While winter’s grip has been relaxed, we are not through it yet. The good news is that birders are seeing early signs of spring that others miss, with the most noticeable changes coming from our resident birds. Northern Cardinals are breaking out in boisterous song, House Finches are joining in and Chickadees are doing their spring ‘fee-bee’ call. White-breasted Nuthatches are uttering ‘yank-yank-yank’ up to a dozen times. It is all about proclaiming territory and perhaps trying to attract a mate. 

Why are they doing this when it is still relatively cold outside? They are reacting to the changing level of light, not just the weather. Song can get a boost on warmer days but with the sun higher in the sky and hormones kicking in, their attention turns to the season ahead, SPRING! Keep your feeders active because we are entering the leanest time of the year for natural food. Your offering is not just welcomed, it is becoming essential.

Happy Birding!

Brain Morin 

Publisher of Ontario Birding News