Adding a roost box to your yard will provide small songbirds like the Tufted Titmouse shelter during harsh winter weather.
Roost boxes are an excellent addition to any bird lover’s yard. They are similar in appearance to a birdhouse but serve a different purpose altogether. Instead of building a nest inside and raising their young, birds use these boxes to provide shelter and warmth during winter and will often gather to share body heat. I’ve watched chickadees enter mine during freezing rain and heavy snowfalls. Birds also roost in them at night when temperatures plummet.
When you look at a roost box you will notice the entrance hole is at the bottom, this is to prevent the warm air that rises inside from escaping. The inside of the box has staggered perches to accommodate more birds. Depending on the species and the size of the box multiple birds will use it to share body heat. Some species of birds that will seek shelter in these boxes are chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and wrens.
Birds like this Carolina Wren already seek shelter in my cedar hedge, so mounting a roost box among the branches proved to be a perfect location.
Roost boxes should be mounted in a protected area out of prevailing winds. Some afternoon sunshine will help warm up the box, so it retains more heat. Facing the box to the south will also help the box gather heat. I have my boxes mounted among my cedar hedge for optimal cover.
The hinged front allows for easy cleaning. Boxes should be checked and cleaned regularly. Droppings can accumulate quickly if several birds use it.
The Urban Nature StoreWooden Winter Roost is currently the product of the month. As a special offer get a free 4lb bag of Sunflower Hearts with the purchase of this roost box.
If you know a bird lover with a winter birthday, this roost box makes a terrific gift!
Chickadees are among the birds that will huddle for warmth in a properly placed box.
Cold weather is on the way, so if you want to do your part to help birds stay warm and survive the cold winter months, consider adding a roost box to your yard.
Photographing a Pine Marten for the first time was one of the many highlights of a recent winter getaway.
It’s been a busy fall and winter that hasn’t left me much time for birding or photography. Almost all of my free time over the past few months has been committed to helping family, so when the opportunity came up to take a few days off work and go birding I jumped at the chance. I was incredibly excited for this trip as not only was surrounding myself in nature going to clear my head of all that has been going on lately, but I also acquired a new lens only days before leaving. What lens would I be wielding on this adventure? The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3.
Many of the Canada Jays in Algonquin Park have colourful bands on their legs. These bands not only help researchers determine the bird’s age and range but can also identify a mating pair.
For this getaway, I made my way up to Algonquin Provincial Park in hopes of seeing some of the many winter finches that call the park home from late fall to early spring. My first stop upon entering the park was at the West Gate to purchase an annual day-use permit. I highly recommend this to anyone who uses any of Ontario’s provincial parks regularly as this is by far the most economical option. For $111.87 (including HST), this pass allows the holder unlimited day-use access to any provincial park in Ontario. For comparison, a daily vehicle permit allowing only one day of admission costs $21.00 (including HST) so if you are planning 6 or more trips to a provincial park over the year, get the annual pass. Again, this pass is valid at any provincial park and I get my money’s worth not only at Algonquin but also at Komoka Provincial Park, Rondeau, and the Pinery.
Black-capped Chickadees were abundant in many areas of the park.
After obtaining my pass, I continued west along highway 60 to the Spruce Bog Trail. This easy, 1.5 km loop is one of my favourites in the park as not only is the scenery breathtaking, there is always an abundance of birds and wildlife no matter the time of year. Stepping out of the car, I donned my Cotton Carrier and attached my Canon 7D and Sigma 150-600mm lens while slinging my binoculars over my shoulder.
An older couple in the parking lot was looking high up in the spruce trees and seemed quite excited about what they had just seen. I walked over and asked what they saw and the woman told me a Boreal Chickadee. Having never seen this bird, I too began scanning the treetops with my binoculars, and mixed in with the dozens of Black-capped Chickadees I saw the distinct brown cap and cinnamon flanks of the Boreal Chickadee. I watched as the bird flitted from tree to tree and had some great views of this lifer but the bird never did drop low enough or present an opportunity for a photo. Excited and satisfied by this observation, I made my way to the trailhead.
Red-breasted Nuthatch photographed along the Spruce Bog Trail.
It was evident the Spruce Bog Trail had been well traveled in recent days as the snow was hard packed which made for easy walking. The sound of Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches filled the tree tops. As I made my way out of the forest and onto the snow-covered boardwalk two larger birds passed by overhead. I could tell by their shape they were jays but was unsure if they were Blue or Canada Jays. Scanning the tops of the spruce trees I was able to positively identify these birds as Canada Jays.
The Canada Jay was recently named by Canadian Geographic as our national bird and was formerly known as the Gray Jay. Many also refer to them as the Whisky Jack which comes from Wiskedjak, Wisagatcak, and Wisekejack, taken from Indigenous languages which means a mischievous, transforming spirit who likes to play tricks on people. Regardless of what you call them these birds are absolutely beautiful and a treat to observe.
By this time, I had already fired off dozens of photos and was impressed with this new lens. Autofocus was fast and accurate and from what I could see on the LCD screen on the back of my camera the lens was also very sharp. Equally impressive was how well this lens performed shooting wide open at f/6.3 in low-light conditions in the dense forest. Expect a full review of this lens to come in a future blog post.
After finishing up at Spruce Bog which ended up taking several hours as there was lots of pausing for photos, I made my way over to the Visitor Centre. Here, several feeders are set up, and this is where sightings of Evening and Pine Grosbeaks had been reported. Arriving in the early afternoon, activity around the feeders consisted of chickadees, nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers. Unfortunately, there were no grosbeaks or finches around, and talking to other birders, late morning was apparently the best time to observe these species at this location. Armed with this information I decided to make my way to Opeongo Road and return the following day to the Visitor Centre in hopes of seeing the grosbeaks.
Even with slower shutter speeds and a wide open aperture, I was very impressed with the sharpness of the Sigma 150-600mm. Canada Jay 1/160 f/6.3 ISO 1250.
Driving along Opeongo Road I could see an otter out on Costello Lake. I watched as it would run two steps then slide along the ice on its belly. This was quite comical and entertaining to see and I watched for several minutes as the otter zig-zagged its way across the ice. Too far for a photo, I was happy to enjoy the experience through my binoculars.
Further down Opeongo Road closer views of otters were achieved as they poked their heads up through holes in the ice on Costello Creek. Seeing this reminded me of the game whack-a-mole. Observing otters is always fun as their behaviour is truly unique and so playful, unlike any other species I’ve observed. One otter made repeated dives through a hole in the ice and emerged with what I think was a clam. After finishing its meal the otter proceeded to rub its face along the ice presumably to clean its fur. Just more of the comical and unique behaviour of this amazing species.
Properly exposing the whites is always important especially in the snow to avoid images that appear gray. I overexposed this image by one full stop to preserve the white snow.
Carrying on down Opeongo Road I parked just off to the side of the seasonal gate and took a look around. More Black-capped Chickadees were present and so too were more Canada Jays. Not long after arriving, movement on the forest floor caught my attention. As I looked through the maze of branches I saw a Pine Marten. This was very exciting for me as I had never seen this species and was one I was hoping to encounter on this trip. This particular marten was incredibly photogenic and provided me the opportunity to capture several images.
This curious raven was obviously accustomed to handouts by park visitors as it landed next to my car seconds after pulling into a parking lot.
For this trip, I didn’t camp in my hot tent as I wanted to focus my time on the high percentage areas along highway 60 and not setting up and breaking camp or hiking in and out of the backcountry each day. Rather I decided to book an area motel and was very pleased with this decision. On day two after eating breakfast and having my morning coffee in a warm room, I made my way to the Visitor Centre in search of grosbeaks.
Driving down highway 60 the hoar frost in the trees was absolutely stunning. In retrospect, I wished I stopped to take some landscape images but I was too excited to get to the feeders in hopes of seeing the grosbeaks as I much prefer wildlife photography over landscapes.
Pine Marten in a pine tree.
Arriving at the Visitor Centre at 10:00 a.m. I could hear Evening Grosbeaks calling from down in the valley along Sunday Creek but none were visible. I ended up waiting over an hour for the grosbeaks to appear. Sitting still is not easy for me and is something I struggle to do. I often get questions from people asking me how long I had to wait to get a certain photo. The truth is I rarely wait more than a few minutes for a photo. If it isn’t happening I’m on the move to find something that is. Fortunately, two Pine Martens were present which gave me ample photo opportunities and took the pain out of the long wait.
Male Evening Grosbeak photographed at the Visitor Centre.
Sure enough, as others the previous day had suggested, by late morning Evening Grosbeaks emerged from the valley and appeared in the trees adjacent to the feeders. The morning sun was hitting them beautifully showing off their radiant yellow plumage and white wing patches. The feeders were filled with black-oil sunflower seeds and enjoyed by a variety of birds.
Canada Jay photographed with my new Sigma 150-600 mm lens. I’m looking forward to taking many more images with this lens.
Surrounding myself in nature on this getaway was the perfect way to reset after what has been an arduous few months of dealing with, well life. I can’t emphasize enough the mental and physical benefits of time in nature. I feel completely refreshed and can focus better on work and other tasks that need completing. This trip also inspired me to pick up my camera more and get back to what I love. If you find yourself needing to reset or recharge, I highly recommend spending time in nature. Whether it’s a few days in Algonquin Park or a few minutes or hours in your backyard or local park, the rewards of immersing yourself in nature are immeasurable.
Good birding,
Paul
* Please note this post contains Amazon affiliate links. You can help support my website by using the above links when you purchase products on Amazon (they send me a few bucks when you do at no additional cost to you). I only provide links to products I have purchased and am satisfied with based on my own experience. Thanks for your support!*
American Robins are one of my favourite subjects to find and photograph during the winter months. Having warm, dry feet makes this activity much more enjoyable.
Boots are one of the most important pieces of gear I use for birding in any season. Having dry, comfortable feet is a key element to an enjoyable outing, and having the right boots is imperative. Cold, wet feet will ruin a day of birding in a hurry so investing in a good pair of boots is as essential as good binoculars.
A light snowfall made for a beautiful setting to photograph these Mourning Doves.
Over the years I have tried several different boots with moderate degrees of satisfaction. My biggest issue with most boots I’ve tried isn’t that they weren’t warm or waterproof it was that they weren’t durable. Years ago, I found a pair of boots I loved. They were lightweight, warm, and waterproof; however, I never got more than a season out of them. When birding I walk a lot so I go through footwear faster than the average person, but even with this in mind, I was unhappy with their durability. This had me back to the drawing board and searching for new boots for my winter birding.
American Black Ducks are more abundant in the London area during the winter months.
The boots I wear now for my winter birding are theRocky Blizzard Stalker. These boots maintain breathability by allowing air to circulate in yet are still 100% waterproof. With 1200 g of Thinsulate insulation they are the warmest boots I’ve ever owned. The aggressive tread provides excellent traction and at 9″ tall they are great in deep snow.
I’m going into my 7th winter with the same pair and other than replacing the laces they are still in great shape, even the treads don’t look worn. These are by far the warmest, dryest winter boots I’ve ever owned and comfortable to walk in. I won’t argue, they are pricey but considering I’ve never complained of cold or wet feet since buying them and factor in how long I’ve had them on a cost per year basis, I consider them a bargain.
The American Tree Sparrow is one of my favourite sparrows and is only found in Southwestern Ontario during late fall and winter.
If you are considering the Rocky Blizzard Stalker there are a few things to keep in mind. They are a bit big and clunky but I wouldn’t say any more than boots of a similar style. Also, some may find them a bit heavy. I personally do not and have no problems walking all day in them. These boots in a size 10 are listed at 5.5 pounds for the pair which equates to 2.75 pounds per boot. Another thing I’ve noticed with these boots is they seem to run a bit large in terms of sizing. I wear a 9.5 shoe or boot and have since public school. Not available in half sizes I went with a 9 and they are a tad big. Given they have 1200 g of Thinsulate insulation I don’t wear a heavy sock with them and likely could have gone with a size 8 to achieve an exact fit.
In my opinion, a snowy scene is the best for photographing Northern Cardinals.
Winter is one of my favourite times to get out birding. With so many species only present in our area during the winter months, venturing out in the cold is a must to observe these species.
Often during the coldest winters is when rare birds are present as was the case back in 2014 and 2015. These winters were so cold ice coverage on the Great Lakes approached 100%. As a result, large numbers of diving ducks were forced inland to the open water of the Thames River. Here in London, we saw White-winged Scoters, Harlequin Ducks, and even Red-throated Loons, a species not reported in winter in Middlesex county since 1898. During these frigid winters, birders flocked to the river to see these rarities and I was sure glad I had my Rocky Blizzard Stalkers keeping my feet warm. I could spend all day out there in -20 to -30 degree wind chills photographing these birds that I may never again see in my lifetime.
Getting out when it’s snowing often provides some of the best scenes for capturing images of birds.
Keeping my hands and feet warm used to be a challenge for me. Thanks to Rocky Blizzard Stalker boots my feet stay warm and dry. You can find out which gloves I wear to keep my hands warm in my post The Best Gloves For Winter Birding And Photography.
Redpolls only visit our area during the winter months and not every year. Currently, we are experiencing an irruption of finches in Southwestern Ontario. If you want to see these birds in our area bundling up and heading out in the cold is a must.
In the past, I was never a person who loved winter and think the reason for this was I was never warm enough. Now, with the right clothing, I embrace winter and look forward to it and the birds it brings to our area.
If you’ve struggled in previous years to keep your feet warm and dry, I highly recommend you check out the Rocky Blizzard Stalker boots, I’m certainly glad I gave them a try.
Good birding,
Paul
* Please note this post contains Amazon affiliate links. You can help support my website by using the above links when you purchase products on Amazon (they send me a few bucks when you do at no additional cost to you). I only provide links to products I have purchased and am satisfied with based on my own experience. Thanks for your support!*
Snowy Owls are one of the many birds that can be found overwintering in our area.
With March now here and spring on the horizon, many of the birds that overwinter in our area will soon be heading north to their breeding grounds.
In a recent postReturning To Greenway Park After A Lengthy Hiatus From Photography, I mentioned easing myself back into things while dealing with a recurring and nagging back issue that saw me take a break from photography while on the mend. I am happy to report things continue to improve and I am getting out with my camera more frequently, albeit for shorter durations and distances. Over the past couple of weeks, I took advantage of the cold weather and remaining days of winter to search for some overwintering birds before they vacate the area.
The rusty cap, yellow lower bill, and dark chest spot are key field marks of the American Tree Sparrow.
I started my search atFanshawe Conservation Areawhere several sightings of an Evening Grosbeak have been reported on eBird. According to the observations of others, this bird has been frequenting the start of the Tamarack Trail right next to the parking lot. Admission to this conservation area is free during the winter months and well worth a visit.
Dark-eyed Junco
Arriving at my destination, I immediately noticed an abundance of birds feeding on black-oil sunflower seeds someone had spread at the start of the trail. I watched for a few minutes and counted a few overwintering species including Dark-eyed Juncos and American Tree Sparrows. A few more minutes passed when suddenly appearing in one of the lower branches of a large spruce tree was the Evening Grosbeak. The bird quickly dropped to the ground and began feeding among the other birds.
Sadly, the Evening Grosbeak was added to Ontario’s Species at Risk list late last year.
Evening Grosbeaks are infrequent visitors to our area during the winter months and are not present every year. It is only during years when coniferous and deciduous seed production to our north is poor that these birds venture this far south in search of food. In fact, I had not seen an Evening Grosbeak in our area since I was a child. On August 1, 2018, the Evening Grosbeak was added to Ontario’s Species at Risk list due to their declining numbers. With this in mind, I was very pleased to see and photograph this bird.
Male Redhead preparing to set his wings after preening.
Next, I visited Springbank Park in the city’s west end. An abundance of birds and paths that are plowed daily by park staff make this one of my favourite winter birding hot spots. Each year during the winter months, the small pond adjacent to Storybook Gardens provides great looks of some interesting waterfowl, for those who sort through the hundreds of Mallards to find something different. This winter alone, striking views of a Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Pintails have been had from this small pond.
On my visit, I enjoyed watching a male Redhead make repeated dives as it fed on submerged vegetation.
Common Redpoll letting out a soft call from alongside the Thames River.
As I admired this beautiful duck, I could hear the calls of Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins. In this area, alder trees grow along the bank of the Thames River and the seed pods found on their branches are a favourite food of these finches during the winter months. Hoping this was where the calls were coming from, I turned around and approached the bank.
When not feeding on alder seeds, the large cedars provided excellent shelter for the group of Common Redpolls.
To my delight, I found several redpolls and siskins feeding at eye level within the branches of the alders. Getting a clear shot through the maze of limbs from the various trees lining the bank proved to be a challenge, but I was able to find a few openings where unobstructed views were achieved.
This was one of four Snowy Owls observed in a small area west of the city. Each year, these large owls can be found overwintering at this location.
Finally, my last destination took me just outside the city in search of Snowy Owls. A well-known annual overwintering area for these owls is only a 30-minute drive away. I don’t always make a point of finding and photographing these birds each winter, but on this day I was meeting my good friends from Swift Care Ontario in Komoka for coffee and decided to head out a bit early as the area supporting these owls is only 10 minutes further down the road. As I drove along the two lane highway heading west I could see a large white object sitting on a hydro pole. I pulled off to the side of the road and snapped a couple of pictures of this beautiful Snowy Owl as it perched motionless in the morning light. Continuing west along the same road I came across another Snowy Owl and then another. Great views were had from my car as I slowly and safely pulled over onto the shoulder at each owl. Turning north onto one of the county roads I quickly came across a fourth Snowy Owl.
As I drove around in search of Snowy Owls, I couldn’t resist stopping to photograph the hoarfrost on this tree.
I photographed all four of these Snowy Owls from my vehicle, as I always do so as not to stress or disturb the bird. While the images captured were not overly exciting or scenic, I never get out of my vehicle and approach these birds. I live by the adage if my behaviour changes their behavior than I am too close and never flush birds from a perch in hopes of capturing a flight shot. I left these owls exactly how I found them, perched calm and comfortably for others who pass by to enjoy.
Evening Grosbeak feeding on the ground with Dark-eyed Juncos.
With the first day of spring now only two weeks away, time is running out to observe these overwintering species in our area. These birds will soon be heading north to their breeding grounds not returning to Southwestern Ontario until late fall or winter. If you wish to see any of these birds in the near future and you have the chance, I recommend visiting one of the aforementioned locations sooner than later.
Belted Kingfisher photographed against a background of falling snow.
As our seasons change, we experience a variety of beautiful conditions for photographing birds. From budding trees in the spring to vibrant leaves in the fall, beautiful backdrops seem almost endless. For me, my favourite backdrop for photographing birds is snow, and I always eagerly await the first significant snowfall of the season. After three snow squall warnings for my area back in November that didn’t materialize, I was happy to see over twelve inches of fresh snow fall last week, presenting the exact setting I had been waiting so patiently for.
Black-capped Chickadees at the local park are quite tame and will even accept food from your hand. These small songbirds are perfect subjects if you are shooting with a shorter lens.
With a fresh layer of snow already covering the ground and more flurries in the forecast, I grabbed my camera and headed to one of my favourite winter birding locations, Springbank Park in west London. This popular park boasts a variety of habitat including deciduous and coniferous trees providing the birds with plenty of food and shelter. The Thames River flowing through the park provides a dependable water source throughout the year as the river’s moving water prevents a complete freeze up even during the coldest weather. With the three necessitates of life: food, water, and shelter provided, Springbank Park is home to an abundance of birds. Songbirds, birds of prey, and waterfowl are all readily observed within the park’s boundaries.
Using the weather to my advantage allows me to observe more birds when I am out birding. Wind can make the location of Northern Cardinals and other songbirds extremely predictable.
When birding during harsh winter conditions, I like to put the odds in my favour by paying attention to the weather. Finding areas out of the wind with a food source greatly improves my success. During periods of high wind and snow, birds will seek shelter from the elements but must also feed regularly in order to keep warm. On this day, I searched for birds using a tree line and the near riverbank as a wind break. Songbirds were observed feeding on a variety of fruits and seeds including sumac, birch, alder, various evergreens, and goldenrod.
This Song Sparrow was one of the many birds I found feeding on the seeds of goldenrod and other native wildflowers.
After locating an abundance of birds in this food rich, protected area, it was just a matter of fine tuning my camera settings to achieve the proper exposure based on available light and snow cover. I always take a few test shots of the scene I am shooting even if there are no birds present. Doing so and checking my camera’s histogram ensures I have the correct exposure. This way when a shot does present itself I am ready. All I have to do is obtain focus (I always focus on the bird’s eye, because when the eye is sharp the image is sharp) and press the shutter. Taking these test shots and adjusting my settings before photographing the birds has been one of the biggest things I have done to improve my photography and consistently get better images. Before this, my images were almost always over or underexposed and by the time I adjusted my settings the bird was gone.
Blue Jays and other songbirds were located in protected areas during last week’s high winds and snowy conditions.
Given the conditions, I needed to overexpose my images to compensate for the white snow in most of the scenes I was shooting. If you find that your winter images appear too grey or underexposed it is because all cameras, regardless of price point, are made to believe a properly exposed image is mid-grey. Consequently your camera will automatically underexpose images not recognizing that snow is supposed to be white. Therefore, adjusting your camera’s settings so that the snow appears white is paramount.
Mourning Doves were among the 27 species I observed while birding at Springbank Park during last week’s snow squalls.
Adjusting for snowy conditions to achieve the proper exposure is easier than you may think. I like to work in aperture priority mode as this allows me to fine-tune my settings quickly and adjust on the fly as the light conditions change. Once in aperture priority mode, I can over or underexpose my images by simply turning the large wheel on the back of my Canon 7D. Each click of the wheel changes my exposure by 1/3 of a stop of light. Rotating the wheel clockwise will overexpose or brighten my exposure while rotating the wheel counter clockwise will underexpose or darken my exposure. This is known as exposure compensation and is something every photographer should learn in order to achieve proper exposure in a variety of situations regardless of your subject. If your camera does not have a wheel on the back, most cameras whether a Canon, Nikon, or other brand will allow you to adjust the exposure compensation by holding down the AV +/- button (usually located on the back or top of the camera) while turning the camera’s dial simultaneously. How and when to use exposure compensation is one of the many aspects of nature photography I teach during my Nature Photography Workshops.
In my opinion, Brown Creepers are one of the best camouflaged birds found in our area. The patterning on their backs blends in perfectly with most tree bark.
In snowy conditions, overexposing by 1-1/3 to 2 stops of light (4 to 6 clicks of the dial clockwise) is often required to achieve proper exposure. This will ensure that the snow appears white and not grey in your final images. One question I always get asked is “can’t I just fix this later in Photoshop?” My answer to that question is this. You can change your exposure later in Photoshop; however, “fix” is not necessarily the correct word to use. Anytime you increase your exposure in Photoshop or any other post processing program you will increase the amount of noise in the image, drastically negating image quality. Getting the exposure correct in camera is one of the easiest ways to quickly improve your overall image quality.
Carolina Wrens can be a challenging bird to photograph due to their tendency to inhabit thick cover. I was happy to see this one emerge briefly providing me with an unobstructed view.
With my camera settings dialed in to achieve a fast shutter speed and proper exposure, I was ready to photograph the plethora of birds within the sheltered, food abundant area in which they were associating. By using the weather to my advantage and choosing the correct camera settings, I managed to locate 27 species and capture sharp, properly exposed images of almost all of them.
Northern Cardinals are one of my favourite birds to photograph in the snow.
Next time you are out searching for birds in winter remember to use the wind and weather to your advantage. Successful birding has far more to do with formulating a plan based on conditions than it does with luck. When photographing birds, focus on the bird’s eye for sharper images and learn how to use exposure compensation to achieve proper exposure based on light conditions. If you are not getting the results you are hoping for from your camera and lens, consider joining me at one of my upcoming Nature Photography Workshops. During these two hour workshops I will show you everything you need to know to greatly improve your overall images. Group size is limited during these workshops for individual attention, and a few spaces still remain for early in the new year. Why not make it your resolution to become better with your camera and get the results you are hoping for?
This Snowy Owl was observed perched high above a county road while birding from my car.
In my last blog post The Best Gloves For Winter Birding and Photography, I shared which gloves I wear to keep my hands warm while birding during cooler weather. If despite being properly dressed you still don’t enjoy getting outdoors for winter birding there is another option. Birding from the comfort of a warm car can be incredibly rewarding.
Horned Larks are regularly observed feeding in open fields and on spilled grain along area roads and highways.
With the vast majority of county rounds surrounded by open farmland and woodlots, expect to find birds specific to these types of habitats when birding by car. Birds of prey, Wild Turkeys, and songbirds including Horned Larks and Snow Buntings are all readily observed when birding by car.
Rough-legged Hawks breed across the arctic tundra, but return to Southwestern Ontario each year to spend the winter months.
When birding by car, it is generally the larger birds that I search for, those that are more easily observed from a distance. Birds of prey can be easily located and viewed from a vehicle simply by driving down area roads. During the winter months, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Rough-legged Hawks, and Snowy Owls are all readily observed along county roads and highways throughout Southwestern Ontario, Whether perched on a wire, in a large tree adjacent to a farmer’s field, or sitting on the ground, these birds are easily found.
Red-tailed Hawks are regularly observed while birding by car. Look for these raptors perched along forest edges adjacent to open fields.
While many of these birds can be found just about anywhere based on the abundance of suitable habitat throughout the area, there are a few resources available to improve your success. The Middlesex/Elgin/Oxford Observation Group is great for keeping up to date with recent sightings from within these three counties. Another great option for following recent observations is the eBird Species Map. Simply type in the species you wish to observe and the area in which you intend to look, and all reported sightings will appear on the map. You can narrow your search further by choosing a custom date range. Having a quick look at these websites before heading out will greatly increase your success.
Travelling area back roads in the comfort of a warm car often reveals an abundance Red-tailed Hawks.
There are a couple of things to be mindful of when birding by car. First and foremost, be safe. Pay attention to other vehicles including snowplows sharing the roads with you. I constantly check my mirrors for faster moving vehicles approaching from behind, and if safe to do so, pull over to let them pass. Choosing some of the less traveled roads is a great way to avoid traffic and increase your safety. Be aware of the weather and road conditions and drive accordingly. When pulling over to let other cars pass, make sure there is room for your vehicle and not a deep ditch waiting to engulf your car. Snow covered shoulders can be deceiving and having to call a tow truck will result in a long wait and an expensive bill.
Eastern Coyotes and other mammals are often bonus finds when birding by car.
Another thing to keep in mind is to be respectful. This applies to both landowners and the birds. Most of the land surrounding these roads and highways is privately owned, so observe the birds from the shoulder only without wandering across lawns and fields. In the case of Snowy Owls, these birds have traveled hundreds if not thousands of kilometers from their breeding grounds in search of food. In many cases owls are exhausted, hungry, and already stressed. Chasing them from their perch only adds to that stress. If you cannot get close enough for a decent view or photograph remember the area and return another day.
Despite a large number of Snowy Owl sightings around the Great Lakes already this season, it is important to remember this species is now listed as vulnerable suffering a 64% population decline since 1970. Giving these birds space and not causing them added stress is of utmost importance.
Snowy Owls will remain in an area all winter if not repeatedly disturbed and often return to the same area each winter. With a little patience and multiple visits to the same area, great views and images will be obtained without stressing the birds. I have said this before in previous blog posts, but will say it again, stay in your car. Snowy Owls are far less likely to flush from their perch if you observe and photograph them from within your vehicle. Approaching on foot for a closer look will only cause the bird to fly resulting in lost views and unnecessary stress.
The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon. These birds can be easily found perched on wires throughout our area.
If heading outdoors in the cold and snow is not your cup of tea, but you would still like your fill of birding this winter, give birding by car a try. Southwestern Ontario’s back roads are surrounded by an abundance of ideal habitat to attract and sustain a variety of birds and wildlife. Grab your camera, binoculars, a warm drink, and hit the road. Remember to be safe while driving during winter conditions and to respect the birds. If you have never tried birding by car, give this method a try. I think you will find it incredibly gratifying and you may just record a new species or two along the way.
Time is running out to observe overwintering species such as Snowy Owls in our area.
As the days become longer and spring approaches, many of the birds that have been overwintering across our region will begin their migration north. There are currently great opportunities in and around the city to view some incredible species, but with every passing day the window of opportunity narrows. The frigid temperatures are partially responsible for the incredible winter birding we have experienced this winter; not knowing what next winter will bring it is best to act now if there are certain birds you still wish to see.
For the second year in a row, Snowy Owls irrupted throughout Southwestern Ontario including many sightings around London, Ontario. Recent sightings from south of the city in the Manning Drive and Wellington Road area, as well as the Old Victoria Road and Wilton Grove Road area have been reported. This past week I decided to check the area Northwest of Strathroy, a popular wintering area for these Owls, and located two.
If you still need a Snowy Owl for your year or life list, and you are not planning a trip to the Arctic, than I suggest heading out in the next couple of weeks as these birds will be migrating north very soon. Rough-legged Hawks are another raptor to keep an eye out for while driving the back roads. Breeding in the Arctic Tundra and taiga these large birds of prey are only seen in Southwestern Ontario during winter months.
Although a year round resident in our area, the Horned Lark is more easily observed against a snow covered background.
While searching for Snowy Owls be sure to keep an eye out for Snow Buntings. These predominantly white birds can be observed at the side of roads and in the fields adjacent to them. Snow Buntings return to their Arctic breeding grounds in early April leaving little time to see them across Southwestern Ontario. Flocks of Horned Larks can also be observed in the same areas as Snow Buntings; these ground birds can be found year round across our area, but are much easier to locate during winter months when the ground is covered in snow.
Common Redpolls are among the many species that will soon be leaving our area.
Small songbirds including finches like the Common Redpoll and Pine Siskin will soon migrate north. These birds can be seen at backyard feeders feeding on sunflower and nyjer seeds. If your feeders are not being visited by either of these species, I am still observing good numbers of these birds along the banks of the Thames River feeding on Alder catkins. Many overwintering sparrow species including: White-throated, White-crowned, American Tree, and the Dark-eyed Junco will soon be absent from the region as spring approaches.
Rare birds such as the Harlequin Duck overwintering on the Thames River potentially offer once in a lifetime views.
Those of you that subscribe to my blog, or follow me on Facebook and Twitter already know what an incredible winter it has been for waterfowl on the Thames River in London, Ontario. With 20 species of waterfowl reported, the banks of the Thames has been popular with birders this winter. Many birders have been walking the banks in search of the Harlequin Duck. This rare duck is only the second ever recorded in Middlesex County, with the last reported in 1968. If you have not yet experienced the beauty of a Harlequin Duck, than I recommend heading down to the river as soon as you can. The eastern population of this duck breeds across Northern Quebec, Labrador, or Southern Baffin Island and is yet another species that will soon be gone.
It is not just the Harlequin Duck that will disappear from the Thames River. Some of the 20 species of waterfowl that will be leaving our area in the near future include: Common Goldeneyes, Greater Scaup, Canvasbacks, and White-winged Scoters.
Common Goldeneyes and other diving ducks will soon be leaving the Thames River to return to their breeding grounds to our north.
If there is a species that you are wishing to see this winter, but are not sure where to locate them than consult the eBird species map. This map is a great tool for birders to locate any species around the world, and is easy to use. Simply enter the species you wish to locate, and the location in which you would like to observe it. To narrow your search, select the current year. The map will then display all reported sightings of that particular species. You can then zoom in to see the exact location of all reported sightings nearest you.
Irruptions do not typically happen every year. Take advantage of the few remaining weeks of winter to locate and observe some of the wonderful birds that are overwintering in our area.
One key factor that triggers bird migration is the amount of daylight. As the days get longer, overwintering birds will start making their way north to their breeding grounds. Many of these species will likely be leaving within the next couple of weeks. Our clocks go forward this weekend giving us an extra hour of daylight in the evenings to head out birding in search of some of these overwintering species. When it comes to Snowy Owls or the Harlequin Duck, take advantage of daylight savings and make a point to get out and observe these birds. There is no guarantee that these birds will return to our area next winter and present such incredible views.
Common Goldeneyes are one of the many species of waterfowl currently overwintering on the Thames River
February departs as the coldest one on record for London, Ontario, but with cold temperatures came great birding opportunities. Once again this winter the volume and variety of waterfowl on the Thames River has been simply spectacular.
This past week I personally observed sixteen species of waterfowl on the river between Springbank and Greenway Parks. The regular overwintering species are all present as well as increasing numbers of the less common visitors. Redheads, Canvasbacks, Long-tailed Ducks, and Red-breasted Mergansers can now be readily observed at various locations on this stretch of river. Among the new arrivals to the river this week were four White-winged Scoters at Greenway Park.
Male Canvasback shaking the water off after resurfacing from a dive.
A complete list of the waterfowl observed this past week on the Thames River is as follows:
American Black Duck
Buffleheads are one of the smallest species of waterfowl overwintering on the Thames River.
Bufflehead
Canada Goose
Canvasback
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Greater Scaup
Harlequin Duck
Hooded Merganser
Horned Grebe
Long-tailed Duck
Mallard
Red-breasted Merganser
Redhead
Red-necked Grebe
White-winged Scoter
I watched this Red-breasted Merganser for several minutes as it struggled to swallow a small catfish.
The rare Harlequin Duck that was first reported on February 10 is still present at Springbank Park. According to local records, this is only the second ever Harlequin Duck recorded in Middlesex County with the last sighting in 1968. This really is a rare opportunity to observe one of these ducks close to home. If you haven’t located this bird yet, my last post Harlequin Duck Continues To Elude Some Area Birders offers suggestions on how to go about locating the Harlequin Duck.
Large, mixed flocks of Herring and Ring-billed Gulls were observed on the ice at Greenway Park. Present in this large flock were two Great Black-backed Gulls. Great Black-backed Gulls are the largest gull in the world and are easily identified by their black backs and white underparts. These Gulls are typically found to our northeast, with their year round range extending from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Coast. Overwintering Great Black-backed Gulls can often be found along the Lake Erie shoreline; like so many other species this winter they have moved inland due to the increased ice coverage on the Great Lakes in search of food.
From its perch in a Spruce tree, this Red-tailed Hawk patiently waits for prey to appear below.
Raptor activity along the river has been impressive too. Red-tailed Hawks are readily observed soaring high above, as well as lower down perched in trees. Several mammals including Eastern Grey Squirrels have a hard time moving about in deep snow. As a result, many Squirrels are spending a considerable amount of time in and around evergreen trees where the thick branches have prevented snow from reaching the ground. It is here where these mammals forage on the fallen seeds from various cones, as well as peanuts left by park goers.
Red-tailed Hawks are using this as a perfect feeding opportunity. I recently observed these raptors perched 10-15 feet off the ground in the dense cover of the spruce trees. When an unsuspecting squirrel ventured out from under the tree, the Red-tailed Hawk made a short drop onto its prey. These birds appear to be having a much better success rate with this approach than if they were to dive from high above. As a birder and photographer I do not bait birds of prey, and am not leaving peanuts under the trees for the squirrels in an effort to bait the hawks. Other raptors readily observed are Bald Eagles, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
The patchy white feathers on this American Robin indicate it is leucistic.
A large flock of American Robins were located in the west end of Springbank Park next to the dam. These birds could be observed feeding on the berries from the invasive Common Buckthorn tree. Contrary to what many believe, robins are not a sign of spring as Southwestern Ontario falls well within their year round range. Robins are simply less visible during winter months as there diet switches to fruit and berries, and these birds move around frequently in search of food. In years when fruit is less abundant, robins may migrate south. One of the robins in the flock observed was of interest as the white patches on its plumage indicated it was leucistic. Leucism is the loss of pigment which results in these white patches. It differs from albinism in that it is a reduction of multiple pigments not just melanin, and the eye colour is not effected.
This past week saw an increase in the number of Redheads on the Thames River. These diving ducks feed on aquatic vegetation.
My birding adventures as of late have been limited to Springbank and Greenway Parks. With such a wide variety of birds and the plowed and well packed trails, I have seen little reason to bird anywhere else within the city. As temperatures warm and the snow melts, I look forward to exploring more of my favourite locations and reporting my findings from them.
The time left to view many of these incredible waterfowl species, including the rare Harlequin Duck, so close to home will fade as temperatures increase and spring approaches. Don’t leave it too late or you could miss a once in a lifetime opportunity. Layer up, grab your binoculars or scopes and head down to the Thames River. There is no such thing as a bad day birding along the river. I am quite certain that you too will be impressed with the variety and quantity of waterfowl present on the Thames.
I was able to photograph the Harlequin Duck in flight as he followed a flock of Common Goldeneyes downriver.
Since speaking with Wei Chen this past Monday on CBC’s Ontario Morning about the rare Harlequin Duck overwintering on the Thames River, I have received several emails from fellow birders looking for assistance in locating this bird. Let me start by saying that locating this bird is not as easy as many think. I have been fortunate to locate the male Harlequin Duck most days, but it has required quite a bit of leg work.
If you still need this bird for your life list and are hoping to find it at Springbank Park in London, Ontario I would like to offer a few suggestions based on my experiences. Begin your search at Storybook Gardens and walk the section of river between Springbank Dam and the old pump house. I personally have had the best luck locating the Harlequin Duck early to mid afternoon. Most days I chose the afternoon only because I wanted to wait for the temperatures to warm up, making walking more comfortable. On the few occasions I set out in the morning I was unsuccessful locating the Harlequin.
The fast moving water west of the pump house is a favourite spot of the male Harlequin Duck. There is a lot of tree cover on the bank and this duck is often tight to it. A methodical search in this area is often rewarding.
Be sure to look very close to the near bank as the Harlequin is quite comfortable close to shore in areas where there is thick tree cover. The section of Thames River between the parking lot at Storybook Gardens and the old pump house has a lot of tree cover on the near bank, so take your time and look as closely to the bank as you can. I have had a lot of success locating the Harlequin in the fast moving water west of the pump house, only a few feet from the bank. In open areas, the Harlequin Duck is more likely to find security mixed in with the other waterfowl on the far side of the river. It is here where scanning with binoculars can reveal its location. I personally have not seen the Harlequin Duck upstream from the pump house, so once you reach this point I recommend turning around and heading back downstream.
Further west towards the dam I have repeatedly located the Harlequin Duck in tight to shore, where the the lower road curves and carries on to the dam. If you are not familiar with this location, to the south there is a building up on the hill with washrooms and another parking lot directly behind that. The tree cover on the bank here is especially thick, but a favourite location of the Harlequin Duck. This is the most westerly location in which I have seen the Harlequin; I have yet to see it as far downstream as the dam.
On cloudy days the Harlequin Duck’s plumage camouflages well against the dark water. Here the male Harlequin slips past some Mallards and Canada Geese.
The Harlequin Duck has been associating with a small flock of Common Goldeneyes. Scanning these small flocks will often reveal the Harlequin. Pay attention to flying Goldeneyes too. The wing beats of the Common Goldeneye can be heard when taking off. Learn to recognize this sound and immediately look in the direction when you hear it. On several occasions I’ve observed the Harlequin Duck as the trailing bird in a group of Goldeneyes as they move up or down river.
Despite the Harlequin Duck’s colourful plumage, it appears quite dark from a distance. On cloudy days the dark, shadowed water provides excellent camouflage; looking for its white markings is critical. On sunny days, the slate blue feathers blend in with the bright blue water, making sightings challenging under these conditions as well. Again, the white markings on the head and back are what best gives away the Harlequin Duck’s location.
The Harlequin is often seen associating with a group of Common Goldeneyes.
Locating the Harlequin Duck typically takes a fair bit of legwork. You may be one of the lucky ones who gets out of your car and there it is, but be prepared to spend a few hours searching. On days when more birders are searching for the Harlequin there are many people scanning the river and sharing their sightings, but the increase in foot traffic makes the Harlequin more wary. It is on these days I have found searching as close to shore as possible the most successful.
It looks like we are in for plenty of sunshine on Saturday, so I imagine Springbank Park will be quite busy again with birders hoping to add the endangered Harlequin Duck to their life lists. If you are one of them, keep these suggestions in mind while you search and I think your chances of success will be much greater.
Male Common Redpoll perched on a cluster of alder catkins.
The Common Redpoll is a small finch that breeds throughout the boreal forest and Arctic tundra to our north, but can be found across our area during winter months. Similar in size to an American Goldfinch, these birds are identified by their red foreheads and the black feathers surrounding their small yellow bills. Males are distinguished from females by the rosy feathers that extend down their necks to their breasts. Similar species include the House Finch and Pine Siskin, however the small but distinct red forehead quickly identifies them from other finches.
Key field marks help distinguish the Common Redpoll from other finches. Note the red forehead, yellow bill, and the black feathers that surround it. The lack of rosy feathers on the neck and breast indicate this Common Redpoll is a female.
Common Redpolls are a highly irruptive species whose southward migration is driven chiefly by food. Common Redpolls are regularly found in pine, spruce, birch and alder trees where they feed on the seeds found in the cones or catkins by removing them with their tiny bills. Redpolls frequently visit backyard feeders and prefer a tube style finch feeder filled with small seeds such as nyjer or thistle. Sunflower seeds are also consumed at feeders by Common Redpolls. Hulled sunflower or sunflower chips are a great option for redpolls and other finches as these seeds are easier to consume out of the shell for these small billed birds. If you have backyard feeders, be sure to look closely at any of the finches visiting for the previously mentioned field marks to make sure you haven’t mistaken any Common Redpolls for House Finches.
Seeds are the main source of food for redpolls. Here a female Common Redpoll prepares to extract a seed from an alder catkin.
Besides offering seed that finches enjoy, planting native trees is another way to attract these birds to your yard. As mentioned earlier Common Redpolls and other finches regularly feed on the seeds found in spruce and pine cones, as well as birch and alder catkins. If you wish to attract redpolls and other finches to your yard, consider adding any of these trees to your landscape this coming spring.
Female Common Redpolls can easily be confused with Pine Siskins or House Finches. Paying close attention to the yellow bill and red forehead will ensure proper identification.
In previous winters, I have had luck finding Common Redpolls in the stands of spruce trees on the various trails at Fanshawe Conservation area. Park gates are open 8am-4pm through the week until mid April granting free access to visitors wishing to do some winter birding. Although the gates remain closed on weekends, admission to the conservation area is still free, with plenty of parking in the large lot just before Fanshawe Dam.
This past week I had success locating Common Redpolls along the banks of the Thames River within Springbank Park. One small flock was observed feeding on the catkins of a Speckled Alder adjacent to the footbridge crossing the river to Thames Valley Golf Course. The brown streaking on these birds provides excellent camouflage, and if not for their quick movements these birds would have gone unnoticed. Learning and listening for their calls is very helpful in locating these winter finches as Common Redpolls can be quite vocal.
The rosy feathers on the neck and breast of this Common Redpoll indicate it is a male. The lack of red on the rump, smaller size, and black feathers surrounding the yellow bill distinguish it from the male House Finch.
With winter not quite half over, there is still plenty of time to get out and search for these beautiful little finches. Be sure to keep your feeders full and look closely at any visiting finches to identify potential Common Redpolls. Attracting more wildlife, including birds, to your yard can be aided by planting native trees, shrubs and flowers. Winter is the perfect time to research which plants will attract various species and put together a spring planting plan. This winter, why not devise a plan to incorporate one of the native tress mentioned in this post into your landscape, and make your yard more finch friendly.
