Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)
I love the Least Flycatcher’s scientific name (Empidonax minimus) as it is so very easy to understand. The tiniest of the empidonax flycatchers has a bold eye ring, and any yellow or green you seen on the feathers of this bird was a reflection of today’s warm morning light off the surrounding foliage. This was one of many cool migrants I enjoyed early this Friday, and the kind bird posed so well for me during an otherwise frustrating photography day. I wish you a wonderful Labor Day weekend of heading outdoors to see what you can find. It will also be a weekend of seeing what is...
Read MoreButterfly Weed Party
Below is a photo of an absurd scene that became normal this August on any Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) that I could find – look at all those butterflies! The fiery orange flower is a native milkweed and extremely attractive to a wide variety of species looking for some nectar. We have an Orange Sulphur, Crescents, and the iconic and wonderfully matched Monarchs all feeding here. Just how many Crescents can we fit on one bloom? Take a look at this Monarch as it is showing some signs of wear and tear. This individual likely took a long journey to us and now it will mate, lay eggs,...
Read MoreLighthouse Lightning
We really are saying goodbye to the summertime now and hello again to some more dry conditions (unfortunately) in the Northeast. Stratford Point had a good run of thunderstorms for a week or so in mid-August, but even these photos show a storm that is over Long Island Sound and ended up providing a very light shower for literally a minute or two. Nevertheless, the pink explosions against the blue clouds all lit by the setting sun provided a pretty scene. I was also able to capture one of the few cloud to ground lightning strikes on the Sound to the east of the Stratford Point Light. Parts of...
Read MorePervious Pavement Installation
Pervious Pavement Installation; August 29th – September 8th Billions of gallons of contaminated storm water runoff of impervious surfaces, cause erosion problems and enter our waterways every year. RTPI is installing a test plot of an innovative 3-part system of pervious pavement, storage aggregate, and bio-remediation agents that contain, treat, and reduce storm water runoff. Our main facility will be closed during this time as we install a new art exhibition, but we are excited to reveal both beginning in the following weeks!
Read MoreRoger Tory Peterson on CBS Sunday Morning
Our own Roger Tory Peterson is going to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning tomorrow during their Almanac section for his August 28th birthday. RTPI’s Exhibits & Public Programs Coordinator Jane Johnson sent CBS lots of artwork and images of Roger yesterday, and apparently they are going to be using video and audio footage they have from a story they did on him back in 1980. Be sure to tune in! And happy birthday, Roger!
Read MoreKeeping the World Wild Ending
Keeping the World Wild The Art of John and Suzie Seerey-Lester June 17 – August 28, 2016 Visit RTPI this week before the exhibition ends!
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