Author Archives: birdsinmyviewfinder

This handsome warbler breeds here in Massachusetts. They nest in open woodlands in much of the US and Canada. They winter in Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean islands. They are very active insectivores, constantly flitting and hopping through the trees in search of prey. It’s a real challenge for the photographer. TheContinue reading “American Redstart”

The Tricolored Heron gets its name from the combination of blue-gray, purple and white plumage. The white on the neck and underside are just visible in this photo. The little white plume on the back of the head is an elegant touch.

This common, but elusive, thrush spends most of its time deep in the forest. Like most thrushes, it is more often heard than seen. Unlike other brown thrushes, the Veery has faint or indistinct chest spotting. The name is derived from its rich, liquid song: veer, veer. I always manage to get a few sightingsContinue reading “Snapshot – Veery”

The Red-headed Woodpecker’s solid red head is the stereotype for woodpeckers in popular culture. But of all the woodpecker species in North America, only it and the Red-breasted Sapsucker have an all red head. Other species only have some red in the head plumage and sometimes only in the case of males. A few speciesContinue reading “Red-headed Woodpecker”

A pair of beach bums strolling among the beachgoers and looking for any unguarded treats.

I was photographing Terns and Ospreys in a wetlands along a river in South Carolina when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. I just managed to get a quick shot of this Green Heron as it was landing in the reeds. It’s a bit blurry from the motion but IContinue reading “Feathered Action – Green Heron”

More often heard than seen, the Hermit Thrush typically lurks in the forest floor. This one perched in the open for a few moments and posed for a photograph. The reddish tail distinguishes it from other similar thrush species. It is noted for its beautiful flute-like song. A little factoid: it is the state birdContinue reading “Snapshot – Hermit Thrush”

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. The red patch in the “moustache” indicates that this is a male.

The Black-necked Stilt is an impressive looking shorebird. These photos were taken in a wetlands area where these birds were nesting. They make an incessant, loud yapping noise and were scolding every creature in the area, including me. The distinctive black and white plumage and rose colored legs give these birds an elegant look.

Painted Buntings are a Central American bird that breeds in the south-central and coastal southeastern US. I photographed these in South Carolina which is the northernmost of their range along the Atlantic coast. The male Painted Bunting is very colorful, as the name suggests. The females and young are a more practical bright green colorContinue reading “Painted Bunting”