Halton Hills Official Bird Round Two

"Small, secretive, and full of surprises!"

Description: The Eastern Screech Owl is a small, nocturnal bird known for its cryptic plumage, which helps it blend perfectly into tree bark. Despite its name, this owl produces a soft, melodic trill rather than a screech. Its calm demeanour and wide eyes make it a fascinating sight for those lucky enough to spot it.

Habitat: Wooded areas, forest edges, parks, and even residential neighbourhoods with mature trees.

Fun Fact: Eastern Screech Owls nest in tree cavities or nest boxes and can coexist well with humans if provided safe habitats. They come in two colour morphs: reddish-brown and grey.

Conservation Note: Preserving mature trees and installing nest boxes in quiet areas can help protect this owl’s habitat and encourage its presence in urban and suburban spaces.

Where to Spot Them: Watch for an Eastern Screech Owl in rurul areas such as  Limehouse Conservation Area, Terra Cotta Conservation Area, or Silvercreek Conservation Area during quiet evening hours. These owls can also be found in mature trees in neighbourhoods across Halton Hills.

"Graceful guardian of Halton Hills wetlands."

Description: The Great Blue Heron’s tall, slender frame and graceful movements make it a striking sight as it wades in shallow waters. Its calm presence and haunting call add to its mystique.

Habitat: Wetlands, ponds, riverbanks, and shorelines.

Fun Fact: Great Blue Herons nest in groups called rookeries, building large nests high in trees.

Conservation Note: Protecting wetland habitats is critical to ensuring healthy populations of Great Blue Herons and other wetland species.

Where to Spot Them: Watch for Great Blue Herons soaring near Black Creek, Silver Creek, the Credit River, Fairy Lake in Acton, or wading in wetlands such as Limehouse Conservation Area and Willow Park Ecology Centre in Norval. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times.

"A flash of red and a sweet song for your backyard."

Description: A backyard favourite, the Northern Cardinal captivates with its bright red feathers and sweet whistle. Known as a symbol of love and family, this territorial bird often visits feeders in suburban backyards.

Habitat: Wooded parks, forest edges, and shrubby fields with plenty of cover.

Fun Fact: Male cardinals are so territorial that they’ll attack their own reflection in windows and mirrors.

Attract to Your Yard: Planting dense native shrubs and providing feeders with sunflower seeds can make your yard more inviting to cardinals.

Where to Spot Them: Watch for Northern Cardinals in parks, backyards, and in rural areas such as Silvercreek Conservation Area, or Willow Park Ecology Centre in Norval. Northern Cardinals are most often seen in the morning or late afternoon.