Worldwide, nature lovers, ornithologists, and photographers are always fascinated by the world of avian flight. Birds’ varied and complex flying patterns have a remarkable power to awe. This article takes us on a trip to discover the unnoticed beauty of bird flight patterns. I am interested in the artistic method of interlacing frames, which reveals the distinct flying patterns displayed by each species, rather than just the birds themselves. The technique of interlacing many frames is a precise and thorough method that forms the basis of this creative endeavor. This technique records several ..read more

From having pet companions to birdwatching, the love for animals unites many of us. Yet there’s an inconvenient truth: not everyone is aware of the impact that pets have on sensitive wildlife populations. For instance, free ranging cats are one of the biggest threats to birds. Whether to let pet cats roam free outside has been a long and heated debate, but we don’t have to choose. Keep reading to find out how we can help both cats and birds safely coexist in their shared habitats. Domestic Cats: A Leading Cause of Bird Mortality Stunned belted kingfisher © Robin Wells Free-roaming cats can put ..read more

Birding has exploded in popularity in recent years, with many turning to nature as a source of solace and comfort. Whether you’re a veteran birder or just getting started, here are some great birding resources. Birds Canada Birds Canada has a great tool to discover birds in your region. Simply mark your location on the map, enter the date and download the report, which includes the names and pictures of all the birds in your area. Birdwatching © Will ParsonMerlin Bird ID Suppose you are out birding, and you come across a bird you don’t recognize or hear a call that’s unfamiliar, what do you do ..read more

Nature has an essential yet underrated influence on human wellness. It triggers feelings of awe, joy, connection, self-reflection, and holistic wellness. A simple way that many North Americans engage with nature is through their bird feeders. Birds cast no disparity toward age, gender, ethnicity, health, abledness, etc. They simply exist and through the practice of observation, they invite us into simple existence with them. Bird feeders are a cost-effective and accessible way to foster this connection. In my search to better understand how birds contribute to human wellness, I have come acros ..read more

It’s late spring in northern Ontario. I am sitting on a beautiful peninsula, listening to the ethereal song of the Swainson’s thrush, and watching the sunrise over a quiet, peaceful lake. Does it get any better? This is the beauty of the Wabakimi area. Earlier this year, I joined the Friends of Wabakimi (FOW) on an eight-day canoe trip to conduct Breeding Bird Atlas surveys in an area that the FOW has proposed as a candidate for protection. Keep reading to find out some of the trip highlights. Morning on Moonshine Lake © Kristen Setala Canada has committed to protecting 25% of lands and waters ..read more

Where is nature in the city? It’s in the city parks, gardens and trees on the streets. We need more of these as for many urban residents these are the only greenspaces that they have access to. The nature on my doorsteps led me out the door, under the street trees, and into the world of birdwatching. Cherry tree blossoms, Necropolis Cemetary © Jacqueline Scott Birds don’t care if it’s a cemetery or a conservation area. If there are trees, the birds will visit. My birding weekend started with a walk up to my regular patch in the Necropolis Cemetery, Toronto. Two massive beech trees guard the en ..read more

Hearing the distinct calls of red-winged blackbirds and spotting turkey vultures teetering on the wind reminds us that spring bird migration in Ontario is happening now. With one of the most eventful seasons for birding upon us, there is no better time to encourage young people to get involved in bird conservation. Many youth want to learn about birding but aren’t sure where to start. With this in mind, Ontario Nature, in collaboration with For Youth Initiative, have launched a Birding Backpack program designed to reduce barriers youth face to birding and promote engagement with community scie ..read more

The third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (Atlas-3) is a province-wide volunteer bird survey. Beginning on January 1, 2021, the community science project will run for five years. The object is to record breeding birds across Ontario to determine their distribution and abundance. Atlas-3 is a partnership between Birds Canada; Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment and Climate Change Canada); Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Government of Ontario; Ontario Field Ornithologists; and Ontario Nature. This project can only be successful through mass participation. If you love birds and are p ..read more

Ontario Nature and For Youth Initiative hosted two hikes on May 7 and July 9 at Cedarvale Ravine in Toronto for youth in the Oakwood-Vaughan and York-South Weston communities. This week’s blog is written by Leya, one of our birding hike participants. Earlier this year, I went on my first birdwatching hike with For Youth Initiative (FYI) and Ontario Nature. It was an unforgettable experience that has motivated me to go on more birdwatching hikes since then. I usually observe wildlife from my window because I’m too lazy to leave my home to go on a proper birdwatching hike. The only way I get mot ..read more

After a long winter, the arrival of the spring bird migration is a spectacle for the senses, while heralding warmer days to come. Between February and June, millions of North American birds take to the skies on their annual journey from their southern wintering grounds to fly north to their breeding grounds, many settling in Ontario and others travelling as far as the Arctic. It may be hard to imagine why birds would leave warm places in the south to fly north thousands of kilometres in often perilous conditions. Other than a genetic predisposition to migrate, the main reason is in the availab ..read more