It can really be an exciting time of the year, especially if you live by a lake as we do, for you never know from one day to the next, what species of bird will appear on the lake.
You and the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
We are not the owners of this Earth, we are merely its guardians for a short time. That being said, the pace of world trade, manufacturing and consumption has grown …
Roosting Boxes: Building a home for the winter
Many bird lovers either purchase or build nest boxes for their favourite wild birds: bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, nuthatches and many more. These boxes vary in size and shapes and in particular, the size of the entrance hole, depending on the desired species. We have had as many as 40 swallow houses on our property, and an equal number of bluebird houses on fence posts along the sides of the roads in our area but only after receiving the permission of the landowner.
Feeding birds during cooler weather
It’s fall again, and for many who do not feed birds all summer, it is now time to get those feeders out. Learn some insights from avid birder, David Homer.
Songs by the thousand – the Brown Thrasher
Brown thrashers got their name from the thrashing sound they make as they forage for food in dried leaves and other vegetation on the ground. Where the “brown” came from is beyond me, because, in fact, they possess beautiful rufous- or rusty-coloured feathers on their back, wings and long tail.
Bird-watching: Brown headed Cowbirds
Brown-headed Cowbirds are birds of the Western Prairies. They acquired their name from following herds of bison, feeding on the insects stirred up as the animals grazed the grasses. As the forests of Eastern Canada were cleared to provide agricultural farm lands, the cowbirds began to expand eastward, and their range now extends across Ontario.
Bobolink Project with Earth Rangers Wrap Up
In partnership with Earth Rangers, we were able to help the Bobolinks by doing a research and monitoring project.
Turkey Vultures: “The Clean-up Crew”
Turkey vultures have not been our summer visitors for many years. Learn about this unique bird, behaviour and more in this Bird Watching article.
Protecting a Species at Risk on the Carden Alvar
The Couchiching Conservancy, along with partners such as Earth Rangers, have been tackling threats which endanger Bobolinks. One of the greatest threats relevant to Carden is loss of critical grassland habitat. As southern Ontario becomes intensely developed, prime Bobolink habitat is at risk. Ecosystems within the Carden Alvar remain as a sanctuary where conservation efforts can be focused in order to preserve this critical bobolink habitat.
Birding: Inside the life of a Loon
There is excitement developing in the Common Loons that have spent the past few months off shore on the Eastern Seaboard. It’s an inner drive that compels them to begin their northern migration back to our lakes. It is not only an exciting time for them, but for those of us who are just now enjoying the warmth of an early spring sun and the longer days!