Author Archives: birdsinmyviewfinder

A Willet almost skimming the water as he approaches the pond’s shore. The white on the wings and tail are only visible while a Willet is in flight. Otherwise they are a drab looking bird that is almost invisible in the brush.

This colorful warbler with a dashing look is working hard to help keep insect pests in check and feed his family. Good job.

One of our summer visitors here in New England is the Yellow-crowned Night Heron. It gets its name from the bright yellow forehead patch and plumes. It also has a prominent white cheek patch. Their primary prey consists of crustaceans like crabs and crayfish.

Proudly showing off his shoulder epaulettes. Male Red-winged Blackbirds flash their bright red and yellow shoulder patches as part of their territorial display, warning other males to keep out of their turf.

This wader is a somewhat rare visitor to Massachusetts, typically migrating no further north than New Jersey. Black-necked Stilts have a distinctive color pattern and very long legs. This was the first one I have seen other than in places like Texas, Florida and South Carolina. It certainly caught the attention of local birdwatchers!

This is what happens during nesting season when a Canada Goose strays into the territory of another Goose. A noisy kerfuffle ensues.

He took flight just as I was taking his picture so I ended up with an in-flight shot. The crest that gives this bird it’s name isn’t visible since he apparently pulled it in on take off. The identifying coloration is evident though: gray cheeks and throat, lemon yellow belly and a rusty band downContinue reading “Snapshot: Great Crested Flycatcher”

A proud fisherman.

This is a Long-tailed Duck on its takeoff run. They are fast flyers once they get airborne.

American Kestrels are a small falcon that hunt for insects and small animals by hovering, or kiting, over an open area to look for a target. Then they dive onto it. This photo shows the Kestrel using its tail and wings to help keep hovering in one spot.