Barred Owl

The local hoot owl that sounds like it is calling "Who cooks for you; who cooks for you all?" The commonest owl in the Berkshires, this 20 inch owl is an expert "mouser" and is mild mannered compared to its larger cousin the great horned owl. It is a permanent resident, meaning that it spends the entire year in the same general area.

Bald Eagle

In recent years this bird, the national emblem of the United States, has become a regular visitor to the Berkshires. Adults are unmistakable, but it takes four years for an eaglet to reach adulthood. They mate for life and use the same nest year after year, adding fresh material annually. Fish are the staple diet, although they will often scavenge other food. They are most often seen on our larger lakes. To watch live bald eagles nesting (in season: late winter through July) visit: Northeast Utilities Eagle Cam

Eastern Bluebird

This brightly colored bird is a relative of the American robin and the wood thrush, as evidenced by its blue eggs and fledglings with striped breasts (traits common to all thrushes). Forty years ago the species was exceedingly rare, but it is now common, thanks in part to increased efforts to provide nesting boxes specifically for this species. Bluebirds seem to be especially attracted to orchards and overgrown pastures. About two-thirds of their diet consists of insects (grubs, grasshoppers, caterpillars and beetles) and one-third fruit. In winter they rely on bayberry, poison ivy and sumac berries when available.

Great Blue Heron

At home in wet meadows and along the shores of ponds, lakes and marshes, this 46 inch tall bird feeds on mice, snakes, frogs and fish. It is a summer resident that nests in colonies. Herons fly with their neck folded back in the shape of an "s," while cranes fly with neck outstretched like a goose or swan.