White-eyed Vireo
The White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) was high on the list of spring targets for me this year, as I have not had a good look at the species in quite some time and I certainly did not have any decent photographs of one. That sentence was past tense because I recently accomplished this mission. I certainly feel as though I can do better, but considering its behavior, the weather conditions, location, and time of day, I was happy with what I got. Can you tell why they are called White-eyed Vireos? This uncommon (at least in our region) species is often relatively elusive despite being...
Read MoreApple Tree
Soon it will be the season for apple picking, and the tree in this orchard is looking right on schedule. The fence that surrounds it protects the area from White-tailed Deer eating everything in sight, and protects them from themselves. Just as there were warblers, vireos, orioles and more feeding on the flowers of the trees in the spring there will be ample time for birds to feed on the apples all autumn.
Read More“Fall” Radar Migration
Welcome to fall migration season, and it is heating up already! These radar grabs from Buffalo and Upton, New York show you some avian migration after the cold front passage a couple days ago. Thursday night into Friday morning saw the arrival of new birds for many areas as flycatchers, vireos, warblers, shorebirds, swallows, blackbirds and more are hitting various staging and roosting areas, following coasts on nonstop trips, or slowly making their way south across our lands. All of the blues and darker greens you see are mostly birds with some insects mixed in. Bright greens, yellow,...
Read MoreBaltimore Oriole
I took these photos of this male Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) this morning while it was in an Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) tree. It is a glorious May day out there, and I hope you can be outdoors for your Sunday to enjoy all of the migrants pouring into our region. In the next few weeks we will be focusing on showcasing the spectacular species returning to our backyards, whether it is your garden, fields, or woodlands. Various vireos are on the way. Fabulous flycatchers are about start feasting here. Waves of warblers will be overwhelming us soon. Get ready, and be sure to...
Read MoreMangrove Vireo (Vireo pallens) by Twan Leenders
This Mangrove Vireo (Vireo pallens) friend of Twan’s isn’t going to be leaving Costa Rica for our shores but many other vireos will be in our yards soon enough. Warm thoughts to you all – think green! I promise it is actually coming no matter how far below zero we go tonight…
Read More
