The Hiking Boot

Fall migration is fully underway! Birds of all feathers have begun their journey to their respective wintering grounds in the south and they’ve reached our backyard so I’ve been taking walks when I can to see who’s currently passing by the neighbourhood. Highlights so far include, a Canada Warbler, a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and an Ovenbird. Some migrants will over winter right here in Ontario (think Bluejays, White-throated sparrows, Chick-a-dees ect.) while others like the Wood Warblers will travel thousands of kms to get to their final wintering destinations.

I’ve read a lot of interesting facts over the years about these exceptional trips birds make twice a year and one stands out more than the rest, the Blackpoll Warbler. Their migration is an incredible example of tiny animals travelling vast distances during their migration and it’s been recently discovered that not only do they migrate vast distances, but they actually fly over the Atlantic Ocean non-stop for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT to get to their wintering grounds. That is not a typo. These tiny birds accomplish something that is almost unfathomable. (Read the linked article for more mind-blowing information, as well as tips on how you can help birds as they pass through during times of migration).

Anyways. Fall migration for me is just as exciting a time of year as the springtime migration even though some of the birds aren’t travelling in their bold springtime plumage. Birding at this time of year really keeps you guessing about what birds you’re looking at, as they are usually silent (so you can’t identify by song) and their wintertime coats can look very similar to other species. So birding for me at this time of year is not really about identifying who I’m looking at but rather its an opportunity to simply enjoy time outside, practicing my photography and wishing a farewell and safe journey to our feathered little friends.