Field Sparrow
The Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is an underrated little bird! Look at that bold eye ring and those beautiful brown tones with a pretty pink bill. Whenever I see those Fields in numbers in October it always suggests we are nearing the end of autumn avian migration. If we are lucky we may be able to spot one or two overwintering in the region, perhaps on a Christmas Bird Count, but most will be seeking less snowy quarters so they can enjoy easy to reach seeds all winter long. Nevertheless, if there aren’t any fields, grasslands, farms or other open areas – or if these habitats...
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Shadow Darner
This Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa) dragonfly was a great surprise to find last week on a warm autumn afternoon. The number of dragonflies in the air is certainly decreasing along with the rest of the insects, but there were several Shadows in the grasslands and woodland edges near a pond. Do you know what the dragonfly we most often see late in the fall season is? I saw one of those on the same day, and I will post that later this week. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreOctober Blue Sky
There is something about looking up at the bright blue sky in October against some of our foliage, especially on those clear and crisp days with a touch of cirrus working in after a cold front. The air is clean and dry, so inviting after a hot and sticky summer, making us think about those chilly and snowy winter days to come. We may see the first few flakes of the season tomorrow in Chautauqua County!
Read MoreWhite-throated Sparrow
They’re back! Yep, the White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) have returned here, there and everywhere as one of the symbols of fall migration was seen much more frequently birders in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic during the past couple of weeks. Have they joined you in your yard yet? Winter is indeed coming…
Read MoreAutumn Sunshine
The fall foliage season is exploding around us! I hope you have been making an effort to get outdoors and enjoy our environment during this gorgeous time of the year. I will be sharing more recent sights of autumn over the next couple of weeks. Here is a shot of the sun adding even more yellow and gold to this tree on a beautiful afternoon. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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