NORTHERN RIVER Images

The June blog post has arrived.

Black Bears In June — Northern River Images June is one of the most active, and misunderstood, times of year for Black Bears in Ontario. Forests are lush, food sources are expanding, and adult Bears are moving more than they have in months. Understanding what Bears are doing in June especially around mating, food, and behaviour, can make all

We recently visited one of our favourite resorts in Dwight on the side of a beautiful lake. One of the visitor we encountered was several White-crowned Sparrow. The White-crowned Sparrow is a striking songbird that can be recognized by the bold black-and-white stripes on its head. Although it breeds mainly in northern Canada and Alaska, this species is a common migrant throughout Ontario during spring and fall. Birdwatchers often spot White-crowned Sparrows resting in fields, gardens, parks, and woodland edges as they travel between their breeding and wintering grounds. During migration, these sparrows rely on habitats that provide shelter and abundant food. Their diet consists mainly of seeds from grasses and weeds, making them important consumers of native plants. They also eat insects, especially during the breeding season, when protein-rich food supports growth and reproduction. In Ontario, migrating White-crowned Sparrows can often be seen scratching through leaf litter in search of seeds and small invertebrates. The plumage of the White-crowned Sparrow changes with age. Adults display crisp black-and-white crown stripes, while young birds have brown-and-tan stripes that help camouflage them from predators. Their gray face and breast, along with a pink or yellowish bill, make them easy to identify. As a seasonal visitor, the White-crowned Sparrow is a welcome sign of migration and the changing seasons across Ontario.🙂

May is an exciting month in Algonquin Provincial Park as the Broad-winged Hawk returns to Ontario’s forests after spending the winter in Central and South America. These small, compact Hawks are well known for their spectacular migrations. During spring migration, birdwatchers often spot Broad-winged Hawks soaring high overhead in groups called “kettles,” using warm air currents to glide northward with very little effort. Once they arrive in Algonquin, mating season begins. Broad-winged Hawks form monogamous pairs and usually return to the same nesting territory each year. Courtship displays can be dramatic, with males circling high above the forest canopy while calling loudly and performing steep dives to impress females. Nest building follows soon after, with both birds helping to construct a stick nest high in mature trees, often near wetlands or quiet woodland clearings. Food is especially important during this season because the hawks need energy for nesting and raising young. Broad-winged Hawks are skilled hunters that feed on a variety of small animals. Their diet includes mice, voles, frogs, snakes, insects, and small birds. They often hunt from hidden perches, such as the one shown, silently watching the forest floor before swooping down on prey. The return of the Broad-winged Hawk is one of the many signs that spring has fully arrived in Algonquin. Their graceful flight, haunting calls, and important role in the forest ecosystem make them a fascinating species for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.🙂

The February blog post has arrived.

February is for Family — Northern River Images February is a sacred pause in the wheel of the year. It is not loud or celebratory, yet it holds profound spiritual weight. Resting between the deep sleep of winter and the first stirring of spring, February invites us into a quieter relationship with the Earth, with our families, and with ourselves