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Posts Tagged "territory"

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Posted on May 11, 2015

Red-bellied Woodpecker

In our continuing discussion of why the birds are named the way they are, here we see the reason for the name behind the Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). Yes, they have a red head, but not as red as some woodpeckers that go by that name. These birds have pushed north over the last several decades, inhabiting new breeding grounds and in many cases year-round territories. In the last couple of weeks I have noted an influx of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, especially in migratory hot spots, showing how some definitely do move north. We can see that red belly thanks to these views...

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Piping Plovers

Posted on May 2, 2015

Piping Plovers

Amazingly there were still pairs of Piping Plovers coming into Connecticut through the end of April. New arrivals hit the breeding grounds as other birds were beginning to nest, and finally we look to be really into “go time” for our soon to be parents. After a lot of cool weather and wind we are into May where we should have a safe buffer from the freezing mark. Let us hope we have conducive incubation conditions and stable weather for our continuing efforts in the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds.

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Song Sparrows Singing

Posted on Apr 18, 2015

Song Sparrows Singing

Once again, I ask you…why do they call these birds Song Sparrows? Oh, whoops! Forget I asked. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

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Tree Swallows Pairing Up

Posted on Apr 17, 2015

Tree Swallows Pairing Up

I hope you have your nest boxes ready because the Tree Swallows have arrived. They are getting right to business with the recent warmth, pairing up and having territorial squabbles over real estate. The birds on the bars in these photos were at the top of a Purple Martin gourd tree, hoping to find a gourd for themselves. Sometimes this happens and both species can still be successful in nesting. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

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Piping Plovers in the Sand

Posted on Apr 16, 2015

Piping Plovers in the Sand

This warm week has jump started breeding as Piping Plover pairs are getting much more focused on nesting, making scrapes and exhibiting soon to be parents behavior on some Connecticut beaches. Our Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds crew is wrapping up helping the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in placing string/psychological fencing and signage on major beaches and busy breeding areas. We will soon be assisting them in placing exclosures over Piping Plover nests to protect the precious eggs from predators on the ground (cats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes)...

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