A Warbler Wonderland

This "fallout" occurred in mid-May of this year. I had never experienced a fallout before, and I had to go! As some of you know, a "fallout" happens during bad rain or snow storms when migrating birds can't deal with the wind or rain and they drop out of the sky at random locations in … Continue reading A Warbler Wonderland →

Introduction to Sandpipers

Do you ever see Sandpipers running or flying on the beach and wonder what kind they are? There are actually many different species of Sandpiper. Learn how to easily identify them in this article! ******************************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************************** The Sanderlings run down the sandy beach towards the ocean as soon as the waves retreat, searching for small … Continue reading Introduction to Sandpipers →

High Seas and Harlequins

Two feet of snow still stand on my deck and long icicles hang from the roof's edge. They are rippled from the freeze and thaw cycle and they drip onto my deck one droplet at a time. There is plenty of winter wildlife, even after a snow storm. They call them Winter Birds. And this … Continue reading High Seas and Harlequins →

My Search for the Snowy Owl.

For at least two years now, I have been hoping to see a Snowy Owl up close. The first time that my friend Wendy and I saw one, it was a very distant view into the field on Plum Island. I have made several trips out to Hampton to try and find this owl. This … Continue reading My Search for the Snowy Owl. →

Birds and History on the New Hampshire Seacoast

Sauntering through the trails at Odiorne State Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire is interesting because it is one of the hottest birding spots around and there is a rich cultural history here as well. Not only can one see a myriad of bird species during migration, but the physical landscape and monuments are testament to … Continue reading Birds and History on the New Hampshire Seacoast →

The Birds of Cuba

Our Casa owner, Adrian, gesticulates excitedly in broken English. He then energetically drags Marietta and I to his back yard oasis. "Come... Come!" he says, as we follow him with exhaustion after a long day. Bird Feeders hang from native trees and shrubs and a bird bath stands waiting for the birds to use every … Continue reading The Birds of Cuba →

Winter Birds of Martha’s Vineyard

Known as the playground of the rich and famous, Martha's Vineyard is jam-packed with visitors each summer. Traffic and parking can be problematic. Every July, the population on the island peaks at around 125,000, but in winter, the number of year-round residents dwindles to 15,000. This is why our Mass Audubon group heads out in … Continue reading Winter Birds of Martha’s Vineyard →

The Magic of Monhegan Island, Maine.

In the early morning hours of Friday, September 13th, our Ipswich River Audubon group scrambled into the vans with coffee in hand. It was (yawn) 5:30 a.m. and the sun had not yet risen. The only unlucky thing about that Friday the 13th was that I spilled Latte all over the van's cup holders, and … Continue reading The Magic of Monhegan Island, Maine. →

Our Native Trumpeter, et al.

The cooler temperatures are here and I decide to venture out into the wilds. I return to the marsh to see our NH Trumpeter Swan, who I've named"Louie", but I can't find him anywhere. I keep searching, dragging myself and my heavy lens into the woods. No swan in sight. Could he have already migrated? … Continue reading Our Native Trumpeter, et al. →

Spring Birding on the North Shore

This spring, I visited several wildlife sanctuaries on the North Shore of Massachusetts looking for migrating spring birds. I have only been birding for 2-3 years, but it is such a fun hobby and honestly, I'm kind of obsessed with it. You can see and experience many species right here in your own back yard. … Continue reading Spring Birding on the North Shore →