I guess I wasn’t the only one looking for them. A couple of weeks ago, The Auroran, Week of July 26, 2011, published in the section Letters to the Editor, a letter from David Tomlinson “Had hummingbirds drop in on you lately?” This week, David is asking for help again in another letter to the editor, “Reader still looking for hummingbirds.”
The Aurora Wildlife and Naturalization Working Group has been undertaking a survey of Aurora’s breeding bird population over the last six years, as stated in The Auroran. The survey also includes hummingbirds, but it seems like this year the Group is having issues finding them.
Well, I have the same issue. For the past five years, hummingbirds have been visiting my garden. Our backyard and the neighbours’ backyards are filled with trees and bushes that attract hummingbirds. I don’t have a hummingbird feeder, and I don’t know who does in the neighbourhood. I have a Red horse-chestnut, Aesculus x carnea “Briotti” as you can see in the photos. This is where she came. Yes, only she. I have never seen two or more.
This year, I was excited to use my new camera to capture more photos. The pictures you see here are from a spontaneous photo shoot last year. The hummingbirds would visit every day during the blooming flower season, and May 27th was the perfect day to snap these photos in the best light. I would often see them perched on the Red horse-chestnut tree. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I didn’t get to have a hummingbird photo shoot this year. I searched for them at different times every day, but they were nowhere to be found.
Oh, but hold on, that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen them this year. Back in early spring, I caught a glimpse of them in Hamilton Park, on a trail behind the soccer field near the hydro lines that lead to St. Andrews Valley Golf Club. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me that day, but I still have vivid memories of the sight. It was really cool watching them flit around the bush.
Since 2006, I have been actively engaged in bird-watching in Aurora, primarily focusing on capturing photographs of various bird species. Over the past five years, I have observed a noticeable shift in the distribution of bird species within the area. Each year, upon returning to familiar locations, I have encountered different species than in previous years. This phenomenon could potentially be attributed to factors such as residential development or even climate change.
I have observed an increase in the number of Eastern kingbirds in the Arboretum this year, particularly along the path accessible from Industrial Parkway/St. John’s Sideroad. In previous years, I would only see one or two of these birds perched on the wire fence, but this year there seems to be a larger population. I have also noticed them flying back and forth overhead more frequently.
I find it fascinating to watch the Eastern kingbirds hover above the tall grass in the Aurora Community Arboretum, showcasing their impressive hovering abilities similar to hummingbirds. Their presence adds to the beauty and diversity of wildlife in the area.
Perhaps, I will reach out to David Tomlinson to discuss my observations.
COMMENTS
kaslkaos said: August 12, 2011 at 09:41
“Spectacular hummingbird photo’s, wow. I’m just in Stouffville, and we have the usual supply. I do hang sugar feeders, though, and have plenty of yummy flowers in the yard.”
Kate said: August 23, 2011 at 09:02
“How can I contact David Tomlinson? I see hummingbirds regularly in my backyard in Aurora…in fact I just saw one last evening. Thanks”
Anna Lozyk Romeo said: August 25, 2011 at 16:57
“Kate I emailed you.”
citizen said: September 17, 2011 at 16:06
“I also read the letters in the papers. Two weeks after that I saw a hummingbird in my front yard. Then again the next day. Unfortunately I did not have the papers by then, so I couldn’t call. Can you help me out with the contact number, please. Thank you.”
Anna Lozyk Romeo said: September 20, 2011 at 00:42
“Replied to you by email. Thank you for commenting.”
