Towhee Snack
This male Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) is about to scarf down a centipede snack on a recent early morning. I did not expect it to come up with that in its bill! I saw it working the ground rather hard, scratching away and pulling at the soil before revealing its prey. No, thank you, I will pass on sharing this meal. It’s all yours little guy… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAutumn Leaves
There have been a lot of bright pink autumn leaves to go along with the lemon yellow painted on the trees during this fall foliage season. The past week has yielded some gorgeous October weather. If you look a little closer you may end up seeing something other than a leaf flying off in the breeze – that is a Yellow-rumped Warbler flitting between the trees, one of millions on the move right now. Migration started strong again last night behind another cold front, and it should continue through the weekend. Good birding, and good autumning! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
Read MoreAmerican Kestrel
The month of October is always a great time to find plenty of American Kestrels passing through, with this male sporting some shades of Halloween. They are often rather shy but sometimes, if you let them fly to you after chasing some prey, you will be able to get a decent look even if only for a minute. These predators will go after birds but can usually be found foraging on abundant insects like grasshoppers or even the praying mantis here in the fall.
Read MoreImmature White-crowned Sparrow
This immature White-crowned Sparrow is one of many that I have seen this fall in what I feel like has been a strong season for the species. While I have only spotted a few adults, the number of young birds that I recorded thus far has been impressive, but that is not exactly a statistically significant determination! What is your general impression for them this year? Is there a species you feel has been especially abundant? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreGoodbye to the Green
Say goodbye to the green leaves because the last of them seem to be leaving the Northeast this week! Some of our oaks and the later changing tree species will be hanging on a bit more, but the colors are really popping now…here, there and everywhere.
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