Avian Harbinger(s) of Spring

Today, March 20, spring arrives. It seems to have been slow in coming compared to some years. In considering some of the bird arrivals, there have been a few indications of its arrival. Certainly one of the ones quite obvious has been the arrival of Tundra Swans. But by now, many of them have moved farther along their northern migration pathway.

 Ducks are present in quite impressive numbers. As the ice disappears from places like Rondeau Bay, there can easily be 10,000 or more birds of a couple of dozen species scattered across the water. And flooded fields are popular with some. The flooded fields of the Keith McLean Conservation Lands, just north of Rondeau, have had several hundred ducks. One of the more common species in recent days was American Wigeon.

 On occasion there will be the much rarer Eurasian Wigeon somewhere in the mix. Such was the case late last week, although it was never very close for photography.

 Also seen from time to time was another unusual wigeon, which may be a hybrid between American and Eurasian. I haven't seen it yet, but may do so soon.

Some waterfowl are already getting underway with nesting. Pairs of the non-native, and very aggressive, Mute Swan are establishing territories in marshy sections.

 Other species are pairing up even as they pause here in southwestern Ontario before making the next leg of their journey.

Northern Shoveler

Bufflehead

Land birds are becoming more plentiful. American Robins have arrived in good numbers lately, with the darker headed males being the first to arrive.

 Golden-crowned Kinglets are constantly on the move in the shrubs and grasses, searching for an insect to devour.

 Northern Cardinals are frequently heard in song on the sunnier, warmer days.

 There has been an influx of Song Sparrows lately. It is not unusual to see 50 or more in just a couple of hours or so, scattered throughout the open areas and shrubby edges.

But the real harbinger of spring, at least to many, is the Eastern Bluebird. On occasion one or more will manage to stay the winter here in southern Chatham-Kent, but this year there were none to be found once winter finally arrived. So it was with great delight that birders came across half a dozen or so of them at Rondeau in the last few days. Most were seen in the oak savanna habitat between the campground and Lakeshore Road.

 For a brightly coloured bird, they can sometimes be difficult to find as they perch quietly on a branch scanning for evidence of an insect in the dead vegetation below. But watch carefully and eventually their movement will give them away. They don't like to be approached, so waiting quietly for them to come closer is often the best solution. At least it worked for me as they got closer and did not seem to mind my presence.