The exodus is on! In the next few weeks, most of the songbirds that we enjoyed during the summer will have left to spend the winter from the southern U.S. to the tropics. Warblers, vireos and flycatchers continue their slow but steady retreat, filling up on insects for the long flight ahead. Swallows are harder to find now and the last of the Eastern Kingbirds are saying goodbye.
This grand move comes in waves so we can expect a flood of White-throated Sparrows followed by White-crowned Sparrows. Some are already moving through and soon they will be joined by Dark-eyed Juncos which could remain in your neighbourhood for the winter. These are all birds you might see in your yard scratching for food on the ground so if you haven’t got your feeders up, now is the time.
Happy Birding!
By Brian Morin
Publisher of Ontario Birding NewsÂ
