Scenic Port Stanley, Ontario has always been a favourite destination of mine for birding.
The village of Port Stanley, Ontario located on the north shore of Lake Erie has always held a special place in my heart. As a kid, I spent many weekends there fishing, waterskiing, celebrating holidays, and exploring nature with my Dad. As an adult, I find myself returning to the port often to enjoy the incredible birding opportunities I discovered at such a young age.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird photographed at Hawk Cliff just outside the village of Port Stanley.
Regardless of the season, there is always a multitude of birds to be seen across the various habitats encompassing the village. September and October are two of my favourite months to visit because not only is fall migration in full swing, the post-Labour Day crowds are much smaller and it often feels like I have the entire village to myself.
Turkey Vulture doing its part to help keep the village clean.
On a recent trip, I birded at three of my favourite locations around the village and was rewarded with some nice views of several species. I started my day at the pier and main beach area on the west side of Kettle Creek. With fog still in the air, I saw a large group of Turkey Vultures feeding on a dead Ring-billed Gull in the municipal parking lot. While it didn’t provide the most appetizing view it did remind me of the importance of these large scavengers to our ecosystem. By consuming carcasses that would otherwise be left to decompose, vultures are extremely beneficial in preventing the spread of disease. For this reason, I have always had a fascination and special appreciation for these birds.
Red-breasted Merganser
Making my way out on the pier two Double-crested Cormorants were observed. An adult bird was rather successful catching several small fish on repeated dives against the concrete structure. An immature bird was busy preening on the rocks abutting the pier. Closer to the lighthouse, a single Red-breasted Merganser swam along as it periodically ruffled its feathers. In front of the main beach Ring-billed, Herring, and Bonaparte’s Gulls could be seen at the water’s edge.
This flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls was observed from the main beach in the village of Port Stanley.
After leaving the beach area I made my way to Hawk Cliff. As the name suggests, this is a great location to observe migrating birds of prey. It is not uncommon to see hundreds even thousands of raptors on a given day. On this day as the wind picked up from the northwest and the fog cleared a decent flight was seen. Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks were the most abundant with American Kestrels also being observed in good numbers.
Many of the wooded habitats around the village are home to a variety of birds like this Blue-gray Gnatcatcher photographed on my most recent visit. Despite being situated on a Great Lake, there is far more to see than just waterbirds when visiting Port Stanley. On my last visit, Red-eyed Vireos and other songbirds were abundant.
Along the roadway and within Hawk Cliff Woods many songbirds were observed. On this visit, I enjoyed great views of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds as they perched in the sumacs while taking a break from feeding on the plenitude of jewelweed lining the road. Red-eyed Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, various warblers, and Carolina Wrens were all seen and heard to name a few. Large flocks of blue jays totaling hundreds of birds were also observed overhead as they too were migrating.
Late blooming jewelweed lining the road at Hawk Cliff always attracts Ruby-throated Hummingbirds during fall migration.
Hawk Cliff is also a great location to observe Monarch Butterflies as they migrate along the shoreline. Several Monarchs were observed stopping briefly to nectar on the New England Aster and Goldenrod as they too were taking advantage of the northwest wind.
Monarch Butterfly nectaring on New England Aster at Hawk Cliff.
For me, no visit to Port Stanley is complete without a stop at the sewage lagoons. Located on Scotch Line there is always something to see from the two viewing stands overlooking the four cells. Water levels varied by cell with Wood Ducks, Northern Shovellers, and Canada Geese observed in the deepest and Lesser Yellowlegs being observed along the muddy edges of the shallowest.
Fall migration is one of the best times to observe Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the area.
On top of great birding, the village is filled with unique shops and restaurants that add to any visit. Mackies on the main beach has some of the best fries around and the pralines and cream in a waffle cone from Brodericks’ Ice Cream Parlour on Bridge Street is absolutely delicious. Great birding opportunities exist throughout the fall and into the winter months. I enjoy birding here regardless of the season due to the variety of species present throughout the year. If you’ve never birded in the village of Port Stanley, I highly recommend planning a trip in the near future.
Good birding,
Paul
*My2019 calendarshave arrived and are now available for purchase. For more information including the images featured and how to purchase, please follow the link provided.*
This Red-headed Woodpecker was one of several species observed while birding at Rondeau Provincial Park.
The summer of 2018 has certainly been a hot and humid one. With more of the same in the forecast, I was wanting to do some birding while escaping the humidity. Knowing that the humidity would not be quite as high closer to the Great Lakes and with a predicted southwest wind off Lake Erie, I decided to make the drive to Rondeau Provincial Park.
On this day a few shorebirds were observed along the beach including a Ruddy Turnstone.
Arriving at the park just after 8 a.m. it was already quite warm; however, significantly less humid than when I left London. The breeze was not as cool as expected, but conditions were certainly more comfortable than if I stayed closer to home and birded within the city.
Red-eyed Vireos were abundant throughout the park.
With fall migration in full swing, I was optimistic there would be a nice mix of birds throughout the park. Beginning at the maintenance loop, a variety of warblers were seen flitting high in the canopy. Magnolia and Yellow-rumped were the most prevalent. A single Ovenbird was observed near the start of the trail and a Carolina Wren could be heard deeper in the forest. By far the most abundant songbird on this day was the Red-eyed Vireo.
Heavy shadows made photographing this Red-headed Woodpecker and other bird species a challenge.
One of the biggest challenges of trying to photograph songbirds in a forest at this time of year are the light conditions. Even when the birds are in clear view, leaves and branches regularly cast large shadows resulting in less appealing images. I never let this bother me as I am a birder first and a photographer second, so observing birds through my binoculars is rewarding enough and any images captured are a bonus.
I was happy to locate several Sanderling, my favourite shorebird while hiking along the beach.
After wrapping up at the maintenance loop, I jumped back in my car and drove to the South Point Trail. With several access points to the large beach, it was my hope that I may locate my favourite shorebird the Sanderling. Sure enough, at the end of the trail where the forest gave way to the beach, a large group of Sanderling was seen.
A flock of Sanderling and one Ruddy Turnstone were observed along the beach.
Following the group of Sanderling down the beach was a lone Ruddy Turnstone. As I stood motionless in the sand these birds passed by within about ten yards. As I was shooting into the sun I increased my exposure to avoid silhouettes. Happy with my observations and images, I decided to make my way back down the trail towards my car.
Eastern Kingbird
As I made my way north along the trail, several species were seen feeding on the berries of a large tree overhanging the path. Enjoying the bounty of fruit were Red-eyed Vireos, Eastern Kingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, and American Robins. As I photographed the vireos a Red-headed Woodpecker landed in the same tree. After clinging to the trunk for a few seconds it too began feeding on the red berries. Just behind the tree, two juvenile Red-headed Woodpeckers came into view.
Monarch Butterfly resting on the leaf of a Tulip Tree.
With Monarch migration also underway, several of these beautiful butterflies were seen heading south across the dunes. Other non-bird observations from the day were the hundreds of Northern Leopard Frogs crossing the various paths.
Northern Leopard Frog
All in all, it was a pretty productive day birding with a total of 38 species observed. I likely could have added a few more birds to the day’s count had I walked a portion of the Marsh Trail. This habitat often yields several species not found in other sections of the park.
Sanderling foraging at the water’s edge at the end of the South Point Trail.
September is a great month to get out birding as fall migration continues. While some species will see their numbers decrease over the course of the month, others will increase. For example, raptor migration peaks in our area mid-month. Look for tens of thousands of these birds to make their way across Southwestern Ontario in the coming weeks. If you are searching for a great place to partake in some late summer/early fall birding, consider giving Rondeau Provincial Park a try.
Taking the time to prepare for an image long before pressing the shutter will lead to more consistent results.
When it comes to photographing wildlife, being prepared when a shot presents itself is something any photographer beginner or professional can do to ensure greater success in the field. Some misconceptions I hear regarding my photography is I must be incredibly patient or have waited a ridiculous amount of time to capture many of my images. While I consider myself a patient person in many aspects of my life, this does not hold true when it comes to photography.
Most of my photography takes place during morning walks while on a work break and therefore I must keep moving. As a result, I rarely stay in one location very long unless I observe a rare species, one I have yet to photograph or see the potential for an exceptional shot. Even in these cases, I don’t hold still long. In order to have success with this run-and-gun approach being prepared is crucial.
Regardless of whether I am planning on heading out with my camera during a morning walk or spending an entire day at one of my favourite birding locations, following a series of steps ensures I am prepared for any shot when the situation arises. If you find yourself missing opportunities when in the field, adhere to this simple checklist for improved success.
I have yet to miss an image due to a dead battery. Making sure my battery is fully charged the night before assures enough power for a full day of shooting.
FULLY CHARGE YOUR CAMERA’S BATTERY
A fully charged battery ensures your camera has enough power to capture images throughout the day. I like to charge my battery the night before heading out. By employing this practice I have never had a battery die resulting in missed opportunities even while shooting thousands of images in extremely cold weather. In fact, I have such confidence in this I have never invested in a spare battery saving me money in the process.
During spring migration it’s not uncommon to take hundreds even thousands of images in a single day. A clear memory card will provide plenty of space to capture all of those beautiful migrants.
CLEAR ALL IMAGES FROM YOUR MEMORY CARD
Transferring images from my camera to laptop is something I typically do upon returning home from a day’s shoot. However, as part of my preparation, I double check the card in my camera has been cleared. Packing a second memory card is also a good idea as this will allow more images to be captured and provides insurance in the unfortunate event of a card error. Memory cards have come down significantly in price in recent years so there is little excuse not to own at least one spare.
A clean lens will make certain no dark spots from dust or water droplets appear in the images.
CLEAN YOUR CAMERA AND LENSES
Taking the time to clean the camera’s sensor and any lenses you plan on shooting with will leave you confident no dust spots show up on your images. While these spots can sometimes be later removed with various photo editing software, fewer edits made preserves the integrity of a photo. Cleaning your gear takes very little time and should be done before every shoot. Wiping down the exterior of the camera to remove any fingerprints or dust especially from the LCD screen will make reviewing your histogram much easier after capturing an image. A clean viewfinder provides an immaculate view of your subject and camera settings.
One item that often gets overlooked when it comes to cleaning gear is the lens caps. Think of how many times you have dropped your lens caps only to briefly blow on it or wipe it on your pants expecting it to be clean. When the cap is replaced back on the lens dirt and debris is easily transferred leaving potentially image compromising blemishes on the front element. I like to use a separate cleaning cloth for my lens caps as they are often my dirtiest piece of equipment, and I do not want to risk scratching my camera body or lenses with sand and gravel transferred from my lens cap.
In nature photography, chances to capture a shot are often only available for a few seconds. Taking the time to power up a camera when a shot presents itself often leads to missed opportunities.
TURN YOUR CAMERA ON AND LEAVE IT ON
Upon arriving at your destination and removing the camera from its bag, turn the power switch to the on position and leave it there. If you are concerned about draining the battery, no need to worry as most cameras have an auto power off feature. To save power the camera will automatically power off after about a minute of not operating. To turn the camera back on, simply press the shutter halfway.
If you are not already taking advantage of this feature it can be enabled from within the camera’s menu. Taking the time to turn the camera on via the power button or forgetting entirely before every shot is a missed image waiting to happen.
You never know when an opportunity is going to present itself so being prepared is of utmost importance. Having my lens cap off prior to this Red-tailed Hawk flying straight towards me saved valuable seconds which allowed me to capture the image.
REMOVE YOUR LENS CAP AND LEAVE IT OFF
Many photographers leave their lens caps on while hiking around out of fear of scratching their front element. If this is you, try to avoid this practice as you are setting yourself up to miss potential shots. If you have to stop and remove your lens cap when a shot presents itself, most of the time the shot will be gone before you get the cap off.
If you are concerned about protecting your front element and your lens is equipped with a hood, put it on and leave it on even on cloudy days as this will shield the lens from tree limbs and other potential scratching hazards. Clear protective lens filters available in a variety of sizes to fit your specific lens can be purchased and are cheap insurance. These filters simply thread onto the front element of a lens protecting it from scratches.
Knowing the correct exposure for the sky before this Great Egret flew overhead enabled me to quickly adjust my settings resulting in this photo.
REVIEW YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS AND TAKE A FEW SHOTS TO CHECK YOUR EXPOSURE
Always check your camera settings to make sure they are optimized for the light conditions and your subject. Remember when photographing birds and wildlife you need a fast shutter speed. Adjust your ISO and aperture accordingly and ensure your camera is set to high speed continuous to take advantage of your maximum frames per second.
Once you have your basic settings dialed in, take a few test shots and check your histogram to ensure proper exposure and adjust if necessary. This works even if there is no subject present as in most cases the exposure won’t change even with a bird or some other form of wildlife in the frame. Remember to take a few shots of the sky as well so you will know the proper exposure and can quickly adjust for a potential bird in flight.
Whenever possible ensure the sun is at your back before taking the shot.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
When photographing anything outdoors you always want to keep the sun at your back whenever possible. This will ensure your subject is properly lit. When it comes to photographing wildlife a little forethought can help achieve this. When heading out for a morning hike I always try to walk from east to west. Conversely, if heading out in the afternoon or evening, I plan my walk so that I am heading from west to east. In most situations, this helps ensure my subject is well lit and avoids backlit images and silhouettes.
Even common birds like the American Robin are wary of loud sounds. Be sure to move slowly and quietly keeping noise to a minimum.
BE QUIET
Wildlife can startle very easily resulting in missed shots. I like to wear quiet clothing avoiding nylon and other loud materials alerting my presence to potential subjects. Moving slowly and quietly helps me get close enough to capture detailed images. Watch where you step as the sound of a breaking stick or leaves rustling on the ground can easily spook wary wildlife.
When sneaking up on wildlife avoid eye contact and don’t approach in a straight line. Using a zig-zag pattern is far more effective and less likely to cause the subject to flee. Be respectful and don’t approach too closely especially when it comes to nesting birds or wildlife with young. Remember the old saying “If my behaviour changes their behaviour than I’m too close.”
Choosing a single focus point and placing it on the subject’s eye results in sharp images.
FOCUS ON YOUR SUBJECT’S EYE
This is pretty straightforward. When the eye is sharp the image is sharp.
After obtaining focus, shoot at least three frames consecutively. By employing this practice, you will likely find that the second image is always the sharpest.
SHOOT AT LEAST THREE FRAMES CONSECUTIVELY
Once focus is achieved on the subject’s eye and you are ready to start shooting, hold the shutter down and fire off at least three frames in a row. It has been my experience that by doing this the second image in a sequence of three is always the sharpest. When the subject is at a distance I find that most photographers achieve focus but then end up aiming low while pressing the shutter. Focus is once again acquired for the second shot and then lost high while overcompensating on the third shot, thus at least frames will yield better results than shooting individual images.
The histogram is every photographer’s best friend when it comes to achieving proper exposure. Understanding how to read one and using it regularly results in more keeper images.
CHECK YOUR HISTOGRAM
After shooting a series of frames, be sure to check your histogram to ensure proper exposure. Adjust as necessary and continue shooting. Light conditions are always changing, which is why I like to continually take test shots of the various scenes as I move along on my hike. This gives me a good base exposure that can quickly be tweaked if necessary once a subject is located.
Next to missed focus, improper exposure is the biggest reason images end up in the recycle bin. Sure you can try adjusting the exposure in Photoshop or other editing software, but you will quickly see the image quality deteriorate once you start moving those exposure sliders. For optimal final images always try to get the exposure correct in camera.
Taking the time to complete all of these steps meant I was ready for the shot at the exact moment this Green Heron struck capturing a Leopard Frog.
You never know when the shot of a lifetime will present itself, so it’s best to be prepared if and when one does. After understanding camera settings and how to apply them to each situation, being prepared is the biggest thing any photographer can do to capture more consistent images. As you can see there are several steps involved to being prepared, but by taking a little extra time, often before heading out into the field, you will set yourself up for improved success and who knows maybe even the image of a lifetime.
If you are looking to improve your bird identification skills before the next big wave of migrants arrives, consider these four field guides.
With the peak of spring migration set to take flight in the coming weeks, plenty of time remains for birders to hone their identification skills before another influx of birds moves through the area. Field guides are an invaluable tool when it comes to properly identifying birds, but with so many on the market how do you know which one to choose? As an avid birder, I own a number of field guides, each one having specific benefits. In this post, I will share with you my four favourite and why I think every birder, novice or expert should own a copy of each.
As a child, I grew up with Peterson field guides and have grown to love them over the years. I find myself reaching for this guide more than any other in my collection. This guide features beautiful paintings of over 500 species in various plumages and utilizes the Peterson Identification System to aid in identification. A detailed written description of each species including size and specific field marks to look for as well as preferred habitat and voice make this guide incredibly useful and easy to use.
Large range maps colour coded by season are found in the back of each guide further assisting with identification. Measuring 5.25″ x 8″ this guide easily fits into any vehicle’s glove box or console and can be easily stowed into a backpack for carrying in the field. For anyone new to birding I highly recommend this guide as I find the illustrations very easy to reference. Having said that, this guide is equally useful for advanced and expert birders alike as it combines all the features of a great guide.
Shorebirds like this Spotted Sandpiper can be incredibly challenging to identify. The detailed photographs featured in the Stokes field guide make it my go-to guide for shorebird identification.
I added this guide to my library to help identify some of the more challenging species, particularly when birds are not displaying their recognizable breeding plumage. Armed with my Stokes guide this otherwise daunting task is simplified thanks to over 2,000 colour photographs featuring 545 birds. What makes this book so useful is the abundance of photos showcasing the array of plumages including male and female breeding, winter, as well as juvenile birds. For this reason, I especially love this guide for identifying warblers, gulls, waterfowl and shorebirds. At 5.5″ x 8.5″ this compact guide can easily be brought along on any outing.
The written descriptions including sound and habitat are equally helpful at making positive identifications. My only complaint about this field guide is that the range maps are too small. Measuring only 1″ x 1″ and tucked in the bottom corner of each page these maps almost seem like an afterthought. However, this is not a deal breaker and I would recommend this book to anyone, especially for those intermediate and advanced birders looking to up their game when it comes to properly identifying the aforementioned challenging species.
The Warbler Guide is the most comprehensive field guide I have seen to aid with warbler identification. This guide is a must-have for the serious birder.
As the title indicates, this field guide focuses solely on warblers and therefore is geared towards those looking to improve their skills identifying these colourful songbirds. I’m sure most birders will agree when I say warblers are among the most frustrating birds to identify. The addition of this guide to my collection in recent years has helped me tremendously when it comes to confidently identifying warblers. Featuring both illustrations and photographs of the 56 warblers found in the United States and Canada, this in-depth guide takes showcasing field marks to another level.
Not only are traditional side views featured, this guide goes so far as to include a series of quick finder pages featuring multiple viewing angles and the various seasonal plumages displayed by warblers. Descriptions, comparison species, range maps, and vocalization make this guide a must-have for warbler fanatics.
The 6.25″ x 8.75″ size makes this guide bigger than most; however, I would not want to see this much information condensed down onto smaller pages. I don’t typically take this guide with me into the field due to its size, rather I use it to aid with identification of birds I have photographed once I return home. Remember, only warblers are featured, so if the bird in question is not a warbler you won’t find it in this guide. The Warbler Guide is the perfect compliment to the previously mentioned Peterson or Stokes guide.
The waterproof Sibley warbler guide is very compact and one I take with me on all my outings during spring migration.
If you are looking for something more compact to take with you in the field to help with warbler identification, look no further. This incredibly useful guide features 6 waterproof pages loaded front and back with all the information needed to successfully identify the 38 warblers found in eastern North America. Illustrations of various plumages, a brief description, and range maps make up this 4″ x 9″ easily packable accordion style guide.
At only about $10 this is an incredibly affordable option that doesn’t’ sting too much when you have to replace it because someone dropped it in the woods (I won’t name names here). Despite having a pretty good grasp of warbler identification, I always pack this guide with me on all my May outings when I am searching for and photographing warblers.
Palm Warbler photographed during last year’s spring migration.
As you can tell by the titles, three of these four guides are specific to eastern North America. Since all of my birding is done in this part of the world, these guides are perfect for me. If you live in the west or your birding adventures take you across the continent, both Peterson and Stokes offer a guide specific to western North America and one featuring all birds found in North America.
Whether you are a new birder looking for your first field guide or a seasoned veteran looking for something with more information to help identify those challenging species, consider these four guides. Regardless of which guide you choose, I know you will be satisfied with your selection.
Good birding,
Paul
* Please note this post contains Amazon affiliate links. You can help support my website by using the above links when you purchase products on Amazon (they send me a few bucks when you do at no additional cost to you). I only provide links to products I have purchased and am satisfied with based on my own experience. Thanks for your support!*
Typically returning to our area in March, warm southwest winds during the final days of February saw Killdeer and other migrants arrive ahead of schedule.
With spring set to arrive next week, it certainly has not felt that way in Southwestern Ontario as winter is still in full force. After a brief tease of spring-like weather during the final days of February, Mother Nature provided us with a reality check as wintry conditions returned and persisted over the first two weeks of March. For March breakers heading south, I imagine this sat well knowing that warmer temperatures were on the horizon, but for those of us who stayed put and were hoping for a continued early spring migration, well we were left to enjoy a few more weeks of winter birding.
Birding during March is incredibly rewarding. Turkey Vultures and other spring migrants are a nice compliment to the bevy of resident birds found throughout the area.
As someone who loves winter birding, I have embraced the fact that winter has hung around in Southwestern Ontario, although I must admit I was ready for spring after the weather we experienced a few weeks ago. Keeping my toque, gloves, and camera at the ready, I have had great views of both migrant and resident species over the past several weeks while birding in the Forest City.
Throughout March Red-winged Blackbirds have been seen across Southwestern Ontario.
For me, I always look to the return of Red-winged Blackbirds, Killdeer, and Tundra Swans each year to our area as the unofficial arrival of spring and a sign that migration is underway. After seeing these early migrants return to our area the during the final days of February, the recent cold northwest winds and accompanying flurries has all but halted migration. Fortunately there are still plenty of these species around the area to signify spring is right around the corner.
Northern Cardinals have been one of the most abundant species observed during my morning walks.
Northern Cardinals have been plentiful on my morning walks with the sights and sounds being a real treat Listening to males sing while chasing other males from their territories under the cover of fresh snow has been particularly enjoyable. Carolina Wrens have also been actively calling most mornings, but their propensity to frequent thick cover makes them challenging to observe.
White-throated Sparrow
While walking along an area creek, soft calls of the White-throated Sparrow were heard from within the thicket lining the bank. Stopping for a look, several of these birds provided excellent views and photo opportunities.
Male Mallard making his way across a frozen wetland.
On cooler mornings, the water at a small wetland I like to visit was frozen. Regardless of whether there was open water or not Canada Geese and Mallards were present. Often overlooked due their abundance throughout the region, the Mallard’s beauty really stands out during sunny conditions.
Female Mallard taking flight.
For those of you looking to hone your photography skills, Mallards are the perfect subject for practicing exposure, focus, and even flight shots.
Despite many American Robins overwintering in our area, sightings increase once the snow melts in March.
Several songbird species were also found foraging within the vegetation surrounding the small wetland including Common Grackles, Dark-eyed Juncos, and American Robins.
A bird that almost never stops moving, the Golden-crowned Kinglet is a challenging species to photograph.
Throughout the wooded areas I birded, chickadees, nuthatches, and Golden-crowned Kinglets were found as they moved through a stand of cedar and spruce trees. In my opinion, kinglets are the most challenging bird to photograph and they almost never stop moving.
This male Red-bellied Woodpecker was one of many observed over the first two weeks of March.
During the 109th London Christmas Bird Count held back in December, a record high number of Red-bellied Woodpeckers were reported. This is great news as not only is the Red-bellied Woodpecker my favourite bird, with so many other species in decline it’s nice to hear this species may be experiencing a population increase. I certainly have noticed more of these birds in recent years including several over the past few weeks. Learning and listening for their loud rolling call is the easiest way to locate this medium-sized woodpecker.
March is the best month to observe Tundra Swans at the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area.
With warmer temperatures and some southwest winds in the forecast for next week, look for migration to resume once again. In particular more Tundra Swans should make their way across Southwestern Ontario. If you haven’t paid a visit to the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area, a popular annual stopover for these birds, it’s well worth the drive. Be sure to call the swan line before you go for an an update on the current numbers. Other waterfowl including Cackling Geese, Snow Geese, a Greater white-fronted Goose, and several duck species were reported this past week.
Regardless of what Mother Nature has in store for us in the coming weeks, March is a great month to get out birding. Resident and migrating birds can be found across the region in good numbers. Getting outside in the fresh air and enjoying a hike while connecting with nature is the perfect way to ring in a new season. If you get the chance, visit your favourite natural area, take in the beauty of these birds, and make the most of our great outdoors.
Black-capped Chickadees were among the first songbirds observed and photographed during the first photo walk in a series I have planned for area photo enthusiasts.
Thursday December 28, 2017, marked the first in my series of photo walks taking place at several of my favourite birding locations. During these two hours walks, participants are guided through the area while I offer birding and photography tips as we stop along the way to photograph birds and wildlife in their natural environment. To make sure everyone receives personal attention and instruction, group size is limited to six participants.
The inaugural photo walk took place in London’s Spingbank Park. This location was chosen due to the abundance of birds and wildlife found here throughout the winter months and the close proximity at which these species can be observed and photographed. The walk began at 10 a.m. as by this time the sun is high enough in the sky to clear the treetops providing excellent light on our subjects. Between 10 a.m. and noon also happens to be a time of day that I find birds quite active, often feeding, which makes for more successful birding and photography.
Northern Cardinals were a favourite bird among the group. Several pairs of these birds were located along our chosen route.
This past week we experienced the first real cold snap of winter with wind chills between -20 and -30 Celsius every day. Fortunately on this day winds were quite light, and we were treated to the warmest day of the week so far.
Heading west, we observed a variety of waterfowl on the Thames River including Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, and Hooded Mergansers. These three species regularly overwinter on the river each year and with more cold weather in the forecast expect their numbers to increase as the Thames will be the only open water available in the area.
Male Northern Cardinal.
Making our way through a stand of cedar trees, Black-capped Chickadees were the first songbird to be observed. Hearing the high pitched calls of the Golden-crowned Kinglet we looked up and saw several of these birds feeding on the seeds high up in the cedars. Even higher up, among the tops of the cedars, a flock of Pine Siskins were observed feeding.
As we continued west past the defunct Springbank Dam, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals and American Goldfinches were seen and heard. Out on the river, hundreds of Canada Geese and Mallards were observed. This particular section of the park is typically best for waterfowl, so our observations were quite typical.
Despite being a species in decline, several American Black Ducks were observed during the photo walk.
In my last blog post, A Proven Hot Spot For Winter Waterfowl, I mentioned the small pond adjacent to Storybook Gardens and the wide variety of waterfowl I have observed here over the years during winter. This was our next stop to see if any unusual ducks were present. As we combed through all the Mallards a few American Black Ducks were observed.
This male Northern Northern Pintail was the most notable dabbling duck observed. Male Northern Pintail preening.
As I scanned the far bank, a patch of white caught my eye. This easily could have been dismissed as snow on a fallen log, but as I looked closer I could see that this was in fact the breast and neck of a male Northern Pintail. This duck was sleeping comfortably with its head under its wing not presenting well for photos. We decided to leave this bird and look again on our way back in hopes that it may be awake and more acitve. Fortunately, we did later relocate the male Northern Pintail as it provided better views and images of its beautiful plumage.
Northern Cardinals were a favourite bird of the group and several pairs were located on this day. At various locations, the light through the clouds illuminated these birds beautifully as we made our way through the park. Several questions were asked regarding proper exposure and I was happy to provide advice on this with participants quite satisfied with the images they were able to capture.
As is the case most times when walking through Springbank Park during the winter months, a Bald Eagle was observed. This juvenile provided great views as it passed by at close range.
Continuing along, a juvenile Bald Eagle made a close pass providing great views. Later in the walk, this bird was observed again soaring high overhead. A lone Belted Kingfisher was located perched high above the river on a wire and observed trying to capture food as it dove repeatedly into the water.
As we made our way back through the park in the direction of our vehicles, more songbirds were encountered. Dark-eyed Juncos were observed low to the ground feeding on the various seeds from this year’s wildflowers. White and Red-breasted Nuthatches were seen foraging along tree trunks while the calls of two Brown Creepers alerted us to their location.
Dark-eyed Junco feeding on the seeds of one of the park’s many wildflowers.
All in all it was a great day birding with several species observed, many of which presented great opportunities for photographs. Participants were happy with the birds encountered and the images they captured, while I was grateful to share my passion for birding and photography with the group. If you would like to be among the first to register for upcoming photo walks, please contact meand I will notify you once they have been scheduled.
The white feathers around this female Northern Cardinal’s eye indicate leucism, a condition where there is a partial loss of pigmentation.
I would like to express my appreciation for those who braved the cold weather and made this day such a success. With another photo walk scheduled next week at another location, I look forward to seeing more familiar faces while meeting a few new ones. London, Ontario truly has some excellent birding opportunities and sharing my knowledge of local areas is something I am really looking forward to in the new year.
Belted Kingfisher photographed against a background of falling snow.
As our seasons change, we experience a variety of beautiful conditions for photographing birds. From budding trees in the spring to vibrant leaves in the fall, beautiful backdrops seem almost endless. For me, my favourite backdrop for photographing birds is snow, and I always eagerly await the first significant snowfall of the season. After three snow squall warnings for my area back in November that didn’t materialize, I was happy to see over twelve inches of fresh snow fall last week, presenting the exact setting I had been waiting so patiently for.
Black-capped Chickadees at the local park are quite tame and will even accept food from your hand. These small songbirds are perfect subjects if you are shooting with a shorter lens.
With a fresh layer of snow already covering the ground and more flurries in the forecast, I grabbed my camera and headed to one of my favourite winter birding locations, Springbank Park in west London. This popular park boasts a variety of habitat including deciduous and coniferous trees providing the birds with plenty of food and shelter. The Thames River flowing through the park provides a dependable water source throughout the year as the river’s moving water prevents a complete freeze up even during the coldest weather. With the three necessitates of life: food, water, and shelter provided, Springbank Park is home to an abundance of birds. Songbirds, birds of prey, and waterfowl are all readily observed within the park’s boundaries.
Using the weather to my advantage allows me to observe more birds when I am out birding. Wind can make the location of Northern Cardinals and other songbirds extremely predictable.
When birding during harsh winter conditions, I like to put the odds in my favour by paying attention to the weather. Finding areas out of the wind with a food source greatly improves my success. During periods of high wind and snow, birds will seek shelter from the elements but must also feed regularly in order to keep warm. On this day, I searched for birds using a tree line and the near riverbank as a wind break. Songbirds were observed feeding on a variety of fruits and seeds including sumac, birch, alder, various evergreens, and goldenrod.
This Song Sparrow was one of the many birds I found feeding on the seeds of goldenrod and other native wildflowers.
After locating an abundance of birds in this food rich, protected area, it was just a matter of fine tuning my camera settings to achieve the proper exposure based on available light and snow cover. I always take a few test shots of the scene I am shooting even if there are no birds present. Doing so and checking my camera’s histogram ensures I have the correct exposure. This way when a shot does present itself I am ready. All I have to do is obtain focus (I always focus on the bird’s eye, because when the eye is sharp the image is sharp) and press the shutter. Taking these test shots and adjusting my settings before photographing the birds has been one of the biggest things I have done to improve my photography and consistently get better images. Before this, my images were almost always over or underexposed and by the time I adjusted my settings the bird was gone.
Blue Jays and other songbirds were located in protected areas during last week’s high winds and snowy conditions.
Given the conditions, I needed to overexpose my images to compensate for the white snow in most of the scenes I was shooting. If you find that your winter images appear too grey or underexposed it is because all cameras, regardless of price point, are made to believe a properly exposed image is mid-grey. Consequently your camera will automatically underexpose images not recognizing that snow is supposed to be white. Therefore, adjusting your camera’s settings so that the snow appears white is paramount.
Mourning Doves were among the 27 species I observed while birding at Springbank Park during last week’s snow squalls.
Adjusting for snowy conditions to achieve the proper exposure is easier than you may think. I like to work in aperture priority mode as this allows me to fine-tune my settings quickly and adjust on the fly as the light conditions change. Once in aperture priority mode, I can over or underexpose my images by simply turning the large wheel on the back of my Canon 7D. Each click of the wheel changes my exposure by 1/3 of a stop of light. Rotating the wheel clockwise will overexpose or brighten my exposure while rotating the wheel counter clockwise will underexpose or darken my exposure. This is known as exposure compensation and is something every photographer should learn in order to achieve proper exposure in a variety of situations regardless of your subject. If your camera does not have a wheel on the back, most cameras whether a Canon, Nikon, or other brand will allow you to adjust the exposure compensation by holding down the AV +/- button (usually located on the back or top of the camera) while turning the camera’s dial simultaneously. How and when to use exposure compensation is one of the many aspects of nature photography I teach during my Nature Photography Workshops.
In my opinion, Brown Creepers are one of the best camouflaged birds found in our area. The patterning on their backs blends in perfectly with most tree bark.
In snowy conditions, overexposing by 1-1/3 to 2 stops of light (4 to 6 clicks of the dial clockwise) is often required to achieve proper exposure. This will ensure that the snow appears white and not grey in your final images. One question I always get asked is “can’t I just fix this later in Photoshop?” My answer to that question is this. You can change your exposure later in Photoshop; however, “fix” is not necessarily the correct word to use. Anytime you increase your exposure in Photoshop or any other post processing program you will increase the amount of noise in the image, drastically negating image quality. Getting the exposure correct in camera is one of the easiest ways to quickly improve your overall image quality.
Carolina Wrens can be a challenging bird to photograph due to their tendency to inhabit thick cover. I was happy to see this one emerge briefly providing me with an unobstructed view.
With my camera settings dialed in to achieve a fast shutter speed and proper exposure, I was ready to photograph the plethora of birds within the sheltered, food abundant area in which they were associating. By using the weather to my advantage and choosing the correct camera settings, I managed to locate 27 species and capture sharp, properly exposed images of almost all of them.
Northern Cardinals are one of my favourite birds to photograph in the snow.
Next time you are out searching for birds in winter remember to use the wind and weather to your advantage. Successful birding has far more to do with formulating a plan based on conditions than it does with luck. When photographing birds, focus on the bird’s eye for sharper images and learn how to use exposure compensation to achieve proper exposure based on light conditions. If you are not getting the results you are hoping for from your camera and lens, consider joining me at one of my upcoming Nature Photography Workshops. During these two hour workshops I will show you everything you need to know to greatly improve your overall images. Group size is limited during these workshops for individual attention, and a few spaces still remain for early in the new year. Why not make it your resolution to become better with your camera and get the results you are hoping for?
This Snowy Owl was observed perched high above a county road while birding from my car.
In my last blog post The Best Gloves For Winter Birding and Photography, I shared which gloves I wear to keep my hands warm while birding during cooler weather. If despite being properly dressed you still don’t enjoy getting outdoors for winter birding there is another option. Birding from the comfort of a warm car can be incredibly rewarding.
Horned Larks are regularly observed feeding in open fields and on spilled grain along area roads and highways.
With the vast majority of county rounds surrounded by open farmland and woodlots, expect to find birds specific to these types of habitats when birding by car. Birds of prey, Wild Turkeys, and songbirds including Horned Larks and Snow Buntings are all readily observed when birding by car.
Rough-legged Hawks breed across the arctic tundra, but return to Southwestern Ontario each year to spend the winter months.
When birding by car, it is generally the larger birds that I search for, those that are more easily observed from a distance. Birds of prey can be easily located and viewed from a vehicle simply by driving down area roads. During the winter months, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Rough-legged Hawks, and Snowy Owls are all readily observed along county roads and highways throughout Southwestern Ontario, Whether perched on a wire, in a large tree adjacent to a farmer’s field, or sitting on the ground, these birds are easily found.
Red-tailed Hawks are regularly observed while birding by car. Look for these raptors perched along forest edges adjacent to open fields.
While many of these birds can be found just about anywhere based on the abundance of suitable habitat throughout the area, there are a few resources available to improve your success. The Middlesex/Elgin/Oxford Observation Group is great for keeping up to date with recent sightings from within these three counties. Another great option for following recent observations is the eBird Species Map. Simply type in the species you wish to observe and the area in which you intend to look, and all reported sightings will appear on the map. You can narrow your search further by choosing a custom date range. Having a quick look at these websites before heading out will greatly increase your success.
Travelling area back roads in the comfort of a warm car often reveals an abundance Red-tailed Hawks.
There are a couple of things to be mindful of when birding by car. First and foremost, be safe. Pay attention to other vehicles including snowplows sharing the roads with you. I constantly check my mirrors for faster moving vehicles approaching from behind, and if safe to do so, pull over to let them pass. Choosing some of the less traveled roads is a great way to avoid traffic and increase your safety. Be aware of the weather and road conditions and drive accordingly. When pulling over to let other cars pass, make sure there is room for your vehicle and not a deep ditch waiting to engulf your car. Snow covered shoulders can be deceiving and having to call a tow truck will result in a long wait and an expensive bill.
Eastern Coyotes and other mammals are often bonus finds when birding by car.
Another thing to keep in mind is to be respectful. This applies to both landowners and the birds. Most of the land surrounding these roads and highways is privately owned, so observe the birds from the shoulder only without wandering across lawns and fields. In the case of Snowy Owls, these birds have traveled hundreds if not thousands of kilometers from their breeding grounds in search of food. In many cases owls are exhausted, hungry, and already stressed. Chasing them from their perch only adds to that stress. If you cannot get close enough for a decent view or photograph remember the area and return another day.
Despite a large number of Snowy Owl sightings around the Great Lakes already this season, it is important to remember this species is now listed as vulnerable suffering a 64% population decline since 1970. Giving these birds space and not causing them added stress is of utmost importance.
Snowy Owls will remain in an area all winter if not repeatedly disturbed and often return to the same area each winter. With a little patience and multiple visits to the same area, great views and images will be obtained without stressing the birds. I have said this before in previous blog posts, but will say it again, stay in your car. Snowy Owls are far less likely to flush from their perch if you observe and photograph them from within your vehicle. Approaching on foot for a closer look will only cause the bird to fly resulting in lost views and unnecessary stress.
The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon. These birds can be easily found perched on wires throughout our area.
If heading outdoors in the cold and snow is not your cup of tea, but you would still like your fill of birding this winter, give birding by car a try. Southwestern Ontario’s back roads are surrounded by an abundance of ideal habitat to attract and sustain a variety of birds and wildlife. Grab your camera, binoculars, a warm drink, and hit the road. Remember to be safe while driving during winter conditions and to respect the birds. If you have never tried birding by car, give this method a try. I think you will find it incredibly gratifying and you may just record a new species or two along the way.
The movements of Cedar Waxwings can be incredibly predictable during the month of November. I often find flocks of these birds each year in the same fruit trees.
I have always enjoyed birding in November. Sure the big push of migrants has already moved through and the weather can be fickle at best, but great birding opportunities exist for a variety of species. It is at this time of year that I have some of the best views of Cedar Waxwings as their movements can be extremely predictable.
With seasonal temperatures not conducive to insect activity, waxwings are easily located feeding on fruit. Find fruit trees and you will most likely find waxwings. That being said, be extra observant when searching for Cedar Waxwings in November. During spring and summer months waxwings will regularly give away their location with their high-pitched whistles, but at this time of year they tend to remain almost silent as they gorge themselves on berries.
With most of the leaves now gone from the trees, locating birds is less challenging and one of the many things I like about birding in November.
This week I decided to check one of my favourite locations for finding Cedar Waxwings and in particular a few specific trees. Sure enough, as in previous Novembers, waxwings were present. Also observed among the sizable flock of Cedar Waxwings were large numbers of American Robins also enjoying the bounty of fruit.
As I watched this feeding frenzy I heard the occasional soft call of a robin and the odd whistle from a waxwing, but otherwise this group of hundreds of birds was silent. Cedar Waxwings will not remain in one area long at this time of year though, as once the berries are gone so too will the birds. Finding more fruit trees in areas that are close by and following the flock is key to achieving continued views over the course of the month.
This Bald Eagle was observed along the Thames River in Springbank Park. This is one of my favourite sections of river for observing these majestic raptors all winter long.
November is also when Bald Eagle activity along the Thames River in London, Ontario begins to increase. Eagles that have migrated from our north are often attracted to the river due the fact many sections remain open year round, offering a sustainable food supply throughout the winter months. Combine this with the local population consisting of many first year birds from several nest sites in the area and chances of spotting a Bald Eagle along the river are pretty good. This week I had great views of a mature eagle as it flew downstream in Springbank Park.
This Blue Jay added a touch of colour to an otherwise grey day.
Other plentiful birds around the Forest City in the past seven days were Blue Jays. These birds are often quite vocal revealing their whereabouts making them an easy bird to locate. Speaking of vocal birds, I was treated to great views of a male Red-bellied Woodpecker as it called from high up in a dead tree. Northern Cardinals were yet another songbird heard long before they were seen.
A male Red-bellied Woodpecker takes a break from trying to extract a meal from beneath the bark of a dead tree.
Waterfowl numbers on the Thames River really seemed to increase this week, with mostly Canada Geese and Mallards observed. I always look closely at these large flocks for any ducks that look slightly different as November is when I often find the odd Gadwall or other dabbler mixed in with all the Mallards. This week I did locate an American Black Duck/Mallard hybrid while birding along the river. Within the next month, good numbers of overwintering waterfowl including mergansers and Common Goldeneye will appear on the river for another season.
This male Northern Cardinal was busy foraging on cedar seeds that had fallen to the ground.
If you are not convinced that great birding opportunities are available throughout the month of November, I encourage you to get out and give it a try. Resident birds are always abundant and overwintering species will continue to arrive in the area as the weeks progress. Dress accordingly to the day’s predicted forecast and always be prepared for rain or wet snow as weather in November can change at a moment’s notice. Be extra observant as sometimes birds can be right in front of you while not making a sound, as evidenced by the Cedar Waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings are just one of the many songbirds I target at this time of year.
Birding in November has always been rewarding for me and is why I look forward to the change in weather so much. I think if you visit your favourite natural area this month you too will agree November birding is incredibly rewarding.
Good birding,
Paul
*If you were unable to attend one of my November workshops, I have added more dates in January. If you were able to participate, I have added a couple of new workshops that might interest you as well. Please view my upcoming eventsfor more details.*
Green Herons will soon be leaving our area for their wintering grounds to our south. Fortunately, these birds are currently providing exceptional views at an area ESA.
Over the past three weeks, I have been enjoying incredible views of Green Herons. In fact, the views achieved have been the best I have experienced. If you are unfamiliar with these birds, Green Herons display the most beautiful combination of iridescent blues and greens combined with a reddish brown neck. Standing only 18″ tall, Green Herons are often a challenge to locate within the swampy habitats they prefer despite their colouful plumage. This however is not the case currently at the Westminster Ponds ESA located in south London.
Under the right light conditions, the iridescent plumage of the Green Heron becomes quite evident.
Throughout September, I have seen as many as four Green Herons, both adults and juveniles (juveniles are heavily streaked on their necks and breasts) at one time at the west end of Saunders Pond. On most visits, these birds have been viewed within 20-40 feet of the path running alongside the pond. Green Herons will soon be leaving our area for their wintering grounds in the Southern United States, Central, and South America, so opportunities for these close encounters are running out.
The mix of cattails and fallen timber on the west side of Saunders Pond provides the perfect habitat for Green Herons.
The easiest access to these Green Herons is from behind Tourist Information located at 696 Wellington Road. From the parking lot head north on the paved path until you reach the boardwalk. Continue north on the boardwalk and begin scanning the fallen timber to your right and the cattails to your left. My best views have come from just north of the boardwalk along the dirt path where Saunders Pond comes to an end. Both sides of the path throughout this area have provided satisfying views.
When alarmed, Green Herons will extend their necks and raise the crests on the top of their heads. This particular bird heard children playing in the area and exhibited this classic behavior.
In my experience, time of day does not matter for viewing these Green Herons as I have found these birds both in the morning and afternoon. If you are wishing to photograph these birds, I would recommend waiting until about mid morning as this will allow the sun to get high enough in the sky to light up the birds nicely while achieving a faster shutter speed, If you cannot make it in the morning than late afternoon has been quite good too. Try not to leave it too late though as once the sun drops low in the sky the area becomes quite shaded. Great views of these birds can still be obtained, but your image quality may suffer due to the lack of light.
Click on the two above images to enlarge these photos of a Green Heron with a Northern Leopard Frog.
These particular Green Herons at the Westminster Ponds ESA are not overly wary of people, but moving slowly and speaking in a soft voice is still recommended to avoid stressing the birds.These Green Herons are in this area feeding heavily in preparation of their long migration south, so remember to respect their space and allow them to feed in order to accomplish this feat. The only times I have seen these birds startle is when a group of children ran by while shouting in loud voices. Even then the birds did not move far remaining in the area where there is an abundance of food. While watching and photographing these Green Herons I have observed them capture small fish, tadpoles, and Northern Leopard Frogs.
The heavy streaking on this Green Heron’s neck and breast indicate it is a juvenile bird.
If you are hoping to achieve great views of a Green Heron, I highly recommend visiting the Westminster Pond ESA soon. As mentioned earlier, these birds won’t remain in the area much longer, so time is running out for potentially the view of a lifetime.
Good birding,
Paul
*My 2018 calendars have arrived and are now available for purchase. To see the images featured and to purchase click here.*
