Winter Birdwatching in the Cape Breton Highlands: A Short Guide to the Season's Avian Wonders
- Niki Johannesen
- Mar 22
- 3 min read
As the Cape Breton Highlands transform under a blanket of snow, the serene winter landscape becomes a bustling hub for an array of bird species that either call this place home year-round or visit during the colder months. Winter birdwatching here offers unique opportunities to observe some of the most captivating avian species, including the mystical Snowy Owl, the cheerful Snow Buntings, the friendly Black-capped Chickadee, the elusive Barred Owl, and the majestic Red-tailed Hawk. Let’s dive into the wonders of these winter birds, exploring their identification markers, eggs, lifespan, diet, nesting habits, mating, and migration patterns.
Identification: The Snowy Owl is unmistakable with its brilliant white plumage, which allows it to blend into the snowy landscape. Males are almost entirely white, while females and young owls feature scattered dark spots.
Eggs and Lifespan: They lay 3-11 eggs, with the number depending on food availability. Snowy Owls can live up to 10 years in the wild, though longer in captivity.
Diet and Nesting: Primarily hunters of rodents and small mammals, their diet can include lemmings, voles, and occasionally birds. Nesting occurs directly on the ground, typically on higher mounds or hillocks to keep an eye out for predators.
Mating and Migration: Snowy Owls are generally monogamous and can be territorial during the breeding season. Their migration is irregular, depending on rodent populations in their Arctic breeding grounds; they travel southward to places like the Cape Breton Highlands in some winters, in a phenomenon known as an "irruption."
Identification: Snow Buntings are small, sparrow-sized birds with white and black plumage in males during the winter, making them look like small balls of snowflakes. Females and non-breeding males are more brownish but retain white underparts.
Eggs and Lifespan: They typically lay 4-6 eggs. Snow Buntings can live up to 3-4 years in the wild.
Diet and Nesting: Their diet includes seeds and insects. These birds nest in the Arctic tundra, often in rock crevices, and are known to line their nests with fur and feathers.
Mating and Migration: Snow Buntings are monogamous during the breeding season. They migrate to the Cape Breton Highlands and similar latitudes for winter, showcasing a remarkable journey from their Arctic breeding grounds.
Identification: This small, charismatic bird is easily recognized by its black cap and bib, white cheeks, gray back and wings, and fluffy appearance.
Eggs and Lifespan: Black-capped Chickadees lay 6-8 eggs. They can live up to 12 years, though 2-3 years is more common in the wild.
Diet and Nesting: They feed on insects, seeds, and berries. Chickadees nest in cavities, either in trees or man-made nest boxes, often lining their nests with moss and animal fur.
Mating and Migration: They are monogamous and tend to stay in their territory year-round, making them a common sight in the Cape Breton Highlands throughout winter.
Identification: The Barred Owl is notable for its distinctive "Who cooks for you?" call, brown and white striped plumage, and large, round head without ear tufts.
Eggs and Lifespan: They typically lay 2-4 eggs. Barred Owls can live up to 10 years in the wild, with longer lifespans recorded in captivity.
Diet and Nesting: Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, birds, and amphibians. They prefer nesting in large tree cavities in dense woods.
Mating and Migration: Barred Owls are monogamous and do not migrate, making them year-round residents of their territory, including the forests of the Cape Breton Highlands.
Identification: This large bird of prey is most recognized by its reddish-brown tail. It has a broad wingspan and a stocky build, with variable plumage across different regions.
Eggs and Lifespan: Red-tailed Hawks lay 1-5 eggs. They can live more than 20 years in the wild, although 10-15 years is more typical.
Diet and Nesting: They prey on rodents, rabbits, and other small animals. These hawks build large stick nests in tall trees or on cliff ledges.
Mating and Migration: They are generally monogamous and may migrate, although many individuals in the Cape Breton Highlands are year-round residents, depending on the local climate and food availability.
Winter in the Cape Breton Highlands opens a window to the resilience of nature, as these birds adapt to the season in their unique ways. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or new to the hobby, witnessing the winter habits of these species is a testament to the enduring beauty and mystery of the avian world. Remember to dress warmly, be patient, and keep your binoculars at the ready for a fulfilling winter birdwatching experience.
Photos contributed by Rowland Spear, an avid bird watching hobbyist.
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