Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario

For those of you that follow me on Facebook and Twitter, you will have seen my frequent posts about Bald Eagle sightings across the city. As mentioned previously, winter is my favourite time of year to view these majestic raptors within the city. During winter months, Bald Eagles will congregate in areas to feed and roost with the Thames River corridor providing a perfect location for both. When the breeding season arrives, Bald Eagles aggressively defend their territories from a variety of wildlife including other eagles. With multiple nest sites along the Thames River eagles can be observed year round, but winter is when the highest concentration of eagles are present.

Watermark - Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario — The solid white head and tail indicate this is a mature bird.

I try to incorporate a walk along the Thames River into my daily routine. I find that combining walking and birding has great health benefits, both physical and mental. I can count on one hand the number of days that I have not made it down to the river this calendar year, and am happy to report at least one eagle sighting from every visit. My favourite stretch of river for viewing eagles is between Sanitorium Road at the west end of Springbank Park and Wharncliffe Road at the east end of Greenway Park.

Bald Eagles can be observed flying up and down the river as well as perched in trees along the river bank. A common roosting location is in the section of tall Poplar trees across from the Greenway Pollution Control Plant. The pathways throughout Springbank and Greenway parks are plowed and salted daily when needed, leaving bare asphalt exposed which makes for easy walking.

2 - Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario — The mottled plumage shown here is indicative of a juvenile Bald Eagle in its 2nd or 3rd year.

There are various year classes of Bald Eagle present along the Thames River this winter. Adult Bald Eagles reach maturity at five years of age, and are easily identified by their solid white heads and tails. Juvenile birds can be trickier to identify as their plumage varies considerably. Many people who I have spoken with along the river often confuse the young eagles for other large raptors, such as Red-tailed Hawks.

6 - Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario — Adult Bald Eagle making its way upstream along the Thames River.

On a recent walk through Springbank Park I observed a total of six Bald Eagles. Now before you go accusing me of counting the same bird repeatedly I can explain my observations. I started out from the parking lot at Storybook Gardens heading upstream. I stopped to observe and photograph a small flock of Common Redpolls feeding on the seed cones of a Speckled Alder tree. As I looked up an adult Bald Eagle passed by overhead. I was able to quickly adjust my camera settings and capture a few images as the bird passed.

Minutes later, I observed another eagle approaching from downstream with the first eagle still visible further up river. I waited patiently for the second eagle, it too an adult, to pass hoping for more photos, but unfortunately it flew behind me. I would have been shooting directly into the sun so I did not attempt any photos, and was content to just watch the second eagle pass by. I continued to photograph the redpolls before turning around and heading downstream.

3 - Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario — The brown streaking around this Bald Eagle’s eye suggests it is a 4th year bird.

Further downstream, just east of the Springbank Dam, I saw an eagle approaching from down river. Thinking at first that one of the previous two adults birds must have circled back down river without me noticing, I raised my camera and starting taking pictures. As the bird passed by overhead, I noticed that its head wasn’t completely white. This particular eagle still had several dark markings around its eye indicating that this bird was not fully mature and likely a fourth year bird.

4444 - Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario — The streaks of brown are still evident on the head and tail of this 4th year Bald Eagle. Also note the few remaining white markings under the bird’s wings.

After completing my walk, I headed back to my truck and proceeded to pack my camera back into its bag. I looked up into the sky and saw another Bald Eagle about to pass over the parking lot. I scrambled to get my camera back out of the bag and began snapping photos. This eagle was mostly dark underneath with some white under its wings and tail, a dark iris, and dark beak indicating a first year bird. As I photographed the eagle, two more juvenile eagles came into view. There were now three juvenile eagles circling overhead. I watched as the three young eagles soared; chasing and diving at one another as if playing. All three of these birds shared the same field markings, leading me to believe they could be siblings that fledged earlier this year from one of the area nest sites.

5 - Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario — This 1st year Bald Eagle displays a mostly dark plumage with white under its wings and tail.

On previous days observing Bald Eagles on this stretch of the Thames River, I have noticed two other juvenile birds. These eagles vary from the other juvenile birds in that their plumage is more mottled, and their irises are transforming from dark to yellow. The field markings of these birds suggest they are in their 2nd or 3rd year.

4 - Perfect Time To Observe Bald Eagles In London, Ontario — 2nd or 3rd year juvenile Bald Eagle perched in a Spruce tree.

From my observations so far this winter, I think it is safe to conclude that at least eight different Bald Eagles are frequenting this section of the Thames River: two adults, two second or third year juveniles, a fourth year bird, and three first year juveniles. Sightings have been reported along other sections of the Thames River, including the south branch through the SOHO neighbourhood as well as along the north branch.

As winter wears on and the breeding season approaches, the young eagles will search for a territory of their own as the mature birds that nest in the area drive them away. Bald Eagles begin nesting early in the year; if you wait too long you will lessen your chances of seeing one of these amazing birds. Their numbers seem to be peaking right now, so if you get the chance in the near future I highly recommend a walk along the banks of the Thames River.

*Click on the images in this post to view them larger*

Good birding,
Paul

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Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather

It looks like we are in for a bitter cold week across Southwestern Ontario. High temperatures in the negative teens are forecast, and strong winds will make it feel much colder. As homeowners, there are a few things we can do to make it easier on our feathered friends during adverse weather.

IMG 8728 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Black oil sunflower seeds are a favourite of many birds, including Northern Cardinals.**

Birds keep warm in several ways during cold weather. One of these methods is by shivering. Shivering raises their metabolic rate, which keeps them warm but uses their fat reserves. Offering a high-quality seed will help replenish energy used during this process. Be careful where you buy your seed from. You may be tempted by what seems like a low price to purchase mixed seed from a big box store. The truth is, seed from a big box store is never fresh, often dusty, and contains several cheap fillers that is less desirable to birds. You may think you are saving a few dollars a bag, but do yourself and the birds a favour and purchase your seed from a birdseed retailer. When you purchase seed from a birdseed retailer, it is always fresh and doesn’t contain cheap fillers. Your backyard birds will consume every seed making it a far better deal than the discount seed that gets scattered on the ground as birds search for the few good seeds.

Your local seed retailer can also advise you on what seed is best for the birds in your area. I like to offer a variety of seed because it attracts the widest variety of birds. Some of my favourite seeds to offer are: black oil sunflower, peanuts (both in the shell and halves), safflower, white millet, nyjer, and suet. If you are reluctant to feed the birds because of the seed shells left behind, many retailers offer a mixed seed that contains no shells. Again, the price may seem a bit high, but remember you are only paying for the weight of the seed, not the shells.

IMG 8870 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Dark-eyed Juncos are a species found in our area during winter months. They are a common backyard visitor that often feeds on the ground, cleaning up seeds spilled by other birds.**

Fresh water is equally important during cold weather and often attracts more birds to your backyard than food. A heated birdbath is a great way to offer water to birds during winter months. Remember to change the water frequently to ensure that it is fresh. Heated birdbaths can also be purchased from your local seed retailer.

IMG 8898 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Providing high-quality seed to backyard birds helps supplement their diet and is more nourishing than other foods.**

Birds require shelter during extremely cold temperatures. Shelter protects birds from the cold, wind, snow, freezing rain, and predators such as hawks and cats. Evergreens are a great source of shelter for birds year-round, but especially in winter. If your yard is lacking evergreens than adding shelter is quite simple. The easiest way to provide shelter this time of year is to put your Christmas tree outside. Juncos, cardinals, wrens, chickadees, and sparrows will all quickly seek shelter in the thick branches of a Christmas Tree. Standing these trees upright may be more aesthetically pleasing, but is not necessary; laying the trees down on their sides provides adequate shelter. Adding multiple trees around your yard is even better. Watch for your neighbours to place their trees out to the curb or gather a few from one of the local recycling depots. Positioning them out of prevailing winds and in the sun makes an excellent spot for birds to keep warm. Place a few closer to your feeders to give birds a safe spot to dive into in case a raptor takes a swipe at them. Make sure the trees are far enough away from your feeder that squirrels can’t use them to gain access. Trees can then be placed at the curb in spring when the city resumes picking up yard materials.

IMG 8843 1 - Taking Care Of Backyard Birds During Cold Weather — **Black-capped Chickadees are one species that huddle in groups for warmth and will benefit from a roost box.**

Roost boxes provide excellent shelter for birds during winter. Roost boxes are similar to nest boxes but have perches inside and the hole is located at the bottom. Several birds will enter, then huddle on the perches for warmth. The hole located at the bottom helps to retain heat. Rising hot air is trapped in the box making it that much warmer. Chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches and other birds typically use roost boxes at night to stay warm. I have noticed birds on cold windy days and during snow squalls enter my roost boxes to escape the elements. I built my roost boxes with reversible fronts, so they can be converted to next boxes in the spring, but commercial boxes can be purchased at a seed retailer. Roost boxes should be placed out of the wind and in the afternoon sun so they will warm-up for the birds to use at night.

Having a backyard refuge for the birds has several benefits. Not only will you be helping wild birds survive when it is unbearably cold, but it is also a great way to enjoy nature from the comfort of your warm living room.

Good birding,
Paul

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Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls

While many people may have been dreaming of a white Christmas, the lack of snow in our area has made locating one bird much easier. Snowy Owls have returned to overwinter and new sightings are being reported daily throughout Southwestern Ontario. These large owls are often found sitting on the ground in open fields and are much easier to locate without any snow. Increased sightings and a lack of snow make now the perfect time to search for these owls.

I decided to check out a well-known wintering area west of London for Snowy Owls last week, and quickly located three in a couple of kilometer stretch of road. Knowing that Snowy Owls also like to perch high up on hydro poles, on fences posts, and even on top of agricultural buildings, I scanned high and low searching for these owls. Two of the birds were perched high up on hydro poles, and one was on a fence post. The bird on the fence post could have easily gone unnoticed if there was snow in the background. With no snow accumulation in the forecast for our area until late in the week, I recommend getting out there and searching for Snowy Owls.

IMG 8377 1 - Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls — When searching for Snowy Owls it is important to look high and low. These owls often perch on hydro poles, fence posts, agricultural buildings, and even on the ground.

When searching for Snowy Owls there are a few things to keep in mind. Patience is key. Snowy Owls will stay in the same area until February or March if not disturbed. Once an owl is located, be prepared to return to the same location many times to achieve and optimal view or photo. Many times these birds will be too far from the road to get a great look or a decent photo. By simply returning another day the same bird may be in a better location providing excellent views and photo opportunities. Remember to be respectful of property owners, fellow birders, and most importantly the owls. So often I see people chasing the owls out in the fields or from post to post hoping to get an optimal look or photo. Keep in mind many of these birds are on private property and land owners do not want birders trespassing on their land. Chasing the owls puts unnecessary stress on the birds, and denies other birders the opportunity to observe the bird. If the view or photo you are hoping for doesn’t present itself, return another day.

11408596914 f515214053 b - Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls — This Snowy Owl, photographed last winter, demonstrates how well camouflaged they are in a snow covered field. Increased sightings and a lack of snow make now the perfect time to search for these owls.

When you do come across a Snowy Owl and wish to photograph it, stay in your car. Snowy Owls are less stressed by humans in cars and you will be able to achieve better and longer views than if you try to approach on foot. If needed, circle back to position your vehicle in an ideal location so you are not shooting into the sun, but stay in your car. Again be patient. If you need to drive down the road to safely turn around, do so. There is no need to jam on the brakes and pull a U turn if you suddenly spot a Snowy Owl on top of a hydro pole. In fact, erratic car movements such as quickly braking, accelerating or turning are more likely to startle the owl causing it to fly. Once in position, roll your window down and shut off your car. Use the top of your door to help steady your camera. Turning the car off will eliminate any camera shake caused by engine vibrations.

By staying in my vehicle I was able to achieve great views of this Snowy Owl and managed several photos. The owl was not stressed by my presence and casually turned its head from side to side as other vehicles passed. Satisfied with my views and photos, I carried on leaving the owl unstressed and in the same location for others to enjoy. Would I have preferred a more dramatic background than a cloudy, rainy sky? Of course I would, but I know I can return multiple times this winter to this area and find the same owls perhaps against a different backdrop. It is more important to me as a birder to put the best interest of the birds first, than to achieve the “perfect shot” as a photographer.

Good birding,
Paul

Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River

Winter is less then a week away and temperatures are not feeling very wintery. However, the Thames River is offering nice views of some winter waterfowl. The Thames River is a popular overwintering area for a wide variety of diving ducks, and many of the regular winter visitors are now present.

15764761679 c84b978d87 o - Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River — Common Mergansers are the most abundant of the winter species currently being observed on the Thames River.

Over the past week I have been checking out various sections of the Thames River between Springbank and Harris Parks. This my favourite section of the river for finding winter waterfowl. The most abundant species present throughout this section is the Common Merganser. Several small groups of Hooded Mergansers, were also observed on this section of river. These small ducks, especially the females, are sometimes difficult to spot from a distance. Their dark plumage blends in against the river, so watching for movement or a ripple on the water can be helpful. The males, with their white feathers on the sides of their crests, are much easier to locate. Many times I spot the males first, then notice the females mixed in within the group upon closer inspection. Buffleheads are also present, but not in the the same numbers as the Mergansers yet. Earlier this week I noticed my first pair of Common Goldeneyes of the season on the river.

12178736134 57dff5d189 o1 - Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River — Female Hooded Mergansers can be difficult to spot at far distances. Their drab colour tends to blend in with the water.

These, and other ducks, overwinter annually on the Thames river and will be present throughout the winter months. If you wish to view some of these species on the river, but do not want to cover the several kilometer section I mentioned, than I would suggest Greenway Park. I observed the highest concentration of winter waterfowl between the CN overpass and the outflow at Greenway Pollution Control Plant. This narrow section of river provides excellent views, even if you don’t own a pair of binoculars or spotting scope. Make sure to move slowly and quietly along the banks as many of these northern species are not as accustomed to human presence as our resident ducks. The slightest noise or erratic movement will startle these birds, causing them swim to the far side of the river or fly off.

IMG 6099 1 - Winter Waterfowl Have Returned To The Thames River — This past week saw a pair of Common Goldeneyes show up on the Thames River.

As winter sets in and temperatures fall, many of our local water bodies will ice up. As the amount of frozen water increases across the area, so too will the number of ducks on the Thames. Often in January and February the Thames River is the only open water in the area for these diving ducks to feed, making it the perfect place to observe winter waterfowl. If observing winter waterfowl is on your birding wishlist this season, than I highly recommend checking out the Thames River.

Good birding,
Paul

Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good birding,
Paul

Winter Sparrows Return To Southwestern Ontario

Now is the perfect time to get out and search for Sparrows. Several species breed to our north but spend winter months across our region, making fall and winter the only times to see these birds in our area. Among these are the American Tree Sparrow, White-Crowned Sparrow and White-Throated Sparrow. Good numbers of these Sparrows can now be observed across the region.

10842326674 929a74b4d7 b - Winter Sparrows Return To Southwestern Ontario — The winter range of the American Tree Sparrow includes Southwestern Ontario.

Sparrows are an easy bird to find. They prefer a habitat that consists of open areas, thickets, and undergrowth, making forest edges an excellent place to locate them. As with most birds, their diet varies depending on season and is comprised of insects, seeds, and berries. This time of year I prefer to search Goldenrod fields on the edge of a forest for Sparrows, as they can be found feeding heavily on the seeds from this common wild flower.

8736967852 f1a4080180 z - Winter Sparrows Return To Southwestern Ontario — White-Crowned Sparrows are another species that breed far to our north, but overwinter throughout the area.

Sparrows forage on, or close to the ground so looking low will yield the best results. These birds, especially the ones that have recently migrated from the north can be extremely skittish, so walk slowly and quietly while searching for them. Sparrows can also be located by listening for their songs and calls which consist of various chirps, tweets and whistles. The songs of these birds are quite beautiful, making listening to them as rewarding as observing them.

IMG 3938 1 - Winter Sparrows Return To Southwestern Ontario — Juvenile White-Crowned Sparrow

Identifying Sparrows can be far more difficult than locating them. At a quick glance, Sparrows appear as a brown flash, but subtle differences are key to proper identification. In particular, pay attention to crown colour, beak colour, throat and chest colour, wing bars and breast markings. Many Sparrows at this time of year are still displaying juvenile plumage making identification even more confusing. For more advanced birders, Sparrows can also be identified by their song.

15429572330 fcc627d727 b - Winter Sparrows Return To Southwestern Ontario — House Sparrows are year round residents in our area.

Resident Sparrows are also found throughout our area. These species include: House Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Field Sparrows, and Swamp Sparrows. These birds can be found in the same habitat as overwintering Sparrows, with the exception of Swamp Sparrows which prefer areas consisting of marshes, ponds and wet areas.

IMG 1482 1 - Winter Sparrows Return To Southwestern Ontario — Field Sparrows are short distance migrators. Some will leave the area, but their winter range extends along the north shore of Lake Erie making winter sightings not uncommon.

Many Sparrows, including the winter species often visit backyards and can be observed around feeders. Most species prefer to feed on the ground consuming seed that other birds have scattered, but some will land directly on a feeder, especially platform feeders. A quality mixed feed consisting of sunflower seed, cut corn, white millet, and peanuts will attract Sparrows. Having cover around your yard will make it more attractive to Sparrows. Hedges, small shrubs and dense gardens are much more appealing to them than an open yard. If your yard lacks cover, but you wish to attract more Sparrows consider adding a brush pile. Instead of bundling sticks from around your yard and placing them to the curb for collection, create a pile of them in one area of your yard. Not only will Sparrows be attracted to a brush pile, other birds including Juncos, Wrens and Cardinals will too. Brush piles provide shelter from the elements and predators and are a great addition to any bird lovers yard.

Song Sparrow 1 - Winter Sparrows Return To Southwestern Ontario — Song Sparrows can also be found year round in Southwestern Ontario.

If you are like me and keep a life list of birds, then watching for Sparrows and properly identifying them is a great way to add several species to your list. Sparrows are much more colourful than many may realize. Feather colours consist of white, yellow, tan, and rust; in addition their various streaked and striped markings make them a beautiful bird. Next time you are out, pay attention to Sparrows and see how many different species you can identify and add to your own list.

Good birding,
Paul

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Take Advantage Of The Remaining Days Of Winter

With the official arrival of spring less than three weeks away, many will remember this winter for different reasons. Some will think back to the record breaking low temperatures, the bitter wind chills and non existent January thaw. Maybe it will be the highway closures, indoor recesses, or dead car batteries. Sure all of these things stand out, but for me it will be the amazing birds that we experienced in our area.

It all began back in December when the Snowy Owl irruption started. Several of these birds were spotted just outside the city with some even within city limits. Many of these birds have been seen time and time again in the same locations throughout the winter months. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see one of these beautiful birds there is still time. Reports of them continue to come in, but once it begins to warm they will quickly be gone. Don’t wait, an irruption like this is not common. This link shows a map of all the Snowy Owls reported to ebird in our area. Latest reports suggest the area of Westminster Drive and Old Victoria Road just south of London may be your best bet to locate a Snowy. Please keep in mind to be respectful of the owls and others enjoying their beauty as mentioned in Be Respectful When Enjoying Nature.

Another highlight and real bonus of the cold temperatures this winter is the abundance of waterfowl that has moved inland to the Thames River. Adding four new species to my life list, including the first winter sighting of Red-throated Loons in our county in 116 years is something I will always remember. Although the numbers and varieties peaked a few weeks ago, there are still some great opportunities to view some beautiful species that would otherwise winter on the Great Lakes. The section of river from Springbank Park to Greenway Park provides the best views and varieties.

Don’t let this winter slip by without taking advantage of the wonderful birding opportunities it has presented us with. I myself was never a fan of winter until I learned to embrace the beauty of nature that only graces us during winter months. Years down the road when everyone is reminiscing about their winter weather miseries of 2013/14, I will fondly remember Snowy Owls and waterfowl.

Good birding,
Paul

Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather

Winter presents excellent birding opportunities in that many species only inhabit our area during the colder months. Many songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey including the ever-popular Snowy Owl can be found if you are willing to get out and brave the elements. Staying warm and being comfortable are the keys to enjoying winter birding. I quite prefer winter birding to summer birding because not only are there many interesting species to observe, but it is easier to dress for the cold than the heat. Let’s face it, you can only remove so many clothes.

Watermark 1 51 - Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather — **Red-bellied Woodpeckers are a resident species that can be enjoyed year-round in our area. The leafless trees during the winter months provide better views of these and other birds.**

Today’s clothing technology makes staying warm and comfortable quite easy. Garments are made warmer and thinner than they were in the past which will make your time in the outdoors more enjoyable. I like to start with a good base layer and my preference here is Underarmour 2.0 leggings and 3.0 top. These long john style shirts and pants fit tight to my body and are available in various weights for a range of temperatures and provide excellent warmth while wicking moisture away from my body. Keeping the moisture off your skin is very important because nothing cools you down faster than sweat evaporation. In extremely cold temperatures I will wear a flannel shirt over my Underarmour base layer but quite often find that the mid-weight base layer shirt is more than adequate.

30945110603 159fe6c770 o - Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather — **The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in the world and only found in our area during the winter months. Bundling up and photographing one of these giants is always exciting.**

Next, I like to put on a fleece-lined pair of cargo pants. The fleece lining provides added warmth and the many pockets are great for carrying small items such as spare memory cards. Avoid nylon ski pants as this material is too noisy when walking and will startle many birds. For my jacket, I like Mark’s Work Warehouse T Max hoodies. These jackets are extremely warm, made of a quiet material, and are available in models that repel water which makes them great in wet snow.

48574696991 8f1b3cd8b4 o - Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather — **Birding during the winter months is a great way to stay active. Not being dressed for the conditions will limit the amount of time you can tolerate in the field.**

Footwear is probably the most important piece of clothing. If your feet get cold and wet, then the rest of you will get cold and your day will not be very enjoyable. I always buy boots designed for hunting as I find them the best for warmth, comfort, and being waterproof. I like a boot with at least 1000 grams of Thinsulate insulation to guarantee my feet stay warm. Look for a fairly aggressive tread to provide better grip in packed snow and icy conditions. Rocky Blizzardstalker is my choice for winter boots. These boots are incredibly warm, waterproof, and comfortable.

47267138411 f4af2bc20d o - Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather — **Many waterfowl species like the Redhead pictured here, only visit our region during winter months. It is important to dress properly when heading out in search of these beautiful birds.**

Gloves can be one of the trickiest items to purchase. I have had countless pairs of gloves that claim to be warm but just don’t cut it when out in the field. My personal recommendation is Manzella Bruin. These gloves are the warmest I have ever owned not to mention waterproof and very thin. I can easily operate the tiny buttons and switches on my camera and lens without having to remove these gloves.

26149281842 d951fc2e13 o - Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather — **If you avoid birding during the winter months because you can’t keep warm, give some of these articles of clothing a try and prepare to be comfortable all day.**

Last but not least don’t forget to cover your head. How many times have you heard in your life that you lose 90% of your body heat through your head? Whether or not this fact is accurate who knows? I do know this, cold ears will ruin your day in a hurry. I like a toque style hat with a lining that wicks away moisture. It is quite easy to work up a sweat while winter hiking and again sweat evaporation will cool you off incredibly fast. Many companies manufacture great lined toques and winter hats.

40156284631 ccc12f01f0 o - Enjoy Winter Birding By Dressing For The Weather — **Cold weather has never prevented me from getting outside and enjoying my favourite pastime.**

I spend a lot of time outdoors photographing wildlife and have wasted a lot of money on winter attire that claims to be warm. All of these items keep me warm and allow me to stay outdoors for hours on the coldest days. I think that if you give some of these items a try you won’t be disappointed and your time outdoors will be much more enjoyable.

Good birding,
Paul

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London, Ontario Birding Report November 17-24

It was another slow week of birding for me. I didn’t find many opportunities to get out and as a result, no new species to report. The highest numbers observed were Dark-eyed Juncos and Mourning Doves. Good numbers of American Tree Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows were seen feeding throughout the various goldenrod fields. A few walks along the Thames River revealed both Common and Hooded Mergansers and the number of Buffleheads seem to be increasing. Great blue Herons were also present along the banks in search of food.

Westminster Ponds turned up the two previously mentioned sparrow species as well as juncos. I observed a Cooper’s Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk chase each other out of the woods on the east side of the ESA. It was difficult to tell who was chasing who but the Cooper’s Hawk returned to the wooded area so I scored it Cooper’s 1 Red-tailed 0.

The greatest activity of the week took place at my feeders with seventeen species recorded in my yard. My favourite regulars in the yard are definitely the woodpeckers with the Red-bellied and Northern Flicker tied for top spot. The Cooper’s Hawks that have been making appearances in the backyard were not seen this week but watching all the birds scatter for cover on numerous occasions led me to believe there were a few fly overs for sure. Sunday’s heavy snowsqualls kept the feeders busy all day with multiple refills required. A Mourning Dove hit the window on Sunday afternoon and fell to the deep snow. Most of the bird was buried in the snow but we could see it was still breathing, but quite heavy. Thankfully it took off unscathed when we pulled it from the deep snow. It seems that there was too much snow for it to right itself into a position where it could take off. Good thing we heard it hit or it would have perished in the snow for sure.

I’m hoping this week will provide better weather and more opportunities to get out. Cooler temperatures in the forecast combined with all this snow may be just what is needed to see a new winter species in the area.

Good birding,
Paul

Coddle The Birds During Adverse Weather

Now that we are experiencing some snow in our area there a few simple things you can do to help make birds lives a little easier. Make sure when you fill your feeders to clear all of the snow off of them. I like to use a small straw hand wisk. Clearing off the snow will keep the seed dry and fresh and will provide the birds with a clear area to land. Many birds including Mourning Doves will land on the top a feeder before descending to the feeding area, so be sure to clear the entire feeder off. Make sure that the seed in feeders is not frozen. Frozen seed can quickly clog a feeder and make it difficult for the birds to feed. During these colds days it is important that birds do not expend any unnecessary energy pecking away at frozen seed.

Clear snow from areas around your yard where birds like to roost before and after feeding. These may be the tops of fences, deck railings or other objects around your yard. By having a clear place to land birds will stay warmer and dry. Make sure that the snow under your feeders is either cleared away or packed down. I will walk in circles around the feeder so there is about a six foot radius underneath that is hard packed. This will allow ground feeding birds to feed and clean up seed underneath. This will not only attract more birds, but less seed will go to waste.

If you have roost boxes around your yard make sure the entrances are not blocked with snow and ice and to clean them out regularly. Bird droppings quickly accumulate and the boxes will be undesirable to birds if dirty. I also gently brush off my cedar and spruce trees of snow to provide better access to their interior branches for cover. Be extra careful not to break their branches if the snow is heavy or ice has accumulated on them.

Doing a few extra little things to help out the birds during winter weather will have them picking your yard over the others in your neighbourhood. You will be able to sit back with a warm beverage and enjoy all of the bird activity in your yard and at your feeders.

Good birding,
Paul