Intimidating 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
Read MoreForsythia in April
It may not be native, but this Forsythia certainly has a handsome shade of yellow, growing in size and almost luminescence every day in late April. At least many of our birds and some of our other wildlife use it often for cover and perching, but it really has no major use or importance otherwise in our area. Have you observed it being utilized by our native fauna? I honestly have no idea how to feel about plant species like this now. It is not going anywhere soon, but it is not causing nightmarish problems for our environment. If people like to feel spring and appreciate nature via its...
Read MoreSong Sparrows Singing
Once again, I ask you…why do they call these birds Song Sparrows? Oh, whoops! Forget I asked. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWhite-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis)
The White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis) is a predator that sits and waits on branches like this one, starring silently from its perch until an opportune moment to strike. This bird’s name is derived from the bristle-like white feathers around the base of the bill. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Panama while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreSnowy Egret Handouts?
Someone please tell this Snowy Egret that it is not a gull nor a pelican…no handouts! If you are going to spend the winter in New England I suppose you have to get creative when it comes to finding easy meals. Yes, I am kidding, it was not begging or being fed…but I do think it was thinking about it as vehicles drove up and a frenzy of gulls went after some snacks. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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