By late May, midday temperatures generally will have risen quite a bit, and the demand for fluids follows suit; birds need to drink often throughout the day. While walking along your favourite trail or while birding your preferred ‘patch,’ it’s a good idea to develop a mental map of the locations of mud puddles, streams and ponds. Continue reading Nature’s Birdbath
All posts by eontbird
Notes on the Identification of Catharus Thrushes
Catharus thrush (Hermit, Swainson’s, Veery, Bicknell’s, and Gray-cheeked) identification can be quite a challenge. I have uploaded some reference photos of Catharus thrushes, and included discussion of some of the critical plumage details and identifying characteristics for each species. Continue reading Notes on the Identification of Catharus Thrushes
Eastern Ontario Migration Update
Hi everyone,
What a thrill it’s been taking in spring migration here in eastern Ontario. The birds have appeared so suddenly and in tremendous numbers, and also in high diversity! Continue reading Eastern Ontario Migration Update
Red Fox Sparrow
This morning (12 April 2017) we had two Red Fox Sparrows (P. i. iliaca) visiting our yard in Ottawa, Ontario. I particularly love the mountain-top chevrons to the underside of their bodies. As much as easterner, P. i. iliaca, is a lovely bird, the west coast, where many subspecies may be seen during Continue reading Red Fox Sparrow
Some notes on Ross’s Geese in the National Capital Region
Once geese begin to arrive throughout agricultural areas, keep your eyes peeled for small, white ones! These gems are found among Canada Geese in the west (and southwest) and among Snow Geese in the east. Any white goose among Canada’s warrants close inspection. Continue reading Some notes on Ross’s Geese in the National Capital Region
A short story about identifying a “Tiny” Cooper’s Hawk
I eagerly involve myself in “tiny” Cooper’s vs. Sharpie online debates, but I’ve yet to step up and have to do it in the field at our local hawkwatch. Continue reading A short story about identifying a “Tiny” Cooper’s Hawk
American Woodcock tip
A tip for finding woodcock in birding areas where you generally don’t expect to see one: recall in early spring, under trees, an area of thaw; an expanding area of cozy, sun-exposed vegetation adjacent to snowy covered areas. Continue reading American Woodcock tip
Four subspecies of redpoll in Manitouwadge
Over a span of several days, while viewing the FeederWatch Canada camera set up in a backyard in Manitouwadge, I observed all 4 subspecies of redpoll: hornemanni, exilipes, rostrata, flammea. Continue reading Four subspecies of redpoll in Manitouwadge
Gyrfalcon near Carleton Place
I attempted to see the Gyrfalcon twice today and on my second attempt, I got lucky! A lovely adult gray morph bird. Continue reading Gyrfalcon near Carleton Place
Sounds of Spring
In response to warmer weather and changes to the photoperiod (amount of daylight in a day; we’re nearing 11 hours now), birds have really been signing of late! I’ve cracked a window here at my house in Ottawa and can hear three Northern Cardinals, a House Finch, a few American Robins, and a Black-capped Chickadee Continue reading Sounds of Spring