the city limits. The greatest numbers were to the south of the city, with several sightings coming from the Scotland Drive and Old Victoria Road area, and around the city dump on Manning Drive. Another popular location to observe Snowy Owls is in the Strathroy area. Snowy Owls often return to the same area each winter and have been recorded in this location annually for several years. A local birder reported seeing one along Egremont Drive outside of Strathroy on Friday.

IMG 9423 1 21 - Reap the Rewards of Cold Weather Birding — The Northern Shrike, a predatory songbird, is only found in our area during winter months.

Northern Shrikes are another fascinating bird that inhabit London during winter. Westminster Ponds, Fanshawe Conservation Area and Greenway Park are all locations where I have observed these birds. Shrikes are unique in that they are a predatory songbird, feeding on small birds and rodents, often impaling them on thorny trees and wire fences. Roughly the size of a Blue Jay, they can be found over open fields, and along forest edges where they prefer tall trees for perching. Shrikes will often kill more prey than they can consume and store their prey for a later meal.

11595403066 937574f9d2 b - Reap the Rewards of Cold Weather Birding — Bald Eagles are readily observed along the Thames River throughout the winter.

Winter is also a great time of year to view raptors. These large birds are more easily viewed at this time of year when there are no leaves on the trees. Owls are often sought out by winter birders for this reason. Among the largest Owls in our area, the Great Horned, begins nesting as early as February. Listening for pairs hooting back and forth at dusk is great way to locate these birds in winter. Returning under better light conditions to the same area often results in nice views. Remember to respect the birds and not approach too closely especially during nesting season.

11737259234 3dc3e591e4 o - Reap the Rewards of Cold Weather Birding — Juvenile Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles are a large raptor that are more readily observed during winter months in the city. They too use the Thames River as a food source and are easily found on various stretches of the river. One of my favourite places to view Eagles is at Greenway Park. These birds often perch in the tall Poplar trees directly across from the Greenway Pollution Control Plant, providing excellent views.

10612027495 d7e52089e1 b - Reap the Rewards of Cold Weather Birding — American Tree Sparrows are one of several songbirds present only during the winter in our area.

Winter birding is quite enjoyable when dressed for the weather. Let’s face it, no activity is fun if you are not comfortable. Investing in some quality winter clothing is the first step to successful winter birding. If you are wondering what I recommend wearing to stay warm, I wrote a post last winter on this subject which can be read here.

With winter days so short and much of our time spent indoors at work or the hockey arena, getting outside can be a huge benefit. I think if you try it, you will agree that partaking in an outdoor hobby is a great way to enjoy winter. Birding is a low impact, inexpensive, physical activity that is fun for the whole family, regardless of age or gender. If you are looking for new past time this winter, then why not give birding a try?

Good birding,
Paul