We have so many great locations for bird watching in our region, sometimes we just don’t know where to start! On this episode of Garden Gate I speak with local ornithologist Andrew Jobes about his favourite spots to go birding!
We have had a massive number of orioles coming to our backyards since late April.. We’ve been hearing comments from across the province that there are a LOT of orioles this year. Local ornithologist Andrew Jobes and Brenda Ibey discuss why this may be the case this year and also share a few tips on … Read more
Some people refer to hummingbirds (“hummers” to birdwatchers) as “winged jewels,’ which is no surprise, given their small size, the males’ brilliant iridescent colours, and the way they flit about. There are 5 hummingbird species in Canada, but only one, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, in Ontario. Males have bright red throats, iridescent green backs, wings, and … Read more
Bats are remarkable creatures. They’re the only flying mammals in the world, and they use echolocation to catch flying insects on the wing in the dark. Imagine looking for your food with your ears… There are 8 bat species in Ontario, 4 of which are listed as Endangered on Ontario’s Species At Risk (SARO) List. … Read more
Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12th and we have some beautiful items in the shop that will make her happy. You can go pretty or practical! Pretty hats, fragrant soaps, handmade necklaces, wind chimes, Kawartha candles, garden art….or you can go with more practical items like garden tools, gloves, trugs or tea cups! We can … Read more
Some people refer to hummingbirds (“hummers” to birdwatchers) as “winged jewels,’ which is no surprise, given their small size, the males’ brilliant iridescent colours, and the way they flit about. There are 5 hummingbird species in Canada, but only one, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, in Ontario. Males have bright red throats, iridescent green backs, wings, and … Read more
https://youtu.be/LA1hBSbunus Next to Squirrels, Grackles and Starlings are the most bothersome to backyard bird feeders. They eat so much, come in large flocks and scare away the prettier birds like cardinals. During this episode of The Garden Gate I focus on types of seed and feeders that help to eliminate them from your garden and … Read more
The air will be increasingly filled with bird song this month as more species return from the south. Learning to identify birds by the sounds they make takes time and effort, but it can deepen your connection to your garden as you become increasingly aware of what’s going on around you. The words “singing” and … Read more
Spring is the time for the shop to get refilled after a busy holiday season. And it’s the time for us to add to our collection of Canadian made items. On this episode I share with you just a little of the many pieces of Canadian made metal work. Made by a number of … Read more
You may have noticed a loud, sweetly-whistled “Spring’s here!” in recent weeks. This is the song of the Black-capped Chickadee (as is the three-parted “Cheese-bur-ger!”). Many of our year-round bird residents are cavity nesters. Chickadees, nuthatches, and some woodpeckers stay here through the winter, and they’ll start their courtship activities in March. Chickadees Black-capped Chickadees … Read more