Good Birding Weekly Report: London, ON March 30 – April 5 2014

There is a nice mix of birds around the forest city right now. Spring migration has been a bit slow with the weather holding it back, but new species continue to trickle in. The lower temperatures have the species that overwintered in our area sticking around, and there is also the wonderful population of resident species that call London home.

American Tree Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos are a couple of the winter species that are still present. Wintering waterfowl, including grebe species such as the Horned and Red-necked, were still seen on the Thames River this past week. Both are now starting to show their breeding plumage quite nicely. Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, as well as Greater and Lesser Scaup were also seen, but only a few remain. With upcoming high temperatures expected in the teens, this could be the last week we see these birds in our area.

IMG 0646 1 - Good Birding Weekly Report: London, ON March 30 - April 5 2014 — Turkey Vultures are one of the larger birds that can now be seen soaring over the city.

As mentioned, spring migrants continue to move in with a few new species seen this week. Tree Swallows, Eastern Phoebe, and Osprey all returned to London earlier this week. Other species observed were Chipping Sparrows and Golden-crowned Kinglets. A pair of Double-crested Cormorants were also seen on the river.

A complete list of birds observed is as follows:

IMG 0653 1 2 - Good Birding Weekly Report: London, ON March 30 - April 5 2014 — Song Sparrows are quite vocal this time of year. They are often heard long before they are seen.

American Black Duck
American Goldfinch
American Robin
American Tree Sparrow
American Wigeon
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Blue-winged Teal
Brown-headed Cowbird
Bufflehead
Canada Goose
Cedar Waxwing
Chipping Sparrow
Common Grackle
Common Merganser
Dark-eyed Junco
Double-crested Cormorant
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
European Starling
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Greater Scaup
Hairy Woodpecker
Horned Grebe
House Finch
House Sparrow
Killdeer
Lesser Scaup
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
Osprey
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-necked Grebe
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-winged Blackbird
Ring-billed Gull
Song Sparrow
Tree Swallow
Turkey Vulture
White-breasted Nuthatch
Wood Duck

IMG 0744 1 - Good Birding Weekly Report: London, ON March 30 - April 5 2014 — This male Brown-headed Cowbird is a type of blackbird that can be found around the city.

It looks like we are finally going to see some consistent warm temperatures over the next week. Normally this would bring in new migrating species, but with isolated showers in the forecast, this may slow the process down. With each day that passes there is the possibility to see something new, which is what drives all birders. Remember to keep your feeders full as these birds will be looking to replenish energy. Hopefully you all will be able to find time this week to enjoy the weather and some of the wonderful birds we have here in London, Ontario

Good birding,
Paul

Fanshawe Conservation Area; A Paradise For Birders

Located in the northeast corner of London, on the shores of Fanshawe Lake, lies one of the best places for bird watching in the city. Fanshawe Conservation Area’s mixed habitat make it the perfect place to find resident birds and migrating species alike.

A series of marked hiking trails ranging in length from 1.5 kilometers to the 20 km Fanshawe Lake Trail, which circles the entire reservoir, will take you through the various habitat ranging from: coniferous and deciduous forest, open meadows, and low lying wet areas. These mixed habitats are what attracts so many birds, making it such an incredible place for bird watching. Fanshawe Conservstion Area is listed on eBird as one of London’s hotspots for birding with 155 species being reported.

IMG 8927 1 - Fanshawe Conservation Area; A Paradise For Birders — Ring-necked Ducks are one of the many species of migrating waterfowl that stop over on Fanshawe Lake to rest and feed.

Birding at Fanshawe Conservation Area is great year round, but with spring migration now underway I highly recommend a visit in the near future. As the lake becomes free of ice, many species of waterfowl will be found including both dabblers and divers. Canvasbacks. Ring-necked ducks, Wood Ducks, and American Coots are a few of the species I’ve observed on the lake in early spring. Tundra Swans are also known to stop over on the lake while migrating through Southwestern Ontario. Returning songbirds such as sparrows, blackbirds, and orioles can also be found. The open areas of the conservation area are a great place to find the Eastern Meadowlark, a species at risk in Ontario. As April passes and we move into May, look for many warblers to be flitting around the conservation area.

IMG 8992 1 - Fanshawe Conservation Area; A Paradise For Birders — The Eastern Meadowlark, a species at risk in Ontario, can be found within the conservation area.

Fanshawe Conservation Area is home to some wonderful resident species too. Birds of prey can be found throughout the area, including several species of owl, as well as Bald Eagles that nest on the shores of the lake. Cardinals, nuthatches, and woodpeckers are all readily seen. Don’t forget to bring some seed with you as the Black-capped Chickadees on the various trails will land right in your hand to accept your offering. This is particularly exciting for children.

IMG 6374 1 - Fanshawe Conservation Area; A Paradise For Birders — Hand feeding Black-capped Chickadees is wonderful way to get others, especially children, interested in birds.

If you have never visited Fanshawe Conservation area before, you are missing out. For more information including directions, maps, and other activites, visit their website here. Whether you are looking for a wonderful place for birding or to spend quality time in the outdoors with your family, Fanshawe Conservation Area is the perfect place.

Good birding,
Paul

April Fools Day Brings New Species To London, Ontario; And That’s No Joke

Monday’s high temperature of sixteen degrees Celsius accompanied by south winds brought with it some new species of migrating birds. It may have been April Fools Day but the birds arriving in our area were no joke.

South winds help push birds along during spring migration. Any day that is significantly warmer in late March or early April, along with a south wind, is a great day to go birding. The weather we experienced on Monday fit this to a T. New arrivals to London included: Osprey, Tree swallows, and the Eastern Phoebe.

Several Osprey sightings were reported, with birds being seen in Springbank Park, Greenway Park, over the Coves, as well as a pair retuning to the nest at Labatt Park. The Osprey feeds almost exclusively on fish so with the Thames River being free of ice, food won’t be a problem. For more information on the Osprey see my previous blog post Spring Marks The Return Of Osprey To London, Ontario.

IMG 3501 1 - April Fools Day Brings New Species To London, Ontario; And That's No Joke — The Eastern Phoebe is a member of the flycatcher family and eats mostly insects.

Tree Swallow’s and Eastern Phoebe’s diet consist of insects, so with cooler temperatures in the forecast for the remainder of the week, these birds may have a bit tougher time than the Osprey. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds website indicates that the Eastern Phoebe will also eat small fruits and seeds when insects are scarce. It also states that the Tree Swallow will consume plant foods during these same conditions. Hopefully these species will find enough food to replace energy spent on their migration north. April 1st is not early by any means for these birds to return to our area, in fact they are right on time. According to local records, the average arrival date over the past 80 years for the Tree Swallow and Eastern Phoebe is March 28th and March 26th respectively.

IMG 1612 1 - April Fools Day Brings New Species To London, Ontario; And That's No Joke — Tree Swallows are also back in the city, and like the Eastern Phoebe are likely going to have to resort to alternate foods in order to survive.

Tundra Swans have been making their way across Southwestern Ontario, and along with them many dabbling ducks. American Wigeon, Wood Ducks, and Blue-winged Teal have all been seen on the Thames River. As more lakes, rivers, and ponds become clear of ice, waterfowl will become more abundant. Fanshawe Lake, Westminster Ponds, and Komoka Ponds are all great places to view migrating ducks once the ice is gone.

IMG 9921 1 - April Fools Day Brings New Species To London, Ontario; And That's No Joke — The Blue-winged Teal is one of the many dabbling ducks that is retuning to our area.

Looking ahead to the Environment Canada extended forecast I don’t see any days that appear to have a real spike in high temperatures or south winds. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out birding; any day is a great day to bird, and there is always plenty to see around our great city.

Good birding,
Paul

Look For Subtle Differences When Identifying Birds

Identification is something that all birders struggle with at some point. Whether you are new to the hobby or have been at it for years, proper identification can be a challenge. This is an aspect of birding I am always trying to improve on, especially when it comes to warblers, sparrows, and shorebirds. Fortunately there are a few things to focus on when trying to properly identify a bird by sight.

IMG 8322 1 - Look For Subtle Differences When Identifying Birds — Note the yellow eye and bluish bill of the male Redhead pictured above on the left versus the red eye and solid black bill of the male Canvasback below.

IMG 8390 1 - Look For Subtle Differences When Identifying Birds — Eye and bill colour are overlooked field marks that help us tell the difference between a Redhead and a Canvasback.

A few subtle differences within every species will leads to proper identification. In the front of your field guide there is a section devoted to bird identification which describes the various field marks, also referred to as topography of a bird. Many of these distinguishing field marks can be found on the bird’s head. Eye lines, eye rings, and eye brows, are markings to pay attention to when unsure what you have observed. Other areas of the head to pay attention to are the crown, throat, and beak colour. As you move down the bird, markings on the breast, belly, wings, and tail all become important in identification.

IMG 1482 1 - Look For Subtle Differences When Identifying Birds — Differentiating between the Field Sparrow above and the American Tree Sparrow below comes down to a few subtle field marks.

American Tree Sparrow 5445 1 - Look For Subtle Differences When Identifying Birds — Both birds display rusty crowns and white wing bars, but there are a few key marks that separate these two sparrows. The American Tree Sparrow has a chest spot, eye stripe, and it’s beak has a dark upper with yellow lower mandible. The Field Sparrow lacks the chest spot and eye stripe, has a solid pink beak, and bold white eye ring.

I recommend studying the front of your field guide and familiarizing yourself with the field marks of a bird. Not always is the entire bird visible when birding, so focussing on the part of the bird you can see, and running through a check list in your head will help. Make a mental note of all the distinguishing field marks to reference with your guide later. If you carry a camera with you when you bird, snap a photo. Regardless of the quality of the photo you get, most times they can be used for identification.

As you become more familiar with the various field marks on a bird and what to look for, identification will become easier. As with anything, practice makes perfect, so the more you bird the better you will become.

Good birding,
Paul

Plenty Of Colour Around To Help Us Put Winter Behind Us

If you have had enough of winter and the slow start to spring this year, heading out for a little birding will definitely put colour into your day. For the last several months it seems everything around us has been shades of white or grey. With plenty of snow and ice this past winter, I think we are all ready for the colours of spring.

IMG 9680 1 - Plenty Of Colour Around To Help Us Put Winter Behind Us — The orange breast of the American Robin adds plenty of colour and contrasts nicely against most backgrounds.

With the snow taking it’s time to melt, it may be a few weeks yet before we start to see colour in the form of daffodils, tulips, and crocuses emerging from the ground. Luckily there is plenty of colour in the birds around us to help forget about winter.

IMG 9695 1 - Plenty Of Colour Around To Help Us Put Winter Behind Us — The female Cardinal is not always considered a colourful bird, but their beautiful red and orange accents show otherwise.

On recent walks around some of my favourite birding hotspots, there has been a wide range of beautiful colours. Bright red male Northern Cardinals can be seen in the tree tops singing; establishing their territories and bringing in their mates. Speaking of mates, the red and orange accents of the female cardinal are quite stunning and can be easily forgotten when thinking of colourful birds. Robins are now more active and can be seen hopping across newly exposed grass searching for food in wet areas as the snow melts. Their bright orange breasts contrast against their dark backs as well as the remaining snow; painting a beautiful picture. Good numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds are around showing their red and yellow wing bars, and the beautiful plumage of Blue Jays really stands out this time of year against a leafless backdrop.

IMG 9774 1 - Plenty Of Colour Around To Help Us Put Winter Behind Us — The brilliantly coloured male Wood Duck is perhaps the most colourful bird we have in our area.

The return of some waterfowl to the Thames River this spring is adding some incredible colour. American Wigeons can be seen, the males showing a wonderful green stripe on their heads, with a baby blue bill and rusty patch on their sides. Perhaps the most colourful of all birds is the male Wood Duck. This gorgeous bird is a fantastic combination of green, red, orange, yellow, blue, maroon, purple, and white; impressing birders and non birders alike with it’s beauty.

IMG 9842 1 - Plenty Of Colour Around To Help Us Put Winter Behind Us — This male American Wigeon shows off a variety of colour.

If you feel your days are lacking some colour and you want to put the drab winter behind you, then I recommend taking a walk and enjoying the beauty our local birds present.

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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Saving Ontario’s Species At Risk

Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species of plants and animals, but unfortunately more than 200 of them are at risk. Species at risk fall into four categories depending on severity, and without help run the risk of becoming extinct. Extirpated is a species that exists in the world, but no longer lives in the wild in Ontario. Endangered species live in the wild in Ontario but are in imminent danger of extirpation or extinction. Threated means a species will likely become endangered if measures are not taken to address the factors threatening it. Finally, there are species of special concern which run the risk of becoming threatened or endangered.

The leading cause for species being added to the species at risk list is loss of habitat or pollution within a habitat. This can be in the form of development of land, changes in agriculture or pollution of waterways to name a few. Several steps are being taken by the Ontario government, including tougher legislation to protect both species at risk and their habitat. In an effort to increase Monarch butterfly numbers, a species at risk in Ontario, Milkweed was removed just this past week from the noxious species list. There are many things the average citizen can do to help species at risk.

Understand what species are at risk in Ontario, their habitat and do what you can to protect them. For example, when out hiking, stick to the marked trails. If there are signs up stating that a trail is closed, obey them. There is a reason for the trail being closed. It could be because an endangered or threatened plant is growing on that trail and rejuvenation efforts are in place. Maybe there is a species of bird or animal living or breeding near that trail that shouldn’t be disturbed. Just because it cannot readily be seen, doesn’t mean it is not there. Keep dogs on a leash so they are not running loose, potentially damaging endangered plants or chasing and stressing threatened wildlife. This problem is prevalent in London’s ESA areas. Unfortunately many people don’t understand or respect that ESA stands for Environmentally Significant Area. The Eastern Meadowlark is a species of bird that nests on the ground and is threatened in Ontario. They can be found within Westminster Ponds ESA, where many people let their dogs run freely throughout the grassy fields potentially damaging the nests, eggs or chasing these birds from the area. If you bring food or beverages with you, be sure to take the packaging back out. I’m always surprised at the number of empty coffee cups on the ground in ESAs. My personal feeling is if it can be carried in full, it can be carried out empty. I like to carry bags with me to carry out my own trash, plus I can pick up the trash left behind by others. My dog even does her part, while walking on leash she’ll often carry out an empty water bottle in her mouth that she’s found on the ground!

Creating or preserving current habitat on your property is another way to help. If you have one of these species on your land, do everything you can to protect it. With the recent news on the decrease of Monarch butterflies, planting Milkweed and creating butterfly gardens is something we can all do to preserve their habitat. There are many kinds of Milkweed and any member of the Asclepias (milkweed) family will do. Milkweed can be purchased from most garden centers and nurseries once spring arrives. This can be extended outside your own garden by encouraging schools, churches and community gardens to plant milkweed. For more on how to help the Monarch Butterfly see my blog post Do Your Part To Help The Monarch Butterfly.

Do what you can to educate others and spread the word about species at risk. If you see someone damaging or potentially damaging habitat, say something to them. When I encounter someone letting their dog run free throughout the Meadowlark’s habitat, I attempt to politely explain the potential consequences of their actions. Many are quite appreciative of the knowledge shared, thankful I spoke up and quite willing to change their behavior. It’s important we make this effort to inform others because many honestly don’t see the harm in a dog running through a field.

Volunteer with local groups within you community. Find out what groups in your area are doing initiatives to help species at risk and what you can do to help. Report all sightings of species at risk or any illegal activity regarding plants or wildlife to the Ministry of Natural Resources. For more information, including a list of all of Ontario’s Species at Risk visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website here.

Let’s not let these species decline further or become extinct. Get involved with one of the groups in your community, start your own, or do something in your own backyard. Help educate others to preserve the beautiful nature we have in Ontario. Remember extinction is forever.

Good birding,
Paul

Butterflies and Insects

Red Admiral Butterfly

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Clouded Sulphur Butterfly

Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly

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

Bee on Purple Coneflower

Bumble Bee on Purple Coneflower

Cabbage White Butterfly

Black Swaalowtail Butterfly

Cabbage White Butterfly

Twelve Spotted Skimmer

Silver-spotted Skipper

Housefly

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly 1 - Butterflies and Insects

Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly

Cabbage White Butterfly

Red Admiral Butterfly

Widow Skimmer

Bumble Bee

Grasshopper

Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Bumble Bee on Monarda flower

Tawny Emperor Butterfly

Honey 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