Warbling and Philadelphia Vireos can be quite similar in appearance. This identification challenge is not necessarily straightforward, most especially when dealing with these two species flitting about in green, leafy vegetation on a sunny day. Continue reading Warbling vs. Philadelphia Vireo: a refresher…
All posts by eontbird
Swallow ID note
During summer, first basic Tree Swallows with light dusky “bibs” are flying about, often intermingling with other swallows, such as Bank Swallows. Continue reading Swallow ID note
The Sunlit Edge
Birding tip: from early to mid May, temperatures generally drop quite a bit overnight and do not rise again until late in the morning. For early morning birding, look for edge habitat that is sunlit; these areas are warmer and usually have more insect activity! Continue reading The Sunlit Edge
Field Sparrow silhouette
Field Sparrows are similar in build to Clay-colored and Chipping sparrows. Collectively, these particular Spizella sparrows have small, rounded heads; small bills; slender bodies; and proportionately long tails with a distinct notch to the tip.
Photo: Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla). Shirleys Bay, Ottawa, Ontario
2 May 2016.
Yellow-throated Vireo in song
Upon arriving in suitable breeding habitat, male Yellow-throated Vireos typically stay in the tops of mature deciduous trees, usually oaks and maples, and persistently sing while foraging. Five to ten minutes may pass before they fly to another tree (James 1996). Continue reading Yellow-throated Vireo in song
Customer Appreciation note
Closing in on the 1 year Anniversary of Eastern Ontario Birding. So many fond memories over the past year; great times with birding friends new and old. As a Thank You to my clients, I will be availing free 2 hour bird hikes during selected weekday mornings. Continue reading Customer Appreciation note
Palm Warbler subspecies ID note
By the third week of April, it is possible that both migrant Western (palmarum) and migrant Yellow (hypochrysea) Palm Warblers may be encountered throughout eastern Ontario. The ‘situation’ here in Ottawa is unique in that we host a breeding population of Yellow (hypochrysea) birds at Mer Bleue and Alfred Bog. Continue reading Palm Warbler subspecies ID note
Philadelphia Vireos in Spring
By mid to late spring, the underparts of Philadelphia Vireos can be quite faded. The vibrant yellow tones quite often typical of fall birds fade to a fascinating creamy yellow by spring. In some cases, an isolated yellowish wash occurs on the throat and breast followed by a mostly whitish underside; t Continue reading Philadelphia Vireos in Spring
Interesting Facts about Scarlet Tanagers
Scarlet Tanagers typically showcase a ‘dawn song’ that is subtly different than their ‘day song.’ Their husky notes are separated by longer intervals, and the “chick-brr” call note is regularly sequenced into the repertoire Continue reading Interesting Facts about Scarlet Tanagers
Bird Duets
In some species, such as the Red-winged Blackbird and the Brown-headed Cowbird, male/female pairs partake in ‘duetting’ during pair formation. During a typical Brown-headed Cowbird duet, the male produces a high-pitched squeak and the female produces a lower-pitched, rattling trill. Continue reading Bird Duets