American Woodcock in March Snow
I was delighted to find this American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) feeding in the exposed leaf litter and mud thanks to the warm, flowing spring and expansive wetlands in my yard today after about six more inches of snow fell yesterday and early this morning. Note the muddy end of this shorebird’s bill showing it had been busy foraging throughout the day in this video… …and the photos below: This well-known spring species dances on the ground while foraging and in the sky while courting every March, though this year the displays may be a little later than usual. The sun is so...
Read MoreVote for the Conte!
This special edition Winter Bird Forecast #8 is brought to you by Audubon Connecticut in partnership with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History. USA Today is currently running a poll to determine the top 10 National Wildlife Refuges in the country. We have a chance to highlight the Connecticut River and the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. You can vote once a day through noon on Monday March 30th. Please take a few moments and help to highlight this special Refuge by voting here:...
Read MoreRusty Blackbird Blitz – Go, Connecticut!
The Rusties are coming! Rusty Blackbirds are moving northward from their southeastern U.S. wintering grounds, and they are headed towards Connecticut, so get ready to go out and start searching! The Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz officially opens in Connecticut now, and we encourage all birders to participate. Many of you have already done so, and some Rusty Blackbirds have been here despite the historically cold conditions. For others who may enjoy more spring birding soon helping out is easy – bird as you normally do and search especially carefully for Rusty Blackbirds, and...
Read MoreTree Swallows Returning
Now is the time to keep your eyes to the skies for one of the most delightful sights, the returning Tree Swallows! Their vibrant blues shine wonderfully in the rising sun letting us know that the very first winged insects are hatching and filling our air. I have already seen a variety of flying bugs, their prey, and I had my first of year Tree Swallow yesterday – how about you? It’s too early for pretty green photos like these, but we will get there…I promise! Eventually… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Kestrel Female
This female American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) perched on the wire just long enough for me to take a shot while we looked each other in the eye. She is a March migrant, one of many raptors on the move to the north every day now. She will be hunting slowly melting grasslands and fields under the soon to be spring sun. Do you have any American Kestrel nest boxes erected on your large open property or farm? Now is the time to get them up or cleaned. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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