We have had a few migration setbacks in recent weeks with winter refusing to surrender. Late season snows make finding food a challenge, particularly for ground feeders like Robins and sparrows but that is a normal part of early spring in Ontario. Eventually, warmer conditions prevail and new birds make an appearance. 

A sure sign that we are moving in the right direction is when swallows appear. Tree Swallows happily accept accommodation in nest boxes while natural sites such as a hole in a tree are also used. These birds catch their meals on the wing so when the weather is colder, they may try to find insects flying over open water.

Happy Spring Birding!

By Brian Morin 

Publisher of Ontario Birding News