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 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 MoreAmerican Kestrel Female
This female American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) perched on the wire just long enough for me to take a shot while we looked each other in the eye. She is a March migrant, one of many raptors on the move to the north every day now. She will be hunting slowly melting grasslands and fields under the soon to be spring sun. Do you have any American Kestrel nest boxes erected on your large open property or farm? Now is the time to get them up or cleaned. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MorePeregrine Falcon on Wire
This Peregrine Falcon was stretching its wings while hanging on the wire. It was looking around for some food on this dark, dreary day, ready to explode after prey at any moment. I would not have minded if it flew off to chase a Gyrfalcon… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMottled Owl (Strix virgata)
You never know what is under the leaves, and in the tropics that sort of sentiment gets bumped up a few levels of size and greatness. Here we have a well-hidden Mottled Owl (Strix virgata) as photographed at Cabo Blanco in Costa Rica by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser. It is not too different from the Barred Owl that could be roosting in your pine tree right now!
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