Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
This Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) was a spectacular surprise for me this morning after a night of strong passerine migration. Cuckoos are not that uncommon, but getting actually decent and prolonged glimpses at them are! This cooperative bird even let me snap a couple of recognizable photos. It was much more interested in feeding, albeit in the shade of the bright morning sun, than worrying about me watching it. What are some of the highlights of your “fall” birding so far? We are finally saying goodbye to many of our summer birds, on the cusp of welcoming some of...
Read MoreRobin on Nest
It may not feel like it now, but this photograph was snapped on a recent cold morning. Keeping those little ones warm on some of those chilly spring days is probably easier than it was for those American Robin parents that already fledged their young ones, fighting through April or even some of March. Have you seen fledglings running around squawking yet?
Read MoreYard Pine Siskin
There are still Pine Siskins hanging out in the Northeast, and if you provide them with enough food in your yard and they are able to find a mate, they may nest right there! The nomadic species is certainly opportunistic, and I hope this bird in Twan’s yard can find a partner and settle down soon. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreGrasshopper Sparrow
I photographed this Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) last week on a dreary and foggy morning in grasslands known to be a spring migratory site for the species. It was busy feeding in the mist, generally avoiding any picturesque views, as is typical for the species. It had even been singing the previous day! RTPI staff documented confirmed breeding of Henslow’s Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows at the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport (KJHW) during the summer of 2013. Both species are listed as New York endangered species with the Henslow’s Sparrow classified as ‘threatened’ and...
Read MoreCardinal in Low Winter Sun
I recently photographed this Northern Cardinal in the early morning and low winter sun as it was soaking up the rays to warm up on a chilly day. It did not sing, or at least not yet. It will not be long before the species begins to call out on territories across the landscape while the sun rises in height in the sky each and every day. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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