Category: Birding
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Birding with benefits: therapeutic benefits of bird watching
Birdwatching is a time-honoured tradition that many people enjoy today, offering the opportunity to switch off from the modern world and get back to nature. Whether you’re simply investing in a bird feeder for your backyard or going for a walk in your local park, birding is beneficial to both your mind and body. It is…
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Fall warbler migration at Rondeau Provincial Park
Today’s post comes from Laura Penner, a Discovery Program Group Leader at Rondeau Provincial Park. Thousands of birdwatchers flock to Rondeau each spring to take part in one of natures most spectacular events, the annual songbird migration. The male warblers, in their attempt to attract mates, are in their finest plumage with bold patterns and…
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Monitoring birds in northern protected areas
Today’s article comes from our bird recording specialists, Zone Ecologist Ed Morris and Zone Operations Technician Rebecca Rogge. Birds are interesting. Most are visually striking, with noteworthy songs to match their brilliant feathers. They are also very important. Birds contribute to the health of our environment. They disperse seeds, pollinate plants, and help to control insect populations.…
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2022 Piping Plover season recap
In today’s post, Piping Plover Biologist Monica Fromberger shares the hot gossip surrounding this season’s plover population. We had TWO Piping Plover nests in southeastern Ontario this year! One at Darlington Provincial Park and the other at Presqu’ile Provincial Park.
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Migrating north: how I became a "Bird Nerd"
Today’s post comes from Sarah Wiebe, the senior park naturalist at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. Before this year, I would have never considered myself a “Bird Nerd.” My journey began in my southern Ontario home, but it wasn’t until I arrived at my summer destination (Kettle Lakes!) that I truly hit my nerdy stride.
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Sparrows: it's all in their heads
In today’s post, Rondeau Provincial Park Interpreter Shane Smits will take us through identifying just a few of the many sparrow species found in Ontario. For several reasons, whether rightfully so or not, sparrows are often overlooked when it comes to birdwatching. For starters, they tend to be plentiful. There are usually many sparrows seen…
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Square bashes with the Breeding Bird Atlas
Today’s post comes from Anna Sheppard, an Assistant Ecologist for Ontario Parks’ Northeast Zone. I am admittedly not a morning person by nature — if I had it my way, I would sleep in every single day! But I am passionate about birds, and for just a couple of months each year I’m willing to…
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We’re here for the birds: how to be an ethical birder
It’s officially spring, which means that birds are winging their way back to our parks — and birders won’t be far behind them! As birding becomes more popular, and with the initiation of the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, we’re expecting that this will be a big year for the activity. Whether this is your…