Tree Swallows Pairing Up
I hope you have your nest boxes ready because the Tree Swallows have arrived. They are getting right to business with the recent warmth, pairing up and having territorial squabbles over real estate. The birds on the bars in these photos were at the top of a Purple Martin gourd tree, hoping to find a gourd for themselves. Sometimes this happens and both species can still be successful in nesting. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Oystercatchers Relaxing
American Oystercatchers have been pairing off across Connecticut, and a few sites and birds have been reported as copulating. However, like the Piping Plover, we still have no confirmed nests likely because of the continuing cold conditions at times. With the warm-up of the last few days and late April coming there will be eggs soon. Until then these birds were relaxing on the beach out of the wind and tucking in their bills for a midday nap.
Read MoreMagnificent Merlin
This magnificent Merlin certainly looks wonderful on a warm spring morning! I photographed this friendly bird today. I actually saw three of them in total as they are on the move back to their breeding grounds, some of which may be right near us. Last year we had a Merlin nest only a couple blocks from us at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, and others were scattered throughout Chautauqua County. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreClean Nestboxes!
It’s that time again – spring cleaning! In this case you should be all set and ready to go now with cleaning out the homes of birds in your yard, sprucing them up a bit if needed before Eastern Bluebirds, Black-capped Chickadees, Tree Swallows and more arrive or start building. It’s a terrific excuse to get kids outside and engaged with nature as the days get longer, warmer and far more pleasant. It may also be a good reason for you to step away from the desk and get some fresh air as well. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreReturn of the Osprey
The Osprey have returned! Make sure your nesting platforms are erected and ready to go, and soon enough we will be seeing birds like this one toting enormous branches across our blue and warming skies.
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