Brown Thrasher Singing
This Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) was another recent sighting of mine. It may be in a suitable nesting location – a blueberry patch – and was singing away from multiple perches. Another bird was nearby, and both were active and remaining in the same area. This does not necessarily mean they will make a nest here, but for now it is possible and perhaps probable. Look at that eye… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBlue Jay
This Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) was in the shade on a sunny April day, nevertheless showing off blue hues against a blue sky and flying around with its mate. In this case the blues are not as blue as they could be because they are not actually blue. Huh? Their feather barb cells are specially modified scatter light in a way that makes them appear blue instead of what would be brown melanin, and if this bird flew into the sunlight then it would pop even more. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBrown Thrasher
The Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) was another photographic target of mine this spring. I typically do get to enjoy the species a bit each April and May, but they are difficult subjects to shoot. Part of the problem is that they have dramatically dropped in abundance since Roger Tory Peterson’s time which makes me appreciate moments like these all the more. For a species that was a tolerably common breeding bird for many people, including Roger’s homes in New York and Connecticut, is now often a ghost in both behavior and population. Habitat loss and degradation, competition with...
Read MoreYoung Chipmunk
This adorable little Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) liked me enough to stay on its tree and say hi for a minute before dashing back down underground. Now if this young one would only please remember to stay out of most of these trees and bushes when it grows up because I would rather it choose food other than young birds or eggs from nests each spring. Thanks in advance, pal! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreChipping Sparrow
This is a Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina), one of a few of the species I observed and photographed this past Thursday. The early spring sparrow migrants continue to pour through the region with dozens and dozens of Savannah Sparrows dominating any grasslands, fields, farms and open areas. The Eastern Towhees are calling out from shrub and scrub patches, yards, feeding stations and power line corridors. Winter friends like White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos are starting to wrap up their pushes north for the breeding season. The Field Sparrows have returned to nest right where...
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