Sherri Leigh Smith

Sherri Leigh Smith may have more articles on our old site. Click here to visit our old site.

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 . . .

Volume 17, Issue 2, February 2022
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.

Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2022
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.

Volume 16, Issue 11, November 2021
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 . . .

Volume 16, Issue 10, October 2021
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,” . . .

Volume 16, Issue 7, July 2021
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.

Volume 16, Issue 6, June 2021
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!

Volume 16, Issue 5, May 2021
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.

Volume 16, Issue 4, April 2021
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.

Volume 16, Issue 2, February 2021
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.

Volume 16, Issue 1, January 2021
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.

Volume 15, Issue 12, December 2020
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.

Volume 15, Issue 11, November 2020
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.

Volume 15, Issue 10, October 2020
Sherri Leigh Smith

Good Times:

Ospreys in the St. Lawrence Region are doing fabulously well... seems appropriate to celebrate.

Volume 15, Issue 9, September 2020
Sherri Leigh Smith

Hard Times...

Hard times for birds eating flying insects.

Volume 15, Issue 8, August 2020
Sherri Leigh Smith

Northern Harrier Magician of Grassland and Marsh

Once known as Marsh Hawk, this species is a favorite raptor of mine. They are most often seen skimming low over open country flashing the white rump patch that helps identify them in all plumages.

Volume 14, Issue 11, November 2019
Sherri Leigh Smith

August Avian Happenings

As August dawns the breeding season for most summer bird residents of the River is over.. Early migration becomes a steady flow with some species mostly gone by months end...

Volume 14, Issue 8, August 2019
Sherri Leigh Smith

September 2017 Article Revisited: High Water is for the Birds

...writing to convince many of us today, June 2019, that the high water is beneficial when so many are suffering is a different story

Volume 14, Issue 6, June 2019
Sherri Leigh Smith