Tag: Urbannaturestore
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Migration is Winding Down
The last of the songbird migrants are arriving. Some warblers, orioles, hummingbirds and thrushes have already made an appearance but they don’t all show up at once so new individuals will continue to trickle in. Traditionally we expect the final showing for warblers to be highlighted by species such as the Mourning Warbler and Blackpoll…
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TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SUMMER BACKYARD BIRDING
Now that warmer weather is finally here, I would like to offer some tips on making your yard an inviting haven for our songbirds. The most important things to start with are clean feeders and bird baths. Bird feeders and baths can be cleaned with one part bleach or vinegar to 9 parts hot water.…
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How to Help Mommy Birds in the Spring
Spring is here and if you’re a bird that means one thing: it’s nesting season. With their migrations complete, birds have begun to settle into their warm weather habitats and prepare for the arrival of this year’s chicks. This means building nests, gathering extra food and keeping their young safe from predators until they’re ready…
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Spring Song
In the next few weeks, Ontario will experience an explosion of bird activity with tens of millions of migrants pouring in, songbirds in particular. Already we have seen Juncos, Song Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows and kinglets with many more to come. Prior to the waves of warblers, vireos and thrushes, we will be delighted with the…
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TIPS ON ATTRACTING ORIOLES AND HUMMINGBIRDS
Orioles and hummingbirds are welcome visitors to our yards and gardens in the spring, and will be arriving soon! We can expect to see them in late April or early May. The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird we see in Eastern North America. Baltimore Orioles, also known as Northern Orioles, as well as Orchard…
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Move in Time
It is time to get ready for new tenants to set up for the season. If you have not cleaned out your bird houses from last year, do that first. Even though the material may be dry it can contain mites, insects, feces and general dirt. Scrub with soap and water and add a bit…
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Migration is Underway!
Have you heard your first red-winged blackbird yet? Conk-la-reee… a sure sign that spring is truly on its way. I always look forward to the return of the red-wings. However, that also means that the grackles will be close behind. I know from listening to your questions over the years that there are some birds…
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Spring is in the Air
There is no doubt about it now, we are well on the road to spring bird activity. We will have unsettled weather for the rest of the month but the trend has been broken and birds will take full advantage of it. In the past few weeks, a small movement of Pine Siskins and Common…
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New arrivals
While we anxiously await the official arrival of spring, birds have already set the ball in motion. Bird song is noticeable, with Cardinals, chickadees and nuthatches actively calling. Downy Woodpeckers are drumming away to proclaim territory and a variety of resident species are pairing up for the season ahead. There are other signs too. Some…
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NATIONAL BIRD FEEDING MONTH
Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? In 1994 US Congressman John Porter from Illinois acknowledged February as the toughest month for birds to survive, and wanted to make the public aware of this. He was determined to educate people about bird feeding and bird watching. There are many things you…