McMaster University recognizes that the University and surrounding Hamilton area, including their nature spaces, are situated on traditional territories shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and Anishnaabe nations. These lands are protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt. The wampum uses the symbolism of a dish to represent the territory, and one spoon to represent that the people are to share the resources of the land and only take what they need.
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Nature @ McMaster

Art Of Birding

 

                                                             

Hamilton is home to over 300 species of birds, and they can be found from the middle of downtown to healthy natural forests at any time of day in any season. Whether you just moved to the city or have lived here for decades, it is never a bad time to get to know the local bird community! 

Overview

Here are the top 5 birds you can find near campus and in Hamilton 

Black-capped Chickadee 

This little, non-migratory songbird is native to North America that dwells in deciduous and mixed forests. It has become known for its ability to reduce body temperature during harsh winter months and for having a high spatial memory.

American Goldfinch

In contrast to the yellow of the breeding season, males in the winter are considerably more muted, resembling a “gold” colour that matches the females. 

Red-Winged Black Bird

It is one of the most extensively researched wild bird species worldwide. These bird species are usually found close to marshes as well as open fields. Females are streaky brown, resembling a giant dark sparrow, while males are glossy black with scarlet and yellow wing patches.

Cedar Waxwings

Although these birds are abundant year-round around Hamilton, their nomadic behaviour makes locating them at any particular moment challenging. Be aware that these birds love winter berries, and If you have berry-producing trees in your backyard during the winter, eventually, Cedar Waxwings will try to steal some.

Red-Tailed Hawk

They can be readily observed on thin tree branches in any Hamilton natural area. The sound of an adult red-tailed hawk is described as the sound of a horse shout. It’s frequently said to have a steam whistle-like sound. The length and pitch of this call differ depending on the red-tailed hawk’s age, gender, and geographic location. 

What is birding? 

There are many different aspects to birding. It can help you connect with nature, better understand your local ecosystem, and develop a greater appreciation for the non-human world. It is a great way to get outside, get some exercise, and meet new people. Individuals of all skill levels enjoy birding, which anyone can do anywhere.   

 How do I start birding? 

Using field guides, whether they are digital or printed, is a great way to develop and improve your bird identification skills. For a variety of digital devices, there are numerous?apps?accessible. Using your field guide to explore the outdoors and begin to educate yourself on new species can be incredibly rewarding.  

Here are some apps recommended by Hamilton Naturalist Club: 

Merlin app 

Merlin also comes with a sizable collection of bird recordings and a machine-learning method for detecting bird songs, both of which can be excellent starting points for learning to recognize bird songs and calls. 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.labs.merlinbirdid.app&hl=en_CA&gl=US 

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell-lab/id773457673 

 

E-Bird 

With the help of eBird, you can quickly and easily record the birds you spot and add your findings to the world’s largest online collection of bird records. This free tool aids in keeping count of your birding activities and makes your data publicly accessible for scientific study, guidance, and conservation. eBird also shows birding hotspots, which can help you plan future birding trips. The hotspot feature is invaluable if you are unfamiliar with the best birding sites in your area. 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.cornell.birds.ebird&hl=en_US&gl=US 

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/ebird/id988799279 

 

I-Naturalist 

You can identify the nearby fauna and flora with the assistance of iNaturalist. Interact with an online network of more than 400,000 scientists and naturalists who can help in your search to understand the natural world. 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.inaturalist.android&hl=en_CA&gl=US 

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/inaturalist/id421397028 

 

Connect and Learn: 

One of the best ways to expand your birding skills is by learning from people with lots of birding experience. Getting involved in your local birding community is a great way to do this. Local organizations will often run hikes led by birding experts, which can be a great opportunity to learn birding tips and tricks and ask any questions you might have. Organizations like the Bird Study Group in Hamilton also host meetings and events, which are a great opportunity to learn and meet others in the hobby. 

 

What equipment do I need? 

Besides possibly phone apps or printed guides, birding does not necessarily require any special equipment, but there are some standard tools people like to use. Binoculars are often associated with birders and are a great way to get a closer look at distant birds, whether they are songbirds hiding in trees or ducks out on the lake. High-quality binoculars can be quite expensive, but there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your preference. 

 

For more information, visit 

https://hamiltonnature.org/ 

https://medium.com/@rgeraldporter