Willow Flycatcher
One of our later arriving neotropical migrants, the Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) seen here was belting out its song on top of a pine. One of the Empidonax flycatchers, they are basically indistinguishable from the Alder Flycatcher by sight, though the other “Empid” species usually have brighter eyerings. Regardless, you should always use your ears first when it comes to these birds! Far too many people attempt to pin down an identification just by staring at photos later on when birds besides the Empidonax flycatchers, like the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested...
Read MoreLouisiana Waterthrush
RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser and I were happy to hear that a Louisiana Waterthrush had already made its way to Connecticut in late March, besting early arrival records in what may be an early spring for many birds – despite this current arctic rebuke. There are even some Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Purple Martins in the Northeast! Birds like them have a very difficult time getting through freezing conditions, and with overnight lows going deep into the 20s it is going to be a rough ride for these bold returning individuals. This particular photo by Sean is of an individual captured in...
Read MoreGolden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)
Here’s another close-up of the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) that RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser caught a couple weeks ago in his nets in Costa Rica. This is a bird he never imagined being able to capture at Rara Avis.
Read MoreGolden-winged Warbler
RTPI President Twan Leenders and RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser, among other friends and colleagues, are back from a very productive and thrilling trip to Costa Rica. They saw or netted a tremendous variety of species, and Sean thinks the most amazing was catch was a neotropical migrant bird – this Golden-winged Warbler. He waited a long time to see a Golden-winged Warbler, his favorite warbler in North America, ironically finally netting one in Costa Rica. Spectacular bird!
Read MoreMalachite (Siproeta stelenes)
There is not much green to be seen right now in Chautauqua County, but thankfully we have some being digitally shipped to us from Costa Rica. RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser took this ridiculously awesome photo of a Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) butterfly blending so effortlessly into the landscape of its home. One of the more common species in Costa Rica, these stunning brush foot butterflies are always a pleasure to see if you are there, here, or anywhere!
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