Feeder Finches
There are three kinds of finches in these photos, and the views afford a great perspective of their relative sizes. The American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin and Purple Finch were all visitors to Twan’s yard recently. The Purple has such an enormous bill!
Read MoreFox Sparrows Moving
March is the month for the Fox Sparrow as the hefty backyard bird moves north, relying on feeding stations when there is still snow on the ground. The thaw is on, and the more melts, the more we will see scratching at that fresh earth, but the worse the weather is the more likely you will find them in your yard.
Read MoreEastern Bluebird
Some people are lucky enough to have Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) spend the winter feeding at their home, nibbling on mealworms and other goodies put out by caring birders. Did I say that with as little jealousy as possible? I hope so. The rest of us have to wait until March for the species to start making a move towards the north, and soon you will be able to enjoy views like this one as our days continue to get longer and brighter. I remember taking this photo on a particularly cold day, with the lion-like wind battering me, but we can pretend it was a temperate and calm, lamb-like...
Read MoreAmerican Tree Sparrow
The American Tree Sparrow is one of those birds that were named differently than they probably should have been. You will most often find them outside of a tree, whether it is on the ground in open areas such as short grasses, dunes, trails, and beaches or in shrubbery and other smaller ground vegetation. This individual is from a beach long before snow and ice covered it this winter. Do you have any visiting your bird feeders this year?
Read MoreFeeder Pine Warbler
We are getting to the time of year where you may be fortunate enough to find a Pine Warbler visiting your feeders. These early and uncommonly wintering birds will end up at your suet if conditions are poor or there are not enough insects to be found yet. I absolutely love to see such a vibrant and stunning shade in the late winter as a taste of things to come. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read More
