Tree Swallows, with their deep-blue iridescent backs, are the first swallows to return to Massachusetts in the Spring. They compete with Eastern Bluebirds for nest boxes. These swallows were perched on the bluebird boxes at Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary.
Red-tailed hawks have excellent vision; they can spot a mouse from 100 feet in the air. Hawks can see the colors that most humans can, as well as those in the ultraviolet range that humans cannot see.
Young Red-tailed Hawks, like the one pictured, have pale yellow eyes. The eyes darken to brown as the birds get older.
Spring is in the air!
This Sharp-Shinned Hawk has no problems keeping a look-out in all directions. It can turn its head 180 degrees.
Pine Grosbeaks usually inhabit Canada or the far West of the United States. However, this was an “irruption year”, when large numbers of the birds flew south in search of more available food. This bird took no notice of me as I walked up close to her to take pictures. Instead, she focused on an easy meal of crabapples ripe for the taking.
Towhees usually stay hidden in the undergrowth, but this brave one ventured out to a nearby bird feeder, hopping on both feet to snatch up fallen seeds.
Yes? No? Maybe?
You decide.
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Bluebirds arrive in Central Massachusetts during the month of March. Dozens of bluebird boxes in the meadow are ready for occupancy.
This brilliantly colored Scarlet Tanager paused outside my window for a short while today, just in time to be added to the bird count of Massachusetts Audubon’s Bird-a-thon.
Mass Audubon explains that “its largest fundraiser brings together supporters from across the state to raise essential funds for nature conservation, education, and advocacy”.
Because of the virus, this year all sightings were completed from the areas right around the participants’ homes.
This Baltimore Oriole pair chatter as they flash through the yard, pausing for a drink before heading to the nearby forsythia bush.
The first Baltimore Oriole of the season cautiously checked in at the feeder in between rain showers today.
I wasn’t the only one working in my yard yesterday. Fortunately, we all managed to take breaks between our labors on this warm Spring day.
The female Northern Cardinal has taken a keen interest in my garden preparations this week.
American Robins were my quiet and watchful yard companions on a cold and drizzly day.
The apple tree has become the favorite perch of the Northern Cardinal.
One of my favorite local birds displays its stay-at-home beauty salon.
