Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is one of our most familiar backyard feeder birds. They are a species we can find year-round as they nest in some of our woodlands in western New York. They used to be known as the “snowbird” likely because of their abundance in pouring down from the north into all of the continental United States during the winter. Their plumage, grays and browns above with white below, also seem to fit so perfectly on a snowy landscape. This bird was photographed during a recent snowstorm looking regal as can be while living up to its name. Have you ever...
Read MoreTufted Titmouse
This Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is excited to see some full feeders for fall foraging. What is the strangest place that you have seen one cache a seed at your home?
Read MoreDowny Woodpecker
As I speculated a few days ago, this is now the time when you will be finding more birds at your feeders – like this Downy Woodpecker. It goes beyond the ground being frozen, ice covering some food sources, or snow blanketing everything. While it is harder to literally feed, it is also much colder now, and the birds need many more calories in order to survive. A lot of people were inquiring about why their feeders were so quiet towards the end of 2015, and I think it was certainly related to the fact that we had some days with temperatures in the 60s and 70s across the region and...
Read MoreWhite-breasted Nuthatch
This female White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) was having a snack in the park, but she and others of her species may be visiting your yard for some sunflower seeds, suet and more this season. How many do you have at your home? I seem to be spotting a few more White-breasted Nuthatches than average so far this “winter”, though unfortunately I do not have any of their Red-breasted cousins around. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSwamp Sparrow
Swamp Sparrows can sometimes be difficult to photograph, but no one told this bird that it was not supposed to be captured this way! Those brush piles can be very productive at this time of year. Make sure to have one or two in your yard this winter, especially if you have bird feeders nearby. They provide cover and a great photographic opportunity.
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