Rose-breasted Grosbeak One of the first Neotropical migrants to arrive in southern New York every spring is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus). In late April, this species completes its journey from its winter range (Mexico south to Ecuador) to our...
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Holly Ellerbusch
Ruby-throated Hummingbird A route of evanescence with a revolving wheel; A resonance of emerald, a rush of cochineal; and every blossom on the bush adjusts its tumbled head, – the mail from Tunis, probably, an easy morning’s ride. Emily Dickinson, The Humming...
Scarlet Tanager by Nick Filannino
Scarlet Tanager The male Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a stunning bird in spring and summer. The incandescent red feathers covering most of its body contrast sharply with the glossy black of its wings and tail. Although this bird is a common species in...
Tree Swallow The Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) is a familiar bird in our region, inhabiting open areas, usually near water, in the nesting season. Like our other swallows, it is an aerial insectivore, catching its prey almost exclusively on the wing, during the...
Black Vulture by Tait Johansson
Turkey Vulture & Black Vulture The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) are two of the most conspicuous birds in our area. Both vultures are large, mostly dark-colored birds which soar above the landscape searching for their...
Male Common Yellow-throated Warbler by Holly Ellerbusch
Warblers The May influx of warblers is one of the most glorious events of our spring bird migration. This quiet spectacle is essentially confined to eastern and central North America, as the west coast has far fewer warbler species. We have about 30 species of...
Red-breasted Nuthatch by Nick Filannino
White- & Red-breasted Nuthatch Nuthatches are droll little birds, entertaining backyard birdwatchers with their habit of making their way through life upside down as they search for tiny invertebrates and seeds hidden in crevices in the bark of trees. They are...
Wood Thrush & Veery Of the breeding birds of our area, probably the two most accomplished singers are the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and the Veery (Catharus fuscescens). These species are both brownish, secretive thrushes that mostly stay in the shadows...
Yellow Warbler by Holly Ellerbusch
Yellow Warbler Many birders find warblers a difficult group of birds to identify. Fall, when warblers tend to have drab plumages, is the most challenging season for warbler identification. Even in spring, when their more colorful breeding plumages make them easier to...
Yellow-rumped Warbler by hjhipster
Yellow-rumped Warbler Many birders find identifying fall warblers to be a tricky proposition. One good species to start with is the Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) since it is probably the most common fall warbler in our area. The most consistently...
