Return of the Winter Birds

Snow Bunting above and American Tree Sparrow below

Bald Eagle

Snowy Owl

Northern Shrike

I had a rare opportunity today to see this Northern Shrike in action.  I watched it hunt for prey for about ten minutes but it was unsuccessful.  It should begin to migrate north in the next few weeks to its breeding ground near the arctic tundra.

(photo taken in Sheridan, New York)

Horned Lark

Singing his little heart out on a late winter morning.

Merlin

Bristle-thighed Curlew

Vagrant Hummingbird

Most likely a Rufous Hummingbird seen passing through western New York.

Merry Samhain!

A Golden-crowned Kinglet and a song to celebrate the dark half of the year.  

Blue-headed Vireo

Eared Grebe

The Eared Grebe is a western bird not typically found on the Great Lakes.