tundra swans Archives • PAUL ROEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Watermark 1 9 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — During migration, thousands of Tundra Swans make their way across Southwestern Ontario.

Each spring, thousands of Tundra Swans make their way from their wintering grounds on the Atlantic coast to their breeding grounds in the Arctic. Fortunately for area birders, Southwestern Ontario is situated en route and these birds are often observed across our area flying overhead, or on the ground feeding and resting in flooded farm fields. If seeing migrating Tundra Swans is on your spring birding to do list, than consider taking a trip to the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area.

Watermark 1 2 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — Tundra Swans are constantly coming and going at the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area.

Aylmer Wildlife Management Area is probably the best place in Southwestern Ontario to view Tundra Swans. Each year, these birds notoriously stop here to rest and feed before carrying on with their long migration. Surrounded by farmland, and situated on two large ponds, the habitat at Aylmer Wildlife Management Area is perfect for attracting these large migrants. Four viewing stands overlook the ponds, providing birders with excellent views of the Tundra Swans. Morning feedings provide the birds with adequate nourishment to help them on their long journey north, as well as keep them close to the viewing stands.

Watermark 1 10 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — I can’t say for certain, but I am willing to wager this started over a female.

On Wednesday I decided to take a trip to the Aymer Wildlife Management Area to see the Tundra Swans. Reports from the area had a count of 3000 Tundra Swans that morning, so I knew there would be plenty of Swans to see. Daily counts can be found on the website. According to the reports, there were also two blue morph Snow Geese, a Ross’s Goose, and five Cackling Geese present. This had me excited as I still needed a Ross’s Goose for my life list.

Watermark 1 11 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — Tundra Swan heading for safer waters.

On the way to Aylmer, several small flocks of Tundra Swans were observed flying overhead, all in a northwest direction. These Swans perhaps were on their way to the Thedford bog, another popular location for where Swans layover. Upon exiting the car after arriving in Aylmer, the sound of the Tundra Swans took over. Several birds circled overhead, while thousands of others could be heard and seen covering the north pond. I made my way up onto the first elevated observation stand and quickly realized that the morning count of 3000 swans was no exaggeration.

Watermark 1 21 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — This blue morph Snow Goose was among the waterfowl observed.

As I scanned the area with my binoculars, I quickly picked up the two blue morph Snow Geese on the grassy berm adjacent to the pond, feeding on corn. Further behind them, across the arm of the pond, was the lone Ross’s Goose. Happy to add this to my life list, I realized a better view would be had from stand number three. As I entered the stand, the Ross’s Goose was observed straight ahead. I scanned the pond and the surrounding land, but was unable to locate any of the Cackling Geese.

Watermark 1 8 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — A lifer for me, a lone Ross’s Goose was observed at Aylmer Wildlife Management Area.

Despite the large ponds and the offerings of corn, there were not many ducks present on this day. In fact, there have not been many ducks reported yet this year from the area. A few pairs of Mallards could be seen around the pond, a pair of Northern Pintails, and a lone Ruddy Duck swam along the far shore of the pond. A Sandhill Crane was reported earlier in the week, but like the Cackling Geese, I was unable to locate it on this visit.

Watermark 1 6 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — Blue morph Snow Geese, Canada Geese, and Tundra Swans resting after feeding heavily on corn.

Three of the four observations stands at Aylmer Wildlife Management Area are elevated, providing great views overlooking the ponds. The third stand is at ground level and is fully accessible for those that require the assistance of a mobility device. It is also fully enclosed in case of inclement weather.

Watermark 1 12 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — Tundra Swan in flight.

For those who have never been to Aymer Wildlife Management Area before, I highly recommended it. Whether you are a birder or not, the sight of so many birds in one place is truly spectacular. Tundra Swan migration was delayed slightly this year due to the cooler temperatures, and lack of snow and ice melt. Migration is now in full swing, and will not last for too long. With warmer temperatures and south winds in the forecast, Tundra Swans will be on the move.

Watermark 1 13 - Tundra Swans Touch Down In Aylmer, Ontario — Close views of the Swans are obtained from any of the four viewing stands.

If you are looking for a fun family activity to do this Easter weekend, consider heading down to Aylmer and observing the Tundra Swans. Centrally located in Southwestern Ontario, Aylmer is a nice day trip from almost anywhere. For more information, including hours, feeding times, directions, and daily Swan counts, visit the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area’s website.

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Good birding,
Paul

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IMG 0511 1 2 - The Early Days Of Spring Can Produce Great Counts For Birders — Red-winged Blackbirds have started to appear in good numbers.

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