An Incredible Day Releasing A Common Nighthawk With Swift Care Ontario

Swift Care Ontario, located in Komoka, is a wildlife rehabilitation center that specializes in Species At Risk with Chimney Swifts, Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows, Common Nighthawks, and Eastern Whip-poor-wills being their main focus. Licensed by both the the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Wildlife Service, they are a nonprofit organization that rescue and rehabilitate these beautiful birds in an effort to preserve their declining numbers.

IMG 9827 1 - An Incredible Day Releasing A Common Nighthawk With Swift Care Ontario — Debbie from Swift Care Ontario displays the wing pattern of a Common Nighthawk.

Common Nighthawks feed almost exclusively on insects and are beginning their 5000km migration to South America, where they will spend the winter. These birds roost during the day on tree branches, fence posts or on the ground. Their incredible camouflage and motionless behaviour make daytime sightings nearly impossible. Your best chance to observe a Common Nighthawk is at dusk or dawn when they are most active, circling the skies feeding on flying insects.

I was recently contacted by Swift Care Ontario asking if I knew of any local areas that still had Common Nighthawks present. A young, fully grown Common Nighthawk they had raised this year was ready for release and they were looking for an optimal release site where other Common Nighthawks were present. I was happy to provide Swift Care Ontario with a location where I was still observing Common Nighthawks actively feeding at dusk as a potential release site.

IMG 9818 1 - An Incredible Day Releasing A Common Nighthawk With Swift Care Ontario — What an experience seeing a Common Nighthawk this close and witnessing its release. I am truly grateful Swift Care Ontario invited me to come along.

Words cannot even begin to describe my excitement when I was once again contacted by Swift Care Ontario and asked if I would accompany them on the release to show them the exact location. Having never seen one of these birds close up and to witness one of these incredible Species At Risk being released into the wild, I knew this was going to be an amazing experience. When I spoke with Debbie from Swift Care Ontario on the phone, she asked if I could meet her on Friday August 29 at 11am for the release. She would need to feed the Common Nighthawk every hour, beginning at 6am the morning of the release, in order for it to be properly nourished. She felt that a late morning release would provide enough feedings. I graciously accepted and still couldn’t believe that I had been invited to the release. I have to admit, I felt a little bit like a child again on Christmas Eve that Thursday evening, as my excitement kept me awake most of the night.

IMG 9840 1 2 - An Incredible Day Releasing A Common Nighthawk With Swift Care Ontario — The young female raised and released by Swift Care Ontario seemed quite content in her new surroundings.

The Common Nighthawk was transported to the selected release site in a special container which provided ventilation and the soft mesh material prevented any wing or feather damage in transit. A soft blanket was placed over the container to keep the bird calm. Debbie scouted the site and I answered her questions about the area. Her knowledge of birds is incredible and I could really sense her passion and genuine love for what she does. I pointed to the specific area I thought would make an ideal release location. As we walked closer, Debbie described the preferred habitat of the Common Nighthawk. Hearing this, I was feeling more and more confident of the location. Debbie wanted to place the bird on a fallen log with the intent of it sitting there for several hours while it got its bearings. She was confident that the young bird would hear the other Common Nighthawks calling at dusk as they emerged to feed, and join the group. I mentioned to her that there were some logs under a Willow tree just on the edge of the wooded area that was surrounded by mixed meadow, consisting of tall grasses, Goldenrod, and Milkweed. I was delighted to hear Debbie describe the location as “perfect”.

IMG 9882 1 - An Incredible Day Releasing A Common Nighthawk With Swift Care Ontario — As we walked away the incredible camouflage became more apparent. Even though I knew where the bird was, she was still hard to distinguish from the forest floor.

Debbie opened the container and gently picked up the Common Nighthawk. I photographed this beautiful bird as it watched intently from her hands. The colour pattern and camouflage was simply amazing. It is no wonder these birds are seldom seen when roosting. The bird was then placed on one of the fallen logs where it sat quite content while looking around. I must say, I was expecting the bird to immediately fly up into the trees to roost, but it was comfortable down on the log surveying the area and Debbie informed me this was normal behaviour when releasing this species. After several minutes, the bird fluttered, briefly hovered, then set down on the forest floor next to the fallen logs amongst the various ground cover. It was here that the incredible camouflage was once again displayed. This is when we walked away, leaving the bird to begin it’s journey in the wild.

0 - An Incredible Day Releasing A Common Nighthawk With Swift Care Ontario

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As I mentioned, Swift Care Ontario is a nonprofit organization. Carolyn and Debbie are the two primary caregivers and neither one takes home a paycheque. They simply do it for their love of birds. Many of the birds they rehabilitate require feeding every hour, 14-16 hours a day. The time, effort and dedication these women put into ensuring the future of these Species At Risk is phenomenal. Wildlife rehabilitation centers in Ontario do not receive funding from the government and operate solely on private donations. These birds require a special diet, and many of the injured and abandoned birds received are malnourished, so vitamin supplements and probiotics are given. With veterinary costs, travel, proper enclosures, and supplies, the operating costs incurred by Swift Care Ontario are quite large. If you love birds as much as I do and wish to continue observing these Species At Risk, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small, as it all adds up. To keep up to date with Swift Care Ontario’s latest patients and releases, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, or visit their website. Donations can easily be made by clicking here.

Good birding,
Paul

The Coves: Displaying Excellent Views For Nature Lovers

The Coves, located a mere minutes from downtown London, is a subwatershed of the Thames River and an excellent place to observe nature. This area is one of the city’s sixteen ESAs, and even though the majority of the land making up what is known as “The Coves” is privately owned, unique birds and wildlife are readily observed from within the public areas. One of the public areas that has produced great views for me recently is the north pond between Springbank Drive and Greenway Park. There are houses backing onto the pond on both the east and west side, so please be aware of and respect private property. To access this area, turn onto Greenside Avenue from Springbank Drive. Parking is permitted on the east side of Greenside Avenue or there is a large lot on the right hand side further up the road.

IMG 9312 1 - The Coves: Displaying Excellent Views For Nature Lovers — Great Egret preparing to land at the Coves.

The pond itself and the area that surrounds it is home to a variety of wildlife species. Birds, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies, and mammals can be seen in the area. Water in the pond is fairly shallow and during low water times large mud flats form, making perfect habitat for shorebirds and herons. This past week while birding in the area Great Blue Herons, a Solitary Sandpiper, and a Great Egret were observed. The best views of these birds were from the bridge on Springbank Drive looking north across the pond. Songbirds were prevalent in the trees surrounding the pond, as were birds of prey. Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks were seen flying over the meadow next to the pond and adjacent soccer field. Ospreys were also frequently seen flying up and down the Thames River in search of fish. Waterfowl species on the pond included Mallards and Wood Ducks. Several Painted Turtles were seen basking on rocks and logs around the pond.

IMG 9310 1 2 - The Coves: Displaying Excellent Views For Nature Lovers — Great Egret wading through the water.

Cove Trail across Greenside Avenue from the pond is an excellent place to see songbirds, butterflies and White-tailed Deer. Monarchs, Red-spotted Purples, Cabbage Whites, Clouded Sulphurs, and various Hairstreaks were among the butterfly species observed. Three dragonfly species were also counted: Twelve Spotted Skimmer, White-faced Meadowhawk, and Common Whitetail.

IMG 8515 1 - The Coves: Displaying Excellent Views For Nature Lovers — Twelve Spotted Skimmer

With shorebird migration getting underway, look for a greater variety to frequent the mudflats of the pond. In previous years, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers, Killdeer, and Spotted Sandpipers have been observed feeding on these mudflats in preparation of their long flight south.

IMG 8910 1 - The Coves: Displaying Excellent Views For Nature Lovers — The muddy bottom and mud flats of the pond are perfect habitat for shorebirds. This Solitary Sandpiper wades the shallows in search of food.

Walking trails on the south side of Springbank Drive are also available to nature lovers. The Thames Valley Trail Association is having an open, guided hike this coming Sunday August 24, 2014 for anyone not familiar, but wishing to become so with this area. More information on the hike can be found here.

The Coves is a great place for birding, and many interesting and unique views can be observed especially when it comes to shorebirds, waterfowl and wading birds. During migration, this area is popular for not only shorebirds, but warblers and other songbirds too. Familiarizing yourself with The Coves will likely lead to a few species being crossed off your life list.

Good birding,
Paul

Butterflies Galore at Rayner Gardens

Located in the city’s west end lies a butterfly enthusiasts dream. Loaded with a variety of annuals and perennials, the gardens at Elmo W. Curtis and Rayner Gardens are in full bloom right now and loaded with butterflies. Located at the corner of Springbank Drive and Wonderland Road, these conjoined parks are often referred to as the rose gardens. Admission is free and parking is available off Springbank Drive or Wonderland Road. These gardens can also be accessed on foot from the Maurice Chapman Walkway if you happen to be walking between Springbank and Greenway Parks. The area features several gardens, arbours with hanging baskets, benches, native trees and a reflecting pond. The grounds are meticulously maintained, making it a popular summer place for wedding parties to be photographed.

IMG 7742 1 - Butterflies Galore at Rayner Gardens — This Monarch Butterfly was one of several feeding on the nectar from an Echinacea flower.

IMG 7559 1 - Butterflies Galore at Rayner Gardens — Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

IMG 7621 1 - Butterflies Galore at Rayner Gardens — Red Admiral Butterfly

IMG 7433 1 - Butterflies Galore at Rayner Gardens — Red-spotted Purple Butterfly

On a recent visit, butterflies of all sizes and colours were present. Monarchs, Swallowtails, Red-spotted Purple, Red Admiral, as well as Cabbage White and Clouded Sulphur were all seen. Smaller specimens such as Skippers and Hairstreaks were also observed. Many of the gardens feature flowers of the genus Echinacea which were drawing these butterflies to their nectar.

IMG 7449 1 - Butterflies Galore at Rayner Gardens — Not to be outdone by the beauty of the butterflies, this American Goldfinch struck a pose.

These gardens also attract birds and several species were seen on this day. American Goldfinches could be seen feeding on the various flowers that had gone to seed. Northern Cardinals, Bluejays, Woodpeckers, and Black-capped Chickadees were also present. A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk screeched as it few overhead. Although none were seen on this particular visit, Ruby-throated Hummingbird likely are drawn to the array of flowers. Several mammal species were seen including the Eastern Grey Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, and Eastern Cottontail.

Next time you find yourself in this part of town, stop in and check out the beautiful gardens and the incredible nature that calls Rayner Gardens home.

Good birding,
Paul

Looking for Raptors? Start With The Red-Tailed Hawk

If seeing a large raptor is on your birding wish list, look to the sky for the Red-tailed Hawk. They are equally at home in an urban or rural environment and can be found throughout a wide variety of habitat including forest edges, farmland, city parks, and even backyards. These large raptors are frequently seen perched on fence posts, hydro poles, or in large trees, and are the bird of prey that is most frequently seen when traveling along any highway.

Red tailed Hawk - Looking for Raptors? Start With The Red-Tailed Hawk — **The reddish orange highlights of an adult Red-tailed Hawk’s tail are visible from underneath when in flight.**

For the most part, Red-tailed Hawks are easily identified. Large stocky bodies, rounded wings, and a short wide tail are key features that assist in positive identification. Adult birds have dark brown backs and are streaked brown and white underneath. As the name suggests, adult Red-tailed Hawks display a reddish-orange tail most visible from the topside. In flight, the reddish highlights of the tail are visible from the underside. Juveniles, as with many raptors, are a little tougher to identify. Their tails lack the reddish colour and are dark brown with narrow darker bars. Sometimes a view of the tail is not always available. If this is the case, juveniles are also distinguished from adult birds by their eye colour. A yellow iris indicates a young bird. As the birds mature, the iris becomes a reddish-brown.

IMG 7018 1 - Looking for Raptors? Start With The Red-Tailed Hawk — **The brown tail with dark narrow bars combined with the yellow iris of its eye, identify this as a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk.**

Small mammals including rabbits, squirrels, mice, and voles make up the majority of the Red-tailed Hawks diet, but they will also consume birds and reptiles. Their diet varies depending on range and season. In my travels, I have personally seen Red-tailed Hawks eating squirrels, rabbits, starlings, and frogs. Their varied diet and habitat are things that lead to their wide range and abundance.

IMG 7022 1 - Looking for Raptors? Start With The Red-Tailed Hawk — **The loud screech of this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk quickly gave away it’s location.**

The loud screeching call of this raptor is most often heard during courtship and when juveniles leave the nest. If you hear this call look up, as this large hawk is most likely overhead. On one of my recent walks through a city park, I came across a group of young hawks that had recently fledged. Their sharp calls quickly gave away their location and their short flights were a joy to watch and photograph.

10380144924 2b2773292a o - Looking for Raptors? Start With The Red-Tailed Hawk — **The red tail for which this hawk is named is most visible from the topside.**

Keep an eye to the sky and treeline next time you are out for a walk or traveling down your local highway. Chances are you will see one of these beautiful raptors.

Good birding,
Paul

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Nature, Fun and Free; The Perfect Family Activity

Are you looking for an activity this long weekend that is fun for the entire family and doesn’t cost a thing? Then why not explore nature? City parks and ESAs are loaded with all kinds of wildlife and admission to them is free. Regardless of where you live in the city, a park or ESA is just minutes away. These areas provide hours of entertainment for all ages and a quick walk though will reveal an abundance of nature.

IMG 4330 1 - Nature, Fun and Free; The Perfect Family Activity — White-tailed Deer are prevalent in many city parks and all the ESAs within the city.

Nature in the city comes in all shapes and sizes. From the tiniest of insects, to the largest of mammals, London has it all. Birds, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and deer make up only a portion of the beautiful wildlife our great city has to offer.

IMG 6960 1 - Nature, Fun and Free; The Perfect Family Activity — Groundhogs are one of the many mammals found in the city. They can be found in open areas, such as fields and meadows.

Any park will do, but ones with mixed habitat will produce the best variety of wildlife. If quantity is what you desire, look for parks that have a combination of forests, meadows, and a water source, such as a pond or river. Greenway, Springbank, and Gibbons along the Thames River are perfect examples of parks with mixed habitat. London’s seven public ESAs all have mixed habitat, making any one of them a great choice. If you are unfamiliar with London’s ESAs, a complete list as well as locations and maps can be found here.

IMG 6365 1 - Nature, Fun and Free; The Perfect Family Activity — Butterflies such as this Black Swallowtail can be found feeding on nectar from the various wildflowers throughout the city.

No special equipment is required to enjoy nature, just your eyes and ears. A digital camera will capture and save the memories of your encounters, but is not necessary. If you happen to own a pair of binoculars take them along. They can be advantageous when viewing smaller animals such as birds or ones at a distance, but again not a necessity. Much of the wildlife in the city is accustomed to human activity and close encounters are often had. The key thing to remember when searching for wildlife, especially with excited children is to stay quiet. Animals will quickly run, fly, slither, or swim away at the sound of shouting children.

IMG 6899 1 - Nature, Fun and Free; The Perfect Family Activity — Encounters with baby animals are always exciting, like the one I had with this Red-winged Blackbird fledgling. Wild animals can become aggressive protecting their young, so viewing from a distance is best. Approaching too closely puts added stress on the parents, which in some animals can cause the young to be abandoned.

Exploring nature is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The physical and mental health benefits are tremendous. Combine that with the look on a child’s face when an animal is encountered, make this an activity all families should try at least once. I am willing to bet that you will be hooked, just as I was many years ago when my Dad first introduced me to nature. So give it a try, put down the smartphones, Xboxes and other electronic devices this weekend and explore the beautiful nature that London has to offer. I would be happy to hear about your encounters with nature in the comment section below.

Good birding,
Paul

Dragonflies Play An Important Role In Our Ecosytem

So many insects these days seem to be frowned upon. They are quickly swatted or sprayed in an effort to rid them from our homes and gardens because they bite, sting, eat our flowers and vegetables, or to many just simply appear gross.

One group of insects that play an important role in controlling the population unwanted insects are Dragonflies. These fast flying insects are incredibly maneuverable and do an excellent job of naturally controlling the numbers of many unwanted insects, including mosquitoes. Dragonflies are voracious eaters and can consume their own body weight in as little as thirty minutes. This translates to hundreds of mosquitoes a day. The diet of a Dragonfly is not limited to mosquitoes, as they eat other insects including flies and ants.

IMG 6187 1 - Dragonflies Play An Important Role In Our Ecosytem — Dragonflies play an important role in naturally controlling unwanted insects and are beneficial to our ecosystem.

With the increased risk of West Nile Virus in Southwestern Ontario, mosquito control is on the minds of everyone. What better way to control these pesky insects than a chemical free natural approach? If see a Dragonfly on your property, consider yourself lucky. It is likely there because it has found a source of food and is probably ridding your yard of unwanted insects. Admire it’s beauty and leave it be. Appreciate the fact that Dragonflies are not only saving your garden plants from destruction caused by other insects, but you from mosquito bites as well.

Good birding,
Paul

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Milkweed Attracts More Than Just Monarch Butterflies

If you still haven’t added Milkweed to your garden to help save the Monarch Butterfly, what are you waiting for? Not only is Milkweed essential to the monarch’s survival, it also looks and smells great in any garden. When in bloom, the fragrance from a patch of Milkweed can be taken in from quite a distance. With it’s height, Milkweed is the perfect plant to add to the back row of a garden, or use to conceal unsightly objects, such as gas meters or telephone boxes on front lawns.

A native species to Ontario, Milkweed is perfect for attracting not only Monarch Butterflies but other insects as well. Several species of butterfly readily feed on the nectar from it’s beautiful flowers and other pollinators like bees can be seen gathering pollen throughout it’s bloom. Aphids, gnats, and spiders can also all be found on Milkweed. Dragon and damselflies will quickly be attracted to Milkweed patches to feed on these smaller insects.

IMG 5099 1 - Milkweed Attracts More Than Just Monarch Butterflies — This Great Spangled Fritillary feeds on the nectar of a Milkweed flower.

IMG 4363 1 - Milkweed Attracts More Than Just Monarch Butterflies — Several species of butterfly, like this Red Admiral, are drawn to the nectar of the Milkweed flower.

As the quantity and variety of insects increases in a Milkweed patch, so too will the number of bird species. Insects are a food source to almost all birds and they will soon find quite the smorgasbord within the Milkweed. Some of the bird species I observed this past week feeding on insects in various Milkweed patches include: Yellow Warblers, Warbling Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, Eastern Phoebes, and Eastern Kingbirds.

As you can see, adding a section of Milkweed will not only help the future of the Monarch Butterfly, but will create a diverse habitat for other organisms and thus increase the amount of wildlife in your yard. Definitely a win-win situation for both the monarch and nature lovers too.

Good birding,
Paul

How To Attract The Beautiful Ruby-Throated Hummingbird To Your Backyard

Another beautiful migrant that makes its return to our area in early May is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Be on the lookout for this erratic, fast-flying, tiny bird as sightings have already been reported.

Hummingbirds can be found almost anywhere throughout the city from forest edges, open fields, stream sides, city parks, and backyards. They feed on nectar from flowers and also consume insects. Attracting these birds to your backyard is quite easy with the addition of the right flowers and a hummingbird feeder. It is said that hummingbirds prefer red and orange tubular flowers, but many common backyard garden plants will attract them. These consist of begonias, butterfly bush, clematis, lilac, and fuchsia to name a few. If you are looking to add native species to your garden to attract these tiny birds than Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), also know as Monarda or Bee Balm, are great choices. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is an excellent addition to your garden. Not only is it a native flower that attracts Hummingbirds, but it is also one of the milkweeds that Monarch Butterfly caterpillars feed on. Adding this colourful orange flower will attract beautiful hummingbirds to your yard, and you’ll be helping save the Monarch Butterfly, a species of special concern in Ontario. For more on helping the Monarch Butterfly see my previous blog post here.

IMG 2504 1 - How To Attract The Beautiful Ruby-Throated Hummingbird To Your Backyard — Hummingbird feeders come in all shapes and sizes. They can be purchased inexpensively from your local independent bird feed retailer.

Hummingbirds feeders come in all shapes and sizes, and are made from different materials including glass and plastic. These along with commercial hummingbird food are available at your local neighborhood bird food retailer. These feeders are easily hung from trees, hooks on fences, or by adding a shepherd’s hook to your garden. Remember that these birds are small, so you are going to want to place the feeder within close sight where it can be easily viewed.

A cheaper alternative to buying commercial hummingbird food is to make your own using ordinary white sugar. Simply mix 1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water in a pot on your stove. Bring to a boil while stirring the mixture to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and cover while it cools. Once the mixture has cooled, fill your feeder and place it outside. Many people add red food colouring to their hummingbird food to help attract the birds. Some food colouring has been known to be toxic to these small birds, so it it advised that you don’t add any colour or dye to the mixture. The bright colours on the feeder itself are all that is required to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbird food should be replaced frequently and the feeder washed to prevent mold and bacteria from growing that is harmful to the birds. Place the feeder out of the sun to keep the food fresh for longer.

With the late arrival of spring this year many flowers are behind when it comes to blooming, leaving very little nectar for hummingbirds to feed on. Adding a hummingbird feeder to your yard now will help these birds find food that is otherwise scarce.

Good birding,
Paul

Warblers Will Be The Highlight Of The 2014 Festival Of Birds

Point Pelee National Park, located on the north shore of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario, is about to come alive with birds and birders. Every May the park hosts the Festival of Birds, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors wanting to view some of the thousands of birds that migrate through the area. This year’s 2014 festival runs May 1st through May 19th.

8751680718 b9b445f32e b 1 - Warblers Will Be The Highlight Of The 2014 Festival Of Birds — Common Yellowthroat

8732837300 b9a7cce4e3 z 1 2 - Warblers Will Be The Highlight Of The 2014 Festival Of Birds — Black-throated Green Warbler

Point Pelee is the southernmost tip of mainland Canada and sits at the crossroads of two major flyways. This combined with it’s mixed Carolinian habitat makes it the perfect stopover location for migrating birds that have just crossed Lake Erie. More than 380 bird species have been recorded in the park with over 100 of them breeding within its boundaries. In fact, 80% of all the birds recorded in Ontario have been seen at least once within Point Pelee’s birding area.

8929513078 5c0a6b1feb b 1 2 - Warblers Will Be The Highlight Of The 2014 Festival Of Birds — Several species of shorebird like this Sanderling will be observed on the sand point during the Festival of Birds.

The many shorebird species found feeding along the sandy spit are a popular draw, but the main attraction for most birders is the warbler species. Of the regularly occurring warblers in North America 42 of the 55 species have been observed in Point Pelee National Park, giving it the distinction of “The Warbler Capital of Canada”. On average 36 warbler species are seen each spring in the park. Prothonatary Warblers, an endangered species in Ontario, are a favourite among many birders.

9541559578 aeb2e4caa7 b 1 - Warblers Will Be The Highlight Of The 2014 Festival Of Birds — Beach areas and mud flats throughout the park will provide excellent views of shorebirds like this Semipalmated Plover.

It is not just birds that Point Pelee National Park is famous for. The park is home to over 750 native plants, some of which are rare, threatened or endangered in Canada. Plants of concern include, but are not limited to: American Water Willow, Common Hoptree and Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus. There are also several rare forms of animal life including: Fox Snake, Spotted Turtle, Five-Lined Skink, and the recently reintroduced Southern Flying Squirrel.

8731767397 190e9be22e b 1 - Warblers Will Be The Highlight Of The 2014 Festival Of Birds — Black and White Warbler

The American Birding Association has published daily updates on the birding news section of their website in previous years during the festival. This is a great place to keep on top of recent sightings, as well as where within the park they were seen. The link to the site can be found here.

8729469910 e585220de8 z 1 3 - Warblers Will Be The Highlight Of The 2014 Festival Of Birds — Cape May Warbler

The Point Pelee National Park Festival of Birds is something that is on every serious birders’ bucket list and attracts visitors from all over the world. For more information on the festival including daily activities, fees, directions, and hours visit their website here. If you are planning a visit to the park for the festival be sure to read the code of ethics section, as this is something that is taken quite seriously and any infraction can result in your removal from the park.

If you happen to make it to this year’s Festival of Birds, please let me know of your sightings either in the comment section below this post or by using my contact form. I am always interested in hearing from fellow birders!

Good birding,
Paul

One For The Yard List: The Eastern Towhee

Tuesday’s much cooler temperatures and high winds were not ideal conditions for spring birding. This didn’t stop a new spring migrant and first time yard species from showing up at my feeder. Looking out the back window over my backyard I noticed a female Eastern Towhee on the ground foraging amongst the leaves under a row of Cedar trees. The bird then hopped along the grass and ended up underneath one of my feeders where it found some millet on the ground that had been scattered by Mourning Doves. I have never had one of these birds in the yard before and in fact had not seen one since I was a boy, so it was a pleasant surprise. I watched the bird feed for several minutes and when frightened it would retreat to the cover of the thick cedars and dense shrubs across the back of my yard. I looked out periodically throughout the afternoon and could see it either feeding beneath the feeder or foraging under the cedars.

The Eastern Towhee is typically found along forest edges, woodlands, and thickets where there is plenty of dense cover and leaf matter on the ground for them to forage in. Their diet consists of insects, seeds and fruit; which they scratch up from within the leaves using their feet. The back of my yard where this bird was first spotted matches this habitat perfectly. Towhees build a nest on the ground amongst the fallen leaves, with the female doing all of the construction.

It is likely that this bird will move on in search of a less busy area to build a nest, but was a nice surprise and one to cross off my yard list. If you tend to only feed the birds throughout the winter months, I recommend keeping your feeders full at least through spring migration. This Eastern Towhee is a perfect example of a bird that you may not otherwise see, but could visit your backyard feeder looking to replenish energy after a long flight.

Good birding,
Paul