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
Monthly Archives: April 2016
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
Birding Shirleys Bay Waterfront Trail
Today (18 April 2016) I birded Trail 10 for 4 hours and had a great outing. Excited to break through the 50 species barrier today….52 species in total. Continue reading Birding Shirleys Bay Waterfront Trail
Fox Sparrow alarm call
At this time of year, a light ‘pish’ near dense tangles in damp woods could encourage the sharp, “smacking” chip note of a Fox Sparrow.This particular sound is similar to the sound a person makes when they suck-n-release their tongue from the roof of their mouth (such as when one responds to disappointing news, etc). Continue reading Fox Sparrow alarm call
Purple Finch “vireo song”
Did you know that Purple Finch sing a “vireo song?” This melodic, note-pause-note-pause rendition is most often heard during spring/fall migration. From Bent’s Life Histories; the ‘vireo song’ is described by Aretas A. Saunders. “There are three distinct ways of singing, more or less separated by the seasons of the year. Continue reading Purple Finch “vireo song”
Golden-crowned Kinglet males
In males, the centre of crown is orange with outer border yellow. In females, the centre of crown is yellow. This species breeds in coniferous forests and groves, mixedwoods with a preponderance of conifers. In migration and winter, also deciduous trees and bushes (Godfrey 1986). Continue reading Golden-crowned Kinglet males