Birds of Rye: Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Birds of Rye is an editorial series highlighting the resident and migratory birds of Rye. If you would like to contribute bird photography, or if you have feedback on this series, please contact us.

The Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is described by eBird as having “Bold black-and-white wing patches are distinctive in flight. Nonbreeding birds are overall white below with warm brown and orange tones on head and back. During the breeding season they are white with black or gray on the back. Breeds on tundra at northern latitudes; forms flocks in the winter and moves south, often joining up with other species of field birds.”

It is a species of Least Concern and is present in Westchester County from November through February.

See:

• eBird factsheet Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
• Current eBird sighting data for the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary and the Marshlands Conservancy
• MyRye.com story archive for Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary and the Marshlands Conservancy. 
• Upcoming birding events in Rye

The Marshlands Conservancy and the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Rye, are two of the region’s most significant birding destinations. They comprise over 300 acres of diverse coastal habitats, including tidal marshes, mudflats, deciduous forests, and open meadows. These features make them critical stopover points and nesting grounds for migratory and resident birds. Due to their ecological importance, both areas have been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society, recognizing their role in sustaining bird populations, including rare and threatened species.

Prime Birding Seasons

While birding is productive year-round, the busiest and most exciting times are during spring and fall migration. In spring (March–May), birds return from their wintering grounds, filling the forests and wetlands with song as they prepare for breeding. Fall (September–November) sees another influx, as thousands of warblers, raptors, shorebirds, and waterfowl stop to rest and feed before continuing their journey south. The winter months bring diving ducks and raptors like the rough-legged hawk, while summer offers excellent opportunities to observe nesting species, including the great egret and wood thrush.

Why These Areas Matter

The Marshlands Conservancy, a 147-acre nature preserve, is known for its large salt marsh, a habitat that is rapidly disappearing due to coastal development and climate change. Salt marshes provide vital food resources for migrating shorebirds such as greater yellowlegs and semipalmated sandpipers. Additionally, the forested uplands host neotropical migrants like scarlet tanagers, Baltimore orioles, and black-and-white warblers.

The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 179 acres along Long Island Sound, features brackish and freshwater ponds, supporting an abundance of waterfowl and wading birds. The sanctuary’s shoreline attracts wintering species such as the long-tailed duck and red-breasted merganser, while its wooded areas provide shelter for eastern screech owls and red-shouldered hawks.

Notable and Rare Species

Birders visiting these areas have the chance to observe some rare and threatened species. The saltmarsh sparrow, a declining species due to habitat loss, is occasionally seen in the Marshlands Conservancy. The piping plover, a federally threatened shorebird, has also been recorded along the coastal areas. Additionally, ospreys, once nearly eliminated due to DDT pesticide use, now nest successfully in both sanctuaries.

With their rich habitats and essential role in bird conservation, the Marshlands Conservancy and Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary are treasured destinations for birdwatchers and a refuge for avian life along the Hudson River flyway.

About the Photographer

She always has her camera close by, even when traveling. Whether it  is trips to California, Arizona, Rhode Island, or abroad, she always  tries to capture local wildlife. She said that both the health benefits  and meeting wonderful people have been a bonus. Grace is often found early in the morning at either the Marshlands Conservancy, Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, the Jay Estate, Rye Town Park or Playland Park. “We are so fortunate to have all of this natural beauty on our doorsteps. I am grateful to the caretakers who help preserve it for all of us.”

This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence. We welcome your feedback.