Author Archives: birdsinmyviewfinder

Blue-headed Vireos are “snowbirds”. Like human snowbirds, they winter in the south and summer in the north. Their range is the eastern half of North America. They are a forest dweller and constantly search the tree canopy for insects and larvae.

This is one three species of warbler that I photographed recently. It is easy to see where the Black-throated Green gets its name. This particular individual has a nickname: Stubby. Yes, he is missing his tail feathers as is really obvious in the next picture. Research says the most likely cause is a close encounterContinue reading “Snapshot: Black-throated Green Warbler”

This warbler is stopping for a caterpillar snack as it migrates to northern New England or Canada.

It’s a Gadwall squadron. Ducks have a species-specific color patterned speculum on their secondary wing feathers. Gadwalls have a prominent white patch with black and chestnut bordering it.

A Great Egret snacking on a small fish. The bright green lores are indicative of a breeding adult.

Another summer resident has arrived in my area. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are small, very active birds. The are in almost constant motion as they flit through trees and bushes to look for insects and spiders.

Migration has been slow but Tree Swallows are back.

There is something prehistoric about Great Blue Herons in flight.

Ring-necked Duck (left) and Wood Duck swim close together.

Red-winged Blackbirds are a very common bird and they are here in abundance to claim territory and mates. The males stake out a nest site and warn off others by flashing their bright epaulets. Intruders are chased if warnings don’t work. Females, who look like a different species, are spending their time building nests andContinue reading “Snapshots: Red-winged Blackbird”