Fall warbler migration at Rondeau Provincial Park

In the present day’s publish got here from Laura Penner, Discovery Program Group Chief at Rondeau Provincial Park.

Hundreds of birdwatchers flock to Rondeau every spring to participate in considered one of nature’s most spectacular occasions, the annual songbird migration.

The male warblers, of their try to draw mates, are of their best plumage with daring patterns and brilliant colors. Their distinctive songs fill the air!

Newbie birders give attention to the chicken’s look to determine it. For extra superior birders, the songs might assist determine birds that aren’t out within the open placing on a present.

However for individuals who are able to take their warbler identification abilities to the subsequent stage, there’s the autumn migration!

After a summer time season on their breeding grounds, most warblers and songbirds head again south to their overwintering grounds, bringing them again via southern Ontario and locations like Rondeau Provincial Park.

There are just a few new challenges that include birdwatching throughout the fall migration:

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1. The distraction of lovely fall foliage

When the birds first move via within the spring, they achieve this simply because the leaves are opening on the bushes, giving birders unobstructed views.

Now the forest is full of the oranges, reds, and yellows of autumn, making it a bit tougher to get a very good view.

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2. All the pieces you thought you knew about warblers has modified!

With the mating season behind them, warblers not require the flashy colors. They change into drabber variations of their spring selves.

Check out these two Yellow-rumped Warbler pictures. The left picture was taken within the spring, whereas the fitting picture was taken throughout the fall.

Or how concerning the seasonal distinction between these two Palm Warblers?

Throw immature birds into the combination, and also you’ll end up utilizing the “Complicated Fall Warbler” part of your favorite discipline information rather more usually!

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3. No extra mating songs

Not solely do the birds change into drab, they not have to sing to speak with potential mates.

You’ll need to depend on discipline markings alone to determine these birds!

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However don’t let this dampen your spirits!

Fall is a phenomenal time to be out in any park! The climate is nice, the summer time crowds have dispersed, the mosquitos are taking a break, and the bushes are lovely!

Deliver alongside a good friend – extra eyes are at all times higher in terms of birding.

Take a gradual stroll alongside your favorite path, protecting a watch out for motion within the cover.

Focus your binoculars on the chicken and search for any acquainted markings (in most species these discipline marks are lighter in color, however nonetheless current).

Observe your first hunch. Though the birds are muted, it may be that yellowish patch on the pinnacle and white wing-bars that made you consider a Chestnut-sided Warbler, regardless that his chestnut facet was lacking.

Make notes of what you do discover concerning the chicken so you may look it up afterwards. Utilizing apps like eBird and iNaturalist will help you realize what different individuals are seeing within the space and may assist you slender down your choices!

However most of all, be affected person and persevere! With all issues, you enhance with apply and expertise – and there’s no higher place to apply your new pastime than out in nature on a tranquil path!