Chestnut-sided Warbler
The Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) is one of the most unique of our warblers in terms of appearance, though this bird is not quite showing all of that chestnut, black or bold yellow yet. It is likely a first spring male that was still coming into his plumage in early May. He was very friendly and cooperative for both photos and prolonged binocular views, allowing a group of birders to enjoy him posing while foraging without the use of any pishing or song playbacks. In my experience the best tactic for spring migratory birding is often just to move slowly, be quiet and...
Read MoreRed Fox and Cottontail
It is terribly ironic that just hours after my colleague, Audubon Connecticut Director of Bird Conservation Patrick Comins, uploaded some lovely cottontail photos to the Audubon Connecticut at Stratford Point page that I found our vixen Red Fox engaged in some hunting early this morning. I felt some eyes on me as I surveyed for avian migrants along Prospect Drive, and she was watching me from within our side of the fence. This is nothing abnormal, and the interaction was typical – a little curious stare down at one another before we both continue on. However, she then put her attention...
Read MoreGray Catbird
This Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) certainly has the right idea here, picking out the most beautiful foraging place in all the land (or along the side of this road) to stop for a snack. The urban location made it all but certain this is a migrant individual, and let us hope it finds a yard with similar scenery…maybe even near you!
Read MoreWarbling Vireo
One of the more drab and plain May migrant birds in the Northeast is the Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus). Their subtle shades of brown, gray and olive combined with their tendency to hang up in the canopy makes it difficult to get an eyeful of the species – and you are far more likely to have an earful of their dynamic, fast and bold warbling song. This individual was foraging on a recent morning at a migratory hotspot, coming to eye-level and pausing on the phragmites just long enough for me to snap a shot. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreNorthern Parula
Here we have the Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) as photographed while feeding this past Sunday morning after a busy night of migration. These little birds sound like zippers with a hard ending, or sometimes the “That’s all Folks!” song from Looney Tunes after several fast da and be notes. Those white eye crescents stand out from afar on a blue gray bird with a white belly featuring that bright yellow throat and upper chest with a reddish brown band. Northern Parulas are a gleaning species, snatching insects and spiders from tree branches and especially caterpillars...
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