Snowy Owl in Dunkirk, New York
This tremendous photo of a Snowy Owl at Wright Park Beach in Dunkirk, New York was taken this morning by our friend Gale VerHague. She used a basic point and shoot camera showing how easily we can safely photograph these birds from a distance thanks to a good zoom, especially if you have a scope. Giving them space is important so that they can rest during the day and hunt at night – in this case, likely waterfowl on Lake Erie. It is all the more necessary when, as Gale told me, birds like American Crows have honed in on the raptor as they were harassing this individual. Please try to...
Read MorePeterson Field Guides
Throwback Thursday to the original! It was now over 80 years ago that Roger Tory Peterson’s A Field Guide to the Birds was first released – April 27, 1934. It was and still is a catalyst that sparks a passion for bird watching in millions of people. It is a powerful tool in the conservation movement to support environmental awareness, understanding and stewardship. Keep the momentum going by venturing out into the chilly air with your favorite Peterson’s guide for a walk in the woods or even by staying cozy indoors and enjoying “your” birds at home through the...
Read MoreSnowy Owls spreading south
In the past week, since I posted this entry about another possible irruption, more Snowy Owls have moved in to southern Canada and the United States. One bird was found and photographed by Michele Rundquist-Franz, President of the Presque Isle Audubon Society, in Erie, Pennsylvania, not too far from us at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, New York. Local excitement went up another level this weekend as two Snowy Owls appeared here in our own Chautauqua County on Saturday, November 15, both at the Dunkirk Airport. The first was found in the morning by our...
Read MoreSnowy Owl in Erie, Pennsylvania by Michele Rundquist-Franz
Michele Rundquist-Franz, President of the Presque Isle Audubon Society, sent me this stupendous photo of a Snowy Owl taken last Wednesday, November 12. Michele took the photo of this bird on a roof of a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, noting this was approximately the same date Snowys started showing up in the coastal city last autumn. This weekend, with a cold northerly flow in place and a lot of birders outdoors, should yield more owl sightings. Get outside and find them – and good luck! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAlways look up! Bald Eagles
You do not have to be “birding” to find and enjoy birds! One of the first things I tell new birders is that our avian friends are three-dimensional…huh? I mean that birds are not simply in the bush or tree in front of you or scratching at the earth below us, nor do you have to be at a special location to see spectacular birds in the air. If you remember to look in every direction, especially up, you will find some rare and wonderful things flying by when you least expect it. This is a good time of year to do so and find random Bald Eagles, like this overhead young bird and...
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