Well, who is this fuzzy little creature? Yes, it’s that time of year again- time for the Barred Owlets to leave the nest and venture out on their own. When owlets come down from their nest, and climb up into the nearby trees they are called “branchers.” They just crawl around the…
It’s that time of the year- time to make a nest! Birds have an astonishing array of ways in which they do this. The king and queen of home building must be the Pileated Woodpeckers. Not only do they knock out a hole in a tree for their own use,…
No. Not that. Not him! What I mean is, I did a birding “Big Day” on May 9. So, what is a “Big Day?” A Big Day is when you go out searching all day long and try to find and record as many different species of birds as…
Spring Fever! I’ve got it, just like I do every year. This time of year there are changes in the natural world everywhere you look. More colourful migrants arrive each day, like this lovely Pine Warbler. Tiny Golden Crowned Kinglets have arrived at the lakeshore in busy little…
Welcome to Amherst Island! Located on Lake Ontario, just southeast of Kingston, this little island is a haven for wildlife. Every trip to Amherst Island begins and ends with a ferry ride. It’s only 20 minutes, but there’s always lots to see. This time of year, the ferry has…
Well I believe it would be accurate to say we are right in the dead of winter here in Ontario. The temperature has not risen above freezing for over a month now. We have gotten our fair share of snow, too. Sometimes it makes me just want to…
So, how do you find owls? You go owling. I don’t even know if “owling” is a real word! But it has become part of the vocabulary of family and friends. A few days ago I went owling with a friend who had never done it before. The…
I had a Great Gray Owl living on my street last winter. Having a Great Gray Owl around is like having a big secret that you want to tell everyone about but you can’t. You see, Great Gray Owls are rare down here in Southern Ontario. And they…
I usually hear them before I see them. The Evening Grosbeaks are back! It is really special when these beautiful birds from the northern forests decide to pay us a visit. In the 17 years we have lived in our house, they have come about 6 different winters. …
Presqu’ile is pretty much deserted these days. The picnic-ers, birders, photographers, and campers have virtually disappeared. I do see the occasional dog- walkers bundled up against the cold with their faithful friends at their sides. But really, Presqu’ile belongs to the owls now. It’s amazing to see…
