Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus)
This Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus) has this strangely subtle look to me despite sporting a bright light blue eye ring, violet and indigo shades on the back and sparkling yellow undersides. It is a different sort of tux for New Year’s Eve as photographed recently in Costa Rica by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser.
Read MorePurple Finch vs House Finch comparison with feeder birds
Here we have a female Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) feeding throughout the video along with a female House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) and a male House Finch later on. A Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) and Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) also make an appearance among the common feeder birds visiting this tray of sunflower seeds. Note that the female Purple Finch is larger and bulkier than her House Finch counterpart. She has more boldly defined colors in all regards with additional heavier and stronger facial and head markings. Take a few watches to get a feel for...
Read MoreDull Blue Jay under lack of sunlight
I took this photo of a Blue Jay under very cloudy, dark and dreary conditions as a comparative example to the bird that I previously photographed and posted that was in full sunlight. See, when there is considerably less light the species appears far less blue because it is all an illusion of sorts. Missing out on the vibrant shades of some species during overcast conditions is not a deception of our eyes – the colors are just not there! Those tricky birds… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWhite-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
If you feed birds at home in the east it is extremely likely you have White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) hanging out in your yard. They primarily scratch at and feed on seed on the ground. What struck me about this bird was how it was camouflaged so well with the earth and the fallen leaves. The oft seen species never appeared that way to me before even though all sparrows are mostly brown for a reason (life on the ground!), and I thought it was smart how well designed it was for feeding on the edge of woodlands like this one was. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
Read MoreA warm fall day
Temperatures are soaring upwards today to the mid 70s and the strong southerly flow responsible for the rise is taking a toll on the foliage! It even hit 80 in Buffalo. Get outdoors today and come visit us at RTPI as dozens of other visitors have already this Tuesday. Here’s a view from behind our building where folks are watching birds and enjoying the air.
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