White-throated Sparrow
Here is a photo of a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) toughing it out in a recent snowstorm. Despite the fact that we were in the middle of February, this bird was already sporting its spring courting plumage; evidenced by its bright white throat and vibrant yellow lores. This is one of the first species you can expect to hear singing at the end of winter; their “oh-sweet-Canada” or “poor-Sam-Peabody” tune resonates from the brush. In some cases you might see White-throated Sparrows year-round – some birds will overwinter in the Northeast and head...
Read MoreAmerican Goldfinch
The summer shades may have worn away but there is still an awful lot to like about this American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). This November bird is one of many we can enjoy even as the rest of the colors begin to fade around us. They can be one of the more confusing species to some people who see them at their feeders this time of year owing to the variability in their molt, even if those birders have their handy Peterson Field Guide. The finch’s dull and patchy winter look may seem strange as it is such a shift from their glowing gold.
Read MoreWoolly Bear Season
Yep, it’s that time again – here’s a Woolly Bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella) that I saw crossing the road last week. In this case I think we can say that its goal was definitely to get to the other side. If you have not encountered any of them before the old story goes that more extensive black covering the body means it will be a colder and snowier winter will be for us, and the more brown a caterpillar has the warmer it will be. This one seems like a relatively balanced individual, so maybe we will all end up happy this winter. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation &...
Read MoreWillet
Here is a Willet (Tringa semipalmata) that I photographed during the Noble Proctor BioBlitz Challenge this past May. Now that we have entered August we are firmly in the time of year for these birds to be found as migrants in many marshes, wetlands, beaches and coastal locations. We can also expect to find one or two Western Willets that have a distinctly different appearance including a softer toned, less-barred gray body, a slightly leaner bill, and a bit of a larger overall size. See if you can spot one soon! That can be a difficult task to begin with as you can see how well their...
Read MoreWarbler Quiz
Here’s some work for you via RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser…while setting across North America to write his The Birds of America, John James Audubon discovered 25 species of birds unknown to science at the time. One such discovery was this nondescript warbler that he deemed a different species, and it would become plate 148 in his book. However, it wouldn’t remain a species for long. This bird is in fact a female of one of our more showy North American warblers. What is it? And what did Audubon originally call it?
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