Great Blue Heron
Check out this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) sitting on one of the new reef balls at Stratford Point. I’m glad it found the spot inviting! Yes, new reef balls have been put in place along the north shore to expand on the success of the pilot project, and I will show and tell you more about them in an upcoming post. Now if a Snowy Owl could be sitting on one in the next couple of weeks I would not object… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreHairy Woodpecker
It seems like things are looking up for this Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)! Sorry, that was pretty bad…but she’s a pretty underrated and quite pretty bird!
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 MoreLooking Up
The day after this tree was photographed all of the leaves were gone, blasted away by the wind on one of those maddening October days that steal some of our foliage. Nevertheless, that is part of why we love the four seasons and their sometimes very temporary magnificence.
Read MorePalm Warbler
This pretty little Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) is one of many that passed through our region in the last couple of months, with most now further south than RTPI. Nevertheless, keep an eye out for this glowing yellow birds as we head into December if you want to brighten up your birding day. The habitual tail pumping is sure to help give it away!
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