Blue-headed Vireo
A quick hello from this Blue-headed Vireo! What spring migrants are you seeing now?
Read MoreFox Sparrow
Any time we see snowfall from mid-March on, we might notice an increase in the number and species diversity of birds at our backyard feeders. Those who pay close attention might also have the opportunity to view more elusive birds – those that would otherwise just be passing through or returning to the area relatively unnoticed – that are driven out of their preferred habitats by the extreme conditions in search of food. One such bird that can seem to appear out of nowhere is the Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca). These large sparrows really enjoy scratching at the ground with both...
Read MoreGolden-winged Warbler
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of our recent work in Costa Rica was the recapture of this Golden-winged Warbler, which was banded last year in the same area it was caught this year, near Rara Avis Rainforest Lodge. Since we last saw it in March of 2016, it undoubtedly traveled back to its breeding grounds somewhere in North America and hopefully managed to find a mate of its own species. Golden-winged Warblers are suffering from dramatic declines throughout their range, and are increasingly hybridizing with closely-related Blue-winged Warblers. As a result, this species is at serious...
Read MoreWestern New York Bluebird Workshop at RTPI
The New York State Bluebird Society will sponsor a Bluebird Workshop at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown on Saturday, April 1st at 1pm. This free, public workshop will feature two presentations by John Ruska – past president and lifetime director of the Bluebird Society. Ruska’s first presentation- entitled “All About Bluebirds – and More” – will detail the life history of the Eastern Bluebird; will include a display and discussion of the various types of Bluebird nestboxes and how they are best managed; and will provide opportunities for participants to ask...
Read MoreAmerican Tree Sparrow
This American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) still seems to be looking for a tree, but we are happy to welcome them back to anywhere they like here in our backyards.
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