Coddle The Birds During Adverse Weather

Now that we are experiencing some snow in our area there a few simple things you can do to help make birds lives a little easier. Make sure when you fill your feeders to clear all of the snow off of them. I like to use a small straw hand wisk. Clearing off the snow will keep the seed dry and fresh and will provide the birds with a clear area to land. Many birds including Mourning Doves will land on the top a feeder before descending to the feeding area, so be sure to clear the entire feeder off. Make sure that the seed in feeders is not frozen. Frozen seed can quickly clog a feeder and make it difficult for the birds to feed. During these colds days it is important that birds do not expend any unnecessary energy pecking away at frozen seed.

Clear snow from areas around your yard where birds like to roost before and after feeding. These may be the tops of fences, deck railings or other objects around your yard. By having a clear place to land birds will stay warmer and dry. Make sure that the snow under your feeders is either cleared away or packed down. I will walk in circles around the feeder so there is about a six foot radius underneath that is hard packed. This will allow ground feeding birds to feed and clean up seed underneath. This will not only attract more birds, but less seed will go to waste.

If you have roost boxes around your yard make sure the entrances are not blocked with snow and ice and to clean them out regularly. Bird droppings quickly accumulate and the boxes will be undesirable to birds if dirty. I also gently brush off my cedar and spruce trees of snow to provide better access to their interior branches for cover. Be extra careful not to break their branches if the snow is heavy or ice has accumulated on them.

Doing a few extra little things to help out the birds during winter weather will have them picking your yard over the others in your neighbourhood. You will be able to sit back with a warm beverage and enjoy all of the bird activity in your yard and at your feeders.

Good birding,
Paul

Birding Is My Ultimate Simple, Inexpensive Hobby

When I think about the various hobbies I have or have had over the course of my life, birding has been by far the least expensive and required the least organization. No special equipment or planning is required, all I really need is my eyes and ears. I have observed many different species in my backyard, local parks and conservation areas. The need to travel great distances to see a variety of birds simply is not necessary.

If a change of scenery and some exercise is what I am looking for then I have several options close to home. My personal favourite places in the city to bird are the seven publicly owned ESA areas, Fanshawe Conservation Area and any of the city parks along the Thames River. These areas offer diverse habitat and therefore a good variety of bird species. I am not going to break the Ontario Big Year record of 344 species but I have observed over 150 species combined in these areas and the farthest one is only twenty minutes from my house.

Birding for me has been the perfect hobby. It is a great way to be active and I find it incredibly relaxing. By keeping it close to home there are no big costs involved and I can pick up and go at anytime. In my life I find myself playing chauffeur quite a bit and have learned to use that to my advantage. Once I know where I am going, I find somewhere to walk and bird in that area. Instead of just picking up and dropping off, I stay in the area and make the most of it. It is a great way to explore new places, find time for my hobby and squeeze some exercise into my day too. By keeping it simple there are no excuses for me not to get out. I find myself having more time to do something I love and have benefitted greatly from it both physically and mentally.

Good birding,
Paul

Improve Your Birding Success By Putting The Odds In Your Favour

Have you ever been out birding and asked yourself “where are all the birds?” I have. Sure some days are better than others for birding depending on the time of year or weather conditions, but some days you just have to put the odds in your favour. Birds are more active first thing in the morning and later in the afternoon so these are excellent times to head out. Naturally though not everyone can go out at these times, so you must make the most of your time when you can get out.

The first thing I do when birding is use the wind in my favour. Perching on a branch that is constantly swaying in the wind is difficult for birds and expends energy so concentrate your birding in protected areas. Look for an open field adjacent to and protected by a wooded area or in the wooded area itself. Finding a food source is another key to locating birds. Songbirds in the wild feed on insects, fruit and seeds. At this time of year you can find many species of bird feeding on the seeds of the goldenrod plant. Chickadees, Sparrows, Juncos, and Finches can all be found clinging to and feeding on this abundant wild plant. Dogwoods and Buckthorns produce fruit that are a favourite of many birds as well. Coniferous trees such as spruce, pine, and cedar not only provide food from their seeds but their branches are excellent cover from the weather and predators.

Birding near water is always a great idea. Check out your local lake, river, or pond for excellent birding opportunities. The water itself can not only be a great spot to find waterfowl, but eagles, herons and songbirds can always be found close to water. Following a river is by far my favourite place to go birding. Many native species of fruit bearing trees and shrubs grow along their banks so they are the perfect mix of food, water, and shelter. My days with the highest counts have always been along a river regardless of season or weather conditions.

Remember when birding to use your ears too. Listening for their various calls and songs is an excellent way to locate active birds. Once you have distinguished where the sounds are coming from you can move into a position for viewing and counting. Wear quiet clothing. Jackets and pants that make noise when the material rubs together is a great way to scare off birds. Always walk slowly and quietly to avoid alerting your presence. Watch where you are stepping. I learned early in my birding days that the sound of a snapping stick under my foot can really clear the area of wary birds. When trying to approach a bird do not walk directly to it. Take a zig zag course towards the bird and avoid looking directly at it . By keeping track of it out of the corner of your eye as you approach, you will be able to get much closer.

Keep these things in mind next time you head out and watch your days count totals increase.

Good birding,
Paul

This Christmas Consider Giving The Gift Of Birds

With November upon us, many people have started thinking about Christmas shopping. Bird and birding related products are great gift ideas for just about anybody regardless of age or gender. If you get stuck for ideas here are some that will be perfect for those tough to buy for people on your list.

Bird feeders can be a gift that appeals to anyone. Children will be amazed at the various sizes, shapes and colours of birds that will show up to a backyard feeder. It will get them interested in nature and encourage them to get outdoors. By feeding the birds it will teach them the responsibility of caring for something and can be similar to owning a pet without actually bringing an animal into your home. This can be perfect for children that want a pet but have other family members with allergies. If someone on your list is elderly or unable to get out and enjoy the outdoors due to health reasons or physical disabilities than a feeder positioned close to a window is the perfect way to bring nature to them. Watching birds at the feeder as well as squirrels and chipmunks below it will surely put a smile on their face. Maybe that person on your list already owns a feeder and enjoys feeding the birds, then consider giving them a bird or seed specific feeder. This could be a Hummingbird or Oriole feeder or maybe something for offering peanuts to Woodpeckers and Bluejays. There are so many feeder possibilities I guarantee you that that even the most fanatic birder doesn’t have everything. Ask at your local birding store for new or unique ideas.

If there is an avid gardener on your list than perhaps a birdbath or small water feature would be perfect. Bird houses or roost boxes can be great additions to any garden and some of the modern designs can add quite a bit of character. A bird bath heater would be another option to accessorize someone’s existing bird bath and provide them with enjoyment from it year round.

I am a huge believer in getting children interested in the outdoors. Too many kids spend countless hours in front of the television, playing video games, or texting with friends. If there is a youngster on your list consider buying them a bird book or an inexpensive pair of binoculars. These gift ideas will encourage them to get outside and be more active. Hiking with a pair of binoculars and a bird book searching for birds and wildlife can be very exciting for kids. If a child you know already enjoys birding and the outdoors than an inexpensive digital camera can provide hours of outdoor fun trying to capture these animals in their natural surroundings.

Any of these gift ideas can be purchased without breaking the bank. The thought behind them will be greatly appreciated by the recipient, far more than the price tag ever would. Unique gift ideas like these will be enjoyed for years down the road and the one who received them will always remember who it came from.

Good birding,
Paul

Woodpeckers: Easy To Attract & Fun To Watch

Woodpeckers are a beautiful addition to any yard. With their unique feather patterns and bright red markings they are a favourite of many backyard birders. The size range of Woodpeckers is quite broad from the Downy at 6″ to the Pileated at just under 20″. I find listening to a Woodpecker’s call to be almost as rewarding as seeing the bird itself.

The best way to attract Woodpeckers to your yard is by offering peanuts and suet. Long cylindrical feeders that the birds can cling to just like a tree trunk are perfect for providing them with peanut halves. These feeders are inexpensive and will also be visited by Chickadees, Nuthatches, Bluejays, and Wrens to name a few. Check with your local feed retailer for these as well as the various designs for offering peanuts in the shell. Many different types of suet feeders are available too, but my preference is the upside down variety to keep the starlings from consuming all of your suet. Hanging any of these types of feeder works great and Woodpeckers can be quite tame so placing them close to your house will provide excellent views. Remember to hang your feeder in a location where squirrels cannot jump or lower themselves to it.

I have three types of feeders in my yard for attracting Woodpeckers and as a result have four species that frequent them. These species are; Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, and the Northern Flicker. Woodpeckers will visit almost any feeder with a seed mixture in it, but providing a specialty feeder with a supply of peanuts or suet is a great way to increase the variety you will attract and keep them coming back. If given the choice between a standard feeder and seed mix versus a specialty feeder and a supply of high energy peanuts or suet, they will pick the peanuts or suet every time.

Good birding,
Paul

Birding: The Perfect Stress Release

In today’s world there are so many causes of stress. Work, finances, family and health to name a few. One of my favourite ways to relieve stress is by birding. Maybe I’m on my deck, or at my window watching over my feeders. I could be hiking through the woods with my dog, but there is something about the sight of these feathered creatures that really clears my mind. I think the fact that they are so peaceful puts me at ease.

Something I like to do besides just watching the birds is count them. I like to keep track how many different species I see, and even how many of each. By engaging my mind in something, rather than just sitting and watching or walking and watching prevents me from thinking about the things that are causing my stress. If you are not familiar with the different bird species, don’t worry many are not difficult to learn how to identify. Start with a backyard feeder, some quality seed and field guide to learn the more common ones.

Once you have familiarized yourself with the more common birds, head out for a walk at your local park or conservation area and try for some new species. The addition of exercise combined with birding will give you great health benefits. You will quickly learn that there are many species in a given bird family, for instance Warblers and Sparrows. As you learn to identify more species within a family the challenge of birding becomes greater and more rewarding. You will now focus your mind on identifying what kind of Sparrow you saw rather than count it as just a Sparrow. This is an aspect of birding that you will find will really keep you going. I am always looking for new species and feel quite rewarded when I do find one. I find myself walking greater distances in search of birds than I would if I was just out for a walk, so again the health benefits of combining the two are terrific.

If you have never been birding before give it a try, I think you will find it as relaxing as I do. If you are already a birder, introduce somebody new to it. Take a friend, family member or co-worker who is dealing with stress and show them how calming birds and the outdoors are. Birding is an inexpensive hobby that provides a person with fantastic psychological and physical benefits and may just be something that adds years to your life.

Good birding,
Paul

The Rut Is On For White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer sightings in our area are quite common. Southwestern Ontario has a rather large population and with not a lot of natural predators, their numbers are on the rise. Deer can be found in every Environmentally Significant Area in the city as well as many parks and cemeteries. This time of year is a special time for the deer as it what is called the rut or simply mating season.

Bucks have only one thing on their minds at this time of year, and that is finding as many does as they can. This makes them much more active and less cautious then usual so an encounter with one is much greater. Keep this in mind when driving in the dark as these bucks travel many kilometers in search of does and collisions with cars increase at this time of year.

During this rutting period bucks will mark their territory by rubbing their antlers on trees and making scrapes on the ground with their hooves. These are excellent indications that a buck in the area so keep an out for these signs if you are wishing to encounter a mature buck. Watching a buck chase a group of does is quite a sight to see. Seeing two bucks lock antlers and fight over a territory is even more impressive. The best times to view this activity is at first and last light of the day as bucks are most active at night.

I like to head out first thing in the morning just as the sun is coming up and get into a location to photograph these animals. Morning works best for me because I find the animals are already out and there is less human activity than in the evening. I like to position myself on the edge of an open field where I know there are good numbers of deer. Keep in mind that a deer’s sense of smell is incredible, so position yourself downwind to avoid alerting the deer to you presence. Remember to keep still and quiet and you will likely be rewarded by witnessing some of the deer’s rutting behavior first hand.

Good birding,
Paul

Bald Eagles Call London Home

Bald Eagles have always impressed me. Their massive bodies, thick beaks, and incredible wingspans are a real sight to see. Luckily I don’t have to travel very far to do so. More and more Bald Eagles are calling London and area home. With several nest sites in our area and many birds overwintering here, Eagle sightings are becoming more frequent. Eagles nest in forested areas in close proximity to water as their main food source is fish. Look for them near lakes, rivers or reservoirs. Eagles like to perch in the tallest trees with a wide view of their surroundings so when looking for them make sure you are looking high in the trees. These birds are huge and their white heads and tails make identification easy. In flight look for their wings to be held straight and not in a V which will at a distance distinguish the Bald Eagle from a Turkey Vulture.

I have the most success finding Eagles during the fall and winter months once all the leaves have fallen from the trees. Spotting the birds in a leafless tree is quite easy due to their size. Many Eagles can be found up and down the Thames River from Delaware to Fanshawe Lake. The river’s current keeps it from freezing so it provides an excellent source of food for the Eagles. Fresh fish is not the only food that Eagles consume. They will also eat birds, small mammals, and are excellent scavengers so not all meals are live caught. In winter months look for Eagles outside the city in fields on the ground feeding on various carcasses.

The sight of a Bald Eagle is truly remarkable. If you have never seen one you will be amazed at the sheer size of this raptor. I have seen and photographed these birds numerous times and still get excited whenever I come across one. My biggest challenge is holding the camera steady as I tend to shake a bit due to the excitement. If adding the Bald Eagle to your life list is something you are having trouble with, try walking the banks of the Thames River before you go booking your Alaska vacation.

Good birding,
Paul

No Time Like The Present For Spotting Kinglets

One of my favorite species of bird to photograph this time of year are Kinglets. With Warbler and Raptor migration having already peaked, and the winter species not overly abundant yet, with the exception of Juncos and Sparrows, I switch my attention to these colourful little birds. Both species of Kinglets; the Ruby-crowned, and Golden-crowned can be found in large numbers right now in our area.

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a stocky, olive-gray coloured bird with bright yellow on its wings, distinct white eye ring and wing bars. Males are identified from females by their scarlet crown patch. The Golden-crowned Kinglet is slightly smaller than the Ruby-crowned and lacks the white eye ring. The real distinguishing feature is of course the golden crown for which it is named. Look for this yellow crown patch surrounded by black and a contrasting white eyebrow. Males have a small orange patch mixed in with the yellow.

golden - No Time Like The Present For Spotting Kinglets — **Golden-crowned Kinglet**

Both species of Kinglets are tiny birds with the Ruby- crowned being smaller than a Chickadee and the Golden-crowned not much bigger than a Hummingbird. Fortunately both species flick their wings and move almost constantly which gives their location away. The disadvantage of this is it makes photographing them extremely difficult. Patience is key because eventually a clear still shot will present itself.

ruby - No Time Like The Present For Spotting Kinglets — **Ruby-crowned Kinglet**

Kinglets primarily feed on insects, but at this time of year when insects can be scarce, they will consume the seeds of wild plants. My best advice to you right now if you are looking for Kinglets is to look low to the ground, particularly in Golden Rod fields with a mixture of shrubs surrounding them. Many of the city parks and Environmentally Significant Areas are loaded with Kinglets right now. Look for their almost constant wing movements, and shaking Golden Rod stalks as they fly from plant to plant. Another dead give away that Kinglets are in an area is their high pitched ascending songs and calls. Learn to identify their sound and locating them will be much easier. I mentioned in a previous blog post the All About Birds website where the various calls and songs of over 589 birds can be played. This is a valuable tool to any birder.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/golden-crowned_kinglet/sounds

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruby-crowned_kinglet/sounds

Good birding,
Paul

Subscribe To My Blog

Provide Your Backyard Birds With High Energy Suet

Suet is an excellent food to offer birds in your backyard. It is made up of beef fat and is a high energy, easily digested food especially valuable to birds in winter. Common backyard birds that readily eat suet are Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Wrens to name a few. Suet cakes are blocks of suet that are mixed with other ingredients such as corn, peanuts or fruit. Suet mixtures are also available in ball or bell form that can be hung anywhere and can be purchased at your local bird food retailer.

Providing suet cakes requires a special feeder. These range from larger wooden feeders with a built in tail rest for the larger species of Woodpeckers to small cages ideal for Chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers. Either of these styles I like to hang from a tree branch because it is simple to do and the birds will find it quite quickly. Many of the hopper style feeders come with suet cages on either end.

Starlings are also big fans of suet. A group of these birds can devour a suet cake in less than a day. As a result my favorite way to offer suet is in a feeder that requires the birds to hang upside down. Starlings have a hard time hanging upside down and therefore will not be able to just sit and gorge themselves on your suet. Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Wrens have no problem hanging upside down so your feeder will attract the more desirable birds and your suet will last much longer. Make sure your feeder is hung high enough that Starlings can’t make repeated short flutters form the ground or a lower branch to your suet.

If you don’t already have a suet feeder in your backyard, talk to your local bird feed retailer and tell them you are interested in one. They will be able to provide you with a feeder and suet mixture that will work best for you. By offering suet you may just attract a couple of new species to your yard.

Good birding,
Paul