Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City

Each spring many birders, myself included, anxiously await the return of warblers to our area. These small songbirds are some of the most colourful birds to grace our area, yet are also some of the most challenging to identify. The first of May is a date I watch for on my calendar, as this is when we can expect to see warblers return to Southwestern Ontario in good numbers.

yw - Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — **Yellow Warblers can be seen and heard throughout many of London’s parks and ESAs**.

While birding in several locations over the past week, I saw a significant increase in the number of warblers present each day I was out. Three species continue to be the most abundant: Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers. I have been observing good numbers of these birds throughout the city, with numbers steadily increasing.

yrw - Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — **This Yellow-rumped Warbler clearly displays the yellow rump for which they are named. The black mask indicates that this bird is a male**.

Other warbler species I have observed include: Magnolia, Pine, and Black and White. Sightings of Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and Northern Parula have also been reported from within the city.

Palm Warbler - Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — **Palm Warbler**

City parks and ESAs are where I focused my efforts this past week, concentrating on the edges of wooded areas containing small trees and shrubs. Mornings are always when I have the most success locating warblers. Since warblers migrate at night, early morning is when these birds are most active; feeding heavily as they replenish energy spent the previous night.

yellow warbnler - Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — **Yellow Warbler**

I have been paying close attention to the daily reports from the 2016 Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park. So far, 25 warbler species have been reported from within the park, which is low compared to previous years. The lack of clear nights and south winds could be contributing to these low numbers. Fortunately, this means many more warblers will be making their way through the city in the coming weeks.

Watermark - Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — **The absence of a black mask indicates that this Yellow-rumped Warbler is a female**.

When searching for warblers be sure you position yourself out of the wind. These sheltered areas are where insects will be most abundant, therefore attracting the highest concentration of warblers. When you come across an area rich with warblers, stay in that location; large concentrations of birds are often found within small areas. Some of our ESAs are hundreds of hectares in size, but many of the areas where I locate the largest number of warblers are often only 20 yards in length and 10 yards wide. Once you locate a high concentration of warblers, find an open area with pockets of light shining in. This will make for unobstructed views and optimal photos.

olia - Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — **By avoiding sudden movements this Magnolia Warbler did not perceive me as a threat and continued to sing from a thicket**.

When I locate a warbler, but cannot manage a clear view or unobstructed photograph, I stand still and study its behaviour. By not making any sudden movements, the bird doesn’t view me as a threat and becomes accustomed to my presence. I can then see its direction of travel, anticipate its movements, and put myself in a position to get a clear view and photograph. This technique does not require a lot of patience, and I am often rewarded within a few minutes. So often I see others chasing birds around, only to stress and scare them off.

Yellows - Warbler Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — **No only do male Yellow Warblers display rusty breast streaks, they are more vividly coloured than the females**.

The coming weeks will present opportune times for warbler viewing in our area. Pay close attention to the weather forecast; look for clear skies and south winds overnight. The mornings following these conditions can be the best ones to head out. Grab your binoculars, field guide, camera, and make your way to your favourite natural area. The warblers will be waiting for you.

Good birding,
Paul

Stormwater Management Ponds:
Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots

gbh - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **Great Blue Herons are among the many birds you can expect to observe while birding around a stormwater management pond**.

Stormwater management ponds are located throughout large cities and can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. These human-made ponds and their adjacent habitats are often overlooked as birding hotspots. Last week, after receiving a tip from a blog subscriber, I decided to check out a stormwater management pond that I had not yet visited, and was rewarded with great views of a variety of birds.

rwbb - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **Female Red-winged Blackbird**.

The pond I visited is located in the northwest part of London, Ontario in the area known as Hyde Park. I accessed the area from Gainsborough Road, where there is a small area for parking. Upon exiting my truck, I immediately heard the calls of the Red-winged Blackbird and American Robin. Grabbing my camera and binoculars, I headed north along the paved path. On each side of the path was a narrow meadow-like habitat consisting of mixed grasses and small shrubs. Hearing rustling to my right, I turned to look, and from the dried stalks of grass appeared an Eastern Cottontail. Further down the path a small pond came into view, with a wooded area on either side. I was eager to see what species I might encounter next.

ec - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **This Eastern Cottontail was the only mammal species I observed on this day**.

As I continued on, a Northern Flicker could be heard calling and drumming from the woodlot to the east, as an Osprey circled the pond. The small shrubs lining either side of the path contained several Field Sparrows. I’m sure anyone who recognizes the song of the Field Sparrow will agree, it is a lovely trilling sound. Other sparrow species observed around the area were Song and White-throated, both singing beautiful songs of their own. Eastern Phoebes could be seen flying within the meadow, briefly landing on the grass stalks.

song - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **Song Sparrow**.

ep - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **Eastern Phoebe**.

I watched as the Osprey hovered over the pond, and anticipated this bird to plunge into the water after a fish. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen. The large raptor banked to the east and disappeared over the treeline. The rattling call of a Belted Kingfisher echoed over the pond as it moved about the small trees that circle the area. On the far bank I could see a Great Blue Heron wading in the shallow water. As I made my way around the pond, it became clear that this bird was more fixated with what was below the surface than it was on my presence. I raised my camera as it slowly stalked its prey. With a quick strike and a large splash, the heron captured something. Whatever the prey was, it was not visible to me and was immediately consumed as the bird threw back its head.

blue - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **Great Blue Heron capturing a meal**.

At the water’s edge I could see movement. I raised my binoculars to see a Spotted Sandpiper running along the muddy bank, while a Killdeer called not too far away. Scanning the bank with my binoculars, the Killdeer quickly came into view.. These and other small shorebirds blend in extremely well with their surroundings and can easily go overlooked without the aid of a pair of binoculars. I watched and listened as three Greater Yellowlegs circled overhead, but these birds must have been aware of my presence and continued north.

heron - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **In the blink of an eye, a Great Blue Heron can capture and consume its prey**.

Bank, Barn, and Tree Swallows were all observed darting over the pond while feeding on insects. Surprisingly, waterfowl was almost nonexistent with only a few Mallards and pair of Canada Geese present. Quite often during migration, stormwater management ponds are popular stopover areas for a variety of migrating waterfowl. In total 19 species were observed on this day, which made for a rewarding morning.

kill - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **Killdeer and other shorebirds blend in extremely well with their surroundings. Watching for movement and scanning the bank with binoculars is often the best way to locate them**.

Stormwater management ponds are easily found by searching Google maps. These online maps will show the pond itself plus any access points. Be aware that some of these ponds may not be on municipal property, or access may be restricted. Please be sure to obey the rules of any posted signage at the pond you visit.

sandy - Stormwater Management Ponds: <br> Often Overlooked Birding Hotspots — **Spotted Sandpiper**.

Spring migration can be one of the best times of the year to view a variety of birds at one of these habitats. I am a huge fan of shorebirds and these ponds can be one of the best locations to view these birds close to home. It has been at stormwater management ponds that I have achieved some of my best views of Great Egrets in our area during migration. If you have never birded around a stormwater management pond, I highly recommend visiting one in your area.

Good birding,
Paul

Good Birding Report: London, Ontario
April 21 – 29, 2016

yrw - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **The Yellow-rumped Warbler is the first of the warblers to return to our area each spring**.

Late April and early May is my absolute favourite time of year to get out birding. It is an exciting time of year as spring migration starts to pick up, and we birders see an incredible number of first of year species. Each time I venture out, I know there is the possibility to see a bird that I have not seen since last fall. This is what motivates me, and can often keep me out in the field for hours at a time. This past week did not disappoint, as I observed many first of year species, and of course many of the ones I had previously observed this year.

pw - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **Late April and early May is when many migratory birds return to our area including the Palm Warbler**.

The week started out with my first warbler of the year. It came as no surprise it was a Yellow-rumped. These birds have the shortest migration distance to reach our area of any warbler and are always the first to return each spring. Other warblers observed this past week included: Pine, Yellow, and Palm. All in all it was a pretty good week for warblers given it is still the end of April. Expect the number and variety of warblers to increase substantially over the coming weeks. The lack of leaf cover currently on the trees makes finding and photographing these small, fast moving birds less of challenge.

tree - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **I have been observing Tree Swallows in our area for several weeks now, including this pair I photographed today** .

Other than Tree Swallows, I had not observed any other swallows to date until this week. I am happy to report that Northern Rough-winged, Bank, and Barn Swallows have all returned to the Forest City. It is especially great to see Bank and Barn Swallows as these birds are currently listed as at risk in Ontario. The quick aerial maneuvers of any swallow are a treat to watch as they capture insects on the fly.

rws - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **Northern Rough-winged Swallow in flight**.

Other first of year species for me this week were the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Blue-headed Vireo. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers can be a tricky bird to locate, but fortunately their nasally zee call will help give away their location. If you hear their call, look up as these birds typically forage on insects high overhead. Blue-headed Vireos are the first of the vireos to return each year and can be found in the same deciduous habitats as warblers and gnatcatchers.

gc - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **For me listening for the call of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is the easiest way to locate this bird**.

Watermark - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **Among the vireos, the Blue-headed Vireo is the first to appear in late April**.

A few first of year shorebirds were also observed this past week with the Spotted Sandpiper and Greater Yellowlegs added to my list. While many shorebirds tend to be found along the beaches of the Great Lakes during migration, others are equally at home along small ponds and rivers. Pay close attention to muddy or sandy shorelines along any body of water if you wish to find these birds.

spot - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **The Spotted Sandpiper, a small shorebird, can be found along riverbanks and pond edges throughout our area**.

I am still waiting to see my first Baltimore Oriole and Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the year. I have heard several reports of them in our immediate area, but they have eluded me so far. If you haven’t already, make sure both your oriole and hummingbird feeders are out, and the nectar is fresh. These birds will show up in good numbers any day now. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, another spring favourite of birders and non-birders alike, have been reported in our area, but I have not laid eyes on one yet. Grosbeaks are particularly fond of both black oil sunflower and safflower seed, so keep your feeders full. Like orioles and hummingbirds, grosbeak numbers will increase any day now.

Saturday looks like a beautiful day to get out birding and there are many great places within the city to bird. Remember a few things before you head out. Most of these returning birds consume insects, so look for them where food is abundant. I have the greatest success locating these birds in protected areas out of the wind, where there is the highest concentration of insects. Birds are most active first thing in the morning, making this the best time to head out.

palm - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> April 21 - 29, 2016 — **Palm Warbler**

Birds typically migrate at night, with many of these migrants actively feeding at first light to replenish spent energy after their long journey. With this in mind, carefully plan your route before heading out. If you have the option to, start at the east end of the trail and walk west. This will put the sun at your back, illuminating the birds and avoiding silhouettes. This makes observation and identification much easier, and provides the best light for photographs.

We are in for some great birding action over the coming weeks. If you get the opportunity, head to your favourite park, ESA, or other natural area, and take in the beautiful sights and sounds of spring migration.

Good birding,
Paul

Once Again Harlequin Ducks Make An Appearance On The Thames River

For the second year in a row, Harlequin Ducks have been reported on the Thames River in London Ontario. Last year a single male bird was observed, whereas this this year a trio of these ducks, two males and one female, have been seen on the river. Harlequin Ducks are rare to our area, as over half of the eastern population of these diving ducks overwinter on the Atlantic coast.

These Harlequins were first reported two weeks ago at Springbank Park. Since then, I have spent a considerable amount of time in the area trying to locate these birds. After an unsuccessful first week, I was finally treated to excellent views of the Harlequin Ducks last Sunday, in the stretch of river downstream from the Springbank Dam.

With the unseasonably warm temperatures, a significant amount of runoff has entered the river as the snow melts. This, combined with recent rain, has water levels on the Thames River unusually high for this time of year. As a result, many of the rapids in this section of river are currently under a significant amount of water, altering this preferred habitat of the Harlequin and making locating these birds more challenging.

harl2 - Once Again Harlequin Ducks Make An Appearance On The Thames River — **The near bank provided an adequate current break for the three Harlequin Ducks, allowing me to view them from close range**.

On a visit to Springbank Park with my Dad last weekend, we located the Harlequin Ducks downstream from the dam near the small island in the centre of the river. The ducks were roughly three quarters of the way across the river, drifting downstream quickly with the fast current. We watched as the group of Harlequins made their way across the river through the island, which was predominately underwater, and settled in against the near bank directly in front of us. The ducks appeared to be content using a slight jut in the near bank as a current break and were impervious to our presence. Seeing the three Harlequin Ducks at such a close range was quite exiting as last year’s bird typically stayed to the middle or far side of the river. After taking several several photos, my Dad and I carried on with our walk heading to the west end of the park.

harl3 - Once Again Harlequin Ducks Make An Appearance On The Thames River — **Harlequin Ducks swimming along the near bank.**

On our way back, we watched for the Harlequins in the same stretch of river as we had seen them only minutes earlier. Strangely, we were unable to locate the birds. After carrying on a little further, we noticed the Harlequin Ducks swimming in a line lead by one of the males now slightly upstream from the dam. Not making much headway in the strong current, the three ducks then drifted back through the dam and came to rest once again along the near bank. From here I managed a few more photos as the birds slowly drifted downstream.

I have been out a few times since, and unfortunately have not been able to relocate the three Harlequin Ducks. To my knowledge these birds have only been reported twice, once on February 15 and then again by myself on February 21. With the high water, these birds may not be in the typical areas that we would expect to find Harlequin Ducks, as increased water is flowing over the rapids making these preferred areas almost nonexistent.

harl 4 - Once Again Harlequin Ducks Make An Appearance On The Thames River — **Harlequin Ducks**

If you are heading out this weekend in search of the Harlequin Ducks, be sure to pay close attention to any rapids that you encounter along the river. Keep a close eye for any exposed rocks that may provide a current break or area where these ducks can exit the river. Having said that, don’t discount other types of current breaks including: flooded trees, fallen logs, islands, or bends in the river. With the high water, many of the overwintering diving ducks are associating to these particular areas. Remember too that the Thames is a large river and with such a mild winter to date, there is significantly more open water than in previous years; these ducks could be almost anywhere up or downstream.

bald - Once Again Harlequin Ducks Make An Appearance On The Thames River — **Bald Eagles are among the many birds of prey observed along the Thames River**.

Even if you are unsuccessful locating the Harlequin Ducks, there is always plenty to see along the Thames River. Bald Eagles make regular passes up and down the river and often perch in the tall trees that line the banks. A wide variety of waterfowl is also present, albeit spread out due to the high water. Songbirds are always plentiful along the shrubby, tree-lined banks.

I’m sure many birders will be out again this weekend in search of the rare Harlequin Ducks and other overwintering waterfowl on the Thames River. It has been great seeing and talking with so many of my blog followers along the river over the past few weeks. If you do happen to see me, please stop and say hello. I am always happy to share my observations with fellow birders along the way.

Good birding,
Paul

Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors

In Southwestern Ontario raptor migration typically peaks about the third week of September. This is when we experience the highest concentration of hawks moving through the area. Coincidentally, many birders plan day trips to area hawk watching hot spots such as Hawk Cliff or Holiday Beach. In these areas daily raptor counts on peak days can be in the tens of thousands, which is a remarkable sight to see. However, close views are not always achieved as many of these migrating birds pass by high overhead.

red 2 - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **Raptors in flight are my favourite subject to photograph. After a brief wait, I was able to photograph this mature Red-tailed Hawk as it took flight.**

Despite the fact that raptor migration has already peaked, there are still great opportunities for viewing hawks, falcons and eagles across the area. In fact, many of the raptors that draw huge numbers of birders out during peak migration can be found throughout Southwestern Ontario year round, albeit in lower concentrations. Late fall is a great time to get out and observe raptors as leafless trees provide unobstructed views of these impressive birds.

Watermark - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **Immature Red-tailed Hawk. Note the yellow iris and banded tail.**

One of the most abundant hawks in our area, that also happens to be a year round resident, is the Red-tailed. These large raptors are regularly found on forest edges, and can be readily observed in city parks, ESAs, and even backyards. Red-tailed Hawks prey on a variety of animals, with small mammals making up a large portion of their diet. Mature Red-tailed Hawks are easily identified by their rufous-coloured tails for which they are named. Immature birds can be a bit more difficult to identify, displaying paler tails that feature horizontal bands. To further aid in proper identification, also note the colour of the iris in the bird’s eye. If it is dark in colour, than it is a mature bird and if it is yellow, then the bird is immature.

Watermark1 - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **Cooper’s Hawks are abundant throughout Southwestern Ontario. The dark brown plumage and breast streaks combined with the yellow iris indicate this is an immature bird.**

coopers - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **This mature Cooper’s Hawk is a regular visitor to my backyard.**

Another common resident raptor found in our area is the Cooper’s Hawk. Though not as big as the Red-tailed, they are equally impressive. These long, slender raptors are agile flyers, and therefore are often found in denser forests than the Red-tailed. Small birds comprise a large portion of the Copper’s Hawk’s diet, which makes them not uncommon visitors to backyards where bird feeders are present. Adults have a grey back with a rusty streaked breast. Immature birds display dark brown plumage on their backs with heavily streaked brown breasts.

sharpie - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **The small head, short rounded wings and square tail help differentiate this mature Sharp-shinned Hawk from a Cooper’s.**

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is another raptor commonly found in our area, with a very similar appearance to the Cooper’s Hawk. Differentiating between these two hawks can be incredibly challenging, but there are a few key field marks to look for. The Sharp-shinned is often smaller than the Cooper’s. However, male Cooper’s Hawks and female Sharp-shinned Hawks often overlap in size, so this is not always the best tell. Sharp-shinned Hawks have shorter wings and a shorter square tail. The head and neck of the Sharp-shinned are also proportionately smaller than the Cooper’s.

eagle - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **Bald Eagles are becoming more common in Southwestern Ontario. Mature birds are easily separated from other large raptors by their massive size and solid white head and tail feathers.**

One of my favourite raptors to search out at this time of year is the Bald Eagle. As is the case with many raptor species, these birds have slowly rebounded since the ban of the DDT more than forty years ago, but are still listed as at risk in Ontario. With five nests (that I know of) in the London and immediate area, it is not uncommon to find these birds flying up and down the Thames River. Mature Bald Eagles are virtually unmistakable, as no other common area raptor matches them in size or appearance. Look for their massive bodies and wingspans, combined with the distinct solid white head and tail feathers. Immature Bald Eagles can be a little more confusing as their plumage varies considerably from first to fourth year birds. Again their massive size and thick beaks help with proper identification. Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish, which is why we see them in close proximity to the river. Not all fish are live caught, as eagles are opportunistic feeders and will often scavenge for fish or other animals.

ie - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **Immature Bald Eagles are often confused with other large raptors due to their varying plumage. The immense size of both their bodies and beaks helps to identify them.**

Photographing birds in flight, particularly raptors, is one of my favourite subjects to focus on. Positioning myself and waiting for an in flight shot of one of these beautiful birds is when I find myself most patient as a photographer. Under no circumstance do I ever intentionally approach a bird too closely in order to flush it for a flight shot. Some of these raptors may be migrants from northern locations that have entered our area to spend the winter months. These migrants are often very hungry and already stressed. There is no need to put added stress on them by approaching too closely. With a little patience, a shot will eventually present itself. There is a saying that I live by when it comes to photographing wildlife, “If my behaviour changes their behaviour, then I am too close.”

5 - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **This first year Bald Eagle displays a mostly dark plumage with white under its wings and tail.**

As mentioned previously, raptors can be easier to locate this time of year now that the majority of area trees have lost their leaves. Any of London’s ESAs or city parks along the Thames River are great places to start your search for raptors. Be sure to keep a close watch on the sky for birds soaring high overhead. Pay extra attention for birds perched along forest edges or rows of trees adjacent to a field or other open areas. These forest edges are common locations to find raptors for two reasons. First, they provide a great vantage point of the surrounding open areas where potential prey can be observed. Second, raptors regularly return to these same perches to consume their prey after the catch.

come - Late Fall Is A Great Time To Observe Raptors — **Mature Red-tailed Hawk**

Southwestern Ontario is home to an abundance of raptors that reside in the region year round. Late fall can be an extremely rewarding time of year to get out birding, especially when it comes to observing raptors. The weather too can be very cooperative at this time of year, as we often see plenty of sunshine and comfortable daytime temperatures. I encourage you to grab your binoculars and field guide and head out to your favourite natural area in search of the many beautiful raptors that grace our skies and forests.

Good birding,
Paul

Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City

Fall migration is one of the best times of year to get out birding. With such a high concentration of birds moving through the area, there is always plenty to see. This past week we saw a real mix of weather from almost summer-like to winter conditions across the city. Despite the fluctuating weather, fall migration continued as scheduled.

herm - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Hermit Thrushes are currently migrating through our area. They can be distinguished from other thrushes by their reddish tail.

Over the past seven days, I observed many of the species we would expect to see moving through the area at this time of year. Thrushes including Hermit, Swainson’s, and Veery were all observed on or near the forest floor in several of the wooded areas I birded. American Robin numbers increased this past week, as it seems many of the birds that breed to our north have made their way into our area. It is hard to pass by a fruit tree right now without hearing a flock of Robins calling back and forth.

ruby - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Ruby-crowned Kinglets are currently abundant as they migrate through the Forest City.

Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets are currently migrating through the city in impressive numbers. These birds can be found almost anywhere from backyards to city parks and ESAs. Spotting these tiny songbirds can be tricky, so be sure to pay attention for their constant movements and high pitched calls. Kinglets feed predominantly on insects, but will also eat the seeds of many plants on cooler days when insects are scarce at this time of year. If you are searching for these birds, pay close attention to fields of Goldenrod adjacent to forest edges.

vult - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Mid October is when large numbers of Turkey Vultures migrate across Southwestern Ontario.

Raptor species continue to move through our area with Turkey Vultures being the most abundant. These birds soar with their wings raised slightly upward giving them a “V” shape. This, along with their red featherless heads, helps distinguish them from eagles and other large raptors. Several Merlins were observed at various locations within the city including along the Thames River, Westminster Ponds, and in my own Old South neighbourhood.

nash - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Nashville Warbler perched in a Crabapple tree.

Despite warbler migration having already peaked, some species are still present in our area. Last week I observed a Nashville Warbler while birding in Greenway Park. One warbler that we expect to see this time of year and later is the Yellow-rumped. In fact, London, Ontario falls within this bird’s winter range, making it the only warbler to winter this far north. While most other warblers consume a strictly insect diet, the Yellow-rumped’s diet changes to fruit and seeds in the fall and winter allowing them survive in our climate. Look for Yellow-rumped Warblers along the banks of the Thames River, and along forest edges where there is an abundance of food in the form of berries and Goldenrod seeds.

yellow - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Yellow-rumped Warbler perched adjacent to a field of Goldenrod.

Migrating waterfowl have begun to show up in the city, specifically at Saunders Pond in the Westminster Ponds ESA. I observed a large flock of RIng-necked Ducks on the east side of the pond over the weekend, and a Common Loon in the middle of the pond on Tuesday. Unfortunately, both of these species were too far out for quality photos. Scanning the pond with binoculars to get a better view of the loon revealed American Coots, Wood Ducks, and a Pied-billed Grebe.

rusty - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Rusty Blackbird foraging in the swampy habitat at Westminster Ponds ESA.

Rusty Blackbirds were also present at the Westminster Ponds ESA. These birds have experienced one of the largest population declines of any North American songbird. It is estimated that their numbers have dropped by 85-99% in the last forty years. The name Rusty Blackbird describes their winter plumage perfectly, but may not depict how beautiful these birds truly are. The best access point to see the Rusty Blackbirds is from behind Tourist Information on Wellington Road. From there, follow the boardwalk north that runs alongside Saunders Pond.

rusty 2 - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Rusty Blackbirds can be found in flooded forests, wet thickets, swamps and marshes during migration. The west side of Saunders Pond in the Westminster Ponds ESA provides this exact habitat.

Dark-eyed Juncos and many of our winter sparrows, including White-throated and White-crowned, have now returned to the area. Many of you may have already seen these birds, as they are frequent visitors to backyard feeders. If you do not get these birds in your yard, you can find them feeding on Goldenrod and other seeds in the same open areas and forest edges where you will find Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Sparrows can be incredibly difficult to identify, especially in fall when many of these birds are still displaying their juvenile plumage. Remember to pay special attention to the subtle differences in their field marks to achieve proper identification.

thropat - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Several winter sparrow species have returned to our area including the White-throated pictured here.

The weather this past week varied incredibly. The one thing that remained fairly consistent was strong winds. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of finding a location out of the wind to improve your birding success. By doing a few minutes of research and selecting a location out of the wind, you will not only stay warmer on the cool days, but you will also find more birds. Birds unnecessarily expend energy by balancing on blowing branches or trying to keep warm in the path of a cold wind. For these reasons, birds will almost always search out protected areas. The temperature difference between a sheltered and non-sheltered area can vary by several degrees at this time of year, and the warmer protected areas are where insect activity will also be the greatest. Insects will always be found on the leeward side of a forest, and consequently so too will the birds that feed on them. Some of the city’s natural areas are hundreds of hectares in size, but by doing your research and finding a food source out of the wind, you can eliminate a lot of area where bird activity will be limited.

crowned - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Monday morning’s wet flurries provided the perfect backdrop for this White-crowned Sparrow, a species that recently returned to our area.

Fall migration has brought plenty of great species into the London area. Many of these species will be with us all winter, while others will not. If you get the chance, head to your favourite birding hotspot, or one of the locations I mentioned in this post; use the wind to your advantage and take in all of the beautiful sights and sounds fall birding has to offer.

Good birding,
Paul

Good Birding Report: London, Ontario
August, 28 – September 4, 2015

egret - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Great Egrets are often observed during fall migration at The Coves in London, Ontario.

With fall migration now underway, great opportunities exist across the city for observing a variety of migrants. Warbler activity increased this past week with several species being observed. One of the best locations I found for warbler sightings was my own backyard. I observed five species in total from my deck while enjoying my morning coffee, including: Yellow, Pine, Black and White, Blackburnian, and Magnolia. These birds could be seen high in the tree tops, quickly moving from branch to branch as they fed on insects. Other warbler species recorded from areas other than my yard were Nashville and Common Yellowthroat. Warblers can be extremely difficult to identify, especially in fall, so having a pair of binoculars handy along with a field guide is recommended.

9774833281 e80a94154f b - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Late summer is one of the best times to observe Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. My backyard feeder was busy this week with birds looking to fuel up before heading south. Many people take their feeders down too early in September and miss out on all of the activity. Make sure your nectar is fresh, especially with the high temperatures we have been experiencing. Homemade hummingbird nectar is cheap and easy to make by boiling 4 parts water to one part white sugar. Be certain to let the mixture cool completely before refilling your feeder. If the mixture in your feeder looks cloudy, clean out your feeder and replace with fresh nectar. Hummingbirds can also be observed at the various parks and ESAs throughout the city. Look for these tiny birds hovering around blooming wildflowers, particularly Jewelweed. These small, orange, trumpet shaped, native flowers are a favourite of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

eeee - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Great Egret

Great Egrets typically stopover at The Coves each August during migration, and this year is no different. Excellent views from Springbank Drive have been achieved daily for several weeks now. It has been my experience that this egret is best viewed on the north side of the road in the morning, and on the south side during the afternoon. Other birds observed at this location include Great Blue Herons, Lesser Yellowlegs and Wood Ducks. Most of the Wood Ducks present are either females, juveniles or males in eclipse plumage, so don’t expect to see any vibrant males displaying breeding plumage just yet.

gbge - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Great birding at The Coves as a Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret wade in the shallow water.

Along the Thames River several raptor species were observed, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Osprey. Shorebird species were also recorded with Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer all viewed in Greenway Park.

swi - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Chimney Swifts circling the Chimney located at King’s College before entering for the night.

Early September is the perfect time of year to observe large flocks of Chimney Swifts entering communal roosts at sunset. In London, we are fortunate to have several such roosts that had impressive numbers of swifts entering each night. Chimneys located at King’s College, Labatt’s Brewery, and Smith Fruit had counts of 525, 473, and 527 swifts respectively this past week. Don’t let these numbers fool you; the counts are down from previous years and Chimney Swifts are listed as threatened on Ontario’s Species at Risk List. If you wish to experience this incredible sight, I recommend getting to one of these locations about half an hour before sunset. Watch as a large flock of Chimney Swifts forms and begins circling the chimney. As darkness falls, swifts will begin diving into the chimney where they will roost for the night.

mon - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — We may not see the same numbers as we did in years past, but Monarch migration is now underway and it is a teat to see these beautiful butterflies.

Birds are not the only species beginning to migrate in London. Despite their recent drop in numbers, Monarch Butterflies are beginning to make their way south. This past week I noticed an increase in the number and concentration of Monarchs. While observing the warblers in the backyard, two Monarchs also made their way through. Yesterday at Greenway Park six of these at risk butterflies could be observed nectaring on teasels and thistles in an open meadow in the east end of the park. This area has been supporting Monarchs for several weeks now and the numbers here have recently increased, albeit slightly.

lesser - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — The shallow mud flats of the Thames River are the perfect place to find Lesser Yellowlegs during migration.

If you get the chance this long weekend, head out to your favourite park or ESA and take in some of these migrants. Before you know it they will be gone, not reappearing until next spring. I personally am going to try to get as many shots of Monarch Butterflies as I can while they are still around. Many of the late blooming native wildflowers are flourishing right now, providing the perfect backdrop for these beautiful butterflies.

Good birding,
Paul

The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts

With shorebird migration now underway, I decided to make a trip this past week to the West Perth Wetlands located in Mitchell, Ontario. These wetlands are a well known stopover for shorebirds looking to rest and feed as they move across Southwestern Ontario. After checking the recent sightings reported to eBird, and hearing from a blog subscriber who was there the previous week, I was quite confident there would be a nice mix of shorebirds present.

least - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — The Least Sandpiper is the smallest of the shorebirds, and was one of ten shorebird species I observed on a recent visit to the West Perth Wetlands.

Upon arriving at the wetlands, I looked out over the first pond and immediately saw hundreds of shorebirds. I knew at that moment it was going to be a great day. Glancing along the near shore I was instantly treated to excellent views of several Lesser Yellowlegs and Killdeer as they foraged close to the bank. I caught the movement of a smaller sandpiper out of the corner of my eye, so I raised my binoculars to get a better look. This bird was much smaller than the adjacent Killdeer and displayed yellowish legs indicating it was a Least Sandpiper, the smallest of the “peeps”. As I scanned across the pond I could see two Wilson’s Snipe, a Short-billed Dowitcher, and a Stilt Sandpiper feeding in the shallow water along the far bank. After circling halfway around the first pond I quickly added more shorebirds to my count, including a Solitary Sandpiper feeding on what appeared to be a large tadpole. I counted 10 species of shorebird in total on this trip to the West Perth Wetlands. A complete list of the shorebirds I observed is as follows:

Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Short-billed Dowitcher
Wilson’s Snipe
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer

bobo - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Bobolinks were among the many songbirds present at the West Perth Wetlands.

Several waterfowl species were observed on the various ponds throughout the wetland. Mallards were the most prevalent, but other notable species recorded were Blue and Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, and Northern Shoveler. Songbirds were also abundant, with the highlight for me being several Bobolinks. In total, I observed 43 bird species including the 10 shorebirds on my visit.

butt - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Viceroy Butterfly.

Painted and Snapping Turtles were present throughout the network of ponds, as well as three species of frog: Bull, Green, and Northern Leopard. Monarch, Viceroy, and Red-spotted Purple Butterflies could be seen nectaring on the variety of wildflowers surrounding the ponds. Dragon and Damselflies circled the ponds with Green Darner, Widow and Twelve-spotted Skimmers the most abundant. Mammal species I observed included Groundhogs and Muskrats.

killdeer - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Killdeer setting its wings as it prepares to land on the muddy bank.

What makes the West Perth Wetlands such an amazing place for birding is not only how many shorebirds it attracts, but how close you can view them; this not only provides excellent views, but is perfect for those like me who wish to photograph these beautiful birds. With a pair of binoculars you can easily scan the far banks and still have great views of the distant birds. To make things even better, the network of trails completely circles each pond, which allows you to stealthily approach birds that were previously viewed from a distance. The mowed grass trails are incredibly easy to walk on (with the exception of a few Groundhog holes you must watch for) and the slight rise in elevation offers the perfect vantage point across each of the ponds. A picnic table in the parking lot provides a perfect place to rest or break for lunch.

frr - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Birds at the West Perth Wetlands are always moving around, making it a great place to photograph birds in flight.

Birds are constantly on the move at the wetlands, both coming and going as well as aggressively defending their feeding spots, making it perfect for flight photography. The West Perth Wetlands is the best location near London I know of that provides not only quantity, but variety of shorebirds with the opportunity to view and photograph them from a close distance.

her - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Great Blue Heron foraging in the shallow water at the West Perth Wetlands.

To get to the West Perth Wetlands from London, take Highway 23 north to the town of Mitchell, Ontario. Once in Mitchell, turn right on Frank Street (the first street on your right as you enter town). Proceed down Frank Street a few hundred yards where you will see a baseball diamond. Turn right at the diamond and follow the road to the end where you will find the parking lot.

musk - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — The diverse wetland habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, including this Muskrat.

Shorebird identification can be tough, so I recommend taking a field guide and a pair of binoculars. Remember to pay close attention to the subtle differences in each bird. Making note of the size and leg colour can help distinguish many of the smaller sandpipers. With such an incredible variety and quantity of shorebirds at the West Perth Wetlands, it is the perfect place to practice shorebird identification. In many instances you can do side by side comparisons of the various birds. If you have never visited the West Perth Wetlands before, I highly recommend checking it out this migration season. I know I will be returning a few more times before the end of the season.

Good birding,
Paul

Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography

When people take a look at my images, the same question and comment seems to always come up. “How long did you have to wait to get that shot?” or “you must be really patient”. Yes, I am patient, but rarely do I apply this to my photography. I find that being observant is far more advantageous, and yields better results than being patient. There are many photographers out there who will sit in a blind all day demonstrating great patience to get the shot. I, however, prefer to keep moving and observe the wildlife around me and their behaviour, so that I can later put myself in a position to get the shot. This not only saves time, but it also allows me to cover more ground and photograph more species.

I like visiting new areas, but I also enjoy returning to old favourites. By making several visits to the same location, I am able to observe the wildlife in that area and make note of their behaviour and any patterns that I observe. You may be surprised at how predictable an animal can be after observing it for several days in the same location. This to me far outweighs staying in one location all day, in hopes of a bird flying by or landing within range.

robin 2 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **Rather than waiting all day in frigid temperatures for robins that may or may not show up, I prefer to use observation over patience.**

Let me give you a few examples to demonstrate. During winter months one of my favourite locations to bird is along the Thames River. With the abundance of waterfowl, songbirds and the easy walking on the plowed trails, I find it hard to stay away. American Robins can often be observed all winter feeding in the various fruit trees that grow along the river banks. One winter, I observed the same flock repeatedly over the course of a week as I walked along the river from Greenway to Springbank Park. As fruit was consumed, the birds would move ever so slightly down the bank each day following the food source. One February morning I woke up to the remnants of an incredible ice storm. I immediately thought how great those robins would look feeding on the berries with the branches all covered in ice. I grabbed my camera, jumped in my truck and headed to the park. As predicted, there was the flock of robins gorging themselves on berries following the inclement weather. I fired off several shots and was very happy with the results when I returned home. No sitting, waiting or patience required, only knowing where the birds would be based on that week’s observations allowed me to achieve these images. My total time in the field that day was 15 minutes.

eagle 1 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **After watching this Bald Eagle perched in the same tree at the same time on multiple days, I decided to return another day a bit earlier to capture its landing.**

eagle 2 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **The second of a series of frames capturing the juvenile Bald Eagle landing.**

Bald Eagles and other raptors can be very predictable if observed repeatedly. I often find the same bird perched in the same tree at the same time every day. By paying attention to these details I save a lot of time, energy and gas when looking to photograph birds. One week while observing Bald Eagles, I found one particular juvenile bird always perched in the same tree every day at 11 am. I managed several static shots of the bird but wanted some flight shots as well. Not wanting to wait all day, or being one to bait birds or chase them off a perch in order to get a flight shot, I simply returned to the location a few minutes before 11 am the next day. As anticipated, the eagle approached its favourite perch and I was able to capture several frames of the large raptor in flight, prior to its landing. Again, no patience was required, only the power of observation.

eagle 3 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **Being in position at the right time based on observation, resulted in this series of shots.**

eagle 4 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **The final shot, the juvenile Bald Eagle now perched in the tree. Total waiting time for this series of shots, about six minutes.**

This past winter, birders flocked from all over Southwestern Ontario to the Thames River in hopes of getting a glimpse of the rare Harlequin Duck that overwintered on the river. A lifer for me, I found myself down at the river every chance I had trying to photograph this beautiful bird. It didn’t take long for me to pick up on this bird’s habits and behaviour. The Harlequin Duck is a bird of fast-moving water and this particular bird demonstrated this perfectly. I was able to observe the bird repeatedly as he dove and fed in a small section of rapids. Once it had drifted downstream out of the rapids and into the slower moving water it would then fly upstream to just ahead of the rapids and perform the same drift again. I watched as this duck did this over and over again. Situated where there was a nice clearing in the trees, I was able to get multiple shots of not only the duck diving and feeding, but also flight shots as it passed by before making another drift.

I cannot tell you the number of birders I watched chase this Harlequin Duck up and down the river trying to photograph it through trees and other obstructions. I spoke to a few onlookers holding cameras who had gathered in hopes of getting a shot. I explained that the bird would be back, and suggested staying put and being ready. Sure enough, only a few minutes passed and back came the Harlequin Duck in flight upriver and right passed us. The other photographers were not only excited to capture the bird as it flew then floated by, but were surprised how I knew the bird would be back. Simply observing the bird over the course of a few days was all I needed to understand and predict its behaviour, resulting in the shots I wanted and an incredible experience.

harlequin - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **A few days of observing this Harlequin Duck’s behaviour was all I needed to put myself into a position to achieve the shots I was after.**

These are only a few examples of my experiences where being observant far outweighed being patient. For me, observation results in more images than waiting all day for them to happen. Knowing and excepting that the shot I am looking for may not present itself that day and moving on is where my patience comes in. Patience for me comes over an extended period of time rather than devoting an entire day to staying in one spot. Observing the same bird over the course of several days, not only gives me the opportunity to achieve the shot I want, but it also allows the bird to become accustomed to my presence and less timid.

For most of us, photography is a hobby. Our lives are too busy to spend eight hours a day in the field waiting for a shot to present itself. We can, however, find time several times a week to get out for a walk with our cameras, and closely watch the wildlife that we come across to pick up a few patterns. By doing this I think you will achieve greater results in not only what you see, but what you are able to capture with your camera as well.

Good birding,
Paul

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Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area

Despite the fact that fall is still more than seven weeks away, it is time to start thinking migration. Many birds, including shorebirds, begin to migrate across our area as early as August. Several sightings have been reported already from around the area; I personally have noticed an increase in Yellowlegs within London, making now the perfect time to get out and search for these early migrants.

With shorebirds having already begun their journey south, there are several locations in and around the Forest City where they can be readily observed. The Coves, located only minutes from the city’s core, is an excellent place to view shorebirds as they stop over to rest and feed. With the lack of rainfall this summer, water levels are currently low; this provides shallow water and exposed muddy flats, the perfect habitat for shorebirds. Spotted Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, as well as Solitary Sandpipers are among the species readily observed at The Coves.

Great Egrets frequently stop over at The Coves during August, making it one of the best locations in the city to view these beautiful birds. I recommend weekly visits to The Coves this month, as more birds will show up as the season progresses. To access The Coves, turn onto Greenside Avenue from Springbank Drive. Parking is available at the side of the road. From there, it is a short walk back to Springbank Drive where excellent views of The Coves can be taken in from the sidewalk on both sides of the street. There is a traffic light at the intersection of Greenside Avenue and Springbank Drive, making crossing the four lanes quite easy and much safer.

Solitary Sadpiper - Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area — This Solitary Sandpiper was observed from Springbank Drive in London, Ontario as it foraged in the shallow water of The Coves.

Several of the newer subdivisions in the city have stormwater management ponds within them. These too are excellent areas to locate shorebirds within the city. Take a look at a map of London for some of these newly created ponds mostly on the corners of the city. A short car ride to these locations can often yield great results. One pond in particular that seems to attract a variety of shorebirds, herons, kingfishers, and even egrets is located behind the Canadian Tire store on Wonderland Road. Be sure to make these small, man made ponds, a part of your fall birding, as they can provide a temporary home for several species.

Venturing out of London can also be very rewarding for observing shorebirds. One of my favourite locations is the Port Stanley sewage lagoons. This area is birder friendly with two observation towers overlooking the four ponds. Several species of shorebird can be observed foraging along the muddy banks from the elevated towers. Birds at this location are not viewed as close as at other locations, so be sure to take binoculars or a spotting scope. To get to the Pot Stanley lagoons, follow Highway 4 south to the town of Port Stanley. Once you arrive in town, turn right on Warren Street (the first street on your right at the baseball diamond). Proceed through the four way stop (here Warren Street turns into Lake Line). Continue on Lake Line to the top of the hill, and make a right on Scotch Line. Follow the bend in the road and you will see the first of the two observation towers on your left.

Lesser Yellowlegs - Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area — Lesser Yellowlegs are one of the most abundant shorebirds observed in our area during migration.

Other popular area spots for observing shorebirds, although longer drives, are the sewage lagoons located on Pike Road in Strathroy, Ontario and the West Perth Wetlands on Frank Street in Mitchell, Ontario. The West Perth Wetlands often attract the widest variety and less common shorebirds, making it well worth the one hour drive from London.

Having success locating shorebirds is very much dependent on water levels. These birds require shallow water with exposed mud or sand for feeding. Too much water and shorebirds simply will not be present. As mentioned previously, water levels at many locations are currently ideal for attracting shorebirds. Having said that, venturing out to find shorebirds after a moderate rain can be quite successful. As the fresh rain is absorbed into the muddy flats, many of the invertebrates that shorebirds feed on are forced to the surface creating a feeding frenzy.

Great Egret - Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area — Great Egrets can be observed while searching area ponds for shorebirds.

Shorebirds are among the most difficult when it comes to identification. Many birders struggle to identify the different species that make up this group of birds. Adding to the confusion at this time of year is the addition of juvenile birds, as well as those transitioning from breeding to winter plumage. Remember to observe the subtle differences in field marks when trying to identify shorebirds. Pay close attention to size, leg colour, bill length, as well as any distinct plumage features to assist with identification. Managing a quick photo, even a low quality one, can often lead to proper identification upon returning home. If you have a photo of a bird you are having difficulty identifying, feel free to contact me. I am always happy to help fellow birders with identification.

Although it does not garner quite as much hype as spring migration, fall migration is an exciting time of year. Large concentrations of birds can be observed in rather small areas, providing excellent views and photographic opportunities. If you are like me and keep a life and year list, the large number of shorebirds can boost your totals fast. With their long legs and bills, plus their unique behaviour, shorebirds are among the most interesting birds to observe. Take the time this month to get out to some of these area hotspots, and enjoy the beautiful shorebirds that are passing through our area.

Good birding,
Paul