5 minute read
BIRDWATCHING a popular pastime
BY KERITH WADDINGTON
With spring upon us and days lengthening, early birds may be rewarded if not with the worm itself, then certainly the sight of many twitchers.
That’s because “twitchers” is another name for birdwatchers, and morning is known to be the best time to catch sight of our feathered friends. Avian spring migration is in full swing here on the Island and swallows, rufous hummingbirds, warblers, American gold finch, varied thrush and more are coming back after spending the winter in warmer climes.
Contrary to what some may think, it isn’t the warmth that draws them back at this time of the year so much as the food sources that accompany the change in temperature, says Colin Bartlett, owner of the Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store in Nanaimo.
For the novice and expert ornithologist alike, attracting birds to your yard is relatively simple, says Bartlett. “You can’t go wrong with a birdbath, some seed and some nesting boxes,” he says. “Spring is nesting time, so boxes will attract chickadees, wrens, nuthatches and woodpeckers.”
“It’s always about food,” Bartlett says with a laugh, noting that the red flowering currant, ocean spray and Oregon grape – alongside insect hatchings and the herring spawn – all provide sustenance for the earliest arrivals each year.
Oddly enough, backyard feeders might seem quieter at this time of year than all winter, adds Bartlett. “In the spring, birds become territorial as they establish their nests, so they spread out. In the fall and winter, birds flock together for safety, finding food sources and for warmth at night. The more eyes, the better to keep a lookout for predators.”
For those who want to combine birdwatching with exploration and exercise, open areas like marshlands, fields, the edge of woods, parks and the waterfront are prime targets: all it takes is a comfy
pair of sneakers and, if possible, a pair of binoculars.
Bartlett notes that twitchers have had great success at Yellow Point Park, the Nanaimo River Estuary, Somenos March down in Duncan, Transfer Beach in Ladysmith, Stocking Creek in Saltair, Hemer Park and Cable Bay Trail in Cedar, and Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo.
And just what sightings on Vancouver Island get birders most excited?
“At this time of year, mountain bluebirds are passing through and are often spotted in open field areas on fence posts, by the Nanaimo airport or the Nanaimo River Estuary,” says Bartlett. “They are a lovely light-blue colour and a real treat to see.”
It’s also not unusual to hear stories of escaped parrots at this time of year, laughs Bartlett. “What it actually is is the western tanager returning, which, being red, orange and yellow, is our most colourful bird and always a source of great excitement.”
Following the return of the songbirds, the decidedly less musical but nonetheless impressive turkey vultures and raptors will be back. Come fall, the raucous Steller’s Jay will make an appearance.
Bartlett is eager to bust a myth about feeding birds.
“Some folk believe that you shouldn’t feed birds in the summer, as they will become habituated and not migrate,” he says. “This is completely wrong. Birds will always feed on natural seeds first and will migrate regardless.” Bird feeding is just a supplementary food source for the birds.
He also dispels the myth of the “birdbrain.”
“Birds are very smart,” he says. “Birds weigh seeds that are in the shell, such as sun flower seeds. They can tell by its weight when they pick it up whether they will expend more energy cracking it open than they will get from what’s inside. That’s why the lightest seeds are always left behind.”
Bartlett is happy to note that bird species endemic to Vancouver Island are pretty stable with some exceptions such as barn swallows, although all birds are at risk with any loss of habitat and changing weather. And the recent resurgence of eagle numbers is causing a bit of a hit on heron populations: the larger the bird, the longer it takes for the young ones to fledge, so heron nests are the site of frequent predation by eagles.
The popularity of this pastime clearly proves it’s not just “for the birds,” a phrase which originated in WW11, when soldiers noticed birds picking through piles of horse manure for seeds.
Birdwatching can be enjoyed as a solo pursuit or with like-minded enthusiasts.
For those new to this pastime or people looking for more places to explore, the Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store hosts twice-weekly birdwatching outings throughout the year. These are fun and educational.
Check out their website for locations and recent sightings at thebackyard.ca.
