Pine Warbler
This Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) was enjoying foraging in White Pine (Pinus strobus) trees in the early morning light today, the first of many warbler species to arrive in the coming weeks. Now is the time to break out your Peterson Field Guide warbler plates and study songs as well. This male was singing intermittently, more focused on eating than advertising. Their song resembles that of the Chipping Sparrow, or even the Dark-eyed Junco, but it is a little more deliberate and slower trill. In my opinion the best way to learn a song is to literally watch a bird singing it as much as you...
Read MoreKilldeers Return
The Killdeer, one of the loudest and most visible late winter/early spring returning species, is moving north rapidly now. As you will likely hear soon enough…they’re back!
Read MoreSinging Song Sparrow
By now you have likely heard the Song Sparrow belting out tunes all day long in the nearly-spring sun. They are really ramping up their advertisements as they return to territories and start seeking mates. Can you feel the spring? You can definitely hear it now!
Read MoreCardinal in Low Winter Sun
I recently photographed this Northern Cardinal in the early morning and low winter sun as it was soaking up the rays to warm up on a chilly day. It did not sing, or at least not yet. It will not be long before the species begins to call out on territories across the landscape while the sun rises in height in the sky each and every day. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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