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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Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly

By now most are aware of the decline in Monarch Butterfly numbers and that Milkweed is necessary for their survival. So far in 2014, governments, environmental groups, and citizens have all been taking measures to ensure the survival of this beautiful butterfly. For the most part, this has been in the form of planting various types of milkweed and protecting existing patches.

On my many outings throughout the city this year I have been paying close attention to milkweed patches, checking for any signs of monarchs. Early June produced a single monarch fluttering over a meadow containing various wildflowers, milkweed included, in the west end of Greenway Park. I was optimistic for future sightings and hoped that this area would potentially be a breeding ground for the monarchs.

IMG 4858 1 - Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly — Several Monarch Butterflies in a large meadow containing Milkweed and other wildflowers has me hopeful their numbers will rebound.

As weeks went by, I continually checked this area hoping to see more monarchs or evidence that they had been reproducing. Several insects, including bees and other butterfly species could be seen feeding on nectar and gathering pollen from the milkweed and various wildflowers, but unfortunately no more monarchs were seen, nor were any eggs or caterpillars. My optimism faded, but I continued to observe the area whenever I found myself walking there.

My faded optimism quickly turned into excitement this past week when another monarch sighting took place. I was photographing some of the various birds and wildlife in the area, which on this day included: Yellow Warblers, Red-winged Blackbirds, an Eastern Kingbird, and White-tailed Deer, when I caught a hint of back and orange flutter past. To my delight it was a Monarch Butterfly. I watched as it flew back and forth over the meadow eventually settling on a Milkweed flower. I quickly snapped several photos then watched as it flew off over the field. Satisfied with my sighting and photos my attention returned to the deer and bird species.

As I watched a doe grazing on the variety of plants, once again a monarch passed by. As I carried on a little further, another Milkweed plant revealed a Monarch Butterfly feeding on it’s nectar. Curious as to whether it was the same butterfly covering a lot of ground or multiple Monarch Butterflies in the area, I scanned the tops of the flowers. I quickly observed several Monarch Butterflies fluttering low over the meadow and clinging to the Milkweed and various wildflowers within it.

IMG 4885 1 - Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly — Monarch Butterfly on a Milkweed leaf.

Having only seen one Monarch Butterfly in all of 2013, and not within the city, this was a welcome sighting. Whether or not it is a sign of their numbers rebounding, or just one small group in a dwindling population, only time will tell. Hopefully another generation of monarchs will get their start here in one of London’s beautiful parks. To access Greenway Park, turn onto Greenside Avenue from Springbank Drive and follow the road into the park. Be sure to make the quick right hand turn before the pollution control center. I recommend parking in the large lot directly across from the off leash dog area. From there the large patch of Milkweed is on the far side of the soccer pitch. Remember to keep a close eye and ear for all the great wildlife that call Greenway Park home.

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

Mammals

White-tailed Deer

Coyote

Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Grey Squirrel

Raccoon

White-tailed Deer

Groundhog

Eastern Grey Squirrel

Raccoons

Eastern Grey Squirrel

White-tailed Deer

Eastern Chipmunk

Raccoon

Eastern Chipmunk

White-tailed Deer

Good Birding Report: London, ON April 13-19 2014

This past week saw more consistency to the daytime highs and consequently more migrating bird species arriving in our area. Several first of year species were seen and with the weather looking to remain stable for the upcoming week, more will follow.

I finally saw my first Yellow-rumped Warblers of the year this past week after mentioning them as early returnees in previous posts. The number of sparrow species that have returned continues to grow with Field Sparrows now being added to the list. Chipping Sparrows have been regular morning visitors to my feeders this past week and White-throated Sparrows are more abundant. Northern Rough-winged Swallows can now be seen, along with increased numbers of Tree Swallows flying overhead in search of insects in areas close to water.

Many of the local ponds in the area are turning up several waterfowl species. Saunders Pond located in the Westminster Ponds ESA is a perfect example of this. Wood Ducks, Horned Grebes, American Coots, Common Mergansers, and Pied-billed Grebes were all present. A Great Egret was also observed on the north side of the pond, visible from the lookout behind Tourist Information on Wellington Road. In fact, the entire Westminster Ponds ESA provided great looks at many birds. The forest floor was alive with activity, with Hermit Thrushes and Brown Thrashers sifting though the leaf matter in search of insects. Eastern Meadowlarks could be seen and heard in the open field areas within the ESA. Five woodpecker species, the highlight being a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers, were also found deep in the forests. A rather early Blue-headed Vireo was seen on the edge of the forest capturing insects. Vireos typically arrive later in April or early May, so this was a nice surprise.

IMG 1795 1 2 - Good Birding Report: London, ON April 13-19 2014 — This Blue-headed Vireo was seen at Westminster Ponds ESA.

A complete list of birds observed this week is as follows:

IMG 1985 1 - Good Birding Report: London, ON April 13-19 2014 — Brown Thrashers could be seen sifting through leaves on forest floors in search of insects.

American Coot
American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
American Wigeon
Bald Eagle
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
Brown Headed Cowbird
Brown Thrasher
Canada Goose
Carolina Wren
Chipping Sparrow
Common Grackle
Common Merganser
Dark-eyed Junco
Double-crested Cormorant
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Phoebe
European Starling
Field Sparrow
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Great Egret
Hairy Woodpecker

Hermit Thrush
Horned Grebe
House Finch
House Sparrow
Killdeer
Mallard
Mourning Dove

IMG 1825 1 2 - Good Birding Report: London, ON April 13-19 2014 — Hermit Thrushes are another species that can be found on or near the forest floor searching for insects.

Merlin
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Osprey
Pied-billed Grebe
Pileated Woodpecker
Song Sparrow
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-winged Blackbird
Ring-billed Gull
Tree Swallow
Turkey Vulture
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-throated Sparrow
Wood Duck
Yellow-rumped Warbler

IMG 2003 1 - Good Birding Report: London, ON April 13-19 2014 — Several Butterfly species emerged this past week including this Milbert’s Tortoiseshell.

It wasn’t just bird activity that increased this past week. Reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies were all more prevalent. The calls of Spring Peepers and Chorus Frogs echoed from within flooded wooded areas. Painted Turtles could be seen basking on logs in the warm sun, and several butterfly species including Mourning Cloaks and Milbert’s Tortoiseshells emerged.

Spring Migration is really starting to pick up now that spring-like weather is finally here. The numbers of species previously reported will increase and new arrivals will be appearing over the next couple of weeks. If you get the chance over this period, head out to your local park, ESA, or Conservation Area and see what incredible nature we have right here in our own backyard.

Good birding,
Paul

Despite The Weather Spring Migration Is Right On Schedule

Don’t let the return of snow and seemingly slow start to spring dampen your spirits when it comes to bird migration. Many species have returned to our area and many more will soon follow. One of the things I enjoy most about photographing so many birds each year is cataloguing them by both species and date. I am able to look back to this date in previous years and compare what birds have been present from year to year.

According to my records things are not as slow as they may seem. Many of the previously reported birds such as Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles and Osprey have returned right on schedule with previous years. The forecast for the end of the week is calling for warmer temperatures and south winds. Anyone who reads my blog regularly knows this is the perfect recipe for migration and has me pretty excited about what we may see. Looking back to my records for 2013 and 2012 here is what we can expect over the next couple of weeks.

IMG 1876 1 - Despite The Weather Spring Migration Is Right On Schedule — If history repeats itself, Northern Rough-Winged Swallows should appear any day now.

The third week of April last year saw me photographing Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Spotted Sandpipers and Northern Rough-Winged Swallows that had just returned. Barn Swallows were also present. The first couple of days of May saw the return of Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and the Yellow Warbler. By the second week of May there was a rush of warblers moving through and more shorebirds including Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Solitary Sandpipers could be found in the city. If the weatherman is right and history repeats itself, this weekend and the start of next week could reveal new migrants. What better way to spend the Easter long weekend than birding and finding some first of year species?

This cold snowy day won’t interfere with the imminent return of many birds that are currently positioned just to our south. We are a few warm days and a south breeze away from new arrivals showing up in our area. Days like these are perfect days to clean binoculars, scopes, and camera lenses or brush up on your identification skills in preparation for the influx of migrating birds. I know it may not look like it by looking out the window but spring migration is moving along right on schedule.

Good birding,
Paul

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

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

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

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

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

A complete list of birds observed is as follows:

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

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

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

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

Good birding,
Paul

Fanshawe Conservation Area; A Paradise For Birders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good birding,
Paul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good birding,
Paul