Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario

In birding, an irruption is a large movement of birds from one area to another. Currently, in Southwestern Ontario, we are experiencing an irruption of finches. Finch irruptions occur when there is a poor cone crop to our north resulting in a lack of food. This lack of food can occur for many reasons including disease, parasites, forest fires, and drought. Consequently, huge numbers of finches move south in search of food. Irruptions are cyclical and occur every few years.

IMG 1922 - Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario — **Common Redpoll feeding on alder catkins.**

Common Redpolls are small finches that have irrupted and can be found across our area in large numbers. Redpolls are identified by their heavily streaked bodies, yellow bills with the males having a red crown and pink chest while the females though very similar in appearance lack the pink chest.

IMG 0397 - Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario — **This female Common Redpoll (note the lack of pink chest) was found feeding in a patch of goldenrod.**

Finding redpolls can be quite easy by finding their food. Like other finches, repolls are seed eaters and are often found feeding on birch, spruce, pine, or where I typically find them, alder. Redpolls will also consume the seeds of grasses and wildflowers and are regularly found in patches of goldenrod.

IMG 1619 - Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario — **Huge flocks of Common Redpolls can currently be found in our area.**

It’s easy to overlook huge flocks of redpolls as often times they are high overhead in tall trees. Using my ears and listening for their calls helps me find these colorful birds. Due to the fact that redpolls are often so high up photographing them often proves challenging.

IMG 1970 - Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario — **Male Common Redpoll with a female in the upper right corner.**

As mentioned previously, I have the greatest success locating redpolls in large patches of alder trees. Alders grow in wet or moist conditions and can be found along riverbanks, ditches, sloughs, floodplain, and other low lying areas.

IMG 3914 - Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario — **Common Redpolls feeding on Alder catkins.**

Alder catkins are tiny cone-like fruit that becomes woody and opens up releasing their seeds (similar to pine or spruce cones). It is these seeds that redpolls can be found feeding on. So far this winter, everywhere I’ve found alder trees, I’ve found redpolls.

IMG 1605 - Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario — **Watching redpolls dangle from alder branches is always enjoyable.**

Redpolls will visit backyard feeders and prefer nyjer seed and black-oil or hulled sunflower seed. At a quick glance, redpolls could be confused with a House Finch so be sure to pay close attention if you have finches at your feeder. House Finches are larger and have larger dark bills, with males having more red on their heads than just the red crown of the redpoll. Female House Finches completely lack any red.

IMG 1989 2 - Irruption Brings Huge Numbers Of Redpolls To Southwestern Ontario — **Time is running out to observe redpolls in Southwestern Ontario.**

During this irruption year, the chances of finding redpolls are quite good. If you are out and about this winter keep an eye and an ear out for redpolls. Be sure to scan patches of alder trees and fields of goldenrod while listening for their calls. It will likely be a few more years before we experience another irruption and these huge numbers of redpolls again in our area.

Good birding,
Paul

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Take Advantage Of The Remaining Days Of Winter

With the official arrival of spring less than three weeks away, many will remember this winter for different reasons. Some will think back to the record breaking low temperatures, the bitter wind chills and non existent January thaw. Maybe it will be the highway closures, indoor recesses, or dead car batteries. Sure all of these things stand out, but for me it will be the amazing birds that we experienced in our area.

It all began back in December when the Snowy Owl irruption started. Several of these birds were spotted just outside the city with some even within city limits. Many of these birds have been seen time and time again in the same locations throughout the winter months. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see one of these beautiful birds there is still time. Reports of them continue to come in, but once it begins to warm they will quickly be gone. Don’t wait, an irruption like this is not common. This link shows a map of all the Snowy Owls reported to ebird in our area. Latest reports suggest the area of Westminster Drive and Old Victoria Road just south of London may be your best bet to locate a Snowy. Please keep in mind to be respectful of the owls and others enjoying their beauty as mentioned in Be Respectful When Enjoying Nature.

Another highlight and real bonus of the cold temperatures this winter is the abundance of waterfowl that has moved inland to the Thames River. Adding four new species to my life list, including the first winter sighting of Red-throated Loons in our county in 116 years is something I will always remember. Although the numbers and varieties peaked a few weeks ago, there are still some great opportunities to view some beautiful species that would otherwise winter on the Great Lakes. The section of river from Springbank Park to Greenway Park provides the best views and varieties.

Don’t let this winter slip by without taking advantage of the wonderful birding opportunities it has presented us with. I myself was never a fan of winter until I learned to embrace the beauty of nature that only graces us during winter months. Years down the road when everyone is reminiscing about their winter weather miseries of 2013/14, I will fondly remember Snowy Owls and waterfowl.

Good birding,
Paul

Be Respectful When Enjoying Nature

I have always had an interest in birds. Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated by their different sizes, shapes, and colours. Learning to identify them by sight and sound has been something I have spent many hours doing. I have also put in a lot of time learning what type of habitat each species lives in so that I can go looking for specific birds. Over the years I have taken my birding more and more seriously and a result have been adding more species to my life list. It wasn’t until two years ago that I took up photography, as a way to capture my moments in nature so I can relive them over again, as well as share them with family and friends. I am a birder first and a photographer second. I always put the well being of the birds first and also take into consideration the feelings of others. I see far too many photographers who will do anything to get the shot without thinking about how it affects the birds or other people.

The classic example of this behavior is taking place all the time with this year’s Snowy Owl irruption. I have read many times and witnessed with my own eyes the various actions of these photographers from baiting to walking within a few feet of the owls before they fly. I have already covered my thoughts on baiting in a previous blog, but would like to share my thoughts on disturbing the birds.

Snowy Owls have travelled hundreds if not thousands of kilometers south during this year’s irruption. Many of these owls are young birds that have wandered from their territory in search of food. Birds that have travelled these distances are fatigued, hungry, and are already under incredible stress. Being chased from their perches by humans only adds to their stress.

During a recent drive, I noticed a Snowy Owl sitting on top of a hydro pole. I pulled my truck off to the side of the road a safe distance back so as not to disturb the owl. I pulled my camera from my bag and proceeded to take some photos out of my truck window. I knew I could get better shots if I was closer and positioned myself at a different angle to the sun, but I could see the owl was unaffected by my presence, so I respected the owl and kept my distance. A few minutes passed and by this point, three other cars had stopped to watch and take pictures. Everyone was keeping their distance and the owl’s mood did not change. Then one man decided to venture from his van to get closer. As the man approached the owl became restless. It raised up on its legs and began looking around with rapid head movements. The mood of the owl had clearly changed from when it was sitting puffed out with very few head movements. The man walked right up to within 15 feet of the pole when the owl took off over the field and eventually landed on the roof of a farm building, too far for decent photos or even a view with the naked eye. In fact, if I didn’t see where the owl landed it would be virtually unnoticeable from the road. This man clearly had no respect for the bird and the fact that he was causing it stress. He certainly didn’t care either about the other three vehicles of people that arrived before him who were enjoying the owl. What about others that may have come across this owl at the side of the road while driving by? This particular owl would go unnoticed except by the extremely observant passerby. To think this man’s selfishness would deny others the chance of seeing such a wonderful bird upsets me.

The message that I am trying to spread is pretty clear. When out birding or photographing birds ( because many photographers I wouldn’t class as birders) be respectful. Look around, pay attention to those around you that may be enjoying what you see too. Keep your distance and everyone can enjoy nature together. More importantly, respect the birds and the fact that you are in their environment. They don’t come into your home and disturb you, so don’t do it to them. You wouldn’t walk to within a few feet of a tiger or bear for a picture so what makes it okay with a bird? I read a quote a while back and I ask you to remember it next time you are out, “If your behavior changes their behavior, you are too close.”

Good birding
Paul