Tufted Titmouse
Entering the holiday season also means that we are getting into feeding season in our yards as our little songbird friends turn to us for an extra snack or two. Are your bird feeders set up and filled with food yet? The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is one of the more curious, frequent and friendly backyard birds, looking to drop down on feeders for a big sunflower seed to take and crack apart. The species also hoards food, taking some of what you put out and storing it somewhere for later. Who knows, maybe you were planning a winter vacation – they want to be prepared! If you...
Read MorePine Siskin & American Goldfinch
The feeders of Western New York are brightening up as the surrounding gardens and woodlands are, with birds like this Pine Siskin, on the left, passing through now, and the American Goldfinch, on the right, turning into neon yellow, glowing lights. The American Goldfinch nest so late in the season compared to some of our other resident birds that they can still be using their energy for molting now, taking advantage of feeding on all those also yellow sunflowers later on. The Pine Siskin is more of a nomadic species than anything else, and they will likely be breeding not much further to our...
Read MoreFeeder Pine Warbler
We are getting to the time of year where you may be fortunate enough to find a Pine Warbler visiting your feeders. These early and uncommonly wintering birds will end up at your suet if conditions are poor or there are not enough insects to be found yet. I absolutely love to see such a vibrant and stunning shade in the late winter as a taste of things to come. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreLong-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis)
This adult male Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis) felt like hanging out with RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser a little longer after he completed putting it through the banding process, sitting in his hand being friendly. You can see the band on its leg in the lower left and a calm, inquisitive look in its eyes.
Read MoreRusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)
This is one very startled-looking Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)! He was actually just extremely engrossed in looking for some cracked corn, one of their favorites when visiting bird feeders. Please remember you are looking at one of the fastest declining species in North America here. Their silent downfall is only now getting the notoriety that it deserves, and our help is greatly needed. On that end I will soon be making an announcement on how we at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History are contributing to helping out the Rusty Blackbird. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation...
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