Immature White-crowned Sparrow
This immature White-crowned Sparrow is one of many that I have seen this fall in what I feel like has been a strong season for the species. While I have only spotted a few adults, the number of young birds that I recorded thus far has been impressive, but that is not exactly a statistically significant determination! What is your general impression for them this year? Is there a species you feel has been especially abundant? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWhite-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
This White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) thought it was completely hidden from my sight – nice try, my friend! It is an adult who, as you can also see, still had some crumbs on its mouth…or bits of seeds on its bill. Close enough. Go out and have a tremendously birdy Sunday with the many sparrows passing through our area right now. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreLong-tailed Manakin Aging
Sean was at the end of his trip in Costa Rica and wanted to do a series of the maturation of the Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis) as they take over four years to reach full mature plumage. The full set will have to wait until next year when he captures more stages of the age maturation, but until then we can enjoy this second year male. It has a red cap, black face mask, and long tail feathers. It will soon get more of its adult body plumage, including the blue back patch. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Costa...
Read MoreGiant Silk Moths
I know I’m easily distracted, and I know I should have been preparing for an RTPI Foundation Board meeting, but I could not pass up the opportunity to get a closer look at the beautiful creatures hanging out on the light post in front of RTPI this morning. I should have known that I would not be able to sneak out of the building carrying a butterfly net and a step ladder without anyone noticing… Two giant silk moths on the same light post! A Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia) and a Luna Moth (Actias luna) were enjoying a little daytime nap before continuing their mission: to...
Read MoreUnintentional Disturbances Threaten Waterbirds
There are a number of activities that can unintentionally scare, disturb or even threaten the survival of our waterbirds throughout the spring and summer seasons. Even a person with good intentions can fail to realize how sensitive a bird like the Piping Plover is, feeling threatened by dogs on the leash as they still see them as a predator invading their territory, making birds more prone to abandoning the area, wasting valuable energy or separating them from eggs or young, increasing mortality. Most beaches in Connecticut ban all dogs during the warm seasons in consideration of public...
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