When I first started birding, I wondered if I would become a good birder and I can happily say that after 6 years of trials and tribulations, I did in fact become a good birder. But, now I wonder…can I achieve “crack” status? Continue reading Good birder –> Crack birder –> Special Operative →

To keep myself sharp and field-ready during the two busiest birding seasons of the year, spring and fall, I visit a trail network in the west end of Ottawa called Shirleys Bay Waterfront Trail: NCC Greenbelt Trail 10. Continue reading On sharpening one’s skill set →

Sparrowhawk is handed a photo and told that both birds were photographed in eastern Ontario. “Both are on our wanted list, Inspector; we need to know approximately when these photographs were taken.” Continue reading Tales of Inspector Sparrowhawk: by the state of the leaves… →

Both male and female Northern Shrikes sing in winter from exposed territory-advertisement perches as well as from perches low and hidden in brushy vegetation, and it is from the latter habitat that the acoustic luring of prey is thought to be most effective. Continue reading Acoustic luring of avian prey by Northern Shrikes →

Have you ever noticed that the longer you stare directly at something in the dark, the fuzzier and more out-of-focus it gets? But, the moment you shift your focus just to the side of the item, you are able to see a clearer image, right? Continue reading Birding by Night: Averted Vision →

As winter takes hold, top tier predators such as Great Horned Owls often switch hunting strategies in order to survive. They wander, often widely, in search of prey. This is especially true of owls breeding throughout the boreal forest. Continue reading Great Horned Owls in Winter →

Hi everyone,

Today, 12 December, Betty Michalowski observed two meadowlarks in the Arnprior area. They were originally reported by Donnie Gordon approximately two weeks ago.  She saw the birds in the afternoon along Van Dusen Road. Continue reading Arnprior: Eastern Meadowlark →

Working as a field guide, I identify and discuss birds for a living. I must call out and justify my identifications on a regular basis and this practice has “scared me” into developing my skill set to a higher level this year. Out of 100 identifications, I am inside the 90% accuracy mark. Continue reading Mis-ID’s →