Solar Chautauqua
Are you interested in doing good for the environment while saving money on your energy bill? RTPI is working with the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Economic Development and other community partners to get the word out about the Solar Chautauqua Initiative! Visit www.solarchautauqua.org for details.
Read MoreBaltimore Oriole
They may be gone from our yards for the winter but I thought that as we near Halloween it was very appropriate to post this male Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). I enjoyed watching it feeding in an oak tree this past spring on a cool, cloudy and windy day. Do you ever have any luck getting them to come down to eye level at your feeders? I certainly do not, and this bird hopping down to the lower branches of the tree for a minute was a real treat. I hear them every day all summer long but rarely get the chance to see a glow like this one up close. RTPI’s work around the world helps...
Read MoreThe Art of Exploration
RTPI’s current exhibition, Neil Rizos: the Art of Exploration, showcases Rizos’ artistic talent and reflects his keen perception of the living world through a myriad of media including bronze sculptures, paintings, drawings, pastels, etchings, lithographs and woodcuts. “Pintails”, shown here, is just one of over 70 different pieces depicting various species of birds. Be sure to visit RTPI this fall to view this outstanding show!
Read MoreHemlock Woolly Adelgid Citizen Scientist Training November 1st
Although autumn is just beginning here in Western New York, the winter season will soon be upon us. The colder months, November through March to be exact, is the perfect time of year to search the area’s forests for an invasive forest pest known as Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). HWA is an aphid-like insect, originating from Asia, which feeds off of the food storage cells below the needles of an Eastern Hemlock tree and hides itself under white woolly masses for protection. Within only a matter of 4-10 years an individual tree can succumb to an HWA infestation if left unnoticed. This deadly...
Read MoreBonding while Bird-Banding
Artist Neil Rizos, shown here with RTPI President Twan Leenders, enjoyed participating in bird banding efforts at RTPI during his stay in Jamestown. Although Neil is no longer in our area, his art is still here! RTPI’s current exhibition, ‘Neil Rizos: the Art of Exploration’, showcases Rizos’ artistic talent and reflects his keen perception of the living world through a myriad of media. Have you been in to experience his amazing work yet? Don’t miss the chance to see Rizos’ art on view through January 7th.
Read MoreDrake Northern Shoveler
I finally had the chance to properly photograph a beautiful drake Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) late last winter. This bird was on the way north for the breeding season, stopping off at a warm spot along a river marsh. I post him now because earlier this week a colleague of mine saw a small flock of Northern Shovelers flying by on the way south already! It is hard to believe we are that deep into the season, but the winter waterfowl are on the way. What is your favorite species of duck? Any you can’t wait to add to your life list? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
Read More
