The first bird photographed at Dunn Ranch, this Grasshopper Sparrow was trying his best to dry off following an early morning shower.
“Grasshopper Sparrow”
Category: birds
See You in the Spring!
An image of a Black and White Warbler taken this past spring. The song-birds have begun moving south now. Things have been so busy, I’ve barely had a chance to go birdwatching to watch them pass through.
“Black and White Warbler”
Species Spotlight: Bell’s Vireo
Steve and I came across this pair at RMBS this summer. When disturbed, males of this species can almost be intimidating with their nasal calls and angry sounding song.
Wood Duck Hen and Chicks
This one was taken at Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area in Illinois.
Fitz-bew!
Once believed to be the same species as the Alder Flycatcher, the Willow Flycatcher (pictured here) can be distinguished most easily by it’s distinct song. These images were taken at RMBS this spring.
Species Spotlight: Black-billed Cuckoo
Often heard, but difficult to find, the Black-billed Cuckoo specializes in eating caterpillars. I fortunately stumbled onto this guy this spring.
For Bill Rudden…
Dedicated to Bill Rudden, a St. Louis City based birder and bird photographer who passed away recently. I took this image of one of Carondelet Park’s Red-tailed Hawks on the day I met Bill for the first time. We had some good conversation that day while looking for the Crossbills that were visiting. I’m sorry I didn’t get know him better.
Species Spotlight: Henslow’s Sparrow
A bird with a song more reminiscent of a hiccup, the Henslow’s Sparrow is a secretive little guy, except while singing. Due to habitat loss, this species has dropped in numbers in recent decades and is currently listed as “near-threatened”.
Species Spotlight: Golden-winged Warbler
Known for their tendency to hang upside down while foraging for prey, the Golden-winged Warblers are partial to early successional habitats. Pressures from habitat changes and from the closely related Blue-winged Warbler have forced a downward shift in overall numbers of this species.
Species of Conservation Concern: Rusty Blackbird
These guys were seen for several days this spring taking advantage of our pond. Listed as threatened on the IUCN red list, the Rusty Blackbird population has dropped by more than 85% since their numbers were recorded. Poisoning and habitat loss are the suspected reasons.
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 