Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders

The village of Port Stanley, Ontario located on the north shore of Lake Erie has always held a special place in my heart. As a kid, I spent many weekends there fishing, waterskiing, celebrating holidays, and exploring nature with my Dad. As an adult, I find myself returning to the port often to enjoy the incredible birding opportunities I discovered at such a young age.

IMG 1170 Edit Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Ruby-throated Hummingbird photographed at Hawk Cliff just outside the village of Port Stanley.**

Regardless of the season, there is always a multitude of birds to be seen across the various habitats encompassing the village. September and October are two of my favourite months to visit because not only is fall migration in full swing, the post-Labour Day crowds are much smaller and it often feels like I have the entire village to myself.

IMG 0947 Edit Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Turkey Vulture doing its part to help keep the village clean.**

On a recent trip, I birded at three of my favourite locations around the village and was rewarded with some nice views of several species. I started my day at the pier and main beach area on the west side of Kettle Creek. With fog still in the air, I saw a large group of Turkey Vultures feeding on a dead Ring-billed Gull in the municipal parking lot. While it didn’t provide the most appetizing view it did remind me of the importance of these large scavengers to our ecosystem. By consuming carcasses that would otherwise be left to decompose, vultures are extremely beneficial in preventing the spread of disease. For this reason, I have always had a fascination and special appreciation for these birds.

IMG 0965 Edit Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders

IMG 0984 Edit Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Red-breasted Merganser**
Making my way out on the pier two Double-crested Cormorants were observed. An adult bird was rather successful catching several small fish on repeated dives against the concrete structure. An immature bird was busy preening on the rocks abutting the pier. Closer to the lighthouse, a single Red-breasted Merganser swam along as it periodically ruffled its feathers. In front of the main beach Ring-billed, Herring, and Bonaparte’s Gulls could be seen at the water’s edge.

IMG 9447 Edit Edit 2 - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **This flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls was observed from the main beach in the village of Port Stanley.**

After leaving the beach area I made my way to Hawk Cliff. As the name suggests, this is a great location to observe migrating birds of prey. It is not uncommon to see hundreds even thousands of raptors on a given day. On this day as the wind picked up from the northwest and the fog cleared a decent flight was seen. Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks were the most abundant with American Kestrels also being observed in good numbers.

IMG 0300 Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Many of the wooded habitats around the village are home to a variety of birds like this Blue-gray Gnatcatcher photographed on my most recent visit.**

IMG 9890 Edit Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Despite being situated on a Great Lake, there is far more to see than just waterbirds when visiting Port Stanley. On my last visit, Red-eyed Vireos and other songbirds were abundant.**

Along the roadway and within Hawk Cliff Woods many songbirds were observed. On this visit, I enjoyed great views of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds as they perched in the sumacs while taking a break from feeding on the plenitude of jewelweed lining the road. Red-eyed Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, various warblers, and Carolina Wrens were all seen and heard to name a few. Large flocks of blue jays totaling hundreds of birds were also observed overhead as they too were migrating.

IMG 1225 Edit Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Late blooming jewelweed lining the road at Hawk Cliff always attracts Ruby-throated Hummingbirds during fall migration.**

Hawk Cliff is also a great location to observe Monarch Butterflies as they migrate along the shoreline. Several Monarchs were observed stopping briefly to nectar on the New England Aster and Goldenrod as they too were taking advantage of the northwest wind.

IMG 1263 Edit 2 Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Monarch Butterfly nectaring on New England Aster at Hawk Cliff.**

For me, no visit to Port Stanley is complete without a stop at the sewage lagoons. Located on Scotch Line there is always something to see from the two viewing stands overlooking the four cells. Water levels varied by cell with Wood Ducks, Northern Shovellers, and Canada Geese observed in the deepest and Lesser Yellowlegs being observed along the muddy edges of the shallowest.

IMG 1208 Edit Edit - Small Village Offers Big Opportunities For Birders — **Fall migration is one of the best times to observe Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the area.**

On top of great birding, the village is filled with unique shops and restaurants that add to any visit. Mackies on the main beach has some of the best fries around and the pralines and cream in a waffle cone from Brodericks’ Ice Cream Parlour on Bridge Street is absolutely delicious. Great birding opportunities exist throughout the fall and into the winter months. I enjoy birding here regardless of the season due to the variety of species present throughout the year. If you’ve never birded in the village of Port Stanley, I highly recommend planning a trip in the near future.

Good birding,
Paul

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Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers

Tuesday, September 11, 2018, was a day I circled on my calendar. Not for the obvious reason this date signifies, but because after several days of rain, cool temperatures, and strong east winds this was the day the sky was predicted to clear and winds were to be lighter out of the northwest. What did this mean and why did I care? Well, if the weather held true the nearly 8,000 Monarch Butterflies mentioned in my last post Thousands Of Monarchs Roosting At The Tip Of Point Pelee were destined to depart Point Pelee National Park and continue their journey south under these ideal migrating conditions.

IMG 9660 - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **Monarch Butterflies warming their wings in the morning sun.**

The inclement weather brought in by the remnants of hurricane Gordon stalled this huge group of migrating Monarchs for three days, and I knew when the weather finally broke these butterflies were going in exit in epic proportions. Taking my chances on the weather forecast I left London shortly after 4 a.m. so I would be at Point Pelee National Park when it opened at 7 a.m.

IMG 9397 Edit Edit - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **Large roosts from the previous night could be seen high in the treetops. Once the sky cleared and the temperature rose, thousands of Monarchs took flight.**

Arriving early, I was the first car at the gate. I exited my vehicle and did some stretching while I waited for park staff to arrive and unlock the gate. I was meeting my friend Darlene, the park’s official Monarch counter, at the gate and after gaining access to the park our plan was to walk from the visitor centre to the tip where the large roosts had gathered. Why walk? Because the first shuttle to the tip isn’t until 8 a.m. and we knew these Monarchs would not wait long once the sun got higher in the sky and the temperature rose. Looking up into the treetops as we made our way to the tip we could see several large roosts of Monarch Butterflies.

IMG 9560 Edit - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **Monarchs gathered on the east side of the tip taking advantage of the warm morning sun.**

By 7:30 a.m. we were on the tip ready and waiting for the Monarchs to become active. Unfortunately, there was still a significant amount of cloud cover and it was a bit cool. Looking at the sky there was one small hole in the clouds that could potentially present a window for the butterflies to leave but it was a narrow one. Clear skies could be seen to the west, but with the clouds moving slow, it looked like it would be several hours before the skies cleared completely.

IMG 9646 - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **As the sky cleared and the temperature rose the Monarchs became active.**

With the sun slowly emerging Monarchs became active fluttering high in the treetops. One by one a few Monarchs left the tip riding the wind to where the sand and water meet. With conditions still not perfect, many of the butterflies flew back to the trees. What was amazing to see was the Monarchs formerly roosting on the west side of the tip to avoid the strong winds from the previous day were now relocating to the east side to take advantage of the warm morning sun. As the sky cleared, the patient Monarchs soaked up the sun with outstretched wings.

IMG 0430 2 - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **Monarch Butterfly in flight off the tip of Point Pelee.**

With the sky now totally clear and a northwest wind, Monarchs began leaving the tip 5 and 6 at a time. Standing in the sand I watched as a constant wave of butterflies passed by overhead and at eye level. It did not take long for the mass exodus to happen and those arriving at the park late missed the entire spectacle. By mid-morning, almost all of the Monarchs were gone. In fact, I overheard many park visitors remark “where are all the Monarchs”?

IMG 9713 Edit Edit - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **Several Monarchs were observed puddling on the beach before crossing Lake Erie.**

As the day progressed, more Monarchs made their way through the park taking advantage of the northwest wind. Most were observed high overhead clearly migrating. By mid-afternoon, a few Monarchs were observed down low nectaring on both goldenrod and woodland sunflowers but it was evident most had left the park.

IMG 9567 Edit - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **Grapevine and other vegetation provided the perfect staging area for Monarchs to wait for the cloud cover to pass.**

Since September 11, evening roosts of Monarch Butterflies at Point Pelee National Park have been substantially smaller. Will we see more large roosts of Monarch Butterflies filling the trees at Point Pelee National Park again this year? Only time will tell. It is not uncommon to see Monarch caterpillars on Milkweed plants in mid-September in Southwestern Ontario. Once these large caterpillars form a chrysalis it takes two weeks for them to emerge as butterflies so another large wave of Monarchs could happen. In fact, the largest roost of Monarchs reported from Point Pelee last year wasn’t until October 14.

Watch this video on YouTube

If you missed out on these large roosts and are hoping for another wave of Monarchs to gather within the park, follow Pelee Paradise Sanctuary Monarch Waystation 10275 on Facebook for daily counts.

IMG 9682 Edit Edit 2 - Monarchs Depart In Colossal Numbers — **Monarch Butterfly.**

Witnessing this incredible migration of the Monarch Butterfly was one of the greatest things I have observed in nature. If you have never experienced this yourself, I highly recommend following the daily reports closely and plan your visit to Point Pelee National Park accordingly.

Good birding,
Paul

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A Day With The UTRCA Species at Risk Reptile Team

As a nature lover, I am a huge fan of the Thames River that flows through London, Ontario. The river itself, and the various habitat along its banks, make it the perfect location to find birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Among these reptiles is the Spiny Softshell Turtle, a Species At Risk in Ontario. With their leathery shells and snorkel-like noses, these unique turtles are my favourite reptile residing in the Thames River. Spiny Softshell Turtles spend much of their time in the water, but can be observed basking on rocks and logs.

IMG 1086 1 - A Day With The UTRCA Species at Risk Reptile Team — The newly released turtles quickly made their way into the water from this log they were placed on.

The Ontario Fish and Wildlife Protection Act currently protects these turtles from being harassed in any way. Failure to comply with this can result in large fines and even jail time. Although habitat loss is their biggest threat, other human activity such as poaching threatens this species. These turtles are known to be collected for the food and pet trade and also medicinal purposes. In an effort to reduce poaching, it is advised that specific locations of these turtles not be published on the internet. Both the Species at Risk Act and Endangered Species Act list the Spiny Softshell Turtle as threatened in Ontario. Any illegal activity regarding this or other threatened species should be reported to the Ministry Of Natural Resources 1-877-TIPS-MNR.

IMG 1034 1 - A Day With The UTRCA Species at Risk Reptile Team — It was quite an incredible experience witnessing these Species At Risk being released. Thanks to Scott Gillingwater and the team for inviting me to come along.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) led by Species at Risk Biologist Scott Gillingwater are doing incredible work in preserving this species in the Thames River watershed. Scott and his Species At Risk Reptile Team have protected 175 Softshell Turtle nests this year alone and are hopeful that 2000 young turtles will be returned to the Thames River. Some nests have been protected from predators such as raccoons by placing wire cages over them, other nests are carefully excavated and the eggs taken to the Species at Risk Reptile Team’s lab where they are placed in incubators and hatched there. Upon hatching the young turtles are measured, weighed and returned within days to the location where the eggs were removed from. It is here they are released back into the river. It is estimated that only 1% of unprotected turtle eggs will reach adulthood. The Species at Risk Reptile Team ensures the majority of eggs at least hatch, helping the Spiny Softshell Turtle overcome their first obstacle.

If you are exploring along the Thames River you may notice this species or efforts to protect it. Please respect both the turtles and hard work of the team. Remember tampering with a nest is considered harassment and charges can be laid.

IMG 1031 1 - A Day With The UTRCA Species at Risk Reptile Team — The young turtles being released are about the size of a loonie; the females can grow to be more than 45cm in length.

The majority of this season’s protected eggs have already hatched and the young have been released into the river. I was recently invited by Scott Gillingwater out to see some of the recent hatchlings and tour the lab. As an avid fan of these turtles I jumped at the opportunity. Upon arriving at the UTRCA building I was greeted by Scott and introduced to Kaela and Krista, members of his team. All three of them were warm and inviting, and even though we had just met I felt like I had known them for years.

First, I was shown a group of recently hatched Spiny Softshell Turtles no bigger than a loonie that were ready to be released. The team educated me on everything about the turtles from habitat, to behaviour and how to distinguish between sexes. The incubators holding containers of eggs waiting to hatch were then explained. An interesting display of various turtle shells, skulls and other educational material that has been collected over the years was then presented. Scott, Kaela, and Krista’s passion for these turtles and what they do was evident as they spoke. This whole experience and the education I was given was truly fascinating and I am incredibly grateful for being invited to spend the morning with the team.

IMG 1109 1 - A Day With The UTRCA Species at Risk Reptile Team — This particular turtle paused briefly on the surface before diving to the bottom of the river.

Next I was asked by Scott if I wanted to accompany him and the team on the release of the young turtles. I responded with a definite yes and was excited to witness these young turtles begin their journey in the Thames. I followed the team by truck to the location where the eggs had been collected earlier this year. The river was quite high after receiving 4 1/2 inches of rain during the previous week’s thunderstorms. The normal bank area was underwater and the river was flowing fast. Finding a place where our feet would stay dry wasn’t going to happen, so we waded through the flooded grasses that under normal water levels would have been dry. We remained a safe distance from the rushing river in an area that provided cover for the turtles in the form of a muddy bottom and plenty of vegetation.

I was able to photograph these turtles as the team placed them on a log surrounded by vegetation. Upon being released, the turtles quickly entered the water and disappeared towards the bottom. It was quite a thrill being permitted to release the last turtle as Scott snapped a picture. We carefully exited the area and left the turtles to begin their journey in the wild.

Scott Gillingwater has written an incredible book entitled “Stewardship Of The Spiny Softshell Turtle” that is loaded full of information about these and other turtles which I referenced for the purpose of this blog. Photographs of larger Spiny Softshell Turtles in the Thames River can be found in my earlier blog post Unique Reptiles Found in London, Ontario.

IMG 1040 1 - A Day With The UTRCA Species at Risk Reptile Team — The Spiny Softshell Turtles quickly headed to the ample vegetation and muddy bottom for cover upon being released.

For more information on the Spiny Softshell Turtle and the Species at Risk Reptile Team visit the UTRCA website here. Funding for this project is critical to its success so private donations are always appreciated. Donations can easily be made online by clicking here. Be sure to like UTRCA on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Once again I would like to thank Scott, Kaela and Krista for the incredible work they do preserving this amazing species and for providing me with such an amazing experience.

Good birding,
Paul

Sanderling and Sunsets Along Beautiful Lake Huron

The Great Lakes are excellent for birding anytime of year, but with fall migration underway now is the perfect time to hit the shores in search of birds. Two flyways, the Atlantic and Mississippi, cross over the Great Lakes with shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, gulls, and waterfowl all following these routes from as far north as the Arctic, all the way to the southern United States, Central and South America. Their shorelines act as natural highways for these birds, as they make their way south to their wintering grounds. Regardless of which Great Lake is nearest you, great birding opportunities await.

IMG 0921 1 - Sanderling and Sunsets Along Beautiful Lake Huron — Birds are not the only things that provide beauty along the Great Lakes; the sunsets are simply stunning.

I recently had a chance to spend some time in Bayfield Ontario, located on the east shore of Lake Huron. The mixed habitat provided a nice variety of birds. Along the lake itself was a typical Great Lake shoreline, consisting of a sand beach with mixed rocks and wood. Adjacent to the beach was a beautiful dune covered in American Beach Grass, new growth Poplars, and White Pines. Behind the dune was a wooded area made up of cedars and a wide variety of deciduous trees.

North winds prevailed during my visit which helped push the migrating birds down the shoreline through the area. Bonaparte’s Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants, and a group of six Blue-winged Teal were observed only a few feet from the beach, flying past in a southerly direction. A lone Sanderling walked down the beach foraging in the sand and stones. Monarch Butterflies were also taking advantage of the north wind; I counted twenty three in just a short period of time which is by far the most I’ve seen in recent years. Birds of prey passed overhead, with counts of Turkey Vultures being highest. A Merlin landed briefly in the top of a dead cedar tree before carrying on. As the sun dropped low in the sky prior to setting, sixteen Common Nighthawks moved up and down the beach over the dunes feeding all the while.

IMG 0369 1 - Sanderling and Sunsets Along Beautiful Lake Huron — Bonaparte’s Gulls were among the species using the north winds to propel them along the shoreline.

The mixed forest was full of birds, both migrating and resident species. Listening to the various calls was quite enjoyable. Cedar Waxwings, with their high pitched whistling calls seemed to be the most prevalent, while Blue Jays did their best to drown them out. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds moved along the forest edge feeding on the native Jewel Weed. Swainson’s Thrushes could be seen gorging in the tree tops, both on berries and insects. These same mixed forests provided me with views of two new species for my life list, a Philadelphia Vireo, and a Northern Waterthrush. The Philadelphia Vireo was seen overhead moving from tree to tree, ingesting insects along the way. The yellow underparts clearly distinguished it from other vireos. The Northern Waterthrush provided the best view of all birds as this one was observed after striking a cottage window. Concerned for its well being, I didn’t even think to photograph it. I approached it slowly and quietly. Its wings were tucked in and it was sitting upright, although breathing heavily. Once it gathered itself, the bird took flight and headed back into the forest, appearing no worse for wear.

IMG 0566 1 2 - Sanderling and Sunsets Along Beautiful Lake Huron — The sunsets over Lake Huron are truly breathtaking and making the short drive to take them in is well worth it.

As September progresses along and we move into October, migration and birding will get even better. Peak numbers are typically observed mid September, but anytime you can get out is the best time to go. Research conservation areas, parks, and other public areas on the shores of the Great Lakes and find one close to you. Pack your binoculars, field guide, water and a snack and give birding in one these areas a try. Migration along the Great Lakes will not disappoint.

Good birding,
Paul

Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly

By now most are aware of the decline in Monarch Butterfly numbers and that Milkweed is necessary for their survival. So far in 2014, governments, environmental groups, and citizens have all been taking measures to ensure the survival of this beautiful butterfly. For the most part, this has been in the form of planting various types of milkweed and protecting existing patches.

On my many outings throughout the city this year I have been paying close attention to milkweed patches, checking for any signs of monarchs. Early June produced a single monarch fluttering over a meadow containing various wildflowers, milkweed included, in the west end of Greenway Park. I was optimistic for future sightings and hoped that this area would potentially be a breeding ground for the monarchs.

IMG 4858 1 - Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly — Several Monarch Butterflies in a large meadow containing Milkweed and other wildflowers has me hopeful their numbers will rebound.

As weeks went by, I continually checked this area hoping to see more monarchs or evidence that they had been reproducing. Several insects, including bees and other butterfly species could be seen feeding on nectar and gathering pollen from the milkweed and various wildflowers, but unfortunately no more monarchs were seen, nor were any eggs or caterpillars. My optimism faded, but I continued to observe the area whenever I found myself walking there.

My faded optimism quickly turned into excitement this past week when another monarch sighting took place. I was photographing some of the various birds and wildlife in the area, which on this day included: Yellow Warblers, Red-winged Blackbirds, an Eastern Kingbird, and White-tailed Deer, when I caught a hint of back and orange flutter past. To my delight it was a Monarch Butterfly. I watched as it flew back and forth over the meadow eventually settling on a Milkweed flower. I quickly snapped several photos then watched as it flew off over the field. Satisfied with my sighting and photos my attention returned to the deer and bird species.

As I watched a doe grazing on the variety of plants, once again a monarch passed by. As I carried on a little further, another Milkweed plant revealed a Monarch Butterfly feeding on it’s nectar. Curious as to whether it was the same butterfly covering a lot of ground or multiple Monarch Butterflies in the area, I scanned the tops of the flowers. I quickly observed several Monarch Butterflies fluttering low over the meadow and clinging to the Milkweed and various wildflowers within it.

IMG 4885 1 - Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly — Monarch Butterfly on a Milkweed leaf.

Having only seen one Monarch Butterfly in all of 2013, and not within the city, this was a welcome sighting. Whether or not it is a sign of their numbers rebounding, or just one small group in a dwindling population, only time will tell. Hopefully another generation of monarchs will get their start here in one of London’s beautiful parks. To access Greenway Park, turn onto Greenside Avenue from Springbank Drive and follow the road into the park. Be sure to make the quick right hand turn before the pollution control center. I recommend parking in the large lot directly across from the off leash dog area. From there the large patch of Milkweed is on the far side of the soccer pitch. Remember to keep a close eye and ear for all the great wildlife that call Greenway Park home.

Good birding,
Paul