American Robin: A Sign Of Spring, Or Elusive Winter Resident?

Many people associate seeing a Robin in early March as the unofficial start of spring. Truth is that many Robins don’t migrate south at all. Check their year-round range in the map section of your favourite field guide and you will see that it extends into eastern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. So why do these birds seem to disappear come fall and into winter?

Watermark 1 - American Robin: A Sign Of Spring, Or Elusive Winter Resident? — **This leucistic American Robin feeds on the fruit of a Buckthorn tree.**

Robins feed on a variety of food: earthworms, insects, as well as fruits, and berries. In the spring rising temperatures and warm rains melt the snow, making flooded lawns and gardens the perfect place to spot Robins foraging on worms, grubs, and insects. This is when many see their first Robin of the year and proclaim spring to be here. During the fall and winter months, a Robin’s diet consists mostly of fruit and berries, so they are not likely to be seen hopping across a snow covered lawn in search of food. Look for them to be roosting in the canopies or thick underbrush of trees and shrubs that produce berries such as Buckthorns, Hawthorns, or Dogwoods. Two areas I have had luck finding Robins in winter are, along rivers where Buckthorn lined banks provide shelter from the wind and plenty of food, and low swampy areas adjacent to ponds with fruit-bearing trees around.

IMG 5305 1 - American Robin: A Sign Of Spring, Or Elusive Winter Resident? — **As the seasons change, so too does the Robin’s diet. During the winter months American Robin’s feed on fruit and berries.**

During spring and summer, Robins can be heard singing and calling before sunrise and after sunset. In winter Robins are less vocal, making their presence seldom known. The opposite behavior from spring to fall gives this bird the illusion of disappearing from an area, when in fact their numbers could still be quite high. On a recent walk along my local river, I caught an orange flash out of the corner of my eye. I glanced over and saw that a Robin had landed in a tree next to the path. I paused for some photos and could hear the fluttering of many wing beats. Glancing up into the trees I could see several Robins gorging themselves on berries. I lowered my lens, began to count, and quickly reached thirty birds. These Robins were a mere arm’s length from the path, and because of their stealthy behavior, almost went unnoticed by me. On this particular day, the wind chill was -22C, but the abundance of food had plenty of Robins still in the area.

IMG 3831 1 - American Robin: A Sign Of Spring, Or Elusive Winter Resident? — **Finding trees with remaining fruit is crucial in locating robins during winter.**

Next time you are out doing some winter birding pay special attention to the thick underbrush and canopies of fruit-producing trees and shrubs. There is a pretty good chance you will come across a Robin giving you false hope of spring.

Good birding,
Paul

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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

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Think Spring, By Building Nest Boxes For Your Yard This Winter

Winter is the perfect time to start thinking about adding nest boxes to your yard. By watching the birds that come to your feeders, you already have a great idea of the different species that frequent your yard. With a little research as to which of these species nest in boxes and where to place them, you will be ready for a spring and summer full of enjoyment watching these birds raise their young.

Many birds will readily nest in a properly placed box, but the key is to make sure they are up by early spring. That is why it is best to use the winter months to plan what species, and where would be a great location for them to nest. Wrens, woodpeckers and chickadees are all species that waste no time finding a new nest box in your yard. If you are like me you will get great enjoyment from making the nest boxes yourself. Building nest boxes is a great winter activity to pass time when you are not out birding. If building them yourself isn’t your thing, than they can be purchased from the same local independent retailer you purchase your seed from.

Nest boxes are quick and easy to build, with only a few tools and materials required. Pretty much any type of wood can be used for nest boxes, except pressure treated, or others that contain chemicals to preserve them. My personal preference is cedar because it is inexpensive and naturally weather resistant so the nest boxes will last many years. A 1″ x 6″ x 6′ cedar fence board will work for most songbird nest boxes and can be purchased for about $5.00. Add a package of #6 1 1/4″ screws and you are ready to start building. Many of the plans available call for a hinge on the top, so the boxes can be easily cleaned out at the end of each year. I have learned a trick over the years to save a couple bucks on hinges and makes cleaning the boxes just as easy. Before fastening one side, drill the top two holes in that side piece where the front and back pieces fasten one size larger than the screws. This will allow that side to pivot on those screws and swing out for easy cleaning. When assembling the box, place only one screw in the bottom of the front piece through that side to hold it in place. This will keep predators like raccoons and squirrels from opening it. In the fall remove the bottom screw, swing the side piece out, clean out the box, then place the screw back in and the box is ready for the following season. Building multiple boxes at once makes the process much faster as several pieces can be cut at the same time. I always make a few extras because friends, family and neighbours always appreciate receiving one of my homemade boxes. Children love helping make the boxes, so it is a great activity for the whole family.

If you are thinking about adding a nest box to your yard, buy one or build one now. It’s never too early to put one up, and birds will have lots of time to find it come breeding season. My favourite place to find plans to build nest boxes for 70 species of birds as well as tips on where and how high to place them can be found here.

http://www.50birds.com/birdhouses/bird-species-that-nest-in-birdhouses.htm.

Good birding,
Paul

Add Beautiful Colour And Sound To Your Yard By Attracting The Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals are one of the most recognized birds throughout their range. Males with their bright red bodies and black masks can be identified by just about anyone. In the United States the Cardinal is the mascot of two professional sports teams, twelve colleges or universities and is the state bird in seven states so it is easily recognized by birders and non birders alike.

Attracting Cardinals to your yard is quite easy. They will accept almost any kind of seed, but their two favourites are black oil sunflower, and safflower. In my yard I have one feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds and another with a mix of the two. These birds can be quite territorial especially during the breeding season so spacing feeders out around your yard will get you more of this species. Cardinals are great ground feeders so they will clean up any seed that finds it way underneath your feeder. Northern Cardinals are generally the first and last bird at your feeder during the day. Their silhouettes can be seen on your feeder at first and last light, but will provide colour and beautiful sound to your yard all day long.

When not eating at a feeder Cardinals consume berries and seeds and prefer the cover of dense shrubs and thickets. Nesting also takes place in these same areas so consider planting your garden accordingly. In recent years I have added red osier dogwoods to my yard. These are a native species that provide excellent cover from predators as well as nesting areas for many birds. I have read where as many as 102 species of birds consume their berries with Cardinals being one of them. As well as attracting birds these shrubs with their red branches provide beautiful colour to any garden and really stand out in winter against a snowy backdrop.

Cardinals will nest in a birdhouse but prefer an open platform or shelf style. These types of houses should be mounted in dense shrubs and many sites suggest 2-15 feet off the ground. I would personally recommend higher than two feet because that at least rules out any non climbing predators such as cats from accessing it. Areas higher up in a shrub will also provide denser cover. Cardinals will generally not use the same nest area twice so it is recommended that the platform is moved to a new location at the end of the year.

Good birding,
Paul

London, Ontario Birding Report November 10-17

This past week didn’t see me getting out much, but during my walks along the Thames River I encountered several species of birds. Nothing out of the ordinary but many nice views nonetheless. The two most abundant species were American Robins and Cedar Waxwings. Both could be seen in large flocks feeding on the berries of the various trees and shrubs that line the river banks. Small groups of Buffleheads and Common Mergansers were seen diving on the river in search of food. I found American Tree Sparrows in the many goldenrod fields adjacent to wooded areas along the pathways.

Birds of prey were spotted in small numbers but included Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and an American Kestrel. I have an adult and immature Cooper’s Hawk that check out my feeders quite regularly and a Merlin briefly passed by overhead while I was filling them.

My backyard feeders have been very busy all week especially earlier when we had cooler temperatures and snow. Mourning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos and Black-capped Chickadees appeared in the largest numbers. Blue Jays, Red and White-breasted Nuthatches and three species of Woodpecker were frequent visitors too.

Here’s hoping that the upcoming week will present some new species.

Good birding,
Paul

A Few Highlights From My Year So Far

When I think back to all the birds I’ve seen and photographed this year, a few stand out. With over a month left in this year there is still time to see a new species or two but some will be hard to top. To date I’ve seen and photographed over 150 species within the city of London. I am constantly amazed at the many different species that either live in or pass through our great city.

In January I found myself walking the banks the Thames River every chance I got searching for the many Bald Eagles that use the river as a food source throughout the winter. I had quite a bit of success and found the colder and more miserable the weather the better. Not ideal conditions for photography but I usually saw at least one eagle. Several species of waterfowl wintered on the river including Common Goldeneye and three types of Merganser.

Once spring approached the warbler migration was in full swing. I observed many species that were new to me with my favourite being the male Blackburnian Warbler. It’s black and white body with bright orange head and throat were a real treat to see. In April I managed a few shots of a leucistic American Robin as it searched for food in the grass at a local park. Leucism is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals. Another April highlight was watching a pair of Peregrine Falcons hunting Mourning doves off a line of hydro wires. You cannot appreciate the speed of this bird until you witness it in person.

Summer was a little slow for birding, but the resident Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, and Indigo Buntings provided lots of colourful pictures. The highlight of summer was coming across a White-tailed Doe and her two fawns at one my favorite birding places. I still encounter this family and have watched the two fawns go from being smaller than my dog and covered in spots, to being not recognizable as fawns unless next to their mother.

As fall set in their were plenty more warbler opportunities, the return of many sparrows, and of course the fall raptor migration. Seeing a kettle of 30 Broad Winged Hawks over the Thames River a mere blocks from downtown was an impressive sight. The Rusty Blackbird was a new species for me that I was able to photograph at Westminster Ponds ESA.

Now that we are into late fall and winter nears, I am hoping to add more birds to my list. Owls are a species in particular that have eluded my lens in the past but I am optimistic that will soon change. Hopefully all of you have had great success birding this year and encountered a new species or two. The possibility of encountering something new is what drives us all.

Good birding,
Paul

Birding Is My Ultimate Simple, Inexpensive Hobby

When I think about the various hobbies I have or have had over the course of my life, birding has been by far the least expensive and required the least organization. No special equipment or planning is required, all I really need is my eyes and ears. I have observed many different species in my backyard, local parks and conservation areas. The need to travel great distances to see a variety of birds simply is not necessary.

If a change of scenery and some exercise is what I am looking for then I have several options close to home. My personal favourite places in the city to bird are the seven publicly owned ESA areas, Fanshawe Conservation Area and any of the city parks along the Thames River. These areas offer diverse habitat and therefore a good variety of bird species. I am not going to break the Ontario Big Year record of 344 species but I have observed over 150 species combined in these areas and the farthest one is only twenty minutes from my house.

Birding for me has been the perfect hobby. It is a great way to be active and I find it incredibly relaxing. By keeping it close to home there are no big costs involved and I can pick up and go at anytime. In my life I find myself playing chauffeur quite a bit and have learned to use that to my advantage. Once I know where I am going, I find somewhere to walk and bird in that area. Instead of just picking up and dropping off, I stay in the area and make the most of it. It is a great way to explore new places, find time for my hobby and squeeze some exercise into my day too. By keeping it simple there are no excuses for me not to get out. I find myself having more time to do something I love and have benefitted greatly from it both physically and mentally.

Good birding,
Paul

Improve Your Birding Success By Putting The Odds In Your Favour

Have you ever been out birding and asked yourself “where are all the birds?” I have. Sure some days are better than others for birding depending on the time of year or weather conditions, but some days you just have to put the odds in your favour. Birds are more active first thing in the morning and later in the afternoon so these are excellent times to head out. Naturally though not everyone can go out at these times, so you must make the most of your time when you can get out.

The first thing I do when birding is use the wind in my favour. Perching on a branch that is constantly swaying in the wind is difficult for birds and expends energy so concentrate your birding in protected areas. Look for an open field adjacent to and protected by a wooded area or in the wooded area itself. Finding a food source is another key to locating birds. Songbirds in the wild feed on insects, fruit and seeds. At this time of year you can find many species of bird feeding on the seeds of the goldenrod plant. Chickadees, Sparrows, Juncos, and Finches can all be found clinging to and feeding on this abundant wild plant. Dogwoods and Buckthorns produce fruit that are a favourite of many birds as well. Coniferous trees such as spruce, pine, and cedar not only provide food from their seeds but their branches are excellent cover from the weather and predators.

Birding near water is always a great idea. Check out your local lake, river, or pond for excellent birding opportunities. The water itself can not only be a great spot to find waterfowl, but eagles, herons and songbirds can always be found close to water. Following a river is by far my favourite place to go birding. Many native species of fruit bearing trees and shrubs grow along their banks so they are the perfect mix of food, water, and shelter. My days with the highest counts have always been along a river regardless of season or weather conditions.

Remember when birding to use your ears too. Listening for their various calls and songs is an excellent way to locate active birds. Once you have distinguished where the sounds are coming from you can move into a position for viewing and counting. Wear quiet clothing. Jackets and pants that make noise when the material rubs together is a great way to scare off birds. Always walk slowly and quietly to avoid alerting your presence. Watch where you are stepping. I learned early in my birding days that the sound of a snapping stick under my foot can really clear the area of wary birds. When trying to approach a bird do not walk directly to it. Take a zig zag course towards the bird and avoid looking directly at it . By keeping track of it out of the corner of your eye as you approach, you will be able to get much closer.

Keep these things in mind next time you head out and watch your days count totals increase.

Good birding,
Paul