American Tree Sparrow
Here’s a look at a little bit of lingering green, thanks to some holly trees, with a lovely American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea). This cute bird is one of many on the move to the south right now. We are far enough into the season that these winter residents, along with species like the White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco, are beginning to fill up our yards. Be careful not to confuse their rufous caps with the similar Chipping Sparrow. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Tree Sparrow
This American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) still seems to be looking for a tree, but we are happy to welcome them back to anywhere they like here in our backyards.
Read MoreAmerican Tree Sparrow
Hello, winter! This little blast of frozen precipitation and cold is not going to last for long, but it is a big reminder of what season we are actually in. I thought this American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) looked like a classic winter photo, with low light and a chilly feeling on appropriately bare branches for a wintering species. Do you have any in your yard or at your bird feeders? We are nearly to the New Year when those birding lists will be starting over once again… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMoon Flight
There will be plenty of birds in the air tonight flying south on those north winds. Will this migration bring you your first Fox Sparrow or American Tree Sparrow of the fall tomorrow? Perhaps there will be some Snow Geese flying through the darkness to a field near you. Birds like the American Woodcock are still wrapping up their migration, and some will linger through early snowfalls. There are still dozens of species moving through the night, and good birding to you on a chilly but sunny and sensational weekend.
Read MoreMorning Dark-eyed Junco
Do you have your Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) back in your yard yet? I recently photographed this little returning bird with the early morning eastern sun lighting it up nicely. These variable feeder friends are moving through now after most other avian migration has wrapped up for the year. Soon enough it will be the Fox Sparrows and American Tree Sparrows, even if it does not feel like it with all of this warm weather…get your seed ready now, and keep watching for November rarities at home. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read More