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

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

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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

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