The signs are everywhere. Early spring migrants have begun to trickle in with more to come in the days ahead. Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Horned Larks and a few Song Sparrows are being spotted across the region. We have also seen the beginning of the first big push, the waterfowl. Already the number of Scaup, Redheads and other diving ducks has increased on the lower Great Lakes and major rivers. Dabbling ducks like Gadwall, Pintails and Green-winged Teal are soon to follow, joined by tens of thousands of geese.

March is a transition month. Spring migration is heavily influenced by the weather with warm southerly winds bringing new arrivals and strong winds from the north stopping them cold. Despite setbacks, migration will advance.

Happy Birding!

By Brain Morin

Publisher of Ontario Birding News