Backyard Birds

Brown-headed Cowbird [female]

Centuries ago the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) probably followed bison herds on the Great Plains, feeding on insects flushed from the grass by the grazers. Today, it follows cattle and occurs abundantly from coast to coast. Its spread has represented bad news for other songbirds: Cowbirds lay their eggs in nests of other birds. Heavy parasitism by cowbirds has pushed some species to the status of "endangered" and has probably hurt populations of some others. (June 1, 2007)

Brown-headed Cowbird [female]

Centuries ago the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) probably followed bison herds on the Great Plains, feeding on insects flushed from the grass by the grazers. Today, it follows cattle and occurs abundantly from coast to coast. Its spread has represented bad news for other songbirds: Cowbirds lay their eggs in nests of other birds. Heavy parasitism by cowbirds has pushed some species to the status of "endangered" and has probably hurt populations of some others. (June 1, 2007)

American Robin and Common Grackle

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) and Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) - I guess they're trying to decide who's going to take a bath first!! (June 1, 2007)

Brown-headed Cowbird [male]

Centuries ago the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) probably followed bison herds on the Great Plains, feeding on insects flushed from the grass by the grazers. Today, it follows cattle and occurs abundantly from coast to coast. Its spread has represented bad news for other songbirds: Cowbirds lay their eggs in nests of other birds. Heavy parasitism by cowbirds has pushed some species to the status of "endangered" and has probably hurt populations of some others. (June 3, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 3, 2007)

Brown-headed Cowbird [left] and Northern Cardinal [right]

Brown-headed Cowbird [female] (Molothrus ater) and Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) (June 3, 2007)

Brown-headed Cowbird [left] and Northern Cardinal [right]

Brown-headed Cowbird [female] (Molothrus ater) and Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) (June 3, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 3, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 3, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 3, 2007)

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington, is welcome and common at feeders, where it takes primarily sunflower and nyjer. Spring males are brilliant yellow and shiny black with a bit of white. The American Goldfinch is the only finch that molts its body feathers twice a year, once in late winter and again in late summer. The brightening yellow of male goldfinches each spring is one welcome mark of approaching warm months. Goldfinches are among the strictest vegetarians in the bird world, selecting an entirely vegetable diet and only inadvertently swallowing an occasional insect.This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 3, 2007)

Brown-headed Cowbird [female]

Centuries ago the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) probably followed bison herds on the Great Plains, feeding on insects flushed from the grass by the grazers. Today, it follows cattle and occurs abundantly from coast to coast. Its spread has represented bad news for other songbirds: Cowbirds lay their eggs in nests of other birds. Heavy parasitism by cowbirds has pushed some species to the status of "endangered" and has probably hurt populations of some others. (June 4, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)

Red-winged Blackbird [female]

One of the most abundant birds across North America, and one of the most boldly colored, the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a familiar sight atop cattails, along soggy roadsides, and on telephone wires. Glossy-black males have scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. Females are a subdued, streaky brown, almost like a large, dark sparrow. In the North, their early arrival and tumbling song are happy indications of the return of spring. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

Red-winged Blackbird [female]

One of the most abundant birds across North America, and one of the most boldly colored, the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a familiar sight atop cattails, along soggy roadsides, and on telephone wires. Glossy-black males have scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. Females are a subdued, streaky brown, almost like a large, dark sparrow. In the North, their early arrival and tumbling song are happy indications of the return of spring. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

Red-winged Blackbird [female]

One of the most abundant birds across North America, and one of the most boldly colored, the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a familiar sight atop cattails, along soggy roadsides, and on telephone wires. Glossy-black males have scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. Females are a subdued, streaky brown, almost like a large, dark sparrow. In the North, their early arrival and tumbling song are happy indications of the return of spring. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

House Sparrow

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) can be found in most places where there are houses (or other buildings) and few places where there aren’t. Along with two other introduced species, the European Starling and the Rock Pigeon, these are some of our most common birds. Their constant presence makes them easy to overlook, and their tendency to displace native birds from nest boxes causes some people to resent them. But House Sparrows, with their capacity to live so intimately with people are just beneficiaries of our success. (June 5, 2007)

House Finch

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) (June 5, 2007)

House Finch

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) (June 5, 2007)

House Finch

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) (June 5, 2007)

Brown-headed Cowbird [female]

Centuries ago the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) probably followed bison herds on the Great Plains, feeding on insects flushed from the grass by the grazers. Today, it follows cattle and occurs abundantly from coast to coast. Its spread has represented bad news for other songbirds: Cowbirds lay their eggs in nests of other birds. Heavy parasitism by cowbirds has pushed some species to the status of "endangered" and has probably hurt populations of some others. (June 5, 2007)

Chipping Sparrow and Tufted Titmouse

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) and Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) (June 5, 2007)

Chipping Sparrow and Tufted Titmouse

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) and Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) (June 5, 2007)

Chipping Sparrow and Tufted Titmouse

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) and Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) (June 5, 2007)

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) (June 5, 2007)

American Tree Sparrow

American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) (June 5, 2007)

White-breasted Nuthatch

A common bird of deciduous forests and wooded suburbs, the White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) can be seen hopping headfirst down the trunks of trees in search of insect food. It frequents bird feeders and takes sunflower seeds off to the side of a tree, where it wedges them into a crevice and hammers them open.In winter, the White-breasted Nuthatch joins foraging flocks led by chickadees or titmice. One explanation for these flocks is that the birds gain protection from predators by the vigilance of the other birds. In support of this idea, one study found that if titmice were removed from a flock, nuthatches were more wary and reluctant to come to exposed bird feeders.The White-breasted Nuthatch is normally territorial throughout the year, with pairs staying together. The male is more vigilant when he forages alone than when he is with the female. The female, however, is in danger of having the more dominant male displace her from foraging sites, and she is more vigilant when he is around than when she is alone. (June 5, 2007)

Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) (June 5, 2007)

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) (June 5, 2007)

American Robin

The quintessential early bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

American Robin

The quintessential early bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) (June 5, 2007)

House Sparrow

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) can be found in most places where there are houses (or other buildings) and few places where there aren’t. Along with two other introduced species, the European Starling and the Rock Pigeon, these are some of our most common birds. Their constant presence makes them easy to overlook, and their tendency to displace native birds from nest boxes causes some people to resent them. But House Sparrows, with their capacity to live so intimately with people are just beneficiaries of our success. (June 5, 2007)

House Sparrow

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) can be found in most places where there are houses (or other buildings) and few places where there aren’t. Along with two other introduced species, the European Starling and the Rock Pigeon, these are some of our most common birds. Their constant presence makes them easy to overlook, and their tendency to displace native birds from nest boxes causes some people to resent them. But House Sparrows, with their capacity to live so intimately with people are just beneficiaries of our success. (June 5, 2007)

American Tree Sparrow

American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) (June 5, 2007)

American Robin

The quintessential early bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

American Robin

The quintessential early bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

American Robin

The quintessential early bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

American Robin

The quintessential early bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 5, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)

Northern Cardinal [male]

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)

Flying High

(June 5, 2007)

Pretty Bird

(June 7, 2007)

American Robin

The quintessential early bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. This information, and more, can be found at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (June 7, 2007)