So Yellow Warbler
This is a very yellow warbler! Actually, it is such a yellow warbler that it is a Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia). If you ever wonder why I capitalize all the common names of birds it is for primarily this reason among a couple others (email list serv posts being another big one). Not everyone knows scientific names, and when referring to these common names, the birds should have a certain recognition that they are a species and not a yellow warbler – like a Prairie Warbler, or a Common Yellowthroat, or a Wilson’s Warbler, or others! And if you ever spot a little gull, be...
Read MoreOvenbird
Those Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) will soon be crafting their ovens on the forest floor, filling them with eggs and keeping a very low profile when near this home. This leaf-covered little dome nest is certainly what gave them their name. I’m glad it was not TEACHER-TEACHER-TEACHER instead! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRed-bellied Woodpecker
In our continuing discussion of why the birds are named the way they are, here we see the reason for the name behind the Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). Yes, they have a red head, but not as red as some woodpeckers that go by that name. These birds have pushed north over the last several decades, inhabiting new breeding grounds and in many cases year-round territories. In the last couple of weeks I have noted an influx of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, especially in migratory hot spots, showing how some definitely do move north. We can see that red belly thanks to these views...
Read MoreGray Catbirds Coming
We will soon be inundated by the deceptive and incorrect sound of felines as the Gray Catbird returns in full force to our neighborhoods across America. They really have about as literal a common name as any bird. Apart from their gray bodies and black cap you can also see a hint of the rusty-colored feathers under these bird’s tails. Meow to you, too.
Read MoreIntimidating Eastern Kingbird
This intimidating Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) is an imposing example of part of why these birds acquired their names. For such a small creature, compared to our stature, it was nonetheless showing no hesitation at looking in my direction and almost sizing me up. Kingbirds go right after anything around their nest from crows to herons and various hawks with a unique boldness and great zest. These brave warriors are returning now. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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