Field Sparrow
This Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) actually flew directly towards me and my dog to perch on this white pine branch this morning. It looked us over for a minute and then went back to snacking. It is another great example of a lovely bird that we can still find even in the..uh, cold days of November? It is November, and apart from the low sun angle and early sunset it felt like it could have been late August out there today. This will undoubtedly keep birds with us a little longer with easier to survive temperatures, poor migratory conditions because of the southerly flow, and prolonged...
Read MoreCommon Loons
Goodbye, October, and welcome to the last month of meteorological autumn. As the fall foliage finally fades into the background we welcome the waterfowl returning to our region. Common Loons (Gavia immer) are losing their brilliant breeding plumage and you will soon be able to find them at many locations along the coast, at inland lakes and reservoirs, swimming, preening and diving for food. Watch for them on Chautauqua Lake, a place that I have seen plenty. These are sizable and stout birds with dagger-like bills – ones you would not want to mess around with! November is a time to...
Read MoreAtlantic Brant
Songbirds are not the only flying objects on the move right now. All of this cold and now freezing weather will really push the waterfowl flights to get underway. Here you can see some Brant (Branta bernicla) geese flying by some still simmering fall foliage a few days ago. Thousands of the species are now migrating along with others like the Common Loon, Red-breasted Merganser, White-winged Scoter, Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, and plenty more. Wherever you are, look up! You may spot a very high flying waterbird or a sizable skein (flock in flight), even inland.
Read MoreCrab Breakfast
Did you have crab for breakfast today? I know someone who did…Harley the Harlequin Duck certainly knows fine dining. He also enjoys mussels that are easier to hold on to in that bill. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRadar Migration Overnight April 3, 2015
Here’s a radar grab from the overnight period of April 2 into April 3, 2015. As you can see precipitation is moving across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with heavier waves to the west and lighter showers to the east. Midwestern areas had strong and severe thunderstorms while the Atlantic Coast especially had moderate avian migration occurring – see the diffuse and circular areas of blue centered around radar stations contrasting with the green rain. Birds avoiding this wet weather included a lot of sparrows like the White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow and Swamp...
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