Gray Catbird
This Gray Catbird is a lot quieter than some of its friends lately! That is one sign to me that I was near a developing nest. I do not know where it is or at what point this pair is at, but this bird did not want to be seen or heard, especially in a shrub near the patio… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreOvenbird
Those Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) will soon be crafting their ovens on the forest floor, filling them with eggs and keeping a very low profile when near this home. This leaf-covered little dome nest is certainly what gave them their name. I’m glad it was not TEACHER-TEACHER-TEACHER instead! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreYellow-throated Vireo
The Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) is one of those species I never seem to spot frequently, and thus I end up knowing little about them. They are birds of the deciduous forest of eastern North America, preferring the edge. This may be along a roadway or a trail, the latter allowing for some good views in my experience, but they also enjoy staying at mid to high levels. A bird in the canopy is much more difficult to learn about than one that hangs out down here with us. I spotted this Yellow-throated Vireo several days ago at a migratory stopover site for many passerine species. It...
Read MoreEastern Towhee Pair
There have been many, many Eastern Towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) moving through in the last few weeks, some likely scratching away at your yard and feeders. Both the black male and brown female shown here, as recently photographed in Jamestown, New York, really do have lovely shades! Drink your tea…towhee! And Happy Mother’s Day to you and all the soon to be mothers like this one out there.
Read MoreCape May Warbler
This male Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) is hidden in the very tops of this oak tree, its bright and vibrant yellow, orange and brown shades somehow camouflaged in the growing leaves and glowing sunlight. The easiest way to “spot” this bird was to hear its voice, but even the song of the species is a high-pitched, thin and quick little tune. These record photos are actually past record shots of a bird that I heard moments after waking up, with it in the always helpful oak outside my window. Being half awake I was not fully processing what I was hearing among a chorus of...
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