Author Archives: birdsinmyviewfinder

It’s hawk migration time here in New England. Broad-winged Hawks pass through the area in large numbers as they move from southern Canada and the eastern US to their winter homes in Central America and northern parts of South America. This is an immature Broad-winged Hawk that was perched in a tree overlooking the marsh,Continue reading “Feathered Action: Blue Jay v. Broad-winged Hawk”

Northern Harriers are migrating into my area for the winter. We spotted three in just a few minutes. This one is people watching while we bird watch.

I don’t typically photograph insects. Although I have thought about doing some macro photography. But I will try to photograph butterflies and dragonflies in flight on occasion. It’s a way to challenge my bird-in-flight skills and have a bit of fun. I got a pretty good capture of this dragonfly. I have no idea ofContinue reading “Non-avian Guest: Dragonfly”

The largest gull in the world. Great Black-backed Gulls pretty much rule the shore. This one grabbed a crab from the edge of the water. No pirating this day.

Tree Swallows gather in the 10s of thousands on Plum Island before starting their migration. These photos were taken on the beach on Plum Island Sound on the southern end of the island. Swallows were constantly streaming by me and I was able to capture some of them in flight, like this one. This photoContinue reading “Feathered Action: Tree Swallow”

It looks like this juvenile Herring Gull is joining the family business and has grabbed an egg from someone’s nest. Pirates gonna pirate.

Every once in a while I post a photo of a creature other than a bird. Not an uncommon critter, but not a frequent sight near my home. The Red Squirrel is the smaller cousin of our ubiquitous Eastern Gray Squirrel. It may be smaller but it is quick and feisty. I have seen themContinue reading “Non-avian Guest: Red Squirrel”

A follow-up to my previous post. I caught the young Forster’s Tern in its dive just before it disappeared behind a wall of reeds.

Forster’s Terns are not a common sight in my area (Massachusetts) but do show up regularly during migration season. This is a juvenile actively hunting fish on Plum Island.

You typically hear the loud rattling call before you see a Kingfisher. And when you do see them, they are zipping along the water after their aquatic prey. The big bill and ragged crest makes them look a little top heavy. This is a female Belted Kingfisher. Males don’t have the chestnut band.