The beautiful red plumage of a male Cardinal will certainly add colour to your day.
If you have had enough of winter and the slow start to spring this year, heading out for a little birding will definitely put colour into your day. For the last several months it seems everything around us has been shades of white or grey. With plenty of snow and ice this past winter, I think we are all ready for the colours of spring.
The orange breast of the American Robin adds plenty of colour and contrasts nicely against most backgrounds.
With the snow taking it’s time to melt, it may be a few weeks yet before we start to see colour in the form of daffodils, tulips, and crocuses emerging from the ground. Luckily there is plenty of colour in the birds around us to help forget about winter.
The female Cardinal is not always considered a colourful bird, but their beautiful red and orange accents show otherwise.
On recent walks around some of my favourite birding hotspots, there has been a wide range of beautiful colours. Bright red male Northern Cardinals can be seen in the tree tops singing; establishing their territories and bringing in their mates. Speaking of mates, the red and orange accents of the female cardinal are quite stunning and can be easily forgotten when thinking of colourful birds. Robins are now more active and can be seen hopping across newly exposed grass searching for food in wet areas as the snow melts. Their bright orange breasts contrast against their dark backs as well as the remaining snow; painting a beautiful picture. Good numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds are around showing their red and yellow wing bars, and the beautiful plumage of Blue Jays really stands out this time of year against a leafless backdrop.
The brilliantly coloured male Wood Duck is perhaps the most colourful bird we have in our area.
The return of some waterfowl to the Thames River this spring is adding some incredible colour. American Wigeons can be seen, the males showing a wonderful green stripe on their heads, with a baby blue bill and rusty patch on their sides. Perhaps the most colourful of all birds is the male Wood Duck. This gorgeous bird is a fantastic combination of green, red, orange, yellow, blue, maroon, purple, and white; impressing birders and non birders alike with it’s beauty.
This male American Wigeon shows off a variety of colour.
If you feel your days are lacking some colour and you want to put the drab winter behind you, then I recommend taking a walk and enjoying the beauty our local birds present.
The Eastern Meadowlark is a grassland bird that nests on the ground. With increased land development and agriculture destroying their habitat, they are listed as a species at risk in Ontario.Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species of plants and animals, but unfortunately more than 200 of them are at risk. Species at risk fall into four categories depending on severity, and without help run the risk of becoming extinct. Extirpated is a species that exists in the world, but no longer lives in the wild in Ontario. Endangered species live in the wild in Ontario but are in imminent danger of extirpation or extinction. Threated means a species will likely become endangered if measures are not taken to address the factors threatening it. Finally, there are species of special concern which run the risk of becoming threatened or endangered.
The leading cause for species being added to the species at risk list is loss of habitat or pollution within a habitat. This can be in the form of development of land, changes in agriculture or pollution of waterways to name a few. Several steps are being taken by the Ontario government, including tougher legislation to protect both species at risk and their habitat. In an effort to increase Monarch butterfly numbers, a species at risk in Ontario, Milkweed was removed just this past week from the noxious species list. There are many things the average citizen can do to help species at risk.
Understand what species are at risk in Ontario, their habitat and do what you can to protect them. For example, when out hiking, stick to the marked trails. If there are signs up stating that a trail is closed, obey them. There is a reason for the trail being closed. It could be because an endangered or threatened plant is growing on that trail and rejuvenation efforts are in place. Maybe there is a species of bird or animal living or breeding near that trail that shouldn’t be disturbed. Just because it cannot readily be seen, doesn’t mean it is not there. Keep dogs on a leash so they are not running loose, potentially damaging endangered plants or chasing and stressing threatened wildlife. This problem is prevalent in London’s ESA areas. Unfortunately many people don’t understand or respect that ESA stands for Environmentally Significant Area. The Eastern Meadowlark is a species of bird that nests on the ground and is threatened in Ontario. They can be found within Westminster Ponds ESA, where many people let their dogs run freely throughout the grassy fields potentially damaging the nests, eggs or chasing these birds from the area. If you bring food or beverages with you, be sure to take the packaging back out. I’m always surprised at the number of empty coffee cups on the ground in ESAs. My personal feeling is if it can be carried in full, it can be carried out empty. I like to carry bags with me to carry out my own trash, plus I can pick up the trash left behind by others. My dog even does her part, while walking on leash she’ll often carry out an empty water bottle in her mouth that she’s found on the ground!
Creating or preserving current habitat on your property is another way to help. If you have one of these species on your land, do everything you can to protect it. With the recent news on the decrease of Monarch butterflies, planting Milkweed and creating butterfly gardens is something we can all do to preserve their habitat. There are many kinds of Milkweed and any member of the Asclepias (milkweed) family will do. Milkweed can be purchased from most garden centers and nurseries once spring arrives. This can be extended outside your own garden by encouraging schools, churches and community gardens to plant milkweed. For more on how to help the Monarch Butterfly see my blog post Do Your Part To Help The Monarch Butterfly.
Do what you can to educate others and spread the word about species at risk. If you see someone damaging or potentially damaging habitat, say something to them. When I encounter someone letting their dog run free throughout the Meadowlark’s habitat, I attempt to politely explain the potential consequences of their actions. Many are quite appreciative of the knowledge shared, thankful I spoke up and quite willing to change their behavior. It’s important we make this effort to inform others because many honestly don’t see the harm in a dog running through a field.
Volunteer with local groups within you community. Find out what groups in your area are doing initiatives to help species at risk and what you can do to help. Report all sightings of species at risk or any illegal activity regarding plants or wildlife to the Ministry of Natural Resources. For more information, including a list of all of Ontario’s Species at Risk visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website here.
Let’s not let these species decline further or become extinct. Get involved with one of the groups in your community, start your own, or do something in your own backyard. Help educate others to preserve the beautiful nature we have in Ontario. Remember extinction is forever.
The Osprey is a large raptor that feeds almost exclusively on fish. They can be found around almost any body of water in our area from April-October.
The Osprey is a large member of the raptor family that feeds almost entirely on fish. They can be found around any body of water from lakes and reservoirs to rivers and ponds. Since the ban of DDT their numbers have increased and can be readily found in the London area once they return in early spring from their wintering grounds, which stretches from the southern United States to Central and South America. Ospreys are tolerant of human activity and several pairs nest within the city limits in parks, Environmentally Significant Areas and along the Thames River.
Ospreys construct their nests of sticks and line them with bark and grasses. The nest is placed in an open area where an easy approach can be made. Look for Osprey nests in tree tops, crotches between tree branches or manmade structures such as telephone poles and lights posts. Ospreys usually mate for life and will reuse the same nest from year to year adding material to it each year. Nests can be as large as 13 feet deep and 6 feet across. Clutch sizes are 1-4 eggs with incubation lasting 5 weeks. Both adults take care of the brood and fledging takes place after 8-10 weeks.
This Osprey is landing on a nest constructed on the top of a light pole illuminating a neighbourhood baseball diamond.
As with most raptors Ospreys have incredible vision and can spot fish underwater from heights of over 100 feet. Once a fish is spotted the Osprey briefly hovers overhead before diving feet first into the water. The Osprey is specially adapted for a fish diet with closable nostrils to keep water out, reversible outer toes and backwards facing scales on their talons to help hold onto fish.
The Osprey is the only large raptor with a solid white belly. This is a key to identification and helps distinguish them from a juvenile Bald Eagle and other birds of prey.Most years Ospreys start to reappear in the London area in early April. Given the cold winter and increased amount of ice across their migration route it may be later this year, unless we experience a significant warm up. Keep an eye out along river banks and shorelines of lakes and ponds once the ice is off. Ospreys are sometimes confused with Bald Eagles but there are several things to look for when identifying them. Mature Bald Eagles are larger and much stockier than the rather slender Osprey and have a solid white head and tail. The body of a mature eagle is solid brown, with the Osprey being a mix of brown and white. Ospreys are the only large raptor with a solid white unmarked belly. Juvenile Bald Eagles are mottled on their undersides and lack a white head.
Keep an eye to the sky and in tree limbs overhanging bodies of water in your favourite birding area. If you see a large brown and white raptor there is a good chance you’ve just spotted an Osprey.
The Red Osier Dogwood is my top pick for native plants to add to your yard. It’s berries are consumes by over 100 species of bird in Ontario and the bright red branches provide beautiful colour year round.
After this long and rather harsh winter, many are itching to get back out into their gardens. Gardening is a relaxing hobby and gardens are a big attractant of birds to a yard. Native plants are the best attractors of birds because they provide natural food, shelter, and a nest site. Doing a little pre-spring planning as to what plants to add to your garden is the best way to figure out what your garden is missing to attract more birds.
Food is a key element of attracting more birds to your yard. Sure bird feeders are great, but birds will almost always take natural foods first and there are of course birds that don’t consume seed. Trees and shrubs that produce fruit or berries are a great place to start. Their spring blossoms add beautiful colour to any yard and robins, waxwings and thrushes will quickly arrive once theses blossoms turn into fruit. Fruit bearing trees also attract insects which will bring in warblers and flycatchers, something your favourite seed won’t do. My personal recommendation for a native fruit shrub is the Red Osier Dogwood. Not only are the berries consumed by over 100 species of birds in Ontario, it’s bright red branches will add an element of colour to your garden year round.
Plants that provide shelter come in all shapes and sizes. My favourite are evergreens because they can be used 12 months of the year by birds to keep hidden from cats, raptors or other predators. Their thick foliage is also a great wind break and an escape from winter squalls. Again they add colour year round which appeals to many gardeners. Deciduous trees and shrubs are great cover too because their dense branches provide a thicket which attracts several bird species. Tall grasses and ground covers are essential because they provide shelter for birds like mourning doves and fledgling birds that spend a lot of time on the ground.
Native wildflowers are a great addition to any garden. The flowers will attract several species of insect looking to feed on their nectar, resulting in several bird species that feed on insects. Jewel weed is a great wildflower if you are looking to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Many wildflowers turn to seed after blooming which is a popular food of finches and other songbirds.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority provides a great list of recommended native species that can be found here. Do a little research and planning as to what your garden is missing and what plants will do best in your conditions. Many of these recommended plants are readily available at local garden centers and can be purchased rather inexpensively. Not only will you have a beautiful garden that’s the envy of all your neighbours; you’ll be creating a natural habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.
Monarch Butterfly numbers are fast declining. In the Monarch butterfly’s wintering area in Mexico, scientists recorded the lowest levels of Monarchs ever in December 2013, a decrease of 44% from the previous year. They are declining everywhere. Here in Ontario, the destruction of Milkweed is the leading factor contributing to their dropping numbers. Common Milkweed up until this year was considered an invasive species in Ontario, and is destroyed every year by farmers using herbicides. Milkweed’s sap is toxic to some livestock and the stickiness of it can cause combines to become clogged during the harvest. Large quantities of Milkweed mixed in with a crop decreases yields and farmers profits; three factors leading to it’s eradication on farms. Milkweed is the only plant Monarch caterpillars feed on and thus the only plant where female Monarchs lay their eggs. As the Milkweed declines, so too does the Monarch.
Milkweed is the only plant Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs on. Help this species rebound by planting some in your yard this spring.The life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly is quite interesting. The life span of most adults is two to six weeks. Monarchs that have spent the winter in Mexico are about to start their migration north through the United States and into Canada. As the butterflies migrate north they lay their eggs on Milkweed plants. After laying the eggs the adult butterflies will die two to six weeks later. The eggs then hatch into caterpillars and they begin to feed on the Milkweed plant. After about two weeks the caterpillar attaches itself to a leaf using silk and becomes a chrysalis. This is when the caterpillar begins to change into a butterfly. The chrysalis phase lasts ten days and then the adult butterfly will emerge. Once the adult Monarch has emerged it will feed on the nectar from a variety of plants but the caterpillars only eat Milkweed. The new generation of Monarchs continue north with the new females laying eggs on Milkweed and then dying two to six weeks later. The entire migration consists of four generations of Monarchs with the last ones becoming butterflies in September or October. This generation has a longer life span, six to eight months, and is the one that migrates south to Mexico for the winter. After wintering in Mexico it is this fourth generation that migrates north the following spring to start the cycle again.
Common Milkweed has now been removed from the invasive species list in Ontario, in an effort to save the Monarch Butterfly. If you are reluctant to plant Milkweed because of the potential of it being poisonous to some animals if consumed, simply plant it in an area where your pet can’t access it. Take a look at a list of other common garden plants that are considered poisonous to dogs; many of these plants you may already have in your yard, for instance: Hostas, English Ivy, Clematis and Rose of Sharon to name a few. Adding Milkweed to your yard or not pulling existing Milkweed is the best way to help by giving these butterflies a place to lay their eggs and continue their life cycle. There are several species of Milkweed, so find out which is best suited to your area and yard conditions. Any member of the Asclepias (milkweed) family will do. Have several flowering bushes or fruit tress to first attract Monarchs to your yard and they will quickly find and use the Milkweed for laying their eggs. Flowers that bloom into early fall are important too, as their nectar will provide necessary energy for the Monarch’s long migration south.
Milkweed is the key to the future of the Monarch Butterfly. As it migrates north these plants are imperative to the Monarch’s life cycle and the existence of the species. We can only control what happens in our own backyard so don’t sit back and watch this species decline further. Do your part to help these beautiful butterflies survive and rebound. If you only plant one thing in your garden this spring, make sure it is Milkweed.
Red-breasted Merganser male surfacing with a crayfish.Male CanvasbackThe most unique observation of the week was this leucistic Black-capped Chickadee.
This past week turned out to be a rather productive one for observing birds along the Thames River, especially waterfowl. In the stretch of river between Greenway and Springbank Parks I recorded twelve species of waterfowl, with a couple of highlights being a Canvasback and Long-tailed Duck. Temperatures were in the negative teens with wind chills ranging from -20C to – 30C most days so dressing for the weather was a must, but well worth getting out for any birder.
The city of London does an excellent job plowing and salting throughout these two parks so walking isn’t an issue, in fact the paths here are better maintained than most neighbourhood sidewalks. Other notable species from the week were a Northern Shrike, regular appearances by the resident bald eagles with both adult and juvenile birds observed, and a leucistic Black-capped Chickadee. Identifying such a unique bird was quite tricky, as at first I believed it to be a Boreal Chickadee. Luckily I managed a few photos, and with the help of two London bird experts deemed it to be a leucistic Black-capped.
One of the most interesting views of the week was watching a male Red-breasted Merganser feed while looking down from a bridge above. The water in this particular section of river is quite shallow and clear so the bird was easily seen swimming underwater each time it dove in search of food. I managed several photos of the bird underwater, as it surfaced, and a couple of times with a crayfish in it’s grasp.
A large flock of Robins was seen feeding on Buckthorn berries on the river bank.
A complete list of birds observed is as follows:
Greater Scaup male and female.
American Black Duck
American Coot
American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
Bald Eagle
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Bufflehead
Canada Goose
Canvasback
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Dark-eyed Junco
Downy Woodpecker
European Starling
Great Blue Heron
Greater Scaup
Hooded Merganser
House Sparrow
Long-tailed Duck
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Muscovy Duck
Northern Cardinal
Northern Shrike
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk
White-breasted Nuthatch
Birding during cold winter months can be the only time of year to see some of these species. Invest in some good quality warm clothes and enjoy the outdoors twelve months a year. The physical and emotional benefits of birding are unbelievable and I encourage all to get out whenever you can.
American Robins can be observed all winter long throughout our area. Knowing where to look is key to finding these elusive birds during the winter months.
Many people associate seeing a Robin in early March as the unofficial start of spring. Truth is that many Robins don’t migrate south at all. Check their year-round range in the map section of your favourite field guide and you will see that it extends into eastern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. So why do these birds seem to disappear come fall and into winter?
This leucistic American Robin feeds on the fruit of a Buckthorn tree.
Robins feed on a variety of food: earthworms, insects, as well as fruits, and berries. In the spring rising temperatures and warm rains melt the snow, making flooded lawns and gardens the perfect place to spot Robins foraging on worms, grubs, and insects. This is when many see their first Robin of the year and proclaim spring to be here. During the fall and winter months, a Robin’s diet consists mostly of fruit and berries, so they are not likely to be seen hopping across a snow covered lawn in search of food. Look for them to be roosting in the canopies or thick underbrush of trees and shrubs that produce berries such as Buckthorns, Hawthorns, or Dogwoods. Two areas I have had luck finding Robins in winter are, along rivers where Buckthorn lined banks provide shelter from the wind and plenty of food, and low swampy areas adjacent to ponds with fruit-bearing trees around.
As the seasons change, so too does the Robin’s diet. During the winter months American Robin’s feed on fruit and berries.
During spring and summer, Robins can be heard singing and calling before sunrise and after sunset. In winter Robins are less vocal, making their presence seldom known. The opposite behavior from spring to fall gives this bird the illusion of disappearing from an area, when in fact their numbers could still be quite high. On a recent walk along my local river, I caught an orange flash out of the corner of my eye. I glanced over and saw that a Robin had landed in a tree next to the path. I paused for some photos and could hear the fluttering of many wing beats. Glancing up into the trees I could see several Robins gorging themselves on berries. I lowered my lens, began to count, and quickly reached thirty birds. These Robins were a mere arm’s length from the path, and because of their stealthy behavior, almost went unnoticed by me. On this particular day, the wind chill was -22C, but the abundance of food had plenty of Robins still in the area.
Finding trees with remaining fruit is crucial in locating robins during winter.
Next time you are out doing some winter birding pay special attention to the thick underbrush and canopies of fruit-producing trees and shrubs. There is a pretty good chance you will come across a Robin giving you false hope of spring.
Finding a food source is key to locating birds. This Black-capped Chickadee is enjoying the seeds of a goldenrod plant.
Have you ever been out birding and asked yourself “where are all the birds?” I have. Sure some days are better than others for birding depending on the time of year or weather conditions, but some days you just have to put the odds in your favour. Birds are more active first thing in the morning and later in the afternoon so these are excellent times to head out. Naturally though not everyone can go out at these times, so you must make the most of your time when you can get out.
The first thing I do when birding is use the wind in my favour. Perching on a branch that is constantly swaying in the wind is difficult for birds and expends energy so concentrate your birding in protected areas. Look for an open field adjacent to and protected by a wooded area or in the wooded area itself. Finding a food source is another key to locating birds. Songbirds in the wild feed on insects, fruit and seeds. At this time of year you can find many species of bird feeding on the seeds of the goldenrod plant. Chickadees, Sparrows, Juncos, and Finches can all be found clinging to and feeding on this abundant wild plant. Dogwoods and Buckthorns produce fruit that are a favourite of many birds as well. Coniferous trees such as spruce, pine, and cedar not only provide food from their seeds but their branches are excellent cover from the weather and predators.
Birding near water is always a great idea. Check out your local lake, river, or pond for excellent birding opportunities. The water itself can not only be a great spot to find waterfowl, but eagles, herons and songbirds can always be found close to water. Following a river is by far my favourite place to go birding. Many native species of fruit bearing trees and shrubs grow along their banks so they are the perfect mix of food, water, and shelter. My days with the highest counts have always been along a river regardless of season or weather conditions.
Remember when birding to use your ears too. Listening for their various calls and songs is an excellent way to locate active birds. Once you have distinguished where the sounds are coming from you can move into a position for viewing and counting. Wear quiet clothing. Jackets and pants that make noise when the material rubs together is a great way to scare off birds. Always walk slowly and quietly to avoid alerting your presence. Watch where you are stepping. I learned early in my birding days that the sound of a snapping stick under my foot can really clear the area of wary birds. When trying to approach a bird do not walk directly to it. Take a zig zag course towards the bird and avoid looking directly at it . By keeping track of it out of the corner of your eye as you approach, you will be able to get much closer.
Keep these things in mind next time you head out and watch your days count totals increase.
