Adding a roost box to your yard will provide small songbirds like the Tufted Titmouse shelter during harsh winter weather.
Roost boxes are an excellent addition to any bird lover’s yard. They are similar in appearance to a birdhouse but serve a different purpose altogether. Instead of building a nest inside and raising their young, birds use these boxes to provide shelter and warmth during winter and will often gather to share body heat. I’ve watched chickadees enter mine during freezing rain and heavy snowfalls. Birds also roost in them at night when temperatures plummet.
When you look at a roost box you will notice the entrance hole is at the bottom, this is to prevent the warm air that rises inside from escaping. The inside of the box has staggered perches to accommodate more birds. Depending on the species and the size of the box multiple birds will use it to share body heat. Some species of birds that will seek shelter in these boxes are chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and wrens.
Birds like this Carolina Wren already seek shelter in my cedar hedge, so mounting a roost box among the branches proved to be a perfect location.
Roost boxes should be mounted in a protected area out of prevailing winds. Some afternoon sunshine will help warm up the box, so it retains more heat. Facing the box to the south will also help the box gather heat. I have my boxes mounted among my cedar hedge for optimal cover.
The hinged front allows for easy cleaning. Boxes should be checked and cleaned regularly. Droppings can accumulate quickly if several birds use it.
The Urban Nature StoreWooden Winter Roost is currently the product of the month. As a special offer get a free 4lb bag of Sunflower Hearts with the purchase of this roost box.
If you know a bird lover with a winter birthday, this roost box makes a terrific gift!
Chickadees are among the birds that will huddle for warmth in a properly placed box.
Cold weather is on the way, so if you want to do your part to help birds stay warm and survive the cold winter months, consider adding a roost box to your yard.
Northern Cardinal feeding on black-oil sunflower seed.
Ask anyone who feeds the birds in their yard and most agree squirrels are their nemesis. For me, I realize everything must eat but I like the hard-earned money I spend on bird seed going to the birds, not the squirrels. I have several different styles of feeders up in my yard as I like to have a feeder for everyone and attract as many birds as I can. I have several feeders from the squirrel buster line which work great and others outfitted with baffles and other squirrel deterrents.
Peanuts mixed with Treat Your Own Seed Saver offered in a ground feeder were enjoyed by blue jays and not touched by squirrels.
These feeders and products all work amazingly but do come with a few stipulations. A hopper feeder mounted on a pole with a baffle requires it be located far enough from a tree or fence that squirrels can’t jump to it. Likewise, it is recommended a squirrel buster feeder be hung 18″ away from any foothold the squirrel can reach from forcing it to place all of its weight on the feeder which closes the seed ports as it is designed to do.
White-breasted Nuthatch at my peanut feeder.
Maybe you don’t want an elaborate feeder setup or have a heavily treed or narrow yard with a fence where the requirements of these feeders can’t be met. Then what? Well, I have found the solution!
Juncos have returned to Southwestern Ontario and are enjoying white millet in my ground feeder treated with Squirrel Proof Treat Your Own Seed Saver.
Earlier this year, I started adding Squirrel Proof Treat Your Own Seed Saver to my bird seed. When mixed with any birdseed this liquid adds a hot and spicy sensation birds love and squirrels hate. I must admit I was skeptical trying this product but at only $11.95 a bottle figured it was worth a try. To my delight, I found Squirrel Proof Treat Your Own Seed Saver worked. How this stuff works is it teaches or conditions squirrels to the association between the taste they don’t like and the smell of the food. This process can take a few weeks but I found the results to be almost instant in an area where Grey Squirrels and Red Squirrels are present.
In the video below, I demonstrate how easy this product is to mix with peanuts before filling my feeder.
This product is incredibly easy to use. On initial use add 3 to 4 tablespoons of seed saver to 1 pound of your favourite seed. Once squirrels are avoiding your feeder you can cut back to 1 to 2 tablespoons per pound. Each bottle of seed saver treats 35 lbs of bird seed. I use an old plastic coffee can with a snap-on lid to mix my seed as I can easily shake the container ensuring all the seed gets coated.
Northern Flicker feeding on peanuts halves at my 16″ metal feeder.
One of my favorite feeders is the 16″ metal peanut feeder. I have had great success over the years attracting woodpeckers, nuthatches, and Carolina Wrens to this feeder but have always hung it from a tree branch with an old wire coat hanger. Squirrels would always walk out on the tree branch and descend the wire easily accessing the peanut halves inside. Once I added the seed saver to the peanuts, the squirrels left the peanuts alone almost immediately. Not only was I happy this vitamin-enriched bird seed mix worked, but I also noticed an increase in birds using the feeder. Whether or not this was because the birds like the seed saver treated peanuts more than plain peanuts or the fact the squirrels previously occupying the feeder kept the birds away, only the birds know.
This Red-bellied Woodpecker enjoyed hulled sunflower seed from my hopper feeder.
Satisfied with the results, I started mixing the seed saver with hulled sunflower seed offered in a hopper feeder. Again, the results were the same lots of birds and no squirrels. Another feeder I love is my ground feeder. As the name suggests, this feeder is popular with ground-feeding birds including cardinals, doves, and the more desired native sparrows including white-throated, white-crowned, and Dark-eyed Juncos. This feeder also attracts squirrels due to its easy ground access. Since adding seed saver to white millet and hulled sunflower in the ground feeder, no squirrels. I even tried adding treated peanuts halves to the ground feeder figuring this was a squirrel’s favourite food and easiest access and again no squirrels. I could finally watch all the amazing ground-feeding birds use this awesome feeder stress-free without worrying about squirrels emptying it in minutes.
Many birds like this White-crowned Sparrow prefer a ground feeder. Mixing Treat Your Own Seed Saver with my seed ensures I’m feeding the birds and not the squirrels.
As a bonus, but something I haven’t tried yet, once squirrels are conditioned to the smell of the seed saver it can be added to the base of potted plants or to mulch in your garden to keep squirrels from digging as the seed saver will not harm the plants.
If you are looking to foil those squirrels once and for all, I highly recommend this incredible product!
This male Redhead presented amazing views from the platform at Greenway Park.
Unexpectedly, I ended up with the Family Day long weekend off work. Having just returned a few days prior from my winter getaway, I intended to work the three days to make up the lost hours. While my wallet will undoubtedly feel the pain, I can’t say I was overly disappointed as having just spent several days in nature I was still feeling the benefits and my desire to immerse myself in nature again was quite strong.
Over the Family Day long weekend, cardinals began singing their signature song.
I wavered quite a bit about where to go and had several locations in mind. I was leaning heavily toward Greenway Park as I have not been there much lately and this is my favourite park in the city for birding. After receiving a heads-up from a Facebook follower of a male Redhead present near the platform overlooking the river my mind was made up.
Cedar Waxwing reaching for a buckthorn berry.
On Saturday morning I made my way to the park shortly after first light. With the sun rising just over the trees I made the short walk from the parking lot to the platform overlooking the Thames River. Sure enough, just like I was told through Facebook, the male Redhead was swimming among all the Mallards only a few feet from shore. The morning sun illuminated the duck’s colourful plumage perfectly as I fired off several images.
Interestingly, a flock of robins was found in the same patch of buckthorn as this time last year.
Here’s where things started to get emotional. I was excited to have such close views of this beautiful duck and very appreciative of the woman who notified me through Facebook of the bird’s location. A sense of sadness came over me as the Redhead is my dad’s favourite duck and I wished he was there with me to experience it. I considered taking my dad with me but as he ages, he really feels the cold and this morning was rather chilly with a strong wind. Knowing Dad doesn’t do cold and windy anymore, sadly I made the decision not to bring him along. Dad and I have done a lot of birding, canoeing, and fishing on the Thames River over the years so lots of incredible memories came up on this day.
Whether on foot or in the canoe, Molly joined me on most of my birding outings. In this picture, she was fixated on a cow moose and its young calf.
Also heavily impacting my emotions was the fact it was Family Day weekend last year after enjoying the day outdoors with Molly I noticed a large lump on her front leg. The lump was diagnosed as osteosarcoma and she was given 6 to 8 weeks to live. Like the trooper she was, Molly stayed with me another 10 weeks before the difficult but necessary decision was made to have her euthanized.
Molly was my best friend and companion so naturally, she got special treatment. When spending time by the campfire this included her own tent, therapeutic dog bed, sherpa blanket, and nightlight.
For those of you not aware, Molly was my dog, best friend, and number one birding companion. In fact, for most of the images I’ve shared, Molly’s leash was attached to my Cotton Carrier and she was right by my side.
This photo was taken on Molly’s final visit to Greenway Park.
I can’t tell you the number of days Molly and I spent at Greenway Park birding over the 12 years she was in my life. Greenway Park is where I got started in nature photography after a trip to the dog park with Molly when she was quite young revealed so many birds present highlighted by a Bald Eagle flyover. From that day on I spent as much of my free time as possible with Molly enjoying the great outdoors while practicing photography.
Before Molly I hated winter. Her love of snow taught me how much fun winter is and now I love winter. After spring migration winter is my favourite season for birding.
Molly was my biggest motivator for getting outside with my camera. On days when I didn’t feel like going out, I couldn’t say no to her beautiful brown eyes so off we would go to Greenway. We had some amazing times there over the years and observed over 100 bird species in this park only a few blocks from downtown. Not too bad in a city with a population of over 400,000. I’ve found it challenging to motivate myself to get out over the last year without Molly and this is the reason I’ve been MIA from blogging over this time.
This male Downy Woodpecker presented a unique view. It’s not often they perch horizontally.
After enjoying the sighting of the Redhead, I followed the path upstream and was treated to more great sightings. My favourite bird, the Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen high up in a willow tree and I managed to capture an image of a Downy Woodpecker as it paused briefly on an eye-level limb. This was one of several Downy Woodpeckers aggressively chasing each other presumably defending their territory
Robins were observed drinking and bathing in the Thames River.
As I came to a patch of buckthorn, I could hear the soft calls of robins and high-pitched whistles of Cedar Waxwings. Scanning the trees, a mixed flock of these birds was feeding on the berries. Looking down at the river, more robins were seen drinking the water that was magnificently reflecting the blue sky. Despite barely passing art class in high school and only taking it as it was a required credit, I did learn orange and blue are complementary colours and love how robins look against a blue sky or water. I guess this answers the age-old question so often asked in school “when am I ever going to use this again”?
I’ve always been fortunate to have Carolina Wrens in my backyard. These birds are very fond of peanut halves and peanut suet offered at my feeders.
Torn between staying at my favorite park and heading back home, I opted for the latter. The appeal of heading home was greatly influenced by some new feeders and seed I received from Urban Nature Store. I recently became a brand ambassador for Urban Nature Store and am excited to share my experiences with and promote their high-quality birding-related products and seed, some of which is made right here in Ontario!
White-breasted Nuthatch.
Still bundled up from my park outing, I carried my camera to the backyard. Under beautiful sunshine, the feeders and surrounding trees were filled with birds. I enjoyed the show put on by my feathered friends and captured several images. The warm sunshine felt great and I ended up spending the remainder of the day in the yard which no doubt helped me deal with my mixed emotions. John Denver nailed it when he sang sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.
This picture of Molly and me was taken on our final walk. The lifejacket was so I could take the weight off her front leg if necessary. Whenever I crouched down to her level for a picture, she always saw it as an opportunity for a public display of affection.
Despite Family Day weekend bringing a whirlwind of emotions, one thing is certain, surrounding myself in nature made everything better. Enjoying the birds while reflecting on both amazing and sad memories set everything at ease. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nature is the best medicine.
This Black-throated Green Warbler was photographed at a focal length of 190mm. This uncropped image demonstrates that a long lens is not always required for nature photography.
When it comes to nature photography, many of today’s top professionals are wielding telephoto lenses in the 500mm – 600mm range. Add on a teleconverter and focal lengths of 700mm – 1200mm are achieved. Sure this gives the photographer plenty of reach, but some of these combinations also come with a five figure price tag. While many of us, myself included, may dream of a lens of this magnitude, results are achievable with much more affordable gear.
Fortunately, these long focal lengths are not always required when photographing wildlife. Most of today’s DSLRs come with either a 250mm or 300mm telephoto zoom at the time of purchase, and these kit lenses are more than adequate for nature photography in many situations. When shooting with a shorter lens, getting close to your subject is paramount. One simple technique I use to get closer to my subject is to study their movements. After watching their behaviour and direction of travel, I try to put myself in a position where I believe the subject will be next. This technique is extremely productive especially when birds are feeding in the wild, and yields far better results than trying to directly approach them. Many wild animals are routinely pursued by predators and will quickly flee if they feel they are being stalked. By not pursuing your subject, and waiting for it to come to you, you won’t be perceived as a threat and closer views will be possible. Be sure to avoid sudden movements as this too will startle wildlife, causing them to run or fly from the area.
This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed at 250mm using a Canon 55-250mm kit lens.
If you are shooting with a lens in the 250mm – 300mm range, photographing nature at your local park or own backyard can be your best options. Many of these animals are accustomed to human activity and are easily photographed with a shorter lens. Remember to avoid pursuing your subject as well as sudden movements as this will scare them off. Over the years I have taken many images with these shorter focal length lenses that I am more than happy with.
Next time you are out, keep these tips in mind. I think you will agree that regardless of what focal length your lens is, you will find yourself getting closer to nature.
The Common Goldeneye is one of the many species of diving duck that overwinters on the Thames River. In recent years, the number of these ducks on the river during winter months has increased.
Once again this winter, the Thames River is hosting a remarkable variety of waterfowl. With ice coverage on the Great Lakes exceeding 80%, ducks, geese, and grebes are migrating inland searching for open water. Several of these birds feed on a variety of aquatic life including: fish, molluscs, crustaceans, larvae, and even aquatic vegetation. For diving ducks and grebes, feeding takes place by diving below the surface and capturing prey with their bills. In order for these diving ducks to be successful, they must be able to reach the bottom to access snails, clams, and crayfish from beneath rocks and logs on the river bed.
Of the fifteen species of waterfowl currently overwintering on the Thames River, eight are deemed rare by eBird either by species or location. Redheads are one of the species deemed rare. Each winter we observe more Redheads on the river during winter months. Readheads are a diving duck that feed on aquatic vegetation.
The wide variety of waterfowl that have overwintered on the Thames River the past few years is a good indication of the improved overall health of the river. Since Springbank Dam became non-operational in 2008, the Thames River is slowly transforming back to its natural state. The most observable change is the natural reforestation occurring along the river banks. The increased vegetation in this riparian area is preventing bank erosion and reducing the number of harmful nutrients and pesticides that enter the river. Bank erosion leads to sedimentation which negatively impacts the health of the river bottom, where many of the tiny vertebrates and invertebrates that these ducks feed on live. High nutrient levels, such as phosphorus, create unhealthy algae blooms which again negatively impact the overall health of the river.
Each winter Hooded Mergansers can be observed on the Thames River in London, Ontario. These small diving ducks can be observed feeding on small fish and in this case crayfish.
When Springbank dam was operational, water was held back within the city from late May until early October each year. Damming the river promoted sedimentation, caused nutrients and bacteria to build up, and harmful algae to form. Too much algae is harmful as it reduces water quality and starves other organisms of oxygen. These factors are what led to the unsightly appearance and smell so many Londoners associated with the Thames.
Treated and untreated sewage continues to be released into the Thames River at various locations around the city, including Greenway Pollution Control Centre. Human and animal waste increases harmful bacteria levels, such as e-coli, which also negatively impacts water quality. Allowing the Thames River to flow freely, reduces the build-up of this bacteria within our city.
Another bird deemed rare for our location by eBird is the Greater Scaup. Once again this winter, scaup have been drawn to the open water of the Thames River, and the abundance of aquatic life that is paramount for them surviving the winter months.
By having a free-flowing river the past six years, levels of harmful bacteria, nutrients, sediment, and algae have all improved. These improvements are published in the Upper Thames River Conservation Authorities Watershed Report Cards. To some, these benefits are not visible by simply looking at the river. In fact, many Londoners believe the water level appears too low based on the Thames River’s previously unnatural dammed levels.
The improved water quality is evident by the increase and abundance of waterfowl overwintering on the Thames River each year. The improved water quality and reduction in sedimentation have created a much healthier river bottom. As a result, several small organisms that reside on the river bottom are thriving; ones that you and I can’t observe while walking along the river in one of our city parks. This abundant aquatic life is what keeps these many species of waterfowl present on the Thames River throughout the winter months. Without suitable water and adequate food supply, these ducks would continue their migration to the southern United States or the Atlantic coast.
This Harlequin Duck is listed as endangered in Canada. Maintaining and improving the health of the Thames River is something we need to take seriously in order for such species to survive. This rare Harlequin Duck is one of the many rare species currently overwintering on the Thames River.
Simply put, wildlife does not lie. The increase, abundance, and variety of all wildlife, not just waterfowl, present on the Thames River indicate a healthy and sustainable river. Water from the Thames River eventually reaches Lake Erie, where London draws a portion of its drinking water from. Keeping the river in its natural state will not only protect endangered species, like the Harlequin Duck, but it will also help protect the future of our drinking water. The natural reforestation that is occurring along the river banks improves the urban forest, and our air quality as well.
Perhaps we should take more time to observe the nature around us and use it to measure the health of our environment.
One benefit of these cold temperatures is the number of waterfowl species that migrate to the Thames River in search of open water. Male Red-breasted Merganser now present at Greenway Park.
This past week temperatures plummeted to the lowest we have experienced so far this winter. As avid birders in the London area know, when temperatures decrease, waterfowl on the Thames River increases. Frigid daytime highs and nighttime lows have made for greater ice coverage on Lake Superior and Lake Huron, leaving the Thames River as a viable option for many diving ducks looking for open water.
Greenway Park is a great place in London to view waterfowl. The section of river downstream from the Greenway Pollution Control Centre stays open year round and attracts several species, including this male Canvasback.
Along with the usual Buffleheads, Common Goldeneye, Common and Hooded Mergansers that routinely overwinter on the Thames, several other species appeared this week on the river. Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked and Horned Grebes, and a Canvasback were all observed this past week. Other notable species were Redheads, Northern Pintails, and Great Black-backed Gulls. Perhaps the most notable, and one that eluded me all week, was a male Harlequin Duck. This bird has been reported multiple times in various locations between Springbank and Greenway Parks. As mentioned in previous posts, this section of river is my favourite for observing winter waterfowl. Not only does it offer the most open water and a high concentration of ducks, geese and gulls; the pathways are kept clear of snow and ice, making for easy walking.
This adult Bald Eagle was photographed as it took flight after perching in large Poplar tree along the river bank.
Bald Eagles are still very much visible along river, with daily sightings of both adults and juveniles still occurring. Other raptor species observed along the river this past week were: Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks. Great Blue Herons could also be observed along the ice and in shallow open sections of the river.
This Hairy Woodpecker was observed tapping on the limb of this tree. If you are having trouble distinguishing a Hairy Woodpecker from a Downy, look at the size of their bill. A Hairy’s bill is the same length as their head, while a Downy’s is shorter.
Songbirds are always present in the trees and shrubs that line the banks of the Thames River. Blue Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Northern Cardinals were all recorded in good numbers. Three species of woodpecker: Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied were all observed. Several finch species were visible including: American Goldfinches, Common Redpolls, and Pine Siskins.
Greater Scaup were observed this past week on the Thames River. This male was observed in Greenway Park, while a female was observed further downstream in Springbank Park.
Temperatures for the coming week are supposed to remain cold, but be more bearable for outdoor activities. If you get the opportunity, I recommend heading down to the Thames River in search of some of these species. It is likely that many of these waterfowl species will be present on the river until temperatures warm up, but there are no guarantees so heading out sooner than later is advised. If you are looking to add one or more of these species to your year or life list, than the Thames River presents the best and closest option for those in the London area to do so. We may run into each other as I will be continuing my search for the Harlequin Duck to add to my own life list.
Help scientists document bird populations and seasonal movements by taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Friday marks the start of the 18th annual Great Backyard Bird Count. If you wish to help scientists track bird populations and seasonal movements with as little fifteen minutes of your time, consider taking part in this four day event. It is free to participate, great fun for beginner and expert birders alike, and the perfect way to introduce newcomers to birding. If you have not participated before, signing up and submitting your counts is easy. Simply go to the Great Backyard Bird Count link and follow the steps to sign up and participate.
Counting somewhere other than your yard helps gather data about species not typically found in backyards.
Birds can be counted anywhere, anytime during the duration of the four day event. You may count for as little as fifteen minutes a day, or all day if you like. Despite the name, counts are not limited to your backyard. Birds can be counted in your backyard if you like, but you can also participate by counting at your local park, ESA, or other favourite birding hotspot. In fact, counting somewhere other than your backyard helps scientists track birds not typically found in yards such as waterfowl, eagles, and Snowy Owls.
Lists may be submitted once over the four days, everyday, or multiple lists from the same day recorded at different times. Every count is important as it helps scientists understand bird populations, ranges and seasonal movements. The information collected is then compared to that of other years and helps researchers understand how weather influences bird populations, where irruptive species such as the Snowy Owl appear some years and not others, and how diseases like West Nile effects birds in different areas.
Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count takes as little as fifteen minutes, and is the perfect opportunity to introduce someone new to the pastime of birding.
If you are new to birding and reluctant to participate, don’t be. Although accuracy is important, every observation is helpful. Submitting counts of just the birds you are comfortable identifying still helps scientists track the movements of those species. The Great Backyard Bird Count presents the perfect opportunity for introducing newcomers to the hobby of birding. If you are an avid birder, be sure to have someone new with you when you do your count. Whether it be a niece, nephew, grandchild, or friend, compile a list together and help them to identify new species. Not only will you be helping science, you might be gaining a new partner for your next birding adventure.
Good birding,
Paul
Photographing fast moving birds is quite challenging. Knowing what camera settings to use and how to quickly adjust them are key to capturing an image.
After receiving several email requests about photography workshops, I am now offering private one on one, or group, in the field workshops to help improve your photography skills, techniques, and ultimately your final images. Wildlife photography is incredibly fun, challenging and frustrating all at the same time. Properly understanding camera functions and settings, and how each pertains to the shot you are trying to capture, will help remove much of the frustration. Being able to make quick, simple adjustments while shooting will have you seeing a substantial improvement in your final images.
Image quality has more to do with the person behind the camera than the cost of your equipment. This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed with the Canon EFS 55-250mm f-4-5.6 IS II; a lens that retails for $299.00
You do not need to own a professional DSLR or lens that costs as much as a compact car to achieve quality images. One of the misconceptions I hear most when it comes to photography is, “If I had that camera and lens I could take pictures like that too”. This could not be further from the truth. You could run out and spend the equivalent of the down payment on your home for a camera and lens, but if you do not know how to operate them, your end result still won’t be what you are hoping for. During my photography workshops I will show you that image quality has more to do with with the person behind the camera than the price tag on your equipment; you will leave the workshop with the understanding of how to get the most out of your equipment, resulting in better final images.
My one on one workshops focus on your skill level and your camera and lens setup. I will show you how on your camera to quickly adjust your settings so you will be ready for the changing conditions or subjects.
My one on one photography workshops are designed for you to get the most out of your specific camera and lens setup. I will show you how to get quality results regardless of what equipment you own by simply understanding camera functions and how to adjust them to your subject, shooting style, and conditions on a given day. It does not matter if you shoot Canon, Nikon or another brand, I can help you increase the number of keeper shots you take.
Wildlife photography not your thing? Understanding camera functions and settings are equally important to better images in landscape photography. Landscape photography workshops are also available.
As a self taught photographer, I have spent countless hours watching, reading and studying tutorials on wildlife and landscape photography and put in the trial and error that goes with them. Many of the tutorials out there are great, but they did not always relate to my shooting style or deal with the constantly changing conditions we face as photographers. These tutorials often left me with more questions than answers, and unfortunately there was no available support to answer my questions.
By spending time with me in the field, I will answer any questions or help clarify areas of confusion as you shoot, so at the end of the day you are left with no questions, just the knowledge needed to improve your photography. If you happen to forget or need a refresher on one of the areas covered at a later date, I am available for follow up support via email.
Light conditions are constantly changing in wildlife photography. Being able to quickly adjust my camera settings from shooting a cardinal perched in a dark spruce tree to this juvenile Bald Eagle landing against an overcast sky is what captured this image, not the price of my camera or lens.
So who will benefit from my photography workshops? If you currently achieve better results from your cell phone than your DSLR, I can help. If you are new to digital photography or still shooting in automatic mode, I can help. We will start with the basics, metering and exposure and work up from there. I will show you that leaving shutter speed, aperture, or ISO decisions about the image you are trying to create up to your camera, will not result in the best final image. You need to take control of your camera functions for the specific subject you wish to capture and the conditions you are faced with at that time. This may seem overwhelming, but I will show you this is easily mastered and imperative to better images. If you are more advanced, but still struggle with certain aspects like birds in flight, or difficult lighting situations, I can help here too. Looking to move into full manual mode so you can quickly change from photographing static birds, to birds in flight without lowering the camera from your eye? My workshops will assist here too.
My one on one photography workshops can be specifically designed to cover various subjects of wildlife photography, including macro shots of insects.
My in the field photography workshops begin at two hours in length. I am confident that in that time frame I will be able to show you how to improve your final images regardless of your skill level. If you wish, I am available for longer sessions, such as half or full days. If you have a group and a venue, and would prefer an in class session or a combined in class and outdoor shooting workshop, this can be arranged. Workshops can be scheduled on weekends, weekdays, or evenings as daylight hours increase.
Back lit subjects or overcast conditions often result in underexposed images. During my one on one photography workshops, I will show you how to adjust to difficult light conditions.
Mid April is when we will start to see the return of migratory birds as spring migration gets under way. Ospreys, swallows, orioles, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are some of the first birds observed in our area. By early May, migration will be in full swing. Warblers, thrushes and other songbirds will be returning to, or moving through the area. Will you be ready to capture all of these beautiful birds with image results you are satisfied with? If not, you have roughly eight weeks to learn and hone the skills needed to do so. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your final images regardless of your current skill level or camera you own. For more information including: price, locations, and how to schedule a workshop, visit my Photography Workshops page.
Monarch Butterflies are currently listed as a Species at Risk in Ontario.
Here we are one month into fall, colours have peaked and many of those vibrant yellow, orange and red leaves that beautified our landscapes are now scattered across neighbourhood lawns. For many of us, we will spend the next couple weeks bagging, mulching or composting these leaves as part of our fall yard clean up. Annuals will be pulled from gardens and perennials will be cut back to give way to new growth in the spring. As we remove plant matter from our gardens, it is time to think ahead to next season’s garden and perhaps saving Species at Risk in the process.
Milkweed seeds can easily be gathered and planted in the fall.
Now is the perfect time to plant Milkweed seeds around your yard and in your gardens. Most Milkweed requires cold stratification in order to germinate and winter takes care of this process naturally. Milkweed is the only plant consumed by Monarch Caterpillars and is crucial to the survival of this species. Monarch Butterflies are currently listed as a species of special concern on the Ontario Species at Risk List. Milkweed seeds can be easily obtained by collecting seeds pods in the wild. Remember to gather responsibly. Only gather seeds in an area where Milkweed is well established and only take one pod per plant. Once removed form the pod, seeds can then be planted in your garden just below the surface of the soil. Be sure to mark where you plant them so you will remember what they are when the small plants emerge in the spring.
Barn Swallows are among the Species at Risk birds rehabilitated each year by Swift Care Ontario.
If you do not have access to an established Milkweed patch, or wish to help more Species at Risk and not just the Monarch Butterfly, another option exists. Swift Care Ontario, a local, licensed wildlife rehabiltator has put together Milkweed seed packages that are available in exchange for a donation to their centre. Planting instructions can be found on their website. If you are not familiar with Swift Care Ontario, they specialize in rehabilitating injured and orphaned Species at Risk birds, most notably aerial insectivores, including Chimney Swifts, Common Nighthawks, Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows and Eastern Whip-Poor-Wills. These seed packages are available at local bird feed retailers Hyde Park Feed and Country Store and Featherfields The Bird and Garden Store. Your donation will help Swift Care Ontario purchase food and other supplies needed in the 2015 season to raise and care for these fragile species. Licensed wildlife rehabilitation centres in Ontario, such as Swift Care Ontario, do not receive funding from the government and rely solely on donations from the public. Not only will your donation help Swift Care Ontario preserve Species at Risk birds, your Milkweed garden will also help preserve Monarch Butterflies in your own backyard. Pick up one of these seed packages today and help save multiple Species at Risk.
Various levels of government use birds and birders to increase revenue and boost the local economy. Could London, Ontario be missing out?
According to the most recent study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2006) 20% of Americans are identified as birders and contribute $36 billion to the U.S. economy. This trend is not confined to the United States as these numbers are proportionately consistent and rising worldwide.
Many national and provincial parks as well as municipalities are cashing in on birders. Money generating birding events and festivals take place in various locations throughout the year. For instance, Point Pelee schedules their Festival of Birds annually in early May, taking advantage of spring migration. This festival attracts 45,000 people to the area over a three week period, pumping thousands of dollars into the national park and local economy. The annual Hawkwatch located at Hawk Cliff in Port Stanley, Ontario attracts thousands of birders each September, maintaining the town’s economy long after the hoards of beach goers have vacated following Labour Day.
Hawkwatch in Port Stanley, Ontario attracts thousands of birders to the area looking to view the many migrating raptors.
Granted, these two festivals have been operating for many years and have ideal geographic locations behind them, but why doesn’t London, Ontario attempt to attract more birders or have a festival? With seven public ESAs, Fanshawe Conservation Area, the Thames River and the many city parks along its banks, London has no shortage of bird habitat and birds. I believe the city is missing out on an excellent opportunity. With careful planning and promotion, birders would be attracted to London to see our beautiful nature and spend money while here.
Visiting all the fantastic birding locations in one day would be a stretch, so local hotels and restaurants would benefit. Retail sales would increase as the influx of birders visit our local shops and explore downtown. These nature enthusiasts could enjoy the nightlife by taking in a game or concert at Budweiser Gardens, a show at the Grand Theater or a drink at a local pub. This is a whole new demographic of tourist that is virtually untapped by the City of London.
Reports of Red-throated Loons on the Thames River last February attracted birders from all over Southwestern Ontario and parts of the U.S.
Birders do an unbelievable job at spreading the word about great birding locations. With websites like eBird and others designed specifically for reporting bird sightings, news of rare or unusual sightings travels fast. As word spreads, birders quickly rush to these locations, often traveling hundreds of kilometers in hopes of seeing a new species for their life list.
This was apparent in London last February after I reported two Red-throated Loons on the Thames River. After news of these loons spread (the first reported sighting in Middlesex County since 1898) birding traffic along the Thames River greatly increased. The following day, the majority of people walking the Thames were birders, toting binoculars, spotting scopes, and digital cameras; all panning the river hoping to catch a glimpse of these rare loons. In speaking with fellow birders, where they were from often came up. People traveled from all over Southwestern Ontario and even crossed the border from the U.S. in search of these birds.
Hooded Mergansers are commonly found and easily viewed on the Thames River during winter months.
For local birders, the wonderful waterfowl that frequents the Thames River during winter months is no secret. The river’s current prevents water from freezing in many sections, attracting several species of diving ducks. Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Canvasbacks, and Redheads are among the species observed during winter months. These ducks feed on fish and other aquatic life, making open water key to their survival. As northern lakes and areas of the Great lakes freeze, these birds move inland in search of food. Large concentrations of waterfowl are found in various sections of the Thames within the city. To view some of the beautiful waterfowl photographed on the Thames River, take a look at my gallery.
Red-necked Grebes were present on the Thames River last winter. Open water is critical to their survival.
Winter would be the perfect time for London to host a birding festival highlighting waterfowl along the Thames River. With proper planning, promotion and time the economic benefit to our city could be huge. Birders in Ontario regularly flock to the shores of Lake Ontario in Burlington and Toronto, as well as the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers during winter months in search of waterfowl. Why isn’t London attempting to attract them here? In the case of a waterfowl festival on the Thames, two thirds of the equation is already solved. The river is here, the birds will be here; it is simply a matter of attracting more birders, specifically birders from outside London to visit.
Bird festivals not only generate revenue and boost local economies, they help preserve habitat. With established money generating festivals, governments place more priority into protecting and preserving the area in which they are held. Point Pelee National Park is a perfect example of this. A Thames River waterfowl festival would increase the use of our river in its natural state, having long term economic and environmental benefits for the city. Not only would the local economy see a nice boost, the Thames River would be appreciated for its nature, placing more focus on preserving it and less on developing it. Perhaps just the thing our city needs.
