Bartlett Hendrick News Today

A NatureWatch reader asks: Is it true that red-winged blackbirds are the most reliable sign of spring, even more so than robins? Thom Smith hits his go-to reference books to

Wondering why youre seeing certain species of birds stay longer than normal? Thom Smith tackles the topic on birds lingering longer in the Berkshires.

Q: "Im emailing you because I just finished reading the piece you did with The Berkshire Eagle about black vultures last April. I was researching black vultures in Massachusetts because I saw one yesterday in the backyard in Deerfield! I was able to grab a couple videos. No one seems to be as excited as I am about it, so I figured you might be. I was out with my chickens and though I know they prefer carrion, they can still find prey. I was in awe, they are so beautiful. I can see why they beca...