Are you interested in joining me for a workshop to improve your nature and wildlife photography this November?
Whether you’re new to photography or are more experienced but not getting the results you want, use a DSLR or point and shoot camera, this workshop will help you improve your overall photography.
During my photography workshop I will teach you how to get the most out of your camera and lens combination. You don’t need expensive gear to achieve great images. This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed using a Canon 55-250mm lens, a lens that retails for $229.00.
The two hour workshop will be $25 per person, held at an event center in south London, and will be limited to five people for individualized attention.
The first half of the workshop will be indoors and we’ll focus on optimal camera settings for nature and wildlife photography, as well as other technical elements such as composition, shooting techniques and tips to improve your overall photography.
If you are not getting the desired results from your camera and lens combination, register for my nature and wildlife photography workshop.
During the second half of the workshop, we will venture outdoors to apply this knowledge in a natural setting. I will be providing one-on-one assistance as you photograph birds and other wildlife in their natural environment.
Please contact meif interested, and let me know what day of the week is preferred (weekdays or weekends) as well as time (morning or afternoon), as I will be booking the venue based on your feedback.
I am doing a meet and greet this Saturday October 21st in front of Curiosities Gift Shop in Wortley Village between 11am and 1pm. I would love for those of you in the area to come by, say hello, and talk birding while enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Please do not feel obligated to purchase anything, it will be great to put more faces to the names of my amazing blog subscribers.
Meet the Artist: Paul Roedding
Date: Saturday October 21, 2017
Time: 11am to 1pm
Location: Curiosities Gift Shop, 174 Wortley Road, London, Ontario
Wortley Village local and wildlife photographer Paul Roedding of Paul Roedding Photography will be outside of Curiosities Gift Shop this Saturday October 21st. Drop by anytime between 11am and 1pm to talk birding and nature in the city with Paul, and check out his spectacular 2018 calendars.
Calendars will be available for sale during this event and are $20 (cash only). If you would like yours signed, Paul is busy practicing his signature and will be happy to personalize your calendar for you.
He will also be bringing an extended collection of his art cards, in addition to his new fall/winter series currently in the card room at Curiosities.
Did you know that Curiosities has five rooms of made in Canada creations to explore? These unique finds include jewellery, home décor, women’s clothing, baby, bath & body, and an entire room dedicated to cards. Visit with Paul and then head inside to continue your adventure in Wortley Village!
Dead limbs and branches will attract more birds to your yard by providing a food source and potential nest sites. If safe to do so, consider leaving a few dead limbs around your property.
Fall and winter months are excellent times to attract more birds to your yard and fortunately there is an easy way to do this. In fact, attracting more birds during these months is so easy it involves doing very little at all. With fall now upon us, many homeowners are reaching for rakes and pruners and are busy bagging leaves, picking up sticks, and cutting back perennials that have long since flowered in an effort to beautify their properties. The truth is many of these items considered yard waste are incredibly beneficial to birds and will actually attract more of them to your yard.
American Goldfinches are among the many birds attracted to the seeds produced by New England Asters and other garden flowers.
Seed heads produced by many perennial flowers offer an excellent food source that will attract a wide variety of songbirds to your yard. Refraining from cutting these back until next spring creates a steady supply of natural food throughout the fall and winter months. In my garden for example, the seeds produced by native coneflowers have been attracting American Goldfinches for several weeks now. The asters and goldenrod that were providing a food source for migrating Monarch Butterflies only a few weeks ago are now offering a natural food source as well. White-throated Sparrows have recently migrated back into our area and the bounty of seeds in my garden has attracted good numbers of these birds looking to replenish spent energy.
White-throated Sparrow enjoying the seeds from a goldenrod flower.
By not cutting back perennials until next spring the remaining dry foliage of these plants also provides a home for many insects. Downy Woodpeckers and Black-capped Chickadees are regularly observed during fall and winter months extracting gall fly larva from goldenrod stalks.
Downy Woodpecker preparing to extract a gall fly larva from a goldenrod stalk.
This past week I observed an Orange-crowned Warbler foraging on insects in my garden as it made a brief stop to feed during its migration south. These insects would not have been present had I cut back the flowers in an effort to make my yard more aesthetically pleasing. Other birds observed feeding heavily on seeds and insects this past week in my garden were both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, a Tufted Titmouse, and Dark-eyed Juncos which have recently returned to our area to spend the winter months By leaving the remnants of these flowers, my garden offers a natural food source for many songbirds while also providing plenty of cover from predators and the elements.
The dried foliage of garden plants is home to many insects which attracts an abundance of birds during the fall including Ruby-crowned Kinglets.
After the recent high winds many of us will find tree limbs scattered across the ground on our properties. Rather than bundling them up and dragging them to the curb or breaking them down so they will fit into a container, consider constructing a brush pile by piling them in a corner of your yard. Brush piles attract birds by providing shelter from harsh weather and predators.
Many ground feeding birds will forage in fallen leaves for both seeds and insects.
Leaves in a garden may not be the look most of us are accustomed to when it comes to landscaping but this so called yard waste is incredibly beneficial. Allowing leaves to decompose in a garden will enhance soil quality and provide nutrients to trees, flowers, and shrubs. Leaf litter is also home to a multitude of insects which in turn attracts a variety of birds. Rather than bagging my leaves and placing them at the curb, I now mulch all of my leaves with a lawnmower and add them to my gardens while leaving some on my lawn over the winter. I quit using fertilizer years ago and my lawn (excluding this summer’s extended dry spell) has never looked better.
Woodpeckers and other cavity nesters will be attracted to dead limbs and branches left around your property.
Another great way to attract more birds to your property with less yard work is by not removing dead limbs or branches from trees if safe to do so. Many birds prefer dead limbs for perching while also being drawn to the bevy of insects found within the wood. Come spring, these same dead branches will provide potential nesting sites for cavity nesters such as woodpeckers and nuthatches.
After a heavy snowfall, this American Tree Sparrow found food emerging from the snow in the form of seeds from a Calico Aster.
If you are like me and love attracting birds to your yard, try implementing these methods this fall. I think you will find that soon after taking these measures you will notice an increase in the number of birds visiting your yard. Not only will you enjoy more birds and potentially even a new species or two, spending less time doing yard work will free up more time for birding and other leisure activities on your well-deserved days off.
Green Herons will soon be leaving our area for their wintering grounds to our south. Fortunately, these birds are currently providing exceptional views at an area ESA.
Over the past three weeks, I have been enjoying incredible views of Green Herons. In fact, the views achieved have been the best I have experienced. If you are unfamiliar with these birds, Green Herons display the most beautiful combination of iridescent blues and greens combined with a reddish brown neck. Standing only 18″ tall, Green Herons are often a challenge to locate within the swampy habitats they prefer despite their colouful plumage. This however is not the case currently at the Westminster Ponds ESA located in south London.
Under the right light conditions, the iridescent plumage of the Green Heron becomes quite evident.
Throughout September, I have seen as many as four Green Herons, both adults and juveniles (juveniles are heavily streaked on their necks and breasts) at one time at the west end of Saunders Pond. On most visits, these birds have been viewed within 20-40 feet of the path running alongside the pond. Green Herons will soon be leaving our area for their wintering grounds in the Southern United States, Central, and South America, so opportunities for these close encounters are running out.
The mix of cattails and fallen timber on the west side of Saunders Pond provides the perfect habitat for Green Herons.
The easiest access to these Green Herons is from behind Tourist Information located at 696 Wellington Road. From the parking lot head north on the paved path until you reach the boardwalk. Continue north on the boardwalk and begin scanning the fallen timber to your right and the cattails to your left. My best views have come from just north of the boardwalk along the dirt path where Saunders Pond comes to an end. Both sides of the path throughout this area have provided satisfying views.
When alarmed, Green Herons will extend their necks and raise the crests on the top of their heads. This particular bird heard children playing in the area and exhibited this classic behavior.
In my experience, time of day does not matter for viewing these Green Herons as I have found these birds both in the morning and afternoon. If you are wishing to photograph these birds, I would recommend waiting until about mid morning as this will allow the sun to get high enough in the sky to light up the birds nicely while achieving a faster shutter speed, If you cannot make it in the morning than late afternoon has been quite good too. Try not to leave it too late though as once the sun drops low in the sky the area becomes quite shaded. Great views of these birds can still be obtained, but your image quality may suffer due to the lack of light.
Click on the two above images to enlarge these photos of a Green Heron with a Northern Leopard Frog.
These particular Green Herons at the Westminster Ponds ESA are not overly wary of people, but moving slowly and speaking in a soft voice is still recommended to avoid stressing the birds.These Green Herons are in this area feeding heavily in preparation of their long migration south, so remember to respect their space and allow them to feed in order to accomplish this feat. The only times I have seen these birds startle is when a group of children ran by while shouting in loud voices. Even then the birds did not move far remaining in the area where there is an abundance of food. While watching and photographing these Green Herons I have observed them capture small fish, tadpoles, and Northern Leopard Frogs.
The heavy streaking on this Green Heron’s neck and breast indicate it is a juvenile bird.
If you are hoping to achieve great views of a Green Heron, I highly recommend visiting the Westminster Pond ESA soon. As mentioned earlier, these birds won’t remain in the area much longer, so time is running out for potentially the view of a lifetime.
Good birding,
Paul
*My 2018 calendars have arrived and are now available for purchase. To see the images featured and to purchase click here.*
During fall migration, Ruddy Turnstones are among the many shorebirds you can expect to find at area beaches.
During fall migration, beaches are great birding destinations. Here in Southwestern Ontario, birds regularly follow the shoreline of the Great Lakes during migration passing though several public beaches on route. Large numbers of shorebirds, gulls, terns, and other waterbirds can be found throughout September at area beaches resting and feeding as they make their long journeys south.
This Sanderling was one of many I observed this past week on a visit to Port Stanley’s main beach.
After Labour Day is when I like to visit area beaches as crowds of people are replaced with crowds of birds often resulting in close encounters with a variety of species. Shorebirds in particular are not overly shy birds, so if you are looking to photograph birds with a shorter telephoto lens great opportunities exist.
My favourite beach close to home is located only 30 minutes away in Port Stanley, Ontario on the north shore of Lake Erie. Each fall, I make multiple trips to to this small village to observe and photograph the abundance of birds that pass though during fall migration. This past Tuesday, I made my first post-Labour Day trip to Port Stanley in search of fall migrants.
Though not always a target species, the abundance of gulls at area beaches make them great subjects for honing your flight photography skills.
Arriving at the main beach around 10 a.m., I strapped on my camera and binoculars and made my way towards the pier. I always begin my visits to Port Stanley’s main beach by walking out on the pier as the area where the sand beach meets the concrete pier has always been an excellent location for viewing sandpipers and other shorebirds for as long as I can remember. Not surprising, as I approached the pier a Ruddy Turnstone was observed preening at the water’s edge. After capturing several images I made my way out onto the pier.
While not my first choice for a backdrop this Least Sandpiper seemed quite comfortable within the rusty metal rungs of the pier’s ladder.
Looking over to the east breakwater I could see hundreds of gulls as I scanned with my binoculars. Mixed in with all the gulls were several Double-crested Cormorants. As I approached the end of the pier, I looked over the railing to the lower ledge as this is often where shorebirds can be observed preening and foraging on insects.
Located between the rungs of one of the pier’s ladders, I observed a Least Sandpiper preening. At only 6″ these sandpipers are the smallest of the shorebirds often making them a challenge to locate. Fortunately, this particular bird was less than 20 feet away providing great views, and in true shorebird fashion did not mind me watching and taking pictures. Further out on the pier, several Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and more least Sandpipers were observed. Several groups of these same birds were also observed flying past the lighthouse as they made their way over to the east breakwater.
This American Golden-Plover was among the many shorebirds observed at Hofhuis Park next to the main beach in Port Stanley.
While out on the pier, I noticed several Monarch Butteries as they flew past presumably migrating with the northeast wind. As I made may way back towards the beach, I followed the concrete path circling the newly created Hofhuis Park.The calls of Killdeer could be heard coming from the freshly mowed grass. As I scanned the group of Killdeer a lone American Golden-Plover came into view. Raising my camera I captured several images of this bird, a first for me.
American Golden-Plover
Happy with this sighting, I continued around the loop heading back towards the main beach observing several more Ruddy Turnstones. Looking up into the sky, an Osprey with a fish in its talons flew by with a Herring Gull in hot pursuit.
Monarch Butterfly enjoying a drink from the wet sand.
Heading west along the main beach more Monarch Butterflies were observed both in the air and on the beach. Many of the Monarchs were observed drinking from the wet sand. Continuing on, I encountered more Sanderlings as they foraged in the sand and stones.
Bonaparte’s Gull (centre) surrounded by a small flock of terns.
Further down the beach, large flocks of gulls and terns could be seen resting in the warm sand. The usual Ring-billed and Herring Gulls were observed, but so too were large numbers of Bonaparte’s Gulls. These small gulls reside in the boreal forest during the breeding season and are the only gull that regularly nests in trees. During fall migration Bonaparte’s Gulls can be observed around Great Lakes and will even overwinter here in warmer years. Within the mixed flock of terns on the main beach, Common, Forster’s, and Caspian were among those identified.
Close views of several tern species were had this past week on Port Stanley’s main beach.
Many area beaches also have other great birding habitats within close proximity offering excellent opportunities to observe a variety of bird species during fall migration. For example, Hawk Cliff also in Port Stanley, records thousands of raptors as they pass through each fall while warblers and other migrating songbirds stop to rest and feed in the surrounding Carolinian forest. Other possible destinations for birding both beaches and forest habitats along the Great Lakes in Southwestern Ontario during fall migration include Port Burwell Provincial Park, Pinery Provincial Park, Rondeau Provincial Park, and Point Pelee National Park to name a few.
Great views were achieved of several Ruddy Turnstones as I walked around the pier in Port Stanley Ontario.
In Southwestern Ontario we are incredibly fortunate to be within an hour’s drive of at least one Great Lake and the accompanying public beaches no matter where we live. Looking at the long range forecast for the remainder of September it seems we have some fantastic weather on tap. If you get the opportunity, take advantage of the beautiful weather and plan a day trip to an area beach near you. Regardless of which location you choose, I am sure you will be impressed with the excellent views and wide variety of birds present as fall migration continues.
Good birding,
Paul
* I am excited to announce that my first shipment of Art Cards featuring my new fall and winter images were delivered to area shops this week. You can see the images available and where to purchase these cards here. *
Lesser Yellowlegs and other shorebirds can be found in large numbers throughout August as they migrate across Southwestern Ontario.
When it comes to shorebirds many species begin their fall migration in late June with Least Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs being the first to make their way south. As summer progresses, shorebird numbers steadily increase throughout Southwestern Ontario and by August shorebirds can be found in large concentrations throughout our area. Consequently, this is when I begin my search of area drainage ponds, sewage lagoons, and wetlands hoping to observe and photograph these long distance migrants.
This Pectoral Sandpiper was among the many shorebirds I recently observed at the West Perth Wetlands
One of my favourite places to observe shorebirds is the West Perth Wetlands located in Mitchell, Ontario. A series of shallow ponds and exposed mudflats provides an ideal habitat for shorebirds looking to rest and feed as they migrate south. Navigating around the wetland is quite easy thanks to a network of meticulously maintained mowed grass trails that sit on top of the berms surrounding each pond. Not only does this make for easy walking, it also provides an excellent vantage point for observing and photographing birds and other wildlife readily located along the edge of each pond. Naturalization of the sloping banks from the top of each berm to the water’s edge has occurred consisting of variety of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs all of which attract a nice mix of both songbirds and butterflies.
Lesser Yellowlegs were by far the most abundant shorebird I observed on a recent visit to the West Perth Wetlands.
After checking eBird and seeing that good numbers of shorebirds had been reported at the West Perth Wetlands, I grabbed my binoculars and camera and made the one hour drive from London hoping to observe some of these birds. Upon arriving at the wetlands, I could hear the echoing calls of several birds coming from the other side of the berm as I strapped on my camera and binoculars. Following the trail from the parking lot up onto the berm the first pond came into sight, and so too did a large flock of shorebirds.
Shorebirds at the West Perth Wetlands are always on the move, providing excellent opportunities for flight shots.
Raising my binoculars and scanning the first pond, it became evident that Killdeer and Lesser Yellowlegs were the most abundant of the shorebirds as dozens of these birds could be seen foraging on the large mudflat in the centre of the pond. After observing these birds for several minutes, I began to circle the pond in hopes of locating more shorebirds.
While some shorebirds have already started to migrate, others including Killdeer are still raising their broods. This young Killdeer was one of three observed.
As I made my way down the trail I observed a lone Killdeer watching over three small chicks. In my opinion, you can’t find a cuter baby bird than a Killdeer. These tiny balls of fluff were a treat to watch as they foraged in the mud and waded in the shallow water.
Great Blue Heron
Coming to the end of the pond, I scanned through the abundance of vegetation with my binoculars and counted the heads of four Great Blue Herons. I decided that if I made my way to the other side of the pond I would be able to get an unobstructed view of at least three of the birds. As I rounded the corner a fifth heron flew in from the east. I raised my camera and captured several images of the bird before it landed in the middle of the pond.
This image demonstrates the wide variety of shorebirds I observed at the West Perth Wetlands. From front to back are Spotted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, and Lesser Yellowlegs. In the upper left corner of the frame just in front of the green vegetation is a Least Sandpiper.
Continuing east deeper into the wetland, I came to the second pond. As I looked down at a small section of mud bank in the near corner of the pond, I was treated to an extraordinary view of four shorebirds perfectly lined up from smallest to largest. Fortunately these birds were not moving around too much and I was able to capture several images of this unique scene. As mentioned, Killdeer and Lesser Yellowlegs were the most prevalent shorebirds present on my visit, but I was also treated to exceptional views of Spotted Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and Solitary Sandpipers.
This male Common Yellowthroat was one of two warbler species observed.
The West Perth Wetlands is a great place to bird and not just for shorebirds. Songbirds are also plentiful in the mixed habitat within and surrounding the wetland. Warblers including Yellow and Common Yellowthroat were both observed. Other notable species observed included an Eastern Meadowlark, Chimney Swifts, and two Green Herons. Cedar Waxwings and American Goldfinches were plentiful in the row of evergreens located at the southeast end of the property.
Monarch Butterflies were the most abundant butterfly observed around the wetland.
A collection of butterflies were also observed, and to my delight Monarchs were the most abundant. Swallowtails, Viceroys, and both American and Painted Lady were all photographed. Dragon and Damselflies were present in good numbers with a variety of each observed.
This male Widow Skimmer was one of the many dragonflies observed at the West Perth Wetlands.
The West Perth Wetlands really is an impressive place to get out and enjoy nature. Whether you are searching for birds, insects, reptiles or amphibians there is something for everyone. One non nature observation I made that I think is worth sharing is that of a gentleman using an electric mobility device to get around the wetland, demonstrating that the well-maintained grass tails are accessible to everyone. If you are searching for a fully accessible location for birding, the West Perth Wetlands is a great option.
This Killdeer was one of dozens recently observed at the West Perth Wetlands.
Throughout August and September, look for shorebird numbers to increase further in Southwestern Ontario as they make make their way south. Area wetlands, sewage lagoons, and stormwater management ponds area all great places to observe shorebirds as they are drawn to these habitats to rest and feed. If you are looking for a place where great views of an abundance of shorebirds can be obtained, I highly recommend a visit to the West Perth Wetlands.
Southwestern Ontario is home to an abundance of butterflies including the Black Swallowtail and the summer months present the best time to get out and enjoy them.
For as long as I can remember I have always had an interest in nature. Even as a young child I enjoyed observing birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Birds were and continue to be my passion, but in recent years my fascination with butterflies has grown exponentially. I think part of this fascination comes from the fact that we have such a variety of beautiful butterflies throughout Southwestern Ontario and I seem to encounter a different species almost every time I am out.
Searching area meadows filled with wildflowers for butterflies is a great way to spend time outdoors during the summer months. I recently photographed this Question Mark Butterfly on a coneflower.
Depending on the weather, butterflies are typically observed in our area from April to November with different species being observed at different times of the year. As the seasons progress, new species appear providing variety throughout the year. This continued influx of species adds to my fascination and makes every outing different. In many ways it is very similar to bird migration knowing that there is the potential to see something new every time I am out in the field.
Observing and photographing butterflies throughout the summer months and into early fall is a great way to spend time in the outdoors. I find it a nice change of pace from photographing birds and to be honest less challenging. Compared to birds, butterflies move slower, are less wary, and when nectaring on a flower often provide unobstructed views. Also, butterflies can be quite predictable regularly landing on the tallest flower in a group or the one with with a clear flight path to it, which allows me to prepare myself for the shot long before it presents itself.
Despite being a species at risk in Ontario, Monarch Butterflies can be found in area fields and meadows. Searching meadows that contain milkweed is this best way to locate this beautiful butterfly.
When it comes to butterflies, the Monarch is by far my favourite followed closely by the Black Swallowtail. Perhaps the fact that the Monarch Butterfly is a species at risk in Ontario combined with its impressive fall migration spanning thousands of kilometers is why I am so intrigued by this species.
Butterflies are plentiful in Southwestern Ontario and can be found in a variety of habitats. I like to concentrate most of my time searching fields and meadows with an abundance of wildflowers. Meadows containing a few small trees and shrubs adjacent to a forest edge are particularity productive as this offers the most diverse habitat and provides a location for butterflies to feed, seek shelter, and roost.
Red Admiral Butterfly nectaring on a dogwood blossom.
Since butterflies roost at night and during cold, wet weather, the best time to locate them is from mid-morning to late afternoon on sunny days. This is when daytime temperatures are the highest and consequently so too is butterfly activity. During the summer months, getting out during the midday sun in the hot humid conditions is the best time to locate butterflies. While birds and mammals may be less active during the heat of the day, butterflies are quite the opposite.
While out photographing butterflies at an area meadow I found this monarch caterpillar within the buds of a Common Milkweed plant.
When photographing butterflies I like to use similar camera settings as I would when photographing birds. If you are comfortable shooting in manual mode I would recommend doing so and adjust your ISO and aperture to give you a shutter speed of around 1/1000 of a second. This may seem like a fast shutter speed for butterflies, but has become my benchmark shutter speed for all nature photography. Butterflies may not move as quickly as birds, but a fast shutter speed is equally important for several reasons. First, butterflies will almost always give a slow wing flap when nectaring on a flower. This motion may not appear like much, but can result in a significant amount of blur on your final image if your shutter speed is too slow. Second, on windy days the flower or other object that the butterfly is resting on will move back and forth in wind. Having a fast shutter speed will help to freeze this action leading to a sharp image. Finally, a fast shutter speed will help compensate for any camera shake encountered while trying to steady the lens. If you are not comfortable shooting in manual mode than I would recommend aperture priority mode and again adjust your ISO and aperture to give you give you a shutter speed as close to 1/1000 of a second as possible. I prefer to photograph all nature including butterflies on sunny days as the bright sun really brings out the colours and contrast of an image, so achieving this fast of shutter speed under these conditions is never a problem.
Butterfly identification can be incredibly challenging as many species are very similar in appearance. For example, the American Lady (top) displays 2 large eyespots visible on the underside of the hindwing. The Painted Lady (bottom) displays 4 smaller eyespots on the underside of the hindwing.
During these sunny conditions one issue that is readily encountered is excessive highlights in your image. Often times flower petals and/or the buttery’s wings will be overexposed resulting in a loss of colour, contrast, and detail. I recommend turning your camera’s highlight alert on and paying close attention to your histogram to watch for this. These extreme highlights can be easily corrected by adjusting your camera settings to slightly underexpose the image if you are shooting in manual mode or by making use of exposure compensation in aperture priority mode. I find that on most sunny days I underexpose by 1/3 to 2/3 of a stop to compensate for these highlights. Making these simple adjustments will result in a better final image as it will capture the true colour, contrast, and detail of both the butterfly and the flower.
The Question Mark Butterfly is named for the pearly silver question mark visible on the underside of its hindwing.
When out photographing butterflies during summer conditions there are a few things I do to protect myself while out in the field. Wearing sunscreen is a must. It doesn’t take long these days to get a sunburn and the damage to your skin caused by the sun is not something to take lightly. I also make sure I stay hydrated and nourished by drinking lots of water and taking a snack. I prefer energy bars as they are quite filling and fit nicely into my pocket. Dehydration and hunger can sneak up fast on hot days and by being proactive both are easily avoided. I also choose to wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants rather than shorts and a T-shirt not only to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but also protect me from insects including mosquitoes and ticks. I also apply insect repellent for added protection. When searching for butterflies in areas where I have encountered ticks in the past, I tuck my shirt into my pants and my pants into my socks to prevent access to my skin. These simple measures make sure my time spent outside is enjoyable despite the conditions.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly nectaring on a Common Milkweed Flower.
If you avoid getting out and enjoying nature during the summer months because it is too hot and humid or you find conditions slow, give searching for butterflies a try. I think you will agree that there is always plenty of action and will quickly forget about the heat, humidity, and undesired insects as you get lost in the beauty of not only the butterflies themselves but also the colourful summer blooms they are attracted to.
Goldenrod is a late-blooming native wildlower found in our area and an important food source for Monarch Butterflies as they make their long migration to Mexico.
Goldenrod is one of the most abundant native wildflowers throughout Southwestern Ontario. Found in meadows, city parks, and even backyards, goldenrod grows just about everywhere. Unfortunately, goldenrod is viewed as a weed by many and its benefits to our landscape are often overlooked. To make matters worse, goldenrod continues to be falsely blamed as a cause of seasonal allergies.
Common Buckeye nectaring on a goldenrod flower.
Often mistaken for ragweed, goldenrod is considered by many to be a contributing factor to their congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes. The truth is, unlike ragweed which relies on airborne pollination, goldenrod’s pollen is too heavy to travel by air and therefore must rely on butterflies and bees for pollination and consequently does not contribute to seasonal allergies.
During late summer and early fall a wide variety of butterflies can be found nectaring on goldenrod. Long after other flowers have bloomed, goldenrod provides a vital food source. This Tawny Emperor is one of many butterflies I photographed last September feeding on goldenrod.
Blooming throughout late summer and early fall, goldenrod is an incredibly beneficial late season food source for many pollinators including the Monarch Butterfly. During August and September, monarchs are often found nectaring on goldenrod’s colorfoul yellow flowers providing them the required energy needed to complete their long migration south to their wintering grounds in Mexico.
Since letting a patch of goldenrod grow in my yard I have seen an increase in the number of American Goldfinches. Finches are just one of the many songbirds that consume goldenrod seeds.
Butterflies are not the only wildlife that benefit from goldenrod, Throughout fall and winter many songbirds can be found feeding on the seed heads after the flowers have lost their vibrant yellow colour. American Goldfinches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Dark-eyed Juncos are among the birds that can commonly be observed in our area feeding on goldenrod seeds.
Downy Woodpecker preparing to extract a gall fly larva from a goldenrod stalk.
Many insects overwinter in our area at various stages of their life cycles and they too benefit from goldenrod. Dry leaves and stalks provide the perfect location for insects to spend the cold weather months until they are ready to emerge in spring. Goldenrod Gall Flies are just one example of the many insects that use goldenrod to overwinter. Each summer, gall flies lay their eggs on the stalks of goldenrod plants. Once the egg hatches, the larvae burrows into the stalk which forms the round gall that can be found near the top of goldenrod stalks. It is here where the larva will spend the winter before exiting the gall the following spring as an adult fly to start the cycle all over again. Gall fly larva is readily consumed by both chickadees and woodpeckers and these birds are often observed pecking at the galls trying to extract the larva.
Large mammals including White-tailed Deer use goldenrod as a source of cover.
Goldenrod is an important part of any ecosystem as it provides both food and shelter for many creatures from tiny insects to large mammals including deer. For these reasons, I have incorporated goldenrod into my landscape and am quite happy that I have. I enjoy watching Monarch Butterflies each fall during their migration as they stop to nectar. I do not cut my goldenrod back in the fall after it has bloomed, but rather leave it until the following spring. As a result I have noticed a substantial increase in the number of American Goldfinches visiting my yard each fall and winter as they are attracted to the bounty of seeds produced by this native wildflower. My garden may appear a bit messy to some as a result during these months, but I am happy knowing that these plants are still serving a purpose despite being a little less aesthetically pleasing. Come spring, I then remove the old stalks to make way for the new growth that is emerging.
Black-capped Chickadee feeding on the seeds of a goldenrod flower.
Due to its tall height and tendency to spread rapidly, goldenrod is not one of the most desired garden plants despite its tremendous benefits to our environment. Over the years, I have discovered a few tricks that have removed many of the headaches associated with goldenrod. First, I stay on top of pulling unwanted small plants in the early spring, which keeps my patch manageable and contained to exactly where I want it. Fortunately goldenrod pulls quite easily especially when the soil is moist after a spring rain. Second, in late June I cut my goldenrod back by about 1/4 to 1/3. By reducing the height of the plant it makes them less top heavy and prevents them from falling over after heavy rains associated with summer thunderstorms. After cutting, the plants bush out and produce more flowers which in turn means more food for the pollinators and more seeds for the birds.
Dark-eyed Juncos are among the many songbirds that feed on goldenrod seeds.
There are several varieties of goldenrod available at area garden centres that specialize in native plants including those that do not grow as tall or spread as aggressively. If you are interested in adding goldenrod to your landscape, do some research and pick a variety that is best suited to your garden.
Monarch Butterflies nectaring on goldenrod at Point Pelee National Park.
Searching large patches of goldenrod for wildlife to observe and photogrpah is highly productive at any time of the year. Whether it is insects, birds, or mammals their is always something to find among the leaves, flowers, and stalks of this incredibly important native plant. Next time you are out in the field and come across a patch of goldenrod stop and have a look. I think you will be impressed by the abundance of wildlife that you find relying on this plant for both food and shelter.
On a trip to Point Pelee National Park during the peak of Monarch Butterfly migration, goldenrod was the nectar plant of choice. It was not uncommon to find multiple Monarchs nectaring on the same flower.
Suffering from seasonal allergies is certainly not a pleasant experience, but when it comes to goldenrod breathe easy knowing that this native wildflower is not to blame and take solace in all the benefits this colourful flower provides to our environment.
Due to their similar appearance Monarch Butterflies and Viceroy Butterflies are easily mistaken for each other.
Butterfly identification can be extremely challenging. Often times only a slight variation in colour or marking is what separates two similar butterflies. Their small size combined with their propensity to not stay motionless very long often adds to the challenge of identification. Knowing what to look for can help achieve a quick and positive identification.
The Monarch Butterfly (top) and Viceroy Butterfly (bottom) are often found in similar habitats throughout Southwestern Ontario.
Two virtually identical butterflies found in Southwestern Ontario are the Monarch and the Viceroy. At a quick glance, these two butterflies can easily be mistaken for each other. Fortunately, there are a few distinguishing characteristics I look for when out in the field to differentiate between the two.
The black line running across the hindwings of the Viceroy Butterfly is visible from both the top and bottom.
The most obvious way to tell the difference between a Monarch and a Viceroy is by looking at their hindwings. The Viceroy displays a black line that runs across the hindwings, which the Monarch does not have. This line is visible from both the top and bottom making it particularly easy to see when the butterfly is at rest.
Goldenrod readily attracts a wide variety of butterflies including the Monarch (top) and Viceroy (bottom).
A second but less obvious way to separate the Monarch from a Viceroy is by size. Monarchs typically have a larger wingspan than a Viceroy; however, a large Viceroy and small Monarch can have almost the same wingspan, so this characteristic is less dependable.
The third way I differentiate between a Monarch and a Viceroy is by their flight pattern. A Viceroy’s flight is much more erratic and less graceful than that of a Monarch. A Monarch tends to fly smoothly often gliding while making slow turns, whereas a Viceroy displays a more rapid wing beat, glides less frequently, and makes faster, sharper turns.
The Monarch Butterfly (top) lacks the black line running through its hindwings that is visible on the Viceroy Butterfly (bottom).
Perhaps the real challenge of butterfly identification is getting a long enough look to observe any or all of these unique characteristics that each butterfly displays. If you see one of these butterflies and are unsure whether it is a Monarch or Viceroy remember these three traits.
When I am out in the field and see a butterfly in question I quickly run through these 3 characteristics in my mind. If the butterfly is in flight, I will observe the size and flight pattern to get an accurate identification. With lots of practice, I can now confidently recognize the flight pattern of either butterfly. I will then watch for the butterfly to land and when it does, I quickly look to see whether or not the butterfly displays a black line across the hindwings to make certain of my identification.
Monarch Butterfly nectaring on a sunflower.
Next time you are out in the field and question whether you see a Monarch or a Viceroy, try observing these characteristics to assist you with identification. As mentioned previously, looking for the black line across the hindwings is by far the easiest and most accurate method to positively identify these similar butterflies, but with a little time and practice recognizing size and flight pattern will soon become apparent too.
Southwestern Ontario is home to a wide variety of butterflies and getting out during the summer months to enjoy their beauty is especially satisfying. I think you will find that recognizing these three characteristics will be incredibly useful in helping you positively identify Monarch and Viceroy butterflies.
White-breasted Nuthatches were observed in good numbers this past week while birding in the Forest City.
With record breaking temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it was a great week to get out birding. In my last post Early Spring Migrants Highlight The Family Day Long Weekend, I reported observing several first of year species including Red-winged Blackbirds and an Eastern Meadowlark. As expected, this week’s continued warm temperatures and south winds brought even more first of year species back to our area.
Tundra Swans are now making their way through Southwestern Ontario as they migrate north.
Each spring, Tundra Swans can be observed throughout our area as they make their way north to their breeding grounds across the arctic. This past week, I observed my first flock after hearing their calls from high overhead. Learning and recognizing the call of the Tundra Swan is one of the best ways to locate them. Surprisingly, these large birds can pass by overhead often going unnoticed if not for hearing their call. Two of the best places in our area to observe large flocks of Tundra Swans as they migrate north are the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area and the Thedford Bog. Information on these two areas including how to get there and dally swan counts, can be found in the provided links.
Killdeer are among the many birds that have returned to our area ahead of schedule.
Another first of year species I observed this past week was a Killdeer. Like most of the birds I observe, this bird was first located by ear. After hearing its call, I observed this bird foraging in the wet grass at a local park. Killdeer are the first of the shorebirds to return each year, and like the Red-winged Blackbirds and Tundra Swans have arrived early.
Several ducks have begun their migration north and are now present in our area including this female Ring-necked Duck photographed on the Thames River at Greenway Park.
Having seen both Northern Pintails and American Wigeons on the Thames River earlier this month, I was optimistic more dabbling ducks may now be present. Unfortunately, after multiple visits to the river this week, only Mallards and Canada Geese were observed. I did locate a lone female Ring-necked Duck while birding at Greenway Park. These divers are frequently observed in our area each spring during their migration north. As area lakes and ponds become free of ice, we can expect to see an increase in migrating waterfowl in our area.
Large flocks of Common Grackles were observed throughout the city.
Other early migrants seen in good numbers this past week were Common Grackles. These birds like the others mentioned are ahead of schedule. Despite their early arrival, this was not my first grackle sighting of the year. Back on February 5, I had one in my backyard feeding on peanuts.
Downy Woodpecker excavating a tree cavity.
Resident birds were also seen in good numbers this week with woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees being the most prevalent. Many of these cavity nesters were observed either exploring or excavating tree cavities.
Aylmer Wildlife Management Area and the Thedford Bog are two of the best places in our area to achieve close views of migrating Tundra Swans.
Many of the early migrants that are typically observed in our area in mid to late March have arrived in our area ahead of schedule. Despite cooler weather in the forecast for next week, above seasonal temperatures and more south winds are predicted. These are ideal conditions to bring even more migratory birds back to Southwestern Ontario. If you get the chance, spend some time outdoors enjoying this beautiful unexpected weather and the birds that have accompanied it. If you are interested in seeing large flocks of swans as they migrate through our area, follow the daily reports from Aylmer or Thedford and plan a trip accordingly. Visiting either of these locations and seeing such a large concentration of birds is well worth the short drive from London.
