Author Archives: birdsinmyviewfinder

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.

One of our summer residents is the Baltimore Oriole who nests here. And nesting means territorial conflict. This first Oriole below was on the ground beneath the tree he had claimed when another male flew in. The second one did not get a chance to land before he was threatened. He flew off to findContinue reading “Feathered Action: Baltimore Oriole”

Common Terns shake off excess water while in flight after a dive. Sort of a dog with wings.

This appears to be the advances of a male Chipping Sparrow being rejected. This small sparrow with a rufous cap is found all over the US and Canada in the summer. It is a year round resident of Florida, southern Texas and southern California.