Photo of the Week: White-throated Sparrow

White-throated sparrow walking through wood mulch and grass

One of the prettiest birds for me to see in spring, other than the warblers, is the White-throated Sparrow.

The broad yellow eyebrow, dark stripes on the head, and bright white throat always stand out as the bird weaves its way through grass and brushy areas of gardens and woods. Continue reading Photo of the Week: White-throated Sparrow

Photo of the Week: Ivory Gull in Flint, Michigan

Ivory Gull standing on the shoreline of the Flint river

Updated March 13, 2017: Unfortunately, the bird was found dead this morning. See latest news.

Thanks to the sharp eyes of 16-year-old Lauren LeFave, birdwatchers in Michigan (and beyond) had a rare treat this week: an Ivory Gull.

Typically found in the high Arctic areas of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia, the bird was discovered last week along the banks of the Flint River in downtown Flint, Michigan.

He seemed unaware of the excitement from birders who watched the white bird as it drank water, preened itself, and walked along the dam ledge and shoreline to catch fish.

I know. I was one of the people who staked out a spot along the river to see the bird. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Ivory Gull in Flint, Michigan