Saunders Pond Archives • PAUL ROEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

IMG 4944 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Cold temperatures and a dusting of snow had birds like this Black-capped Chickadee seeking food and shelter.

What a difference a week makes. Last Tuesday, temperatures in London spiked to 16°C. For many, outdoor activities were enjoyed in a light jacket or sweater. So far this week, we’ve seen a light dusting of snow and daytime highs hovering around -6°C. Add in the windchill and it feels more like -19°C.

IMG 5299 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Birds use several techniques to keep warm in cold weather. Feather puffing, demonstrated by this Song Sparrow, creates pockets of air which act as insulation. Shivering increases their metabolism, generating more body heat.

Not one to let the cold keep me indoors and needing my daily fix of birds, I headed to Westminster Ponds ESA. I knew the strong southwest wind blowing at 35kmh and gusting to over 50kmh would make the birding a bit tricky. Finding areas that provide shelter from the wind and a source of food for the birds would be key to having success. Fortunately there are plenty of such areas within the ESA.

I decided to start my walk in the woods knowing that the row of Eastern White Pine trees on the edge of the forest would provide an excellent wind break. Among the pines I could hear the calls of the Black-capped Chickadee. Pausing briefly, I could see several birds flitting amongst the branches, inspecting the cones for any remaining seeds. As I entered the mixed deciduous forest behind the row of pines, more Chickadees appeared. Also present were Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and a White-breasted Nuthatch.

IMG 5381 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Male Northern Cardinal feeding on a Common Buckthorn berry.

The back edge of the forest is overgrown with Common Buckthorn, an invasive species in Ontario. Despite the fact that they are not native, several bird species feed on their berries during winter months when other food becomes scarce. I have read mixed reports on whether or not buckthorn berries are healthy for birds. Some suggest the berries give birds diarrhea and can lead to dehydration, others claim only unripe berries cause diarrhea. It is believed that buckthorn berries are less nutritious than native berries because they are higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein and fat. Regardless of which theory is true, you cannot argue the fact that birds eat buckthorn berries. Among the tangles of buckthorn branches, several Northern Cardinals were present feeding on the bounty of fruit.

Following the trail through the buckthorn thicket, I could hear the high pitched notes of the Golden-crowned Kinglet. Glancing amongst the maze of branches revealed two of these birds. As is the case with all birds, learning their songs and calls is the best way to locate them. If not for hearing them, these tiny little birds would have gone unnoticed.

IMG 5236 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Berries from the Common Buckthorn tree, an invasive species in Ontario, are a popular food of the American Robin during winter.

The stand of trees on the west side of Saunders Pond yielded a sufficient wind break for a group of Mallards making their way along the thin ice at the ponds edge. Hooded Mergansers could be seen further out toward the north shore. The row of Common Buckthorn alongside the boardwalk revealed a flock of American Robins feeding on the berries. A single Song Sparrow was present seeking refuge from the wind.

IMG 5305 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — The winter range of the American Robin stretches across our region and even into Quebec and the Maritimes. Look for them in winter along forest edges, rivers, and ponds where berry trees and shrubs are present.

After circling the pond, I came to the open meadow on the east side. The wind was howling across the pond, but I managed to find shelter behind a row of trees. Scanning over what was left of this year’s grasses and wildflowers, I could hear the tweets and chirps of several birds. The most abundant were Northern Cardinals and Dark-eyed Juncos. Further scanning of the area produced a lone Fox Sparrow feeding close to the ground. Having never managed a clear photograph of one of these birds, I was excited for the opportunity. Unfortunately, it never ventured far enough out of the thick cover for me to obtain an obstruction free shot.

IMG 5347 1 2 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Getting a clear shot of this Fox Sparrow was made difficult by the thick cover.

Dressed properly, I was quite comfortable despite the frigid temperatures and strong wind. Even with less than ideal conditions, I still enjoyed a productive day birding. It is important when faced with difficult conditions to always put the odds in your favour. Paying close attention to the conditions and my surroundings, combined with finding locations that provided food and shelter are what made made this outing successful and enjoyable. Keep these factors in mind when you go birding and I think you too will have similar success.

Good birding,
Paul

IMG 3221 1 2 - American Coots On Saunders Pond — American Coots feeding at Saunders Pond.

The American Coot is a unique bird. They are often observed swimming on lakes, rivers, and ponds. However, they do not have webbed feet. Coots propel themselves through the water with their wide lobed toes and are in fact not ducks, but members of the rail family. They are easily identified by their dark bodies, white foreheads and red eyes. Aquatic vegetation, both floating and submerged, make up the majority of the Coot’s diet; as is the case with many water birds, they also consume insects, crustaceans and other aquatic life. These submerged food sources mean the Coot is often observed diving while feeding.

IMG 3211 1 - American Coots On Saunders Pond — Aquatic vegetation is a favourite of the American Coot.

Like many birds, American Coots begin migrating in the fall and form large flocks while doing so. Not all Coots go as far as the southern United States during winter months. In fact, several birds often overwinter in the lower Great Lakes region. Their diet makes open water a key to survival and they are one of many species found on the Detroit, St.Clair and even the Thames River during winter.

IMG 3279 80 81 tonemapped 1 - American Coots On Saunders Pond — The birds were not the only thing providing beauty on this evening. The sunset and leaves added lots of colour.

Last week I decided to head over to Westminster Ponds ESA for some evening birding and to take in the sunset. Upon arriving at Saunders Pond, I observed a small flock of nine American Coots feeding close to shore on the east side of the pond. I moved slowly and quietly to the edge of the pond for a closer look. The birds were undisturbed by my presence and were focused more on feeding. The low, golden sun illuminated the birds beautifully. I watched as the Coots dove repeatedly, emerging with strands of green vegetation. Several battles ensued, as those birds with food quickly had to elude those without. It was also a great opportunity to listen to the various sounds made by Coots, which range from squawks to grunts, and croaks.

IMG 3181 1 - American Coots On Saunders Pond — Horned Grebes are among the many species that can be found on Saunders Pond.

On this particular evening I also observed three Pied-billed Grebes and a Horned Grebe in the same area of the pond. Wood Ducks were also abundant. Their loud calls made locating and counting these colourful ducks quite easy. It wasn’t long before a final total of eighteen was reached. Saunders Pond is an excellent place to observe these and other aquatic birds. As migration continues throughout fall and into winter, more species will show up as open water and food diminishes. Several duck species including Wigeon, Teal and Ring-necked are often observed. Common Loons have also been observed during migration.

IMG 3171 1 - American Coots On Saunders Pond — American Coots are a small sample of the birds that use Saunders Pond as a food source. Look for more species as migration continues.

Saunders Pond can be accessed from Commissioners Road by turning south onto Western Counties Road at Victoria Hospital. Follow the road past Parkwood Hospital where you will find parking with the pond a short walk further south. Access and parking is also available off Wellington Road, directly behind Tourist Information. If you or someone you know requires the aid of a mobility device then I recommend this entrance. Paved paths, a wooden lookout and boardwalk make this location and views of Saunders Pond accessible for everyone.

If observing waterfowl and other aquatic birds this fall is on your birding wishlist, then I highly suggest visiting Saunders Pond frequently this season. I hope to see you there.

Good birding,
Paul