On first discovery, this warbler is likely to be identified as an escaped canary. Indeed, it is oftentimes called the “Wild Canary.” It has a very charming, persistent song, which it sings during most of the day. It builds a tiny nest lined with down in the fork of a shrub. Unfortunately, the Yellow Warbler arrives late in the spring and leaves us early in the fall. [Illustration: Yellowthroat] Yellowthroat (_Geothlypis trichas_) Male: All yellow, with a black mask over eyes Female: Drab olive color with bright yellow throat A very familiar bird on Castle Neck, the Yellowthroat constantly makes its presence known by a bright “witchity-witchity” song, sounding as though it is asking “What-cha-see?” Its nest is built on or close to the ground and is a rather bulky affair, much larger than seems necessary for so small a bird. As with most of the warblers, the Yellowthroat’s diet consists entirely of insects—a characteristic that makes it a most valuable guest. SOME WINTER SPECIALTIES A few tourists visit the beach during the winter. It is generally considered to be a “dead” time of year. Yet the birds abound here, and many may be found only during the cold months. Five examples are: [Illustration: Common Loon] Common Loon (_Gavia immer_) Large, almost Goose size Long, straight bill Winter: Dark gray back, whitish throat and breast All summer long the Loon lives in the quiet of some hidden northern lake, but in the winter it moves out into the ocean. The winter seas are cold and savage, and yet the Loon takes them in stride. It is a powerful swimmer and can dive easily and deeply. The voice of the Loon, heard only in summer, is very distinctive; the loud, “crazy” laughing call is responsible for the saying “As crazy as a loon.” [Illustration: Horned Grebe] Horned Grebe (_Podiceps auritus_) Resembles a duck but has slender neck and pointed bill Winter: Dark gray back, line down neck, and top of head; white on breast, front of neck, and underside of head The Horned Grebe spends most of its time on the water, frequently even sleeping there. It has also learned to preen itself in water by rolling over on its side. Grebes swim and dive actively, catching many small fish and crustaceans. When frightened into flight they will run many yards across the surface of the water before finally hurtling into the air. [Illustration: Snowy Owl] Snowy Owl (_Nyctea scandiaca_) Very large white owl A round, smooth head The Snowy is a day-flying owl and therefore may be seen perched high on a sand dune looking around for mice. Its home is in the Arctic tundra, where it feeds on Lemmings. When these are scarce during the winter, the Snowy migrates southward to new feeding grounds. Because it is not used to humans, you can often get quite close to this owl before it will be frightened into flight. [Illustration: Snow Bunting] Snow Bunting (_Plectrophenax nivalis_)