Baltimore Oriole
I took these photos of this male Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) this morning while it was in an Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) tree. It is a glorious May day out there, and I hope you can be outdoors for your Sunday to enjoy all of the migrants pouring into our region. In the next few weeks we will be focusing on showcasing the spectacular species returning to our backyards, whether it is your garden, fields, or woodlands. Various vireos are on the way. Fabulous flycatchers are about start feasting here. Waves of warblers will be overwhelming us soon. Get ready, and be sure to...
Read MoreRuby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)
There has been an enormous southward movement of Ruby-crowned Kinglets (like this one photographed tonight), Golden-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Hermit Thrushes, Song Sparrows and many other sparrow species this weekend. With a cold front passing through the Northeast tonight we will be set up for a sizable push of more migrants tomorrow, especially diurnal. Get outside and find some songbirds in the morning and raptors in the afternoon!
Read MoreChadakoin River in downtown Jamestown
The Chadakoin River, pictured here in downtown Jamestown, is glowing with life and autumn shades. What did you see outside on this fine fall day? Corridors like this one can be a wonderful place for wildlife on the move including many species of migrant birds and dragonflies apart from all the endemic life we often speak of. I have seen some stunning warblers here! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRTPI’s avian archives
RTPI’s extensive archives hold a massive collection of bird study skins. This includes several extinct species as well like the Passenger Pigeon, Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Carolina Parakeet, and Bachman’s Warbler. I looked through hundreds of warblers yesterday while I was answering a couple of questions for myself after the busy last few weeks of spring migration. I was struck by this size differential – Prothonotary Warbler vs. Wilson’s Warbler. We “know” their respective sizes but…geez! The Wilson’s Warbler on the right with the black cap...
Read MoreCommon Terns on Lake Erie
Now that we are a partner in the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds I am working every day to coordinate our volunteer and monitoring efforts in conservation and education across Connecticut focusing on Piping Plovers, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers and Common Terns among all other shorebirds, long-legged waders and terns. I was very happy to enjoy one of our target species this past Sunday as I saw at least 85 Common Terns off Dunkirk Harbor here in Western New York. These “Commons”, along with nine or more Caspian Terns, were feeding in Lake Erie and resting on...
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