Spring Cleanup Will Ensure The Health Of Your Backyard Birds

Now that warmer daytime temperatures have melted away much of the snow from around our yards, there is some spring maintenance that needs to be done to ensure the health of your backyard birds. Feeders should be cleaned regularly throughout the year, but spring is when they can be the dirtiest. Each of your feeders should be cleaned inside and out, with all parts being washed including perches, seed ports, seed reservoirs, lids, and platforms. Poles, baffles and hooks should be cleaned of any feces that has collected over winter too.

Dirty feeders contain bacteria that not only is unattractive to birds can also be deadly. Mold and diseases can be found in spoiled seed and feces; which can quickly spread throughout your backyard birds, destroying the population. Future generations of birds are also affected, by the potential loss of one or both members of a nesting pair.

IMG 3664 1 - Spring Cleanup Will Ensure The Health Of Your Backyard Birds — Feeders should be cleaned periodically throughout the year with a mild bleach solution.

Old seed and feces should be scraped or brushed off of feeders. Specialty brushes are available from your local seed retailer or an old putty knife and toothbrush can be used. Eco-friendly dish detergent and water can be used to wash the entire feeder after brushing to kill any bacteria. Rinse the feeder thoroughly with fresh water, then the feeder air dry completely before filling and rehanging. Any moisture left in the feeder will just cause the fresh seed to go moldy.

Clean the area underneath your feeders also. Spoiled seed, shells and feces should all be raked up, again to remove any disease and bacteria from negatively affecting the health of your birds. Rotting seeds and shells can produce a foul odor which can attract unwanted visitors such as rats and raccoons to your feeder.

If nest boxes were not cleaned last fall, now is the time. Remove all old nesting material and dispose of it in a garbage bag. This material can attract rodents, fungus, mites and other diseases, so reusing it is not healthy or attractive for the birds. Visually check the condition of each box. If any nails, screws or other parts are loose or damaged, now is the time to fix them. Make sure the entrance and all vents holes are clear. If any of your roost boxes have reversible fronts that convert them into nest boxes, now is the time to switch those too.

These few simple tasks this spring will ensure that your backyard continues to attract and maintain a healthy population of birds.

Good birding,
Paul

The Early Days Of Spring Can Produce Great Counts For Birders

The change in seasons can be an excellent time for birders to see an incredible number of species, with winter to spring being no exception. As the days warm and get longer, migration is triggered and new arrivals start to appear in our area. This combined with the species that have wintered here still lingering, and the resident species, makes the variety and number of birds for birders to view optimal.

This past week, saw a few warmer days and some south winds, which brought with them good numbers of blackbirds. Red-winged, grackles and cowbirds were all reported. Walks along the river produced the sight and sound of Killdeer, and Tundra Swans started to show up in Aylmer and the Thedford bog. Along with the swans, migrating dabbling ducks started to appear, including Wood Ducks and American Wigeons which are now both present on the Thames River. Pied-billed Grebes and American Coots were also observed. Many Sparrow species will soon follow, with Chipping and Savannah possible any day now.

IMG 9582 11 - The Early Days Of Spring Can Produce Great Counts For Birders — The American Wigeon is a dabbling duck that has returned from it’s wintering grounds in the southern United States.

Several wintering species can still be viewed in the area, including many waterfowl. The Thames River still has a nice variety, with most of the species reported this past winter still present, albeit the numbers and concentrations are much lower. Sparrows, including White-throated, White-crowned and American Tree, can still be found around thickets and field edges and Dark-eyed Juncos are still present at most backyard feeders. A walk at my local park turned up a Northern Shrike that has not begun it’s migration north to the Taiga, where it breeds.

IMG 9423 1 2 - The Early Days Of Spring Can Produce Great Counts For Birders — Species such as this Northern Shrike that overwinter in our area are still present.

Many of the resident species are extremely active these days. Northern Cardinals are aggressively singing, marking their territory in preparation for the upcoming breeding season. Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and Brown Creepers can all be seen foraging on tree trunks for the recently emerging insects.

The weather for our area is not supposed to stabilize for a while yet, so great birding opportunities for viewing these overlapping species should exist for a while. Any day is a great day to bird, but if numbers are what you seek, look for the warmest day with a south wind. If such a day arises, grab your binoculars and head for your favourite birding spot and you may just have one of your best days birding.

Good birding,
Paul

Tundra Swan Migration About To Reach Full Height

Another bird that lets us know spring is knocking on our door is the Tundra Swan. These swans, as the name suggests, breed on the Arctic tundra of both Canada and Alaska; they migrate through the London area every year, often stopping over to rest and feed. These birds have been delayed this year due to the extreme winter and lack of open water, but several sightings in our area are starting to come in. Flocks of Tundra Swans can be seen flying overhead in the typical V formation, their white bodies contrasting against the blue sky. If you hear a goose-like call, only higher pitched, look to the sky as there is likely a flock of swans overhead. Swans can also be found in farm fields feeding on the remains of last fall’s harvest.

IMG 8082 1 - Tundra Swan Migration About To Reach Full Height — **This large flock of Tundra Swans touched down to feed and rest just north of Lake Erie. In areas such as Aylmer Wildlife Management Area or Thedford bog, 1000’s of swans can make up these flocks.**

S2 1 - Tundra Swan Migration About To Reach Full Height — **Flooded farmland is an excellent place to find Tundra Swans in our area as they migrate through**.

The majority of Tundra Swans that migrate through our area spend their winters along the Atlantic coast, with Chesapeake Bay being their desired winter location. This estuary surrounded by Maryland and Virginia is the perfect habitat for thousands of overwintering swans. As the swans migrate in a northwest direction to their Arctic breeding grounds, it puts the Great Lakes and Southwestern Ontario right in their flyway. March and April are the spring months for viewing these beautiful birds in our area. These birds can be readily found along the Lake Erie shoreline resting in the lake or feeding inland in corn and soybean fields. A couple of famous stopover locations in our area for Tundra Swans are the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area, and the Thedford Bog just south of Grand Bend. The Aylmer Wildlife Management Area has several viewing towers overlooking the ponds as well as a Swan hotline you can call with a daily swan count. For more information, including directions and the swan hotline number click here. Daily updates for swan numbers at the Thedford Bog can be found here. Calling ahead to the hotline is a good idea before making the drive to optimize viewing success. Closer views are usually achieved in Aylmer, but I have experienced hundreds of swans right next to the road in Thedford. Either way, the sight of these birds won’t disappoint.

IMG 8642 1 - Tundra Swan Migration About To Reach Full Height — **Tundra Swans flying overhead.**

Tundra Swans can be found feeding and resting in these areas by the hundreds and many times the thousands. The sight and sound of this is simply amazing and is something every birder and non-birder should experience a least once in their lives. Planning a road trip to one of these swan destinations is something the whole family will enjoy. Check out the daily reports of whichever location is closest to you and make it a destination when Tundra Swan numbers increase. I think you will be glad you did.

Good birding,
Paul

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Red-necked Grebe Provides Interesting Views

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of birding along the Thames River. The series of paths and trails are easily navigated and the birds and wildlife along the river are remarkable. The Red-necked Grebe is a bird that I just added to my life list this year, thanks to the extremely cold temperatures we have experienced. These birds usually winter on the Great Lakes, but with so much ice coverage many have moved inland in search of open water.

On recent walks along the river I have viewed as many as four Red-necked Grebes in the section of river between Greenway and Springbank Parks. These birds don’t seem to be too shy around humans as many times I’ve had some pretty good views from close range. On one particular day I got quite lucky as one of these grebes was feeding in the shallow water right next to the bank. I managed to get in a position where there was a clearing in the shrubs and watched as the grebe hunted for food. Red-necked Grebes feed on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans and must dive underwater in order to catch it. For whatever reason this grebe liked this small section between a sheet of ice and the river bank. I watched as it dove repeatedly in search of food, but unfortunately for the grebe it came up short every time. It was interesting to watch the grebe swim with its face in the water searching before every dive and as it cruised along the bottom in the shallow water.

IMG 9000 1 - Red-necked Grebe Provides Interesting Views — Grebe’s bodies are designed for diving and swimming underwater. The rear placement of their legs makes walking on land quite difficult.

Grebe’s legs are set back far on their bodies which helps them dive and swim underwater but makes walking on dry land extremely difficult for them. It puts their balance off and they tend to fall on their breast as they try to walk. This particular grebe saw an open section of water in the middle of the sheet of ice and decided to try it’s luck there. Reluctant to dive and try to resurface in the hole further out in the ice, the grebe decided to walk. The grebe popped up on the ice and tried walking. Between it’s front-heavy body and the slippery ice it wasn’t making much progress. It reminded me of watching a child on skates for the first time. It tried using it’s wings for balance, but still continued to fall forward. The grebe eventually gave up and got back into the river alongside the sheet of ice. it was clearly hungry and was trying anything to find something to eat. I carried on with my walk and hoped that the grebe would soon find something to appease it’s hunger. These birds have travelled many kilometers this winter in search of food and mortality rates among all waterfowl are up due to starvation in many areas.

IMG 9014 11 - Red-necked Grebe Provides Interesting Views — Struggling to walk across the slippery ice, this Red-necked Grebe tried using it’s wings to help balance.

If you have yet to see a Red-necked Grebe or some of the other waterfowl species that have overwintered on the Thames River, time is running out. As the Great Lakes thaw these birds will be making their way northwest back to their breeding grounds. Try to get out next week and experience some of the wonderful birding we have close to home.

Good birding,
Paul

Butterflies and Insects

Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly

Tawny Emperor Butterfly

Widow Skimmer

Red Admiral Butterfly

Cabbage White Butterfly

Grasshopper

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Red Admiral Butterfly

Cabbage White Butterfly

Honey Bee

Black Swaalowtail Butterfly

Housefly

Silver-spotted Skipper

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly 1 - Butterflies and Insects

Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly

Bee Covered in Pollen on Purple Coneflower 1 - Butterflies and Insects

Bee on Purple Coneflower

Clouded Sulphur Butterfly

Bumble Bee on Monarda flower

Bumble Bee on Purple Coneflower

Cabbage White Butterfly

Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Twelve Spotted Skimmer

Bumble Bee

Spring Marks The Return Of Osprey To London Ontario

The Osprey is a large member of the raptor family that feeds almost entirely on fish. They can be found around any body of water from lakes and reservoirs to rivers and ponds. Since the ban of DDT their numbers have increased and can be readily found in the London area once they return in early spring from their wintering grounds, which stretches from the southern United States to Central and South America. Ospreys are tolerant of human activity and several pairs nest within the city limits in parks, Environmentally Significant Areas and along the Thames River.

Ospreys construct their nests of sticks and line them with bark and grasses. The nest is placed in an open area where an easy approach can be made. Look for Osprey nests in tree tops, crotches between tree branches or manmade structures such as telephone poles and lights posts. Ospreys usually mate for life and will reuse the same nest from year to year adding material to it each year. Nests can be as large as 13 feet deep and 6 feet across. Clutch sizes are 1-4 eggs with incubation lasting 5 weeks. Both adults take care of the brood and fledging takes place after 8-10 weeks.

IMG 5501 1 - Spring Marks The Return Of Osprey To London Ontario — This Osprey is landing on a nest constructed on the top of a light pole illuminating a neighbourhood baseball diamond.

As with most raptors Ospreys have incredible vision and can spot fish underwater from heights of over 100 feet. Once a fish is spotted the Osprey briefly hovers overhead before diving feet first into the water. The Osprey is specially adapted for a fish diet with closable nostrils to keep water out, reversible outer toes and backwards facing scales on their talons to help hold onto fish.

9675028020 d03cfa095c o1 - Spring Marks The Return Of Osprey To London Ontario — The Osprey is the only large raptor with a solid white belly. This is a key to identification and helps distinguish them from a juvenile Bald Eagle and other birds of prey.

Most years Ospreys start to reappear in the London area in early April. Given the cold winter and increased amount of ice across their migration route it may be later this year, unless we experience a significant warm up. Keep an eye out along river banks and shorelines of lakes and ponds once the ice is off. Ospreys are sometimes confused with Bald Eagles but there are several things to look for when identifying them. Mature Bald Eagles are larger and much stockier than the rather slender Osprey and have a solid white head and tail. The body of a mature eagle is solid brown, with the Osprey being a mix of brown and white. Ospreys are the only large raptor with a solid white unmarked belly. Juvenile Bald Eagles are mottled on their undersides and lack a white head.

Keep an eye to the sky and in tree limbs overhanging bodies of water in your favourite birding area. If you see a large brown and white raptor there is a good chance you’ve just spotted an Osprey.

Good birding,
Paul

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Spring Migration; What We Can Expect And When

With winter winding down many birders, myself included, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of some spring migrants to the area. Spring is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy birding. With so many species returning to the area and the many flowers and trees starting to bloom it is a favourite season of many. So what birds can we expect as the weather begins to warm?

Species that arrive earliest in the spring or even a little before, are the ones that have the shortest distance to migrate north. Many of the blackbird species are first to arrive such as Red-winged and Common Grackles. The Killdeer is the first of the shorebirds to arrive and can usually be seen be seen by mid March. As temperatures rise higher and we get into late April and early May we can expect to be seeing Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Swallows and the beautiful Indigo Bunting.

IMG 2528 1 - Spring Migration; What We Can Expect And When — Rose-breasted Grosbeaks arrive a bit later, most years by late April. They are easily attracted to backyard feeders by offering safflower seed.

The spring Warbler migration is what birders look forward to the most and best numbers are recorded in early May. The Point Pelee Festival of Birds is a destination of many birders, due to the incredible number of migrating birds that stop there after crossing Lake Erie. This year the festival runs May 1st-19th. More information on the festival can be found here. The Yellow-rumped Warbler is most often the first of the Warblers observed with April being the month when good numbers start to appear followed next by Yellow Warblers.

8742001481 331c258327 c1 11 - Spring Migration; What We Can Expect And When — The Yellow-rumped Warbler is the first of the Warblers to show up in Spring.

Although Southwestern Ontario falls within the northern most part of many of these species winter range, these birds typically migrate in the fall to the northern United States and further south, especially during harsher winters like the one we have just experienced. Some sightings, including Killdeer have already been reported in our area.

Keeping your feeders full will help attract migrating birds looking to replenish their energy as they journey north. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Red-winged Blackbirds are particularly fond of safflower seed so make sure you are offering it. Other foods to attract spring migrants are nyjer and thistle seed. Not only will your resident Goldfinches love it, it is also a great food for attracting the Indigo Bunting. Slices of fresh orange placed around your yard are great for bringing in Baltimore Orioles.

Several days in a row of warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours help trigger migration. The addition of a south wind helps push these birds north. Migration varies from year to year depending on conditions. Some years the earliest of migrants start showing up by the end of March, while other years it may not be until April. The long range forecast for our area predicts daily high temperatures to be below freezing for most of the next 14 days, so it looks like we will have to be patient yet. Birding this time of year is especially exciting because it is only a matter of time before a species not seen for several months reappears.

Good birding,
Paul

Attract More Birds To Your Yard By Planting Native Plants

After this long and rather harsh winter, many are itching to get back out into their gardens. Gardening is a relaxing hobby and gardens are a big attractant of birds to a yard. Native plants are the best attractors of birds because they provide natural food, shelter, and a nest site. Doing a little pre-spring planning as to what plants to add to your garden is the best way to figure out what your garden is missing to attract more birds.

Food is a key element of attracting more birds to your yard. Sure bird feeders are great, but birds will almost always take natural foods first and there are of course birds that don’t consume seed. Trees and shrubs that produce fruit or berries are a great place to start. Their spring blossoms add beautiful colour to any yard and robins, waxwings and thrushes will quickly arrive once theses blossoms turn into fruit. Fruit bearing trees also attract insects which will bring in warblers and flycatchers, something your favourite seed won’t do. My personal recommendation for a native fruit shrub is the Red Osier Dogwood. Not only are the berries consumed by over 100 species of birds in Ontario, it’s bright red branches will add an element of colour to your garden year round.

Plants that provide shelter come in all shapes and sizes. My favourite are evergreens because they can be used 12 months of the year by birds to keep hidden from cats, raptors or other predators. Their thick foliage is also a great wind break and an escape from winter squalls. Again they add colour year round which appeals to many gardeners. Deciduous trees and shrubs are great cover too because their dense branches provide a thicket which attracts several bird species. Tall grasses and ground covers are essential because they provide shelter for birds like mourning doves and fledgling birds that spend a lot of time on the ground.

Native wildflowers are a great addition to any garden. The flowers will attract several species of insect looking to feed on their nectar, resulting in several bird species that feed on insects. Jewel weed is a great wildflower if you are looking to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Many wildflowers turn to seed after blooming which is a popular food of finches and other songbirds.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority provides a great list of recommended native species that can be found here. Do a little research and planning as to what your garden is missing and what plants will do best in your conditions. Many of these recommended plants are readily available at local garden centers and can be purchased rather inexpensively. Not only will you have a beautiful garden that’s the envy of all your neighbours; you’ll be creating a natural habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.

Good birding,
Paul

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

Do Your Part To Help The Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly numbers are fast declining. In the Monarch butterfly’s wintering area in Mexico, scientists recorded the lowest levels of Monarchs ever in December 2013, a decrease of 44% from the previous year. They are declining everywhere. Here in Ontario, the destruction of Milkweed is the leading factor contributing to their dropping numbers. Common Milkweed up until this year was considered an invasive species in Ontario, and is destroyed every year by farmers using herbicides. Milkweed’s sap is toxic to some livestock and the stickiness of it can cause combines to become clogged during the harvest. Large quantities of Milkweed mixed in with a crop decreases yields and farmers profits; three factors leading to it’s eradication on farms. Milkweed is the only plant Monarch caterpillars feed on and thus the only plant where female Monarchs lay their eggs. As the Milkweed declines, so too does the Monarch.

The life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly is quite interesting. The life span of most adults is two to six weeks. Monarchs that have spent the winter in Mexico are about to start their migration north through the United States and into Canada. As the butterflies migrate north they lay their eggs on Milkweed plants. After laying the eggs the adult butterflies will die two to six weeks later. The eggs then hatch into caterpillars and they begin to feed on the Milkweed plant. After about two weeks the caterpillar attaches itself to a leaf using silk and becomes a chrysalis. This is when the caterpillar begins to change into a butterfly. The chrysalis phase lasts ten days and then the adult butterfly will emerge. Once the adult Monarch has emerged it will feed on the nectar from a variety of plants but the caterpillars only eat Milkweed. The new generation of Monarchs continue north with the new females laying eggs on Milkweed and then dying two to six weeks later. The entire migration consists of four generations of Monarchs with the last ones becoming butterflies in September or October. This generation has a longer life span, six to eight months, and is the one that migrates south to Mexico for the winter. After wintering in Mexico it is this fourth generation that migrates north the following spring to start the cycle again.

Common Milkweed has now been removed from the invasive species list in Ontario, in an effort to save the Monarch Butterfly. If you are reluctant to plant Milkweed because of the potential of it being poisonous to some animals if consumed, simply plant it in an area where your pet can’t access it. Take a look at a list of other common garden plants that are considered poisonous to dogs; many of these plants you may already have in your yard, for instance: Hostas, English Ivy, Clematis and Rose of Sharon to name a few. Adding Milkweed to your yard or not pulling existing Milkweed is the best way to help by giving these butterflies a place to lay their eggs and continue their life cycle. There are several species of Milkweed, so find out which is best suited to your area and yard conditions. Any member of the Asclepias (milkweed) family will do. Have several flowering bushes or fruit tress to first attract Monarchs to your yard and they will quickly find and use the Milkweed for laying their eggs. Flowers that bloom into early fall are important too, as their nectar will provide necessary energy for the Monarch’s long migration south.

Milkweed is the key to the future of the Monarch Butterfly. As it migrates north these plants are imperative to the Monarch’s life cycle and the existence of the species. We can only control what happens in our own backyard so don’t sit back and watch this species decline further. Do your part to help these beautiful butterflies survive and rebound. If you only plant one thing in your garden this spring, make sure it is Milkweed.

Good birding,
Paul