Wednesday, January 26, 2011

January 25 & 26, 2011 Local Birding

The number and location of Bohemian Waxwings are changing day to day. With most berry crops depleted now, this known wanderer is on the move in search of the remaining few areas. Today I located one group feeding on what berries were left on few Buckthorn. As the group of waxwings fed others perched high in a nearby tree waiting for their turn to feed and on high alert for predators. Each winter this erratic visitor to eastern Ontario varies greatly in numbers. We can get flocks of 100's and occasionally 1000's during the winter. Recent areas that I have observed Bohemian Waxwings include Rifle Road off Carling Ave., March Valley Road, and Old Carp Road near 2nd Line Rd.

Below is a series of Bohemian Waxwing photos shown feeding and resting.








It's been a great winter for the two male Red-bellied Woodpeckers, west of Ottawa. This species has expanded into eastern Ontario and now is a regular in Presqu'ile, Prince Edward County and the Kingston area. This winter, there has been substantial evidence of the Hairy Woodpecker activity especially on American White Elm- many trees have virtually been stripped of their bark. The last time I saw this amount of woodpecker work was back in the early to mid 70's by both Back-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers!

A male Red-bellied Woodpecker at Constance Bay.

Hairy Woodpeckers have been striping elms of their bark.

Woodpecker work on Am. White Elm.


Hairy Woodpeckers are regular at suet feeders during the winter months.


A male Hairy Woodpecker waiting its turn at a suet feeder.

A male Pileated Woodpecker visiting a suet feeder.


The male Pileated Woodpecker is easy to recognize by its red crest and red malar stripe.

White-breasted Nuthatch inhabit many of the outlying deciduous forest and enjoying feeding on sunflower seeds and suet.

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