September 22, 2005 [LINK]

More of John's bird photos

Blue-headed Vireo Here is the latest digital masterpiece from my brother John: a Blue-headed Vireo (misnamed, don't you think?), seen in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. I think they should have stuck with the previous name for that species, the "Solitary vireo," but the experts decided that the eastern and western variants were distinct enough to be considered separate species. The Mountain bluebird photo John took is perhaps even more striking.

I went for a walk behind the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad this morning, which was very clear and mild, but the only birds of note I saw were a first-year House wren, a Goldfinch, and a Magnolia warbler. Goldfinches have been showing up at our backyard feeders more and more often, but the recent construction activity and clearing of underbrush has made the area less favorable as a habitat for birds. Think before you cut!