Greater Yellowlegs and continuing Connecticut surveys
Are you a Connecticut birder? Do you use eBird? Are you passing through Roger Tory Peterson’s former home in the Nutmeg state at some point and planning on enjoying some of the fine coastal waterbirds it features? Please remember to share your eBird checklists with us via the share function at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com and your contribution to the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds will be readily accepted and heartily appreciated! Nesting season may have ended months ago and will not start for several more but we have a great mix of wintering long-legged waders and shorebirds, like...
Read MoreWaiting for waterfowl
Whether it is the shores of Lake Erie or Chautauqua Lake to areas across the Chautauqua Allegheny region and the Northeast most observers have noted a slow movement of waterfowl thus far in November. The fall flocks of ducks, loons, swans, scoters and more will soon be moving rapidly as frigid air, ice and snow descend upon our section of the country. Without chilly temperatures freezing water and pushing birds south there are often not many to be seen, but by the time Thanksgiving rolls around we should have our typical abundance and diversity.
Read MoreOverwintering Great Egrets
Would you believe that I took this photo of a Great Egret (Ardea alba) in Connecticut only last week? It is exceptionally true and resident birders in New England can attest to the fact that we now have them as an overwintering species! Climate change is starting to allow us to keep more long-legged waders and shorebirds, such as the American Oystercatcher, year-round in parts of Long Island Sound and the New England Atlantic coastline. Why bother leaving when you can make it through the entire season? Migration is the most perilous part of the life of a bird and while a colder than usual or...
Read MoreFruit-eating Bats (Carollia castanea)
Have you ever had any bats visit your hummingbird feeders? Twan captured these great photos of Fruit-eating Bats (Carollia castanea) doing just that years ago in Costa Rica. These nectar eaters take over the skies after the sun goes down, as they will tonight…
Read MoreSycamore Tree on a pond
The brilliant autumn foliage surrounding this pond was being guarded by a sizable Sycamore Tree. A couple dozen camera-shy Mallard and American Black Ducks were present and more waterfowl will be moving in shortly. In a couple of months this very spot may be enveloped in ice and snow, pure white with the tree looking as if it has arctic camouflage. I will be sure to return to find some colder charm then. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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