Red-throated Loon
Ever wonder why Common and Red-throated Loons like this one end up with a winter plumage of mostly varying shades of gray? Look no further! Winter waters, especially on cloudy days, match the birds perfectly…even the waves.
Read MoreSavannah Sparrow
The Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is another bird pushing south through our grasslands, fields, and farms right now. Look for their brown streaks – likely more thin and broken up than the Song Sparrow – and the distinctive yellow patch of feathers over the eye extending to their small bill.
Read MoreWillow 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 MoreYellow-throated Vireo
The Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) seen here did plenty of singing and foraging for me on a recent spring morning while his mate tended to their new nest. They were located, as always, on the edge of a large forest, and while they love the cuts they do need sizable, unbroken woodlands. If you take a look at them from afar you may wonder why they have such a plumage…but if you look at some of my photos you may not have to ponder that anymore. What a perfect camouflage, especially in the spring! I have no doubt those looks help the species coax their insect prey into easy...
Read MoreBaltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Portrait
I’ve seen a lot of tropical birds, in many tropical colors, but the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) with its beautiful orange plumage is one of the most stunning. Sean Graesser RTPI Affiliate
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