Tag: canadawildbirding
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Just Ducky
The big push has finally arrived. We have entered the peak season for waterfowl viewing with thousands of geese and ducks gathering along lakes and rivers. Dabblers like Mallards, Blacks and teal tip upside down or skim the surface of shallow water to feed. They are usually found in marshes or close to shore. Divers…
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JOURNEY OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY
Did you know that the Monarch Butterfly is also referred to as the ‘king of the butterflies’? This beautiful butterfly is known for its distinctive orange, black and white markings and is one of the most recognizable butterflies we see. September is the month we notice more Monarchs as their southern migration has begun. They…
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On the Move
Fall migration is underway. Shorebirds down from Arctic breeding grounds are topping up their energy tanks along mudflats, beaches and lagoons for the long trip to the tropics. Some swallows have already departed while others are gathering on power lines and feeding on flying insects over open water. Then there are the songbirds, notably warblers,…
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WHY IS IT SO QUIET?
As we approach the middle of summer, things are quieting down a little at our feeders. Fledglings are learning to feed on their own and not depending on mom and dad as much. There still are still a few needy ones, but definitely not as many hungry cries coming from the young ones. This does…
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A Splash of Colour
The spring fashion show has birders gazing in awe at the variety of bright colors that have appeared in our forests, parks and even in our yards. Male warblers are looking their feathered best with Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian and even the Common Yellowthroat strutting their stuff. Many will head further north while others will remain.…
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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Mother’s Day is coming soon! Did you ever think of helping our mother birds as they begin to raise their young? Nesting season is underway and will continue through the mid-summer months. We can help momma birds by supplying them with fresh seed, and water to stay hydrated. Egg shells can also be…
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The Breeding Season Has Begun
When birds return from the South, they don’t waste any time establishing a territory and preparing for the hectic breeding season ahead. Some birds appreciate a helping hand and will readily take to the nest boxes we put out for them. The two most common tenants are Tree Swallows and House Wrens. While some people…
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The Green-winged Teal
On a sunny Saturday afternoon my phone buzzed on the table. It was a notification telling me that a Green-winged Teal had just been spotted in a park not 10 minutes away from where I live. Not only that, but it was the Eurasian sub-species of Green-winged Teal, a rare visitor to North America. We…
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COMING SOON TO A FEEDER NEAR YOU – ORIOLES AND HUMMINGBIRDS!
These beauties are on their way back from their wintering grounds and will be arriving over the next couple of weeks and into the first week of May. Here are some steps you can take to get ready for their arrival: I hope these tips help you prepare for the return of orioles and hummingbirds…
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The Winds of Change
We are in a time of transition when the weather doesn’t seem to know what it wantsto do. We still have lingering winter visitors but spring birds are slowly advancing,anxious to begin the annual breeding season. If we haven’t seen them already, mostof us will soon have Song Sparrows in our yards and hear their…