Fledgling Flycatcher
While some Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii) are on the way south, like the bird I posted from last Friday evening, others are still finishing up raising the next generation. I photographed this cute family moment this past weekend while they kept their distance from me – please ignore the annoying branches obscuring the scene. I was happy enough to see that they had not fallen victim to a Brown-headed Cowbird. Good thing there are enough caterpillars to go around…any for me? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreFlycatcher Sunset
This presumed Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) was a silent companion in a more Willow-frequented location and habitat as the friendly bird watched the sunset with me on Friday. Thick, dark clouds low on the horizon ending up blocking the beauty of the setting sun, and this turned out to be the best photo of the evening. These flycatchers migrate out of our area rapidly in order to stay far away from the cold and keep feeding on those flying meals. It has a long journey remaining as the destination will ultimately be Central or South America. Good luck, buddy! Can you imagine what it...
Read MoreEastern Wood-Pewee
I recently mentioned that we still have flycatchers coming into the region as spring migration wraps up, and even into early June you may find individuals at migratory stopover sites. One such bird was this Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus viren), and he provided far better looks here than most do in the depths of the dark forest or higher up in the canopy. Finding him was easy thanks to that “peeeeaaaweeee” call, and he is belting it out in the second photo. Identifying flycatchers by voice makes life so much easier, especially when you cannot always rely on habitat thanks to...
Read MoreWillow Flycatcher
One of our later arriving neotropical migrants, the Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) seen here was belting out its song on top of a pine. One of the Empidonax flycatchers, they are basically indistinguishable from the Alder Flycatcher by sight, though the other “Empid” species usually have brighter eyerings. Regardless, you should always use your ears first when it comes to these birds! Far too many people attempt to pin down an identification just by staring at photos later on when birds besides the Empidonax flycatchers, like the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested...
Read MoreFrom Field to Frame Continues
Come visit the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, New York this weekend to see the artwork of Michael DiGiorgio in our continuing exhibition, From Field to Frame, featuring original bird paintings by the artist. On the advice of his friend and mentor, the late Don Eckelberry, DiGiorgio has been painting and sketching birds from life since early in his career. He has traveled to the British Isles, West Indies and South America to sketch and paint tropical bird and plant life. He has also traveled throughout the United States recording American birds. He won the...
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