Birds

Agelaius phoeniceus. Pictured: male.

Highly widespread throughout NYS, red-winged blackbirds can often be found near marshlands and shallow water bodies. Their distinct birdcall can especially be heard in the spring & summertime. Females are characterized by brown streaking & white "eyebrows", while males have distinct black & red plumage.

Ardea herodias.

Among the most common herons, great blues can be found near shallow water bodies and marshlands often stalking for prey. If you get a close enough look, you might see them catching some fish! Both males and females have gray-ish plumage, with long black plumes above their eyes and long feathers at the bottom of their necks.