The Trump administration moved on Friday to weaken protections for migratory birds threatened by industrial activities, including oil and gas operations. Acting Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Gregory Zerzan restored an opinion from the first Trump administration that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) “does not apply to the accidental or […]
Tag: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Senators Cardin and Boozman Introduce Legislation to Invest in Migratory Bird Conservation
WASHINGTON (April 12, 2024) – A bipartisan bill that reauthorizes and enhances a conservation program for migratory birds throughout the Americas has been introduced in the Senate. The bill, known as the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act (S. 4022), is a companion to legislation that was recently passed by the U.S. House […]
A Bird Sanctuary In Killingworth, CT Pt. IV
Young birds became a rewarding event at Casa Almeida in Killingworth, Connecticut, in the 2017 summer season. On the eve of the parade to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the naming of the town of Killingworth, CT, flags drape the utility poles around the center of town. Many are at half-mast at municipal buildings […]
A Bird Sanctuary In Killingworth, CT Pt. III
The transition from one season to the next at the Bird Sanctuary in Killingworth, Connecticut, might be as evident due to changes in the weather as to changes in wildlife seen and its behavior. The calls of peepers are a distant memory as a very infrequent croaking of a frog is heard in the early […]
Praying Mantises Released for Pest Control Are Hunting Hummingbirds
New research documents that mantises worldwide are eating small birds; in the US, invasive mantis species are devouring hummingbirds. If the headline weren’t startling enough, the photos are even worse. There is an order to predators and prey that feels normal – like, birds eat insects. And when the script it flipped it can feel […]
In Search Of South Florida Vagrants
There have been some extraordinary sightings of unexpected bird species these past few months with one in particular that was being reported at the end of February resulting in this report. The Northern Parula above (image 1) was photographed at Long Key State Park in March 2016. Tom Obrock and […]
Purple Siberian Iris, Butterflies and Birds
Looking back over the month of June, iris sepals unfurl and fall creating waves of hues from lavender to deep purple . . . filling the Middle Meadow garden with hundreds of blooms lasting nearly three full weeks as new buds continue to open. Eastern Tiger Swallowtails Papilio glaucus or Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Papilio canadensis […]
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Our terrace garden is mostly made up of varieties of salvias and fuchsias. Terra cotta pots are placed out and fully planted mostly for New England’s only hummingbird . . . the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, who visits often during the spring and summer months. It is a joy each year to observe breeding hummingbirds […]