Great Black-backed Gull
This Great Black-backed Gull was coming in for a water landing, but what I did not notice at this moment was that it had a free fish meal waiting for it. After it landed it snatched up this easy lunch and went off to try to find a way to eat it without being noticed by any friends. Winter is not the time to be sharing in the natural world. It is a difficult time for our wildlife to survive with harsh conditions making even consistent eating often all too rare. This bird is an adult, but the first-winter birds of many species of birds often suffer the most during these months. This recently...
Read MoreDecember El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Diagnostic Discussion
Looking for winter in the east? You might be looking to travel for it! The December El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Diagnostic Discussion that came out today says… Synopsis: El Niño is expected to remain strong through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2015-16, with a transition to ENSO-neutral anticipated during late spring or early summer 2016. “Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of above-median precipitation across the southern tier of the United States, and below-median precipitation over the northern tier of the United States. Above-average temperatures are...
Read MoreBrant
Very few waterfowl species have been seen in any sizable numbers consistently in Long Island Sound in November and early December. Some of the chillier night air, along with the calendar, is finally pushing additional birds more to the south. One exception has been the Atlantic Brant, with hundreds of birds being seen on many days. They are starting to dwindle as they head for even warmer quarters as finally more American Black Duck, Gadwall, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated and Common Loons, American Wigeon and others arrive. Even while noting additional species their overall abundance...
Read MoreSea Star Snack
Anyone care for a sea star snack? The gulls have it easy – from landfills to parking lots to shores there always seems to be a lot for them to eat year-round compared to some other starving species. I will say this…that does not look like it would feel good going down. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAtlantic Brant
Songbirds are not the only flying objects on the move right now. All of this cold and now freezing weather will really push the waterfowl flights to get underway. Here you can see some Brant (Branta bernicla) geese flying by some still simmering fall foliage a few days ago. Thousands of the species are now migrating along with others like the Common Loon, Red-breasted Merganser, White-winged Scoter, Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, and plenty more. Wherever you are, look up! You may spot a very high flying waterbird or a sizable skein (flock in flight), even inland.
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