Good Morning Presqu’ile!   Oh how I love you!

There are so many reasons to love Presqu’ile Park, no matter when you visit.You can show up early on a hazy fall morning, and observe as Presqu’ile’s beaches and offshore islands start to come alive with sound and activity.

Migrating shorebirds start to wake up, and begin their daily search for food.

If you sit or lie down very still, the shorebirds will walk right past you as they are feeding.   It is endlessly entertaining to watch them.

A fall drive around the park may reveal a Ruffed Grouse, foraging at the side of the road for breakfast.  Look at those gorgeous feather patterns!

As seasons change and the weather turns colder, the park becomes very quiet.    I think winter is when Presqu’ile really shows its magic.

Little by little the lake freezes over.   Depending on the wind and the waves, the lakeshore looks different every time I visit in the winter, and each time is spectacular.Presqu’ile is famous for its ice volcanoes.   When the wind is just right, water from the waves will spray up through these holes in the ice.  I like them best at sunset, when they are lit up like some alien landscape.   Snowy owls love to use the offshore islands to hunt. Even in the dead of winter there is so much beauty to be found at Presqu’ile.Spring comes to Presqu’ile, and with it, the busiest time of year.A walk along the boardwalk in Jobes Woods reveals little sprouts of green, and some unexpected company.Look who’s watching you now!Early spring also brings the arrival of waterfowl, who are great show-offs for their potential mates.   What characters. As the ice moves out of Presqu’ile Bay, huge “rafts” of waterfowl can be seen feeding along the ice edge.Spring also brings bugs- lots of them!   But isn’t that perfect timing? The migratory birds are on their way back north.

Lots and lots and lots of them!.   How exciting to be at the park when the trees and bushes are just full of colourful birds singing and eating and flying about.  I am very grateful to have met some very experienced and knowledgeable birders at the park, who can help me learn about all these birds, their names, and their habits.     The diversity of species at Presqu’ile is amazing!

One day I got stuck out in a thunderstorm down by the lighthouse so went into the duck viewing shelter to get out of the rain.   In the tree next to me were so many different kinds of little birds I could barely keep track of them.   Above is a little Yellow Warbler shaking off the rain.Oh, and “fallouts!”   A fallout is when weather or wind conditions cause many thousands of birds to come to the same area all at once.   I will never forget being at Owen Point early on a May morning this year, and experiencing a fallout of shorebirds.   They were everywhere the eye could see, in flocks in the hundreds, soaring around, and feeding on the beaches.

I think I took over 1000 photographs that day!    It was so great because the Ontario Field Ornithologists Young Birders were at Owen Point that morning too, and this enthusiastic group of young people got to experience this spectacle as well. I don’t think any of us will ever forget it.

Did I mention you could see a fox at Presqu’ile?   And if that’s not enough for you…How about watching a fox walk down the road and then having a deer cross right in front of it, say “Good Morning” and carry on.   Is this the Bambi movie? I don’t know.    Presqu’ile is so cool.On the first hot hazy days of the year, the momma snapping turtles will come out of the mud and start to lay their eggs at the side of the roads.     A couple of years I have been down there on just the right day and seen 4 or 5 of these beauties all in the same trip.  I love their long sharp claws!Of course, Presqu’ile is for recreation too!   Walter loves to swim and run on the rocky beach.    The sandy beach is for the shorebirds, and of course all the campers and day trippers that flock to Presqu’ile in the summer.No matter when I visit, Presqu’ile always has something beautiful to offer.    I’m never disappointed.

Presqu’ile Provincial Park is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, just south of Brighton.   Check it out!

The post Why I Love Presqu’ile! appeared first on Leslie Abram Photography.

Here are 4 simple things you can do to help them along in their journeys.

Tiny Ruby Crowned Kinglet

1.   Help prevent daytime window collisions.

Birds will fly into windows because they see nature in the glass and think they can fly right through.     You can make your windows more visible to birds by applying UV  reflective decals (available at the Bird House and other nature stores) to the outside of the windows. You can also put strips or blocks of tape on the most deadly windows.

I’m sure these folks appreciate the plug from me.

Cedar Waxwing

2.  Guard against nighttime window collisions.

In the spring and fall, turn off exterior lights and draw curtains at night to prevent migratory birds from colliding with windows.  Birds migrate at night and are fatally attracted to lights on buildings.

Thank you!

3.  Leave leaves under trees and shrubs – they make excellent foraging sites.

Less work for you, more places for birds that are passing through to find insects that they need to fuel their journeys.

Great place to eat!

4.  Put up a bird feeder.

Feeders provide supplementary food for birds that can help them fuel up for their journeys.    Feeder placement is very important in preventing window collisions.  Feeders are safest when they’re closest to windows, or even attached to windows or frames—because if a bird takes off from the feeder and hits the window, it won’t be going at top speed and has a better chance of surviving. Place feeders closer than 3 feet to a window, or farther than 30 feet from a window.

Pine Siskin pigging out!

The most popular food  with birds is black oil sunflower seed, which is readily available in nature stores, grocery stores, and hardware stores.

This place is great!

For more information on what you can do to help birds around your own home, here are some links:

FLAP  (Protecting birds from window collisions)

Bird feeding basics

Who migrates when?

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Mmmmmmmm!   Coffee!   Here in North America, we are addicted to it- consuming over 300 million cups of its deliciousness every day.  That is big business.   It also means that our coffee drinking choices can have a big impact.

Let me introduce you to shade grown coffee.  My hope is that you will become very good friends.

Migrating yellow rumped warbler

Shade grown coffee is grown in the shade of other trees.  This traditional coffee-growing method depends on the shade of the forest canopy, which supports local wildlife, our migratory birds, and produces beans of better quality for premium, delicious coffee.

In the 1970s the introduction of a new hybrid coffee plant requiring full-sun exposure led many farmers to cut down their forests and abandon their traditional ways.  An environmental nightmare ensued.  This sun-grown coffee makes larger beans, and therefore produces twice the yield of shade grown coffee.   It uses the robusta bean, and has a more bitter taste.   It is a cheaper coffee, and what you would find in cans in the grocery store, and in instant coffee.    Sun-grown coffee requires enormous amounts of fertilizer to grow its big beans because there is no leaf litter from large trees above the coffee plants to nourish the soil, and because it lacks the benefit of nitrogen fixing which tree roots provide.

Bay Breasted Warbler

A great majority of our coffee comes from Central and South America, where vast tracts of forest have been cleared for agriculture such as the production of cheap sun-grown coffee, leaving migrating songbirds at a loss for winter habitat.

Devastatingly, the overall population of migratory birds has declined by 40% in the last few decades.   A part of this decline can be attributed to the loss of wintering habitat for the birds.

Where am I supposed to go?

Birds are hard-wired to fly south to a certain specific geographical region each year.    If they arrive there to find their forest has been cleared, it is not simple a matter of them flying somewhere else to find a suitable place to spend the winter.   This means that every time a forest is cleared, there is an immediate impact on that year’s migratory visitors. Though scattered tracts of forest on coffee plantations cannot replace virgin rainforest, they are certainly better than deforestation and monoculture. They give the birds a chance to find a winter territory where they can live, and fuel up for their spring journey north to their breeding grounds.

Black Throated Green Warbler

Plantations that grow coffee under the shade of other trees can help migratory birds, but they have many other benefits as well.   Farmers can harvest fruit, nuts, and wood from the other trees in the coffee plantation.  The trees also prevent soil erosion, and fix nutrients in the soil so that vast amounts of fertilizer that pollute the soil do not need to be used like in sun-grown coffee plantations.   As well, native birds, mammals and insects thrive in the biologically diverse mini forest that these shade grown coffee plantations provide.

Lots to eat here!

The benefit to us is that shade grown coffee tastes so delicious!   Sure, sun-grown coffee is cheap, but it doesn’t taste nearly as good.   For those of us for whom coffee is an essential part of the morning routine, we might as well make it good.   Really good.    And by doing so, we can know we are helping migratory birds, as well as the people, the animals, and the environment in Latin America.   The higher the demand for shade grown coffee, the more shade grown coffee plantations will be started.   It is as simple as that.

Young Rose Breasted Grosbeak

I am often so overwhelmed by all the environmental havoc that people are spreading on this earth, and wonder if there is anything I can do to stop the madness.    I am so happy to know that I can make a difference every day just by the coffee I choose to buy.    It’s not hard to find – some brands like Kicking Horse are available in grocery stores in the premium coffee section.   We had been buying it because it tastes so good, and were relieved to find out that it is shade grown as well.     There are also many sources of shade grown coffee available online.   Below I have made a list to get you started.

Coffee drinkers can be a powerful force for saving biodiversity in tropical countries, and improving the wintering grounds of our migratory birds.

Knowledge is Power

Yes, knowledge is power.  So, here are some sources of shade grown coffee, as well as links where you can find more information.

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Shade Grown Nicaraguan Coffee 

Kicking Horse Coffee (in supermarkets)

Birds and Beans

Timothy’s World Coffee

Starbucks: Organic Yukon Blend® and Organic Shade Grown Mexico

It was hard to find any conclusive data on Tim Hortons coffee.   They are working with farmers in Columbia and Brazil, two of the leading producers of “Sun coffee” but they are also working with farmers in other countries.   They do not claim to be sourcing shade grown beans, but do seem to be educating farmers in more environmentally sustainable growing practices.  Jury’s out…

Read more:

The Rainforest Alliance

Silence of the Songbirds by Virginia Stutchbury

You can make a difference!

Please share this post!

Just as I was writing this blog tonight, two fellow nature photographers commented to me that they hadn’t seen any warblers around this fall.  That just made me even more determined to share what I have learned.

Let’s start a conversation and make a difference.

Thank you!   Leslie

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Red Eyed Vireo

Though we may think of migration in terms of the louder, bigger species like Canada Geese, what we may not notice is that there are a whole lot of little birds on their way by too.

Young Indigo Bunting will head far south for the winter

The numbers are astounding! In the spring, 3 billion birds migrate north to breed, and in the fall 5 billion birds pass by again, on their way to the southern US,  Mexico, and Central and South America.

Magnolia Warbler

Many of them are tiny little birds, like this Magnolia Warbler.

Common Yellowthroat

Or these Common Yellowthroats, who breed around here as well as further north.

Flycatcher (Eastern Wood Peewee?)

I think of the epic journeys these little birds have to make, and it astounds me.   One of the first big obstacles they face in this area is crossing Lake Ontario.    That’s why it is often fruitful to look for groups of these little birds in trees along the lakeshore.   They are feeding and getting ready for the next leg of their journey.

Chestnut Sided Warbler having a meal

And eat they do.   If you are lucky, you may come across a tree just full of little birds, chowing down on bugs.     Another good place to look is in trees along a stream, as migrating birds are attracted to the sound of running water, and will follow along the path of a stream as they travel.

Red Eyed Vireo eating a caterpillar by our stream

Yum yum!

Black and White Warbler

So, keep your eyes and ears open these days.    You might hear sounds you’re not accustomed to having around.   Or you might spot a whole lot of movement up in a tree.    If you’re lucky, you’ve found a little pocket of birds, just passing by on their way south.

American Redstart

When’s the best time to look?  Most importantly, when the wind is from the north.   Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Common Yellowthroat

Morning is the best time to look, but it doesn’t even have to be that early.   Birds need a bit of time to warm up and wake up and get going for the day, just like we do.

So, as our beautiful summer winds down, and you enjoy the great outdoors, keep a look out for some of these little, but mighty, migrants.      Good luck!

Don’t forget about me!!

Yes, shorebirds are migrating too- more on them in my next blog!

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Project Snowstorm.

It’s not a plan to make our winters more challenging. It’s a fascinating research project that monitors the year-round movements of Snowy Owls.

Snowy Owl in flight, Prince Edward County, Ontario

Project Snowstorm was started last winter, in response to the historic southward irruption of Snowy Owls.  More Snowy Owls moved south from the arctic than had been seen in 40 years.

Immature snowy owl at Presqu’ile. Note the dark colouring.

Because Snowy Owls live and breed in the arctic, they remain mysterious to humans in many ways.   Some years, like the winter of 2013-2014, large numbers of Snowy Owls move south for the winter months.

Snowy Owl near Wellington, Ontario hunting in a cornfield

Project Snowstorm tries to answer some of the questions we have about these beautiful  and mysterious visitors, such as “Why do they come south?”  “Where did they come from?”  “How far do they travel, how fast, how high, and what paths do they take?”

“Freedom,” a female Snowy Owl with her GPS transmitter. Photo courtesy of Project Snowstorm, Mike Lanzone

Last winter 20 snowy owls were fitted with little GPS transmitters with solar batteries, that  transmitted the owl’s locations to researchers using the cellular network.

“Century” being released back into the wild. Photo credit: Raymond Macdonald, Project Snowstorm

Many of the owls were caught and removed from airports. They were then  banded, fitted with transmitters, and released back into the wild in safer locations.    Once the data began to pour in, fascinating stories emerged about the secret lives and movements of these owls in remote locations.

Millcreek’s movements through Oct. 11. Although his southbound data aren’t expected until Friday, we know he was still in the Ungava Oct. 29 — and is in southeastern Ontario now. (©Project SNOWstorm and Google Earth)

This is an example of the map created by the movements of Millcreek, a Snowy Owl originally captured at the Erie, Pennsylvania airport.   It shows how he spent much of the summer and early fall in the Ungava Peninsula, then started his journey south in late October.

Millcreek’s movements through December 1

This map shows Millcreek’s movements through December 1.   I love how it shows how he followed the north shore of Lake Ontario, right past us.   There was a day in late November where up to 12 Snowy Owls were reported at Presqu’ile Park.  Perhaps Millcreek was one of them.  Yes, this year is another great year for Snowy Owls- many of them have moved south for the winter!   Though the irruption is not as big as last year, it is still quite significant- so keep your eyes open for these beautiful arctic visitors!

Snowy Owl on a hay bale, Wolfe Island, Ontario

I would highly recommend you read more about Project Snowstorm. Many more maps and stories about the owls are there.  Here are a couple of places to read current updates:

Project Snowstorm Blog

Project Snowstorm Facebook Page

Embrace winter!

The post Project Snowstorm appeared first on Leslie Abram Photography.

This is a Saw Whet Owl.

October is Saw Whet Owl banding month

Let’s admit it- this owl is breathtakingly adorable.   If you live anywhere in the vicinity of Prince Edward County, Ontario, October is the month to you have a chance to see them in person.  Saw Whet Owl banding is taking place each evening at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.

Volunteer bird bander Ron, with Barred Owl and Saw Whet Owl. Photo credit: David Okines

Here’s a photo that shows the relative sizes of the Barred Owl and the Saw Whet Owl.  Good thing Ron is holding them, or the Barred Owl would probably have the Saw Whet for a little snack.

Look at those talons!

Don’t forget, though, that Saw Whet Owls are formidable hunters themselves, and do their share to keep down the songbird and rodent populations!

Roosting Saw Whet Owl- Amherst Island

Saw Whet Owls make a small southward migration around the Great Lakes in October of each year, headed to the Northeastern United States.   Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is located in their path.

Bird in hand

About 900 owls per year are banded and released from the banding station at Prince Edward Point.   Audio lures of Saw Whet Owl calls are used to attract the little owls, who are then captured in nets.   The bird banders at the station use the ultimate care to prevent these owls from harm and stress.

Another day at the office

They weigh and measure them, determine their sex, and place a metal identification band on the owl’s lower leg.   When owls are recovered in other locations, a report is sent back to the station at Prince Edward Point.  This information is used to determine range and population trends for the owls.

Meet the Saw Whet

The banders are very keen to educate the public, so visitors are welcome to come to the banding station and observe.

Pat me

Owl banding takes place in the evening all throughout October, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Banding will not take place if it is rainy or windy, as this would compromise the well being of the owls.

You never know what you will see when you are there.   In the past couple of years we have also seen Eastern Screech Owls and Barred Owls at the station.

Come Visit Me!

So, as with all wildlife, you never know what you will see on any given day.   What I do know is that if you want a chance to see these adorable owls and learn more about them, the best way to do it is to take a visit to the Saw Whet Owl banding, taking place in October.

For more information about October Saw Whet Owl banding at Prince Edward Point, you can refer to these links:

Directions to Prince Edward Point

Daily Saw Whet Owl banding report

Saw Whet Owl banding information page

Good luck!

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Spectacular shorebirds!   You bet.   To know them is to love them.  These little birds are superstars.

Sandpipers

Take a look at the gorgeous feather patterns and impressive bills on these shorebirds.

Hudsonian Godwit Portrait

Sanderling on Lake Ontario Shore

American Golden Plover

Every spring and fall, shorebirds make their epic migratory journey to their arctic breeding grounds, then back to their wintering grounds in South America.   Along the way they make some important stops to rest and refuel.

“Man, I’m tired…”

Lucky for me, one of their important stopover points is Presqu’ile Provincial Park, just minutes from my house.

Early morning at the shore

Once everyone wakes up, things can get really busy at the lakeshore, as these little birds eat, bathe, preen, and joust for territory.

On Guard!

“Bring it on!”

Shorebirds can often be found in mixed species groups.   The different shapes and lengths of their bills allow them to feed at various depths of water at the shoreline.

“I like your bill too.”    Whimbrel and Hudsonian Godwit

“Where to next?”

Sandpipers and a Short-billed Dowitcher (Which has a very long bill…)

The incredible thing about these mixed groups of birds is how they can all fly as one flock.   Watching them twist and turn through the air as one unit is a true wonder of nature.

Flight

As these little birds are often preyed upon by raptors, it is important that they be able to stick together and move quickly.   I have seen Northern Harriers, Merlins, and a Peregrine Falcon trying to catch one for a meal, usually by trying to separate one bird from the flock.

Coming in for a landing

Settling In

Once they perceive that danger is past, they will fly back into shore and begin to feed again.

The Rare Hudsonian Godwit

It’s really worth taking a visit to the shore, and seeing who is around.    Fall shorebird migration takes place between now and late November, or whenever the algae beds freeze up.

To check out which birds have been visiting Presqu’ile Park this week, see Fred Helleiner’s Presqu’ile Bird Report, published faithfully every Thursday.

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