With a wave of new migrants and beautiful fall colours, it’s the perfect time to head out birding. At this time of year, some birds are returning to our area to overwinter while others are simply passing through on their way further south. Add in the abundance of resident birds and daily counts can be quite high.
Several sparrows including Dark-eyed Juncos once again reappear in our area in October. Thanksgiving weekend is when I typically have my first Junco sighting of the fall, and this year was no different. Juncos are often observed foraging on the ground underneath backyard feeders. White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows also appear in good numbers in October, and in my opinion are often overlooked and dismissed as just a sparrow due to the number of non-native House Sparrows found in our area. In fact, many of our native sparrows display beautiful variations in plumage and produce some of the most beautiful songs.
Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets are now present in large quantities. Ruby-crowned Kinglets pass through our area overwintering further south while Golden-crowned Kinglets remain throughout the winter months. Listening for the Kinglet’s high-pitched ascending calls is a great way to locate these birds. Views can often be achieved from close range as these birds feed at eye level or lower on the various seeds produced from Goldenrod and other native wildflowers. Kinglets are an incredibly challenging bird to photograph as they are always on the move. Patience is a must when trying to photographing these tiny songbirds.
Raptor migration continues throughout the Forest City with high numbers of Turkey Vultures being observed. On many of my morning walks, I observed large flocks of vultures perched in the same dead tree. These birds seemed to wait for the temperature to climb before taking flight and moving from the area.
One of my favourite locations to visit during fall is the Westminster Ponds ESA located in south London. Not only is there an abundance of birds present, but the fall colours around the series of ponds are also always impressive. On a visit last week, I was treated to pleasant views of the previously mentioned birds as well as several Hermit Thrushes. Hermit Thrushes are easily separated from other thrushes by their reddish tails. Look for these birds on or near the forest floor foraging in the fallen leaves. Other observations included a female Greater Scaup, Brown Creepers as well as a pair of Red-tailed Hawks.
The trees surrounding Spettigue Pond in the middle of the ESA were particularly impressive as they are each fall. The mix of red, orange, and yellow contrasted nicely against the blue sky and water. While taking in the amazing view it’s easy to forget this oasis is situated in the middle of a city with a population approaching 400,000.
Great opportunities will persist over the coming weeks to enjoy both the birds and the leaves. If you get the chance, I highly recommend spending some time outdoors taking in these annual sights. If you are looking for sparrows and kinglets, focus your attention in areas where goldenrod is present as these birds will be observed readily feeding on the bounty of seeds produced by this plant.
The Westminster Ponds ESA is a must destination, in my opinion, each fall not only for the birding but for the stunning fall colours. I find myself returning each year and have yet to be disappointed by the amazing beauty found within this impressive landscape.
Good birding,
Paul
My 2019 Calendars are selling fast. You can purchase online with free shipping anywhere in Canada or pickup a copy at Featherfields the Bird and Garden Store or Curiosities Gift Shop in London, Ontario.
