Dark-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...
Read MoreHunting Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
This Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is on the hunt and you can tell this is the case by seeing where its head and eyes are pointed – straight down. It is also holding its wings and tail in positions for a lazy, floating flight. While it is not hovering it is using the wind to slowly comb over the landscape in search of small mammals. Even if you are far from the bird, like I was in this photo, you can often still see the distinctive “belly band” of dark splotches across the white undersides. We are about to hit the peak of their migration in the Northeast so be on the...
Read MoreTurkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Here’s a Halloween-themed sight! Non-hawk watchers often ask me, “How do you know if a Turkey Vulture is migrating?” instead of it soaring around looking for a meal. Even this photo can help explain that to some degree. Most folks, even non-birders, can picture a Turkey Vulture in the sky with wings extended, held straight, in a dihedral – wings angled above horizontal. Sometimes this is dramatic and the bird looks like it is making a V. However, if this photo was a silhouette you may think Osprey before anything else. Turkey Vultures on the move at lofty heights,...
Read MoreAmerican Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Monarchs are not the only butterflies to see as we enter late October. I photographed this American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) this week while it was soaking up some sun and staying low on a breezy day. The tiny white spots in the middle of the seasonal orange on the postmedian parts of the forewing help to identify it as American instead of Painted. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreIdentify this scat
I apologize in advance for anyone not intrigued by identifying animal scat but it can be important to know what you are seeing while in the forest. Do you have any idea what species this is from? Take a look at the composition – looks like a lot of berries, huh? It certainly is large. Those two clues should point you to the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). If you see this in your path stay vigilant while enjoying your day in the woods.
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