Hidden Wood Duck
This pond had a bunch of Mallards, American Black Ducks, and some hybrids…and hidden in the back were a couple of Wood Ducks, a treat for a December day when this water could very well have been frozen over in many other years. I hope you will be able to put on your t-shirt and shorts and get outside to enjoy this unfathomable stretch of holiday heat this weekend. See what you can find and keep an open mind – in the past week I have seen uncommon lingering birds like these, a dragonfly (Autumn Meadowhawk) and a butterfly (Orange Sulphur). It’s unbelievable! Scott Kruitbosch...
Read MoreCommon Goldeneye X Hooded Merganser Hybrid Duck
Our good friend, birder and veterinarian, Dr. William Seleen found a remarkable and fascinating bird during our local Jamestown, New York Christmas Bird Count on December 14. Take a look at the photo below and see if you can find the duck that is out of place in this group on Chautauqua Lake. Yep, the bird in the middle at the back is the one. Do you know the identity of the other waterfowl? Those are Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and this flock held approximately 75 individuals. Once I saw the photo of this individual I was able to identify it almost instantly. Any more thoughts on...
Read MoreDark-eyed Junco variation
The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is a favorite of mine from years of feeder watching. Staring at dozens of them at a time through the glass and thousands upon thousands over the years certainly taught me that they are such a variable species in terms of appearance. Not only do the browns, grays, and tans take on different hues, the birds sometimes appear to have distinct features that are not “right” for the species with streaking on the belly or flanks, eye-rings, and even wing bars! On a dark and dreary autumn day it can be a lot of fun to find a flock of birds to examine...
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