November 30, 2009

Although it wasn't the first time this season that American Tree Sparrows made an appearance, there were at least a half dozen hanging around the parking lot and bird feeders this morning. The photo of the individual to the right (taken at NBNC last year) shows some of the tell tale field marks for this winter visitor, including the rufous crown, gray face, bicolored bill, and white wing bar. If seen from the front, a dark spot would be visible in the center of the breast. Photo by Larry Clarfeld.

November 10, 2009

With the change of seasons, we come to expect a new set of birds and can sometimes anxiously await their arrival. Well the wait for the Northern Shrike ended today as Chip spotted one perched prominently atop a Cedar tree in the parking lot. It flew off across the fields before the rest of the NBNC staff got to see it, so we're back to waiting again for the next appearance!

November 2, 2009

With the sun shining this afternoon, NBNC staff salvaged one of the last opportunities to have lunch outside (without the aide of winter clothes). We were delighted to hear the winnie of an American Robin, which was hanging around the bird feeder. We were also privileged to hear one of our resident Blue Jays imitating the call of a Broad-winged Hawk. They do this fairly regularly here, and are quite convincing (we always look up when we hear it).

The true surprise of the day was a Red Admiral, sunning itself on a post in the field. It held its wings perpendicular to the sun in an effort to absorb the most possible heat. And so we pose the same question we did on October 19: Will this be the last butterfly of the season? Only time will tell.