Horned Larks
I have had a great time seeing Horned Larks lately after striking out on them for all of the past autumn and and most of this winter in Connecticut. After having success this past week I ended up taking many photographs of birds feeding on edges and in snow-covered grasslands in Stratford, and I wanted to share a bunch of them with you all in a slideshow of sorts below. Here were a bunch of birds feeding on the edges in the roadways and exposed areas. Unfortunately there was one recently-deceased individual, the body still warm. Fortunately for science and research Patrick Comins, Audubon...
Read MoreSavannah Sparrows Eating Driveway Grass
In this classic winter tradition we see Savannah Sparrows feeding on grass growing in and around a driveway that has been plowed, taking advantage of some of the only uncovered earth in the immediate area. Other uncommon species that often enjoy this method of obtaining uncovered food are the Snow Bunting, Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, and White-crowned Sparrow. Checking out the side of roadways in the middle of winter can often yield some small gems like these all the way to birds like the American Woodcock or multiple species of owls. Birds are very creative and adaptable, often able to...
Read MoreAmerican Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea)
Here is an American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) that I photographed during my hometown Christmas Bird Count in Stratford, Connecticut yesterday, part of a flock of perhaps 15 individuals that were staying mostly out of sight. I made sure to take the photo because it was feeding on Common Reed (Phragmites australis), one of the most notorious non-native invasive plants in North America. American Tree Sparrows are well-known as seed eaters and can often be found at the top of weeds and grasses, but I do not personally remember seeing them feeding on the “phrag” before. I wonder...
Read MoreSavannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Here we have an attentive Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), a winter landbird species that you should be on the lookout for mixed in with other sparrows. They can be found especially near any farmlands, fields, grasslands and coastal areas, looking for seeds to devour. If there is a snowfall you can find them seeking out areas near water or plowed habitat that provides unexpectedly helpful access to grasses. This is a more typical Savannah Sparrow, but if you live on the Atlantic Coast be mindful of finding the large, pale “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow on beaches and...
Read MoreBlack-capped Chickadee Feeding
This Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) appeared to be a very indecisive feeder, not knowing what it wanted to eat and trying out some of the selections before tossing some back. I suppose that is the sort of thing you can do when you have piles of food strewn about you. Natural food sources are slowly being drawn down as we near the winter solstice. If you feed the birds you will likely be seeing more activity and action, even from the picky among them. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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