Female House Finch
Nobody tell this female House Finch that she is chowing down on bittersweet berries on this recent chilly winter day…or maybe we should because undoubtedly she is not receiving a very nutritious meal. That is why they are often the last thing to be snacked on by our feathered friends during the depths of winter. Fear not, birds – we will work our way into spring soon enough, and the songs of birds like the House Finch are filling the air right now… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreNorthern Mockingbird
This is one small bird with a frightening gaze! Watch out for the Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos), folks…even when they are not defending a nest and zooming at your head they certainly give off a scary vibe. I would not turn my back to this one. As long as it has some tasty food like those berries and some unfrozen water it will be content to stick out the winter in a given location. I don’t care what I’m imagining, that is not a happy expression…but I am happy they are such a successful species advancing northward in their territory. Scott Kruitbosch...
Read MoreCedar Waxwings Chowing Down
Cedar Waxwings are still in feeding flocks during their northbound return, using whatever berries and remaining wild food sources they can find as food. Mmm! Not recommended for human consumption.
Read MoreAmerican Robin in Winter
I photographed this American Robin (Turdus migratorius) this week as it and a few friends fed on various types of berries in my neighborhood. At this time of year we get emails and calls about American Robin sightings because yes, you will still find them here in the Northeast despite the snow and frigid temperatures. Some certainly fly south for the winter and many here and there will form large flocks, thus the frequency of our overall sightings of the species go down for multiple reasons. They’ll feed on wild berries but will not be interested in what we put out at feeding stations...
Read MoreNorthern Cardinals in the Snow
I photographed this pair of Northern Cardinals feeding on a cold and snowy afternoon yesterday, their colors piercing the dull and dark January landscape. All sorts of birds are moving off the snow-covered and frozen earth to feed in the trees on berries and seeds. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read More
