Most of Ontario experienced a noticeable delay in the arrival of some of our migrants in May thanks to cooler temperatures combined with unsettled weather. Now we seem to have flipped to early summer conditions. That means migration is over and local birds will be busy with the annual breeding cycle.

From Robins to Baltimore Orioles, Song Sparrows and Indigo Buntings, the majority of birds we see are busy constructing nests, sitting on eggs or feeding their newly hatched chicks, depending on when they arrived. Some, like the Robins, may be busy with a second brood. Warmer conditions mean that insects will be more abundant making our songbirds very happy. Swallows, including Purple Martins, rely on an adequate supply of flying insects for them and for their chicks. The population of martins has dropped by 90% in Ontario and Quebec since the 1970s. A healthy diet of flying insects is essential for their survival. 

Happy Birding!

By Brian Morin

Publisher of Ontario Birding News