Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum)
I was thrilled to find and then get great views of this Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) singing and feeding earlier today. I first heard its insect-like trill of a song from along a steep, rocky slope in the forest featuring a lot of vegetation in the understory – precisely what they want for the breeding season. We in the Northeast are at the northern edge of their range, and finding the uncommon birds can be difficult. Worm-eating Warbler populations are said to be stable, but they certainly do decline and increase in certain regions depending on local conditions....
Read MoreYellow-rumped Warbler
Here it is, the most abundant warbler you will likely see this year – the Yellow-rumped Warbler. In this case the bird was not showing off where it got that name, and instead it fluffed up and shook off for a moment while still watching for prey. There were plenty of flying (and biting!) insects already in the air here in late April, and it along with dozens of others had their fill flitting through the forest canopy. You can also see the leaves beginning to emerge. In a couple of weeks there will be a lot of green across the landscape and views like this one will already be covered...
Read MoreTurkey Vulture Soaring
It is going to be a great weekend to get on the move under the bright spring sun in clear, deep blue skies. Birds like this Turkey Vulture will be soaring over the lands of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region and more songbirds will be heading back to their breeding grounds. Go out and see what’s up!
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 MoreGreater White-fronted Geese
Here’s a very cool bird sighting for Western New York! Kim Sherwood sent us these record photos of at least 29 Greater White-fronted Geese flying west/northwest over the Conewango Wildlife Management Area late yesterday afternoon. We typically find one or two of them mixed in here and there, but seeing a whole flock is a great sighting as the species heads back to the tundra for the spring. Thank you, Kim! Maybe if you’re out birding today you will be able to find them somewhere…
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