Field Sparrow
The Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is an underrated little bird! Look at that bold eye ring and those beautiful brown tones with a pretty pink bill. Whenever I see those Fields in numbers in October it always suggests we are nearing the end of autumn avian migration. If we are lucky we may be able to spot one or two overwintering in the region, perhaps on a Christmas Bird Count, but most will be seeking less snowy quarters so they can enjoy easy to reach seeds all winter long. Nevertheless, if there aren’t any fields, grasslands, farms or other open areas – or if these habitats...
Read MoreField Sparrow
Why do they call them Field Sparrows again? Oh, right. Way to blend in! It appears to be simply a more mobile assemblage of some brown blades of grass…late sparrow migrants are still on the move, so keep an eye out for them along with Vesper Sparrows and all those Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows.
Read MoreField Sparrow
This Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) actually flew directly towards me and my dog to perch on this white pine branch this morning. It looked us over for a minute and then went back to snacking. It is another great example of a lovely bird that we can still find even in the..uh, cold days of November? It is November, and apart from the low sun angle and early sunset it felt like it could have been late August out there today. This will undoubtedly keep birds with us a little longer with easier to survive temperatures, poor migratory conditions because of the southerly flow, and prolonged...
Read MoreFemale Eastern Towhee
Here is the female Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) looking well after a meal (note the bits left on the bill). She is being pushed by the cool northeast winds, her brown, orange and white feathers blowing a little in the breeze. That piercing red eye is magnificent! Autumn migration is a great time to find this bird, but you may also end up seeing them in the winter – especially if one comes to seek refuge at your feeders after a major snowstorm.
Read MoreField Farm & Forest
Here we have field, farm and forest all in one shot on a hot but beautiful August afternoon. This green scene has changed dramatically already with the recent drought in parts of the Northeast wilting plants and turning some leaves to brown or yellow this September. Perhaps the last few days of rainfall will help. Nevertheless, fall foliage may be earlier this year and a little different than usual.
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