On the Watch
June Hitchcox
 

Bald Eagles, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Glaucous Gull, Hooded Merganser, Carolina Wren – were some of the interesting sightings around the County late winter but generally fewer of the usually-common species such as Chickadees, Blue Jays, Goldfinches. This ties in with last September’s forecast that with the bumper crops of seeds, berries and nuts in Northern Ontario, fewer birds would need to come south. These birds will get a head-start on the nesting season. Now a new season has arrived. Hope that you are enjoying the wonderful sounds of Spring: Ruffed Grouse drumming in the forest; Phoebes and Pewees calling their names; Barred Owls with their “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all”. All resident and new arrivals sing their hearts out to attract a mate and to tell others of their species to stay off their territories. It’s such a good time of the year to identify species by sound. Learn a few common songs and you will notice a new one – a fun challenge. A reminder to put out your Hummingbird feeders toward the end of April – 1 cup water to ¼ cup sugar, NO red food colouring, boil, cool, pour into very clean, rinsed feeders. Hummers will be looking for sap oozing from holes made by their friends, the Sapsuckers, but your addition may well save their lives. Keep your ears and eyes open – it is a special time of year.