blackpoll-warbler-study
Louise Beckinsale
Backpacking Birds & The Role They Play in Avian Conservation

The science-backed research method behind many decisions regarding conservation of wild animals and birds has come a long way.  Over the years, much research was dependent on a handful of scientists and biologists and their teams observing the daily activities of their subjects. As this type of research was undoubtedly vital for many of the […]

 

purple-finch-perched
Louise Beckinsale
The 2016-2017 Finch Forecast and What to Expect This Winter

It’s that time of year again and for many of us birders, we are looking forward to the possible return of some of our favourite finch species to the southern regions of Canada and specifically, Ontario. As consistent as the leaves changing each fall, Ron Pittaway releases his winter finch forecast each and every year […]

 

Fall Birdwatching in Ottawa: Cardinal Flocks, Goldfinch Activity, and Hummingbirds
Louise Beckinsale
Fall Migration is Here! Birds Are on the Move, Keep Those Feeders Full
As September draws to a close in Ottawa, birdwatchers are treated to the bustling activity of fall migration. Cardinals gather in flocks, while goldfinches, including many juveniles, make the most of the late nesting season. Meanwhile, hummingbirds linger among wildflowers, enjoying the last nectar of the season. Discover how to attract and support these feathered friends as they prepare for their southbound journey.
migrating-birds-over-a-lake
Louise Beckinsale
Three Different Types of Migration You Could Encounter This Fall

As we are only a couple of weeks ahead of the official start of autumn, some of our local birds have already left town and many others are busy preparing for their exit to warmer locales. Most of us tend to think of migration as a relatively straight forward operation, with birds leaving their summer […]

 

yellow-rumped-warbler
Louise Beckinsale
Summer Spotlight – The Yellow-Rumped Warbler

As we wind out the summer, chances of spotting many warblers are growing smaller by the day as many of these small, energetic songbirds are already making their way south for the winter months.  That being said, according to eBird reports, there are still some yellow-rumped warblers in the area. One of the more recent […]

 

chicks-after-hatching
Louise Beckinsale
Four Ways to tell the Breeding Season Is Coming to a Close

Wait.  What?  That’s right, we’ve blinked and suddenly we are approaching midway through the month of June.  The excitement of the spring migration period is in our rear view and all of the sudden the summer is upon us. While for the moment, there is still a good deal of nesting activity going on locally […]

ruby-throated-hummingbird-eating-insects
Louise Beckinsale
Give Your Hummingbirds the Protein they need This Season

There has been a lot of talk lately about hummingbirds as many customers, friends and family have been asking us where hummingbirds are in their migration and when we should expect to see them.  While it is always somewhat difficult to know exactly when they will arrive, there are always a few telltale signs we […]

hummingbird-eating-nectar
Louise Beckinsale
When to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeders

While we look forward to the return of all of our migrants, hummingbirds definitely hold a special place in every birders heart.  We have spoken at length about the approximate timing of hummingbird migration in both the spring and the fall, but identifying the right time to hang your feeder can be just as challenging. […]