Waxwing Poetic
I can’t help but wax poetic when it comes to one of my favorite birds: the bohemian waxwing. Named “bohemian” for their nomadic movements, these northern birds travel in flocks like gypsies from one fruited tree to the next — never staying anywhere long enough to officially establish breeding territories. The “waxwing” part of their…
Look For It Now: Common Redpoll
If you’ve got feeders up this time of year, it’s not unusual to see flashes of pink and red in the feathers of your regular visitors. Purple finches and northern cardinals give the white winter landscape of Vermont some much-needed color. But don’t assume that these birds are the only ones with color stopping for…
Look For It Now: Pine Siskin
By Sara EisenhauerVINS Wildlife Keeper It’s a brisk 24 degrees outside this morning as I step out to top off my bird feeders. The usual customers are waiting: black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, and American goldfinches. As I fill a tube-feeder, I hear a high-pitched zip — almost like a coat zipper that is being pulled…
A Little Christmas Cheer
Happy Holidays! This brightly colored fellow came into Wildlife Services on December 17 after being found on the Middlebury College campus, unable to fly. We found that his right wing was drooping and missing feathers, which made us suspect that a cat had done the damage. He has undergone treatment to prevent infection caused by…
These boots were made for walkin’!
Now I have seen many an odd thing in my day — but boots for a sparrow? Why, I never thought I’d see the day. Watch a video of the sparrow getting fitted for his boots! Alas, a young song sparrow in our care needed some corrective footwear to prevent his feet from curling inwards.…
Deadly Oil
A fledgling American robin had a rough start and end to life, landing in an open container of motor oil during what must have been one of the first (and last) flights of his life. Although we tried washing the oil off the bird, the young robin died within a few days. The bird, who…
Enjoy!
This tufted titmouse came into care at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science after becoming orphaned. As a nestling, a bird is incapable of raising itself, so the trained staff here at VINS steps in to help out. We successfully raised this titmouse, and released him back into the wild last week. Enjoy a video…
Look For It Now: Rose-breasted Grosbeak Couples
In the natural world, there are some odd-looking couples. Male and female rose-breasted grosbeaks are just such a pair. The two look nothing alike! The male has the tell-tale bright, rosy-red breast, white belly and white patches on black wings. The female, however, looks a lot like an over-sized sparrow. In the photo, you can…
Poor Sam Peabody: Rumpless Wonder
The white-throated sparrow is a year-round mainstay in Vermont and throughout much of New England. Their distinct song, which some say sounds a lot like someone calling, “Poor Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody,” is a treat to hear in the deep woods or amidst a green-lawned suburb. Some folks further north think the bird sings, “Oh,…
She’s Number 1!
Oh my, the first baby bird of 2010 has arrived at the VINS Wildlife Services department! Come to VINS now and see this baby bird in our Rehab-in-Action window!Watch a video of this baby being fed! This baby mourning dove was found by a couple while they were clearing brush out of their yard. They…
