Look for These Native Bird Species
The arrival of spring in the Credit River Watershed is more than a change in temperature. It marks the return of birds that have travelled thousands of kilometres from tropical forests to breed here.
As wetlands fill with sound and forests leaf out, these seasonal changes become part of a much larger story. From the Andes to Central America and the Caribbean, migratory birds are making remarkable journeys back to southern Ontario.
For a few short months, the forests, wetlands and river corridors of the watershed become critical breeding habitat for species whose migrations connect us to ecosystems around the world. With spring underway, keep an eye out for these six returning species.
Blackburnian Warbler
Each spring, the blackburnian warbler returns from the Andes of northern South America after travelling up to 7,000 kilometres. One of the later-arriving warblers in May, it settles into mature forests across the Credit River Watershed, where it forages high in the canopy for insects.
Scarlet Tanager
After wintering in northwestern South America, the scarlet tanager migrates 5,000 to 6,000 kilometres to breed in Ontario. Males are bright red with black wings during breeding season, though they spend much of their time high in the canopy and can be easier to hear than see. Within the watershed, they rely on large, connected deciduous forests rich in insects.
Wood Thrush
The wood thrush is between 19 to 21 centimetres in length and weighs between 40 and 50 grams, roughly the weight of a small chicken egg. It travels approximately 4,000 kilometres from Central America each spring. In the Credit River Watershed, it nests in mixed and deciduous forests with moderate understory vegetation.
Baltimore Oriole
Travelling 4,000 to 5,000 kilometres from Central America and northern South America, the Baltimore oriole is one of the more recognizable spring arrivals due to their bring orange colouring. After reaching the watershed, it quickly begins building its woven, pouch-like nest high in trees. It’s often seen along rivers and deciduous forest edges, where emerging insects, berries and flowering trees provide important food sources.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Despite its petite size, the ruby-throated hummingbird migrates more than 3,000 kilometres and many individuals fly up to 800 kilometres non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico. In the Credit River Watershed, it depends on nectar from early blooms and small insects to regain energy.
Indigo Bunting
Measuring approximately 11 to 13 centimetres long and weighing between 12 and 18 grams, the indigo bunting weighs as much as a tablespoon of sugar. It migrates about 2,000 kilometres from Central America and the Caribbean. In the Credit River Watershed, it seeks out shrublands and brushy vegetation along meadow edges to breed.
Give a Warm Welcome
The arrival of migratory birds is a reminder that what happens in the Credit River Watershed matters far beyond our local landscape. The health of our forests, wetlands and waterways plays a direct role in whether these species can successfully rest, nest and raise their young.
Protecting habitat locally helps sustain migration routes that connect the Credit River Watershed to the wider world. Here are four simple ways you can help support migratory birds this spring:
- Install bird nesting boxes suited to local species to help provide safe places for breeding during the spring and summer months.
- Plant native trees and shrubs to provide food and shelter during migration and nesting season.
- Leave natural areas undisturbed during nesting season, especially between April and August.
- Monitor pets when you let them outdoors, to reduce risks to nesting and ground-foraging birds.
- Make windows bird-safe by using decals or treatments to help prevent collisions during peak migration.
- Consider using timers or motion-detectors, warm-coloured and downward pointing light fixtures for exterior lighting. Learn how to make your outdoor home lighting bird-friendly.
- Explore restoration opportunities for larger properties, including forests, meadows and wetlands, through CVC’s restoration and stewardship programs.
By taking actions locally and supporting conservation efforts across the watershed, we can help ensure these remarkable journeys continue for generations to come.
Learn more about birds in the Credit River Watershed.
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By Kimberley Laird, Associate, Marketing and Communications
So informative and useful resources!