Great Egret roost
What is this, November in Florida? Nope, I assure you it is New England. Here we have a distant shot featuring four of six Great Egrets that were present in a roost on a sunny November day in Connecticut. I did not want to disturb or flush them from this quiet, isolated area and stayed far away in cover. Waterbirds like this can tough it out in Connecticut thanks to our changing climate. As you can see quite literally it is not simply an aberrant bird or two. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSycamore Tree on a pond
The brilliant autumn foliage surrounding this pond was being guarded by a sizable Sycamore Tree. A couple dozen camera-shy Mallard and American Black Ducks were present and more waterfowl will be moving in shortly. In a couple of months this very spot may be enveloped in ice and snow, pure white with the tree looking as if it has arctic camouflage. I will be sure to return to find some colder charm then. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreNorthern Pintails: male and female
As we get deeper into autumn we also receive a greater diversity of waterfowl joining us in the Northeast. I wanted to share some photos of male and female Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) that I took last week in the middle of a large flock of Mallard and American Black Duck. Some of them were more interested in mating than anything else making it difficult for the Pintails trying to feed, preen and stretch. I noticed the male first due to its distinctive plumage that always helps it stands out well in a crowd. Northern Pintails are slender birds and males have a long, pointed tail that help...
Read MoreWood Duck (Aix sponsa)
I photographed this drake Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) from afar yesterday so as not to disturb it. As you can see it is looking right at home in a forested suburban pond. Many duck species are starting to appear more frequently in our area as we enter the autumn waterfowl season. We will be sure to share some of our finds with all of you. What new fall arrivals have you spotted? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreLittle Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
We don’t get to see too many Little Blue Herons foraging up close in a neighborhood pond on a spring day in the northeast…
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