As a birder, when describing a feature that is pretty much “fixed,” like, say, the proportionately large bill of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak or the red coloration of an adult male cardinal, a cautionary prefix such as “averages” or “in most cases shows” is unnecessary. Continue reading Using cautionary prefixes when describing the appearance of birds
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An ID note on Swamp and Song Sparrow juveniles
Juvenile Swamp Sparrows are distinguished from juvenile Song Sparrows by examining a combination of features. Continue reading An ID note on Swamp and Song Sparrow juveniles
Developing confidence in the field: a note from experience…
This up-coming migration period, try getting out birding with birders with more field experience and mention ahead of time that you’re looking to work on (enter bird group name, i.e., shorebirds or fall warblers) and call some of the ID’s, but would prefer to have them vetted for accuracy afterwards. Continue reading Developing confidence in the field: a note from experience…
Learning Bird Songs & Calls: Dendroica, NatureInstruct
A superb platform for learning bird songs and calls. You can create your own study lists and quizzes and the samples of songs & photos for each species is comprehensive. Continue reading Learning Bird Songs & Calls: Dendroica, NatureInstruct
Differential Migration of Least Flycatchers in Fall
Differential Migration is a fascinating subject and is appreciable by observing the migration of Least Flycatchers. Migrant adults precede immature birds by about a month (Hussell et al. 1967). Continue reading Differential Migration of Least Flycatchers in Fall
Arctic Terns in Ottawa
The passage of Arctic Terns along the Ottawa River is an annual event which typically occurs from the last few days of May through to the first week of June. Continue reading Arctic Terns in Ottawa
Nature’s Birdbath
By late May, temperatures have risen quite a bit, and the demand for fluids follows suit; birds need to drink and often drink throughout the day. Continue reading Nature’s Birdbath
Connecticut Warbler song and tip
A heads up to keep an ear out for this song in any woodlot, but especially ones that are dank and have dense tangles and a coniferous element (aka Stony Swamp NCC trails). This species’ song is loud and piercing (similar to a Northern Waterthrush in that regard). Continue reading Connecticut Warbler song and tip
“Moss Tyrant” Appreciation Week
A late migrant, the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (“Moss Tyrant”) spends only about 66 days on the Ontario breeding grounds before making the journey southward back to its neotropic wintering grounds (Hussell 1982). This greenish, big-headed lil’ gem is possibly visiting your favorite patch as we speak Continue reading “Moss Tyrant” Appreciation Week
Bicknell’s Thrush ID notes
On Bicknell’s Thrush ID: below I present several photos and accompanying identification notes. Only plumage details are discussed; a more thorough post will be up later this year detailing vocalization analysis, summarizing the classic, extensive studies by Wallace (1939) and Marshall (2001). Continue reading Bicknell’s Thrush ID notes