From Vineyard Skies to Coastal Shores, Notable Bird Sightings from 2016
The snowy owl is perhaps the Vineyard's most popular winter guest.
The snowy owl is perhaps the Vineyard's most popular winter guest.
A record number of mute swans, 369, were on Island in 2016.
A record number of mute swans, 369, were on Island in 2016.
If for no other reason, turkey vultures on the beach.
If for no other reason, turkey vultures on the beach.
Our favorite harbinger of spring. The first osprey arrived on Island in March.
Our favorite harbinger of spring. The first osprey arrived on Island in March.
In early May the birding community was excited about the visiting glossy ibis.
In early May the birding community was excited about the visiting glossy ibis.
All is well with a bevy of cygnets protected by a proud papa.
All is well with a bevy of cygnets protected by a proud papa.
There are nine warbler species on the Vineyard. Here is a pine warbler.
There are nine warbler species on the Vineyard. Here is a pine warbler.
Come the end of May, our snowy egret population has returned from southern climes.
Come the end of May, our snowy egret population has returned from southern climes.
Indigo buntings must be the deepest and brightest blue of all the birds we are likely to see on the Island.
Indigo buntings must be the deepest and brightest blue of all the birds we are likely to see on the Island.
Piping plovers enjoyed a major comeback on the Vineyard.
Piping plovers enjoyed a major comeback on the Vineyard.
An uncommon transient and summer resident before the mid-1990s, yellow-crowned night herons have become more common recently.
An uncommon transient and summer resident before the mid-1990s, yellow-crowned night herons have become more common recently.
Four bald eagles were seen above Oyster Pond during July.
Four bald eagles were seen above Oyster Pond during July.
A common raven paid us a visit, but despite the name the sighting is anything but common.
A common raven paid us a visit, but despite the name the sighting is anything but common.
I'm a hooded merganser, what are you?
I'm a hooded merganser, what are you?
Bobwhites, with their distinctive calls, were spotted in Chilmark.
Bobwhites, with their distinctive calls, were spotted in Chilmark.
Unusual visitor white-winged dove brought birders out to the Farm Institute.
Unusual visitor white-winged dove brought birders out to the Farm Institute.
As the seasons change, so do our avian friends. From January to December, a catalog of our Island birds, from seasonal visitors to year-round favorites.