On the Quest for Biodiversity

Six-spotted Tiger Beetle at the Royal Botanical Gardens

One weekend this May, I went for a pleasant walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton. The entire time, my gaze was directed to trees as the enchanting birds danced above.

When it finally came time for me to tie up my unlaced shoe, what did I see? Before my feet was a magnificent and glowing beetle (or rather two, if you look closely at the photo). I was fascinated by this creature, and I wanted to know more.

Soon enough, I obtained an insect field guide to begin identification. I determined this species is a Six-spotted Tiger Beetle.

Still, this is not enough. Identifying this beetle gave me such a feeling acquaintance and familiarity with the forest that I wanted to know more. Immediately, I felt so small in such a big world. Nearly 100 000 insect species occur in North America alone. The insect numbers are so dizzying that it's almost unimaginable to even picture such diversity.

After my little encounter, I found a new appreciation for bugs - even the spiders that I am so frightened of. Now, I am on the Quest for Biodiversity - meaning I am off to identify all the bugs, trees, wildflowers, mammals, and birds (or course) to reach a better understanding of the beautiful natural world that surrounds us. I hope all you readers all join me and begin your own quests!

Monitoring Neighborhood Nests

Lately, I have been monitoring several nests in my neighborhood. They belong to the following species: House Finch, Barn Swallow, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, American Robin, House Sparrow, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Bank Swallow, and Northern Rough-winged Swallow.

American Robin nest with three nestlings.

 For the longest time, the parents have been constructing their nests and incubating. Finally, I had the chance to see the chicks of three species. Until the rest hatch, I will keep you updated on them.

Point Pelee

On Saturday, May 18th, I set off to Point Pelee National Park for the 2013 Victoria Day Long Weekend. As many of you birders may know, Point Pelee is often referred to as the "Warbler Capital of North America", and the park certainly lives up to its name.

I observed a total of 96 species. It's not too bad of a count considering it is already quite late in the season. Some highlights included White-throated Vireo, Eastern Screech-Owl, woodcock courtship flights, and 21 warbler species, including lots of Parulas. Empidonax species were abundant. Any birder that hasn't yet been to Pelee in May should go as soon as possible.

On Monday, I made a visit to Rondeau to catch some rarities such as the Prothonotary and Yellow-throated Warblers. Rondeau Provincial Park is about an hour east of Pelee, and it proves to have equally rewarding birding, if not better.

I was delighted to find this Prothonotary Warbler on the Harrison Trail.

I was even more thrilled to find a second!

Luckily, I caught this Yellow-throated Warbler at the end of my visit, just as I was leaving.

I came home with a ton of photos, a couple Ontario lifers, and a smile. I can't wait to return next year...