Leucistic Yellow-rumped Warbler
Here is that unique Yellow-rumped Warbler which I mentioned in a previous post. Can you see what looks different about it? I noticed it naked eye while tracking various subjects in a loose flock through the trees last week including more Yellow-rumps, Black-and-white Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. After I got my binoculars on it I realized this bird was partially leucistic, and I quickly raised my camera to snap off a record photo. Leucism in birds is when melanin pigments are produced at less than normal levels or in an unexpected pattern. In this case many of the...
Read MoreScarlet Tanager
Even the branches of this willow could not block the glow from the fiery feathers of a male Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea). I photographed this bird yesterday as it was staying near eye-level, though it was wary of me and preferred to remain “hidden” like this from afar. These canopy dwellers are so vibrant that even the sharpest lens perfectly locked on and focused always make them look just slightly blurry. They are a flame in the forest. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreCape May Warblers
Today I had the best views of Cape May Warblers ever during easily the best day of spring migration so far this year. Birds that had been trapped in the Mid-Atlantic for a week or 10 days finally moved north with heavy migration occurring on southerly winds. New England and northern New York had poor migratory conditions still, stopping a lot of birds when they arrived, and some areas of fog and/or rain also helped locally. I thought these couple of shots were the best I would get, and I was happy enough… But they decided to stick around after the clouds cleared and show off, feeding...
Read MoreBlack-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)
This is about the best look I have had at a Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) so far this spring, only spotting a few individuals. That is probably because I have not spent much time around conifers in the last couple of weeks. The Mid-Atlantic radar is exploding tonight as migrants push north on some cooperative winds – get out there tomorrow morning and see what you can find! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMale Yellow Warbler
The boys have been staying away from me so far this spring, but at least I got a decent photo of and look at this male Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia). Go out and find some birds this weekend! Even if you hear more than you see at least you will be outside enjoying spring wildlife, and you might come across a song you have never heard before. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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