Rusty Blackbird

The Rusty Blackbird is listed as a species in "steep decline" and they are quickly disappearing.  Scientists don't know exactly why, but it was recently discovered that many are plagued by high mercury contamination, especially in the northeastern section of North America.  This fact and habitat destruction are likely a big part of the problem.

Clouds over Lake Erie Tonight

Dunlin

Dunlins are shorebirds that regularly pass through the area on migration during the Fall.

Double-crested Cormorant

Those beautiful aquamarine eyes!!!

Bonaparte's Gull

Successful fishing for minnows in the Dunkirk Harbor this morning.

Pine Siskin

The tiny nomadic Pine Siskins are on their way back from breeding in the far north.  We've had a small flock at the backyard feeders and bird baths for the past week.

Orange-crowned Warblers

October Sky

Remnants of the outer bands of Hurricane Michael visible at sunset over Lake Erie this evening.

Autumn's Art

Yellow-rumped Warblers

More Shorebird Migration

Another Black-bellied Plover (above) and Greater Yellowlegs (below) pause for a migration break along the Lake Erie shore.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Kinglet season is here!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (above) and Golden Crowned Kinglet (below)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

This juvenile male Ruby-throated Hummingbird showed up at our feeders today.  This is late in the season for western New York and I believe the latest we've ever had one in our yard.

Lincoln's Sparrows

Forster's Tern

Morning Moon and a Merlin

Merlin basking in the morning sunrise and moonset all at the same time.

Black-bellied Plover

Shorebird migration is winding down but stragglers will continue to move through for a few more weeks.

Autumnal Equinox

Now is the time of the harvest...

Roma tomatoes from our garden.

Cirrus Clouds over Lake Erie

Black-bellied Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Black-and-white Warbler

Willets

Willets taking an early morning break from migration along the Lake Erie shore.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Juvenile male feasting on nectar from a vermillionaire firecracker plant (cuphea hybrid).

Marbled Godwit

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Pectoral Sandpiper

Marsh Wren

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Juvenile Wild Turkeys

Caspian Tern with a Fish

Semipalmated Plover