Common Loons
Goodbye, October, and welcome to the last month of meteorological autumn. As the fall foliage finally fades into the background we welcome the waterfowl returning to our region. Common Loons (Gavia immer) are losing their brilliant breeding plumage and you will soon be able to find them at many locations along the coast, at inland lakes and reservoirs, swimming, preening and diving for food. Watch for them on Chautauqua Lake, a place that I have seen plenty. These are sizable and stout birds with dagger-like bills – ones you would not want to mess around with! November is a time to...
Read MoreYellow-rumped Warbler
This Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) was sitting in the shade while feeding and soaking in the shades of this stunning fall foliage. The sunlight left a vibrant glow of leaves on the bird’s feathers showing us the definition of autumn beauty.
Read MoreAtlantic Brant
Songbirds are not the only flying objects on the move right now. All of this cold and now freezing weather will really push the waterfowl flights to get underway. Here you can see some Brant (Branta bernicla) geese flying by some still simmering fall foliage a few days ago. Thousands of the species are now migrating along with others like the Common Loon, Red-breasted Merganser, White-winged Scoter, Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, and plenty more. Wherever you are, look up! You may spot a very high flying waterbird or a sizable skein (flock in flight), even inland.
Read MoreFall Trail
This is typically a terrific October weekend to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage starting to peak in the Northeast. However, we will be seeing some chilly temperatures and snow in some areas…that just means you have to bundle up a little more before you head to the great outdoors. Walk, hike, run, bike, bird, photograph – something, anything, outside this weekend. Soak in the environment and all the shades. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreYellow-rumped Warbler
This is the all too rare photo of a Yellow-rumped Warbler without any yellow or rumps involved. We certainly have a lot of red and some blue to highlight the drab but stately shades of this individual Setophaga coronata, one of many millions of the species on the way south right now. Perhaps a few will decide to stay into the winter in a patch near you.
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