Snowy Owl sentinel
This Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) sentinel was photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser during last year’s irruption. There have been more Snowy Owls appearing daily in the Midwest and the Northeast. One was seen yesterday not too far from RTPI in Erie, Pennsylvania. None of our staff or colleagues have had the chance to see one yet this fall but we will let you know and hopefully show you one soon if we do. Have you spotted a Snowy this autumn?!
Read MoreRed-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
This Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) has been hanging out with RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser at Audubon Greenwich recently. Many more have been passing through as their migration has peaked in early November. There is still plenty of action in the sky even at this late autumn date.
Read MoreSnowy Owl irruption…underway? Again?!
Yes, my friends, here we are again! Is a Snowy Owl irruption into the southern parts of Canada and the lower 48 states already underway? The answer certainly looks to be a firm yes considering recent list serv reports. The eBird Snowy Owl map below highlights sightings from August 1, 2014 through November 9, 2014. It also says yes… Remember that sightings in the last 30 days are in bright orange. Look how far south some birds have already been spotted! Now let us remember that a certain number of Snowy Owls move to the south every winter. If you live near a major migratory corridor or...
Read MoreExtremely abundant common sparrows
This Dark-eyed Junco can be seen chowing down on a seed while nearly 200 more of its friends were doing the same nearby. I cannot recall a time where I have seen a greater sustained abundance, perhaps for the last three or four weeks, of a few common sparrow species spread across the region. There have been huge flocks of Song Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, and White-throated Sparrows seemingly everywhere in appropriate habitat. Have you noticed the same? Maybe they had a very productive nesting year and perhaps they are also irrupting due to a lack of food in the north. Thankfully there is no...
Read MoreNorthern Saw-whet Owl movement continues
If you are anywhere in New England or the Mid-Atlantic it is a great time to be watching for Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus). You will not likely find them like this as it is a photo RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser took while netting and banding more of the species on the move through New Jersey. Nevertheless, you cannot win if you do not play! Take a look at any dense vegetation you come across as they are often near our eye level. They frequently choose evergreen trees to roost in and will stay buried between thick branches or near the trunk. Of course you can always rely on...
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