Grassland Migrants
Yesterday I was able to enjoy and photograph a couple of uncommon grassland birds for us in the Northeast – the Dickcissel (Spiza americana) and the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). Both of these species had been spotted at Stratford Point where they are almost annual visitors, with Dickcissels typically stopping over in the fall and Grasshopper Sparrows being seen sometimes in both spring and autumn. I decided to take a walk around the site with my friend and great birder Tom Murray as we were giving the sparrows some space in hopes the unseen Grasshopper would pop back...
Read MoreBackyard Botanical Bothers
New York Invasive Species Awareness Week – NYISAW Backyard Botanical Bothers Wednesday July 13th, 2016 – 11am – 1pm – 108 East Third Street, Jamestown What are those green things growing in your neighborhood, and what’s living on them? Are they native to this area or are they invasive pests? What does it matter? Meet us in front of RTPI’s new satellite office at 108 East Third Street, to learn a thing or two about ‘Backyard Botanical Bothers’ – specifically which plants and insects mean trouble for our ecosystem – and what you can do if you encounter them. RTPI’s Project Wild...
Read MoreGrasshopper Sparrow
I photographed this Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) last week on a dreary and foggy morning in grasslands known to be a spring migratory site for the species. It was busy feeding in the mist, generally avoiding any picturesque views, as is typical for the species. It had even been singing the previous day! RTPI staff documented confirmed breeding of Henslow’s Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows at the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport (KJHW) during the summer of 2013. Both species are listed as New York endangered species with the Henslow’s Sparrow classified as ‘threatened’ and...
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