Hummingbird Garden
This November has been a warm one until recently! As mentioned yesterday, the month is typically known for its avian rarities in the Northeast with southerly flow events followed by strong cold fronts, moving those that traveled up on those winds back down to coastal areas especially. Cave Swallows are a featured species in this phenomenon, with some more still being seen around the Great Lakes today and hundreds of others transported back to the New England coast to presumably move south again. Hummingbirds are also being seen more frequently in late autumn and early winter across the...
Read MoreEastern Phoebe
Here is a Throwback Thursday to a little more color! I photographed this Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) around a month ago with the fall foliage still just beginning to change. It will be a while before we see that sort of green background again, but these birds could have stayed here for longer than usual with all the insects we still have in the air thanks to continued warmth. You never know, some may still be here…check out any hotspots, literally, and you could find some very late birds. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBlack-bellied Plover
Though this Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) is not quite living up to its name during the non-breeding season it still has a surprisingly appealing look. The plumage may initially seem dull but when it takes flight it flashes some of that namesake color with its black axillars and an always white rump and tail. The species can be found hanging out on the Atlantic Coast in many locations during the late autumn and winter. It is a bird we record nearly year-round for our work in the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds.
Read MoreNorthern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
Can anyone say cute?! If you’re a mouse or small songbird, you likely wouldn’t be saying that within ear shot of this owl! The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a pint sized predator that is actually quite ferocious when it comes to hunting. Thanks to their nocturnal nature and silent strike, prey don’t even hear them coming. Interestingly, once these owls catch a meal, they often don’t eat it all at once. Saw-whets will eat part of their meal and then save some for leftovers… Yummy right? As autumn continues keep an ear out for these little owls, you...
Read MoreRemnants of Hurricane Patricia
As the remnants of Hurricane Patricia passes over Western New York, high winds and rain are churning up Chautauqua Lake. This morning I quickly snapped off a few shots in between rain drops of this raft of American Coots riding the waves, hopefully they don’t get seasick! Elyse Henshaw Conservation Technician
Read More
