Fall Migration: It’s More Than Just Birds Leaving

With fall upon us bird migration is well underway and many people believe it to be over. Sure the big numbers of Warblers and Shorebirds have moved through and Raptor numbers peaked about a month ago, but there is still plenty out there to see. In fact fall migration isn’t just about what’s leaving or moving through, but what calls our area home for the winter. Several species of birds that spend their summers north of here have started moving in. Dark-eyed Juncos have appeared in good numbers this past week. Other species that can be seen are the various Sparrow species such as, White-throated, White-crowned, and American Tree Sparrows to name a few.

As fall progresses and turns to winter watch for more and more birds to arrive. Raptors like the Rough-legged Hawk and Owls such as the Snowy generally set up shop for winter in our area sometime in December. Bald Eagle numbers also increase in our area during winter months. Eagles are less territorial in winter and several can be seen in the same area. Many species of waterfowl will show up as cooler weather arrives. Buffleheads, Mergansers, and Goldeneye are all duck species I’ve photographed all winter long on the Thames River. Each of these species of duck dives for it’s food so they require open water for survival. The Thames River with it’s constant flow provides just that.

Winter months provide an amazing opportunity to see several bird species that just are not around at other times of the year. Pick a species that resides here for the winter that you have never seen before. Do a little research as to what type of habitat it prefers and think of places you know that fit that description. Bundle up and head out to those places and see if you can locate one. If you prefer the comforts of a warm car and a Timmies many of these species can be found while driving on county roads. It is a great way to make the winter feel shorter and you’ll be surprised at how rewarded you feel when your hard work pays off.

Good birding,
Paul

Westminster Ponds ESA

Nestled in the heart of south London lies a real wildlife gem. Westminster Ponds ESA is bordered by Commissioners Rd, Wellington Rd, Southdale Rd and Highbury Ave. At roughly 200 hectares it is the largest Environmentally Significant Area in the city. Five ponds and 11kms of trails make it an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. Hiking, birding and fishing are some of the activities that can be enjoyed there. Keep in mind this area is not a dog park so leashes no longer than 6ft must be used, and biking is not permitted.

The mixed habitat is home to several species of wildlife and is a favourite spot of mine to hike and take pictures. During some of my hikes there I have encountered White-tailed Deer, Coyotes, Beavers, and numerous bird species, both migrating and resident. This time of year is a great time to visit because the fall colours around the ponds are amazing. Several types of sparrows including White-crowned, and White throated can be seen by the hundreds. Ruby-crowned, and Golden-crowned Kinglets are other species that can be seen quite readily this time of year. The five ponds are good stop over places for migrating waterfowl too. Loons, grebes, and many duck species can be seen.

All trails are clearly marked and vary in length. Anything from a quick stroll to a full on hike can be enjoyed. Remember to stick to the trails and obey the trail closed signs as reforestation is taking place in some areas. Trails can become quite muddy after a rain so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

If spotting wildlife is your goal remember to walk quietly. This is another great reason your dog should be on a leash. I take my dog with me all the time on a leash and see something interesting every time I go. I’ve had people see me with my camera and ask what I photograph. When I tell them they sound surprised and respond by telling me they never see anything. These are the same people whose dogs are 20-30 feet ahead of them on the trails. As I mentioned earlier Coyotes are prevalent in the area and I have seen them try to lure small dogs away from their owners. If a Coyote is encountered and you feel unsafe shout loudly and make a throwing motion at it. This has worked for me in the past.

If you’ve never visited Westminster Ponds ESA you are truly missing out. It is one of my favourite places in the city. Please make sure to read and obey the rules and remember the old saying, ” Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”.

http://www.thamesriver.on.ca/Wetlands_and_Natural_Areas/westminster.htm

Good birding,
Paul

The Best Place to Start Birding Is Your Own Backyard

If you are thinking about getting into birding try starting close to home. Really close. You will be amazed at how easy it is to attract a variety of species to your yard regardless of whether you live on a country estate, or in an urban neighbourhood. Attracting birds to your yard is simple, inexpensive and watching them can provide great fun for the whole family.

Visit your local independent bird feed retailer and let them know you are interested in feeding the birds. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff will be able to help you with a set up that fits your space and budget. Feeders range from small hanging feeders, to large wooden ones that are mounted on a pole. The possibilities with feeders is virtually endless. Your local shop will also be able to advise you on seed mixture that will attract the most birds that live in your area.

I started out with just a small hopper feeder mounted on a pole when I bought my first house. As more and more birds came I quickly added more feeders and variety of seed. During winter months I will have as many as ten feeders spread out around my yard. Each type of bird has it’s favorite seed and I like to provide them with it. You don’t have to be as fanatical as I am. One feeder and a good quality seed mix will provide something for everyone.

If you don’t own a house and live in an apartment or condo there are several feeder options available for you. A small hanging tube feeder works great and can be hung anywhere. Plastic stick on feeders can be mounted to any window with the suction cups provided, and provide a “birds eye view.”

Once the birds become accustomed to your feeder they will feed at it everyday. You will notice that birds come most at certain times of the day. Make sure your feeder is full at these times and sit back and enjoy their beauty. Birds will become very tolerant of people and will still visit the feeder if you are out enjoying your yard. Some species of birds such as Chickadees, Woodpeckers, and Nuthatches will even take seed from your hand if you work at it. This is always fun for children and people new to birding.

If feeding the birds in your yard is something you don’t already do, give it a try. I know you will enjoy it. I have yet to meet anyone that once they put a feeder up, takes it back down.

Good birding,
Paul

Help Birds Find Shelter This Winter By Adding Roost Boxes To Your Yard

Roost boxes are an excellent addition to any bird lovers yard. They are similar to a birdhouse, but serve a different purpose altogether. Instead of building a nest inside them and raising their young, birds use a roost box to provide them with shelter and warmth during winter. I’ve watched Chickadees enter mine during freezing rain, and heavy snowfalls. Birds will also roost in them at night. When you look at a roost box you will notice the entrance hole is at the bottom, this is to prevent the warm air that rises inside them from escaping. They also have fewer ventilation holes to conserve heat. The inside of a roost box will generally have rows of perches to accommodate more birds, and they are usually made from rough sawn wood so birds can cling to the inside walls easier. Depending on the species and the size of the box multiple birds will use it to share body heat. Some species of birds that will use a roost box are; Downy Woodpecker, Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, and Wrens.

Roost boxes should be mounted in a protected area out of prevailing winds. Some afternoon sunshine will help warm up the box so it retains more heat. Facing the box to the south will also help the box gather heat. I have my roost boxes mounted among my cedars for optimal cover. Most roost boxes have hinged sides to allow for easy cleaning. They should be checked and cleaned regularly. Droppings can accumulate quickly if several birds use it.

I made my roost boxes in my workshop with these f ree plans I found on the internet. The fronts are removable, so they can be reversed and used as birdhouses come spring. They are quick, easy, and inexpensive to make. It is also a fun project to do on a rainy weekend, and you don’t have to be real handy to make one. If you don’t have any tools, are not real handy, or just value all ten of your fingers, they can be purchased at any local birding shop.

Cold weather is on the way, so think about adding a few roost boxes to your yard to provide the birds with shelter. Getting them up now will ensure the birds know where to find them when they really need them.

Good Birding,
Paul

Think About the Birds When Doing Your Fall Yard Clean Up

By this time of year fall yard clean up is well underway. Many people are spending their weekends cleaning out their gardens of perennials that have succumbed to the cooler temperatures. Before you go cutting, bagging, and bundling everything, stop and think about our feathered friends. Lots of things in your yard can be more beneficial to birds than to the inside of a brown paper bag. Look at what you are about to cut back and see if any of it has produced seeds. Coneflowers and Sedum are examples of common garden plants that birds, especially Goldfinches will feed on in the fall and throughout winter once they’ve gone to seed. By leaving these natural foods for the birds, you are making your yard more attractive to them than your neighbours. I like to leave my Coneflowers, Sedums, and some grasses because not only do they provide food, but the dead stalks and stems also provide excellent nesting material come spring. These can then be cut back and bagged in the spring for collection when the new growth appears.

Dead branches are another thing to consider leaving in your yard, provided they are not at risk of falling and injuring people, or damaging property. Larger birds such as Mourning Doves prefer a dead limb to a live one as a perch, because there is more room for them to land. You will notice this more when the leaves are still on the trees. Dead braches also slowly decay which attracts insects and in return birds. Woodpeckers, and Nuthatches can quite often be seen looking for insects on dead branches. These same dead branches make it easier for birds that excavate a nest site to do so.

Many people put their bird baths away in their sheds at the same time as they do their patio furniture. Consider leaving your birdbath out right up until it freezes. Birds, like all living things require water, and a decent source will attract more birds than food. Moving water is recognized as fresh by birds, so if you have a pond, waterfall, or other type of water feature think about leaving the pump running. If you are serious about providing water for the birds year round, birdbath heaters are available at your local birding shop.

Hopefully this fall you will reconsider some of your old habits when cleaning up your yard and preparing for winter. Some simple practices can make the life of a bird a little easier. When you are all finished sit back and these peaceful little creatures will be the reward for all your hard work.

Good Birding,
Paul

Bird Identification

With so many species, and slight variations in size and colour, identifying birds can be quite difficult. There are many great printed guides available, but one of my favorites is available online. All About Birds is an online guide presented by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Information on 589 species is provided in this guide. The guide is simple to use just like a paper copy, but has some distinct advantages. Birds are listed in alphabetical order by common name, but if the name is not known you can search by shape or taxonomy. Colour photographs are provided of both sexes of the species in their various plumages. Habitat, food, nesting, and behavioral information is all provided, as well as range maps. Another nice feature of this guide is that photos of similar species are listed for side by side comparison. No more flipping back and forth between pages. What really sets this guide apart from the paper guides is that you can actually play audio clips of the various calls and songs of each species. I have discovered that being able to identify the distinct sounds of each bird in the wild has really helped me with my photography. I now know what I am looking for, and am more patient if it is a species I have never photographed. So next time you are stuck identifying what you saw, give All About Birds online guide a try.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search

Good Birding,
Paul

Selecting a Quality Bird Seed

If you are like me, you enjoy feeding the birds and try to attract as many species as possible to your yard. Feeding our feathered friends can become quite expensive as you well know. Some weeks I think I spend more at the feed store than the grocery store. Quality bird seed will not only attract more birds but it will also save you money.

I like to buy seed that has high amounts of sunflower seeds and peanuts. I find these two ingredients attract the most birds. Many inexpensive bird seed mixes are made up mostly of fillers that birds do not like. Two of the most common fillers are milo and cracked corn. You may be thinking to yourself, “wait a minute, birds eat corn!” Yes they do but there is a difference between cracked and cut corn. Cut corn is exactly that, cut. Therefore you get several small pieces of corn that the birds, especially doves, love and is good in a seed mix. Cracked corn on the other hand results in mostly dust that is not edible.

Milo is the other big filler and not something birds prefer. They will eat it as a last resort but it should be avoided in seed mixes. Have you ever noticed that yellowy orange paste under your feeder after a rain or when the snow melts in the spring? That is all milo and dust from cracked corn that the birds have pushed off the feeder trying to get to “the good stuff”. All that waste adds weight that is factored into the price of your seed.

Take for instance a 10lb bag of bird seed. If 60% of it is fillers, you are only getting 4lbs of seed that the birds will actually eat. If you pay five or ten bucks more for a bag of seed that doesn’t contain these fillers, the birds will eat 100% of the seed. Think about it. Would you rather a $20 bag of seed that birds only eat 40% of or a $30 bag that they eat 100% of? By spending a little more initially on your seed purchase you will end up saving money in the long run. In addition to the money saved you won’t have to chisel that paste off your lawn every spring!

Local independent birding stores will have far better quality seed mixes than your favourite big box store. The best part is you won’t have to line up like cattle either!

Good Birding,
Paul

wren - Selecting a Quality Bird Seed — This Carolina Wren is feasting at my feeder on a mix containing black oil sunflower seeds and peanut halves.