Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
This Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) was an unexpected shore surprise last month as I had it fluttering along the rocks just above the tidal zone. It was a cool and breezy day, and the butterfly was trying to warm up like this when it could in between short flights. It looked to be on a mission to somewhere, and I hope it got where it wanted to go. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MorePine Warbler
Here is a Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) that I enjoying finding last weekend during less than optimal migratory conditions on one of those autumn days that feels like the definition of the seasonal transition. And would you look at that, what is it foraging in? Why a White Pine tree, naturally. They are also one of the first warblers to return in the spring when March is finally beginning to break winter’s hold on the Northeast. Pines are a bright little beacon of spring’s light coming in or summer’s glow heading out. We only have a few more weeks to enjoy a variety of...
Read MoreGarden Orbweaver (Argiope aurantia)
This looks like a Garden Orbweaver (Argiope aurantia) spider, and you can make it’s appearance into whatever you think it looks like! Eyes…a skull? We will post some more Halloween and October themed sightings throughout the month, while emphasizing they aren’t all scary or creepy, and plenty of the fall foliage as our environment explodes in exquisiteness. What a time to be outdoors!
Read MoreFuture 2016-2017 Exhibits
Please visit us at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History soon to enjoy our current exhibition, Rainforest Adventures by Jan Lutz on display from September 9 – November 13, 2016, and keep an eye on what is coming in the future! Focus on Nature XIV December 3, 2016 – April 9, 2017 Since its inception in 1990, the exhibit series Focus on Nature has reflected the standards, materials, and skills of contemporary natural history illustrators. It promotes awareness of a genre of art that requires scientifically accurate illustrations such as research journals and publications,...
Read MoreFall Bobolink
This Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) was a beautiful sight for the first day of October as it fed on seeds with sparrows, especially once it allowed this great a look. Keep an eye on your fields, grasslands, gardens and farms for more birds like this one still heading out and other new migrant species – like the Vesper Sparrow – arriving soon.
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