Sherri Leigh Smith

23 posts

Probably Good News – Coopers Hawk

Did you know that many states and federal governments in North America passed legislation protecting birds of prey? Author Gerry Smith will explain . . .

Sherri Leigh Smith

Snowy Owls are back again!

An active bird watcher in the North County reasonably expects to see several Snowies each winter - why? It involves climate change.

Sherri Leigh Smith

Extinction is forever . . . Extirpation* is for ?

When we think of animal extinction, we may consider the recent US Fish and Wildlife Service announcement removing 27 species from the endangered species list by declaring them extinct throughout their range.

Sherri Leigh Smith

Not exactly your grandfather’s Peregrine

The Peregrine Falcon has benefited the most, in certain regions, from the efforts of human hands . . .

Sherri Leigh Smith

The Ovenbird Song

One of the most familiar warbler songs, as well as one of the easiest to learn, is the loud, ringing song of the Ovenbird. Well described as “Teacher, Teacher, Teacher,” in the north or “Teach, Teach, Teach,” . . .

Sherri Leigh Smith

A Couple of Well Off Warblers

The Yellow Warbler and the Common Yellowthroat are probably the most abundant members of their clan locally.

Sherri Leigh Smith

There aren’t enough Mays in any lifetime

The month of May is a spectacularly intense and interesting time in the bird world. Early breeders, such as Great Horned Owl, Bald Eagle, Common Raven, and Canada Goose have rapidly growing young. Yes, it's Spring!

Sherri Leigh Smith

Broad-winged Hawks Return!

The last ten days of April and the first week of May can produce large passages of northbound hawks through our region.

Sherri Leigh Smith

Short-eared Owl Invasion Winter 20-21

This winter a significant number of this nomadic owl species have found a winter residence in our region.

Sherri Leigh Smith

Finch Invasion Continues

The large handsome Evening Grosbeak was a common winter bird in our region when I began birding more than a half century ago.

Sherri Leigh Smith

Another Invasion from the North

In our region Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak, and species of the redpoll complex are already appearing in small numbers.

Sherri Leigh Smith

Winter Raptors are Coming

In November, many northern raptors settle in for the winter in the eastern Lake Ontario and western St. Lawrence region.

Sherri Leigh Smith

The Sprite of the Northern Forest is Coming

The Red-breasted Nuthatch, cousin of our familiar and mostly resident, White-breasted Nuthatch, are coming south.

Sherri Leigh Smith