Scaup Anyone?
Here are justttttt a few Scaup, mostly Greater with some Lesser, on the move while feeding on their way back to the north. Waterfowl are getting busy now, whether it is migration or courting, as our shores and waters are finally melting here in the Northeast. March means “move!” if you are a waterbird. Did you count them?
Read MoreAmerican Oystercatchers Returning
It’s that time! The American Oystercatchers are returning to the Northeast, and today in Connecticut we had our first bird in Westbrook. This is three or four weeks later than the first Oystercatcher sighting occurs in some years, with the historic cold keeping migrants at bay until now. Other species are also arriving more slowly than expected. Now it is all systems go for the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds as the threatened shorebird species is one of our focal birds. If you are going to be in Connecticut this spring and summer please email ctwaterbirds@gmail.com to sign up...
Read MoreHidden American Woodcocks
March is the month for the American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) as the species heads north to (hopefully) unfrozen earth, with males arriving as quickly as they can to set up on the best territory for their legendary display flights. This year’s polar lock on the region may slow them down as feeding will be very difficult, if not impossible, for another week or two at least. Open fields and meadows adjacent to wetlands, marshes and scrubby/shrubby lands are good places to wait for their evening aerial dances later in the month. I photographed these two birds in the early winter, long...
Read MoreBrant (Branta bernicla)
It has been a slow season for the Brant (Branta bernicla) of Long Island Sound. From prolonged observations in Stratford, Connecticut I have seen low numbers of the species throughout the winter, if I have seen them at all. However, despite the ongoing well below-average temperatures and repeated days of more snow, the counts are increasing as northbound migration has started now that the calendar has turned to March. This photo of a spring Brant is one of thousands that will push through the area in mere weeks when we finally break the polar stranglehold on the region. Scott Kruitbosch...
Read MoreLove in the Air
When I first saw these birds I noticed that the American Wigeon male and female seemed to be a pair, staying close together and calmly swimming in the water. Ducks are pairing off now, if they have not already, and breeding season is not far away. However, I also saw another male following them, and I swear he had a bit of a lonely look to him. Even in this photo you can see his somewhat sad demeanor. I hope I am simply imagining it! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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