Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus)
RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser says that his favorite resident bird netted in this past trip to Costa Rica was the Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus). It seems that not much is known about this species. They sure are charismatic with a small crest and tenacious attitude to match. This individual bounced around in some vegetation before taking off.
Read MoreSnowy Owl Fly-by
This Snowy Owl photo is from earlier this winter, and I’m still imagining how wonderful it would be if this fly-by bird had simply looked at me. It was a short flight from one spot to another by our resident friend, and I suppose I was too boring and non-threatening for it to focus on. Still, it’s a cool look at parts of the Snowy we do not often get to see, with those talons tucked under the very feathery and incredibly insulated body. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSnow Bunting Row
These Snow Buntings are all lined up and ready to launch to the north soon as they continue to molt into a brighter, whiter snowy color every day. Birds are getting their feathers set for spring and to look their best when finding a mate. What does this arrangement on the roof look like to you? Caption it!
Read MoreSnow Buntings
Now that the Horned Larks have had to surrender their crown of “Best Camouflage in the Grasslands” Snow Buntings like this one have claimed the throne. When viewing them from the front at their level the cap and collar stand out a bit with brown and orange tones, but the bird is otherwise becoming one more little pile of snow. If you have a deep snow cover keep an eye on fields, especially agricultural, plus the sides of driveways and roads where plows have scraped up some of the earth. This is the best time of the year to find their fluttering flocks descending on any exposed...
Read MoreRough-legged Hawk
This Rough-legged Hawk put on a brief but thrilling show for me today, facing into the wind to help it hover while scanning the land below for any small mammal prey. The wind was particularly strong thanks to the major storm currently impacting the Northeast region. Whichever one of the hawk’s eyes that was being battered by the wind the most was often covered by its nictitating membrane. This third eyelid is almost like wearing a pair of sunglasses for the raptor in that it can still see while the eye is more protected than it would be otherwise. It was also keeping the eye moist with...
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