HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE!

Happy Winter Solstice! Enjoy the birds, get out in nature and celebrate the return of increasing daylight hours!

 

Pine Grosbeak Beauty!

This beautiful male Pine Grosbeak is in Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada along with the story of how I came to find and photograph him after a long search. The book is all things finch plus creative essays before each finch chapter which is unique among field guides. One of "Best Bird Books of 2024" according to ABA. I am so proud of it.
 

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 2025 IS COMING! HERE'S HOW TO PARTICIPATE

I did a recent scouting trip for my CBC (Christmas Bird Count), which takes place for me on December 29th (other areas of the country have counts on different dates from Dec. 14th to Jan. 5th). Hooded Mergansers, were hiding waay down the river, hope they stay for the count! To join the CBC count as part of a party or as a feeder watcher go here, https://www.audubon.org/.../chr.../join-christmas-bird-count

Snowstorm is coming but I'd Rather it be Snowing Snow Buntings!

Show Buntings

Snow Bunting in flight

Major snowstorm predicted for MA tomorrow. I'd rather it be a Snow Bunting storm!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

Hoffman Bird Club talk, The Finches of the United States and Canada

With Jonathan Pierce

With Tom Tyning

Bufflehead by Clair Postmus

Had a great time giving talk on Finches of the United States and Canada and book-signing at the Hoffman Bird Club in western MA on Monday. Saw friend Jonathan Pierce and amazing herp expert, Tom Tyning, coauthor of the Stokes Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Great, active, bird club! Then tried to see birds in a snowstorm! Managed to find some Buffleheads waaay out on Stockbridge Bowl, using the Nikon P950 like a scope. Then the next day had adventures looking for finches in the cold, snowstorm weather, more to come....

White-throated Sparrow New Arrivals!!

Happiness is, a newly arrived White-throated Sparrow at my feeder. Feeding birds is so rewarding. Each season brings the excitement of new arrivals, the pleasures of providing for them, and the mental health wellness of your engagement with them.