Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris)
I have recorded several first-of-year birds for me this week that I missed during spring migration. Today’s haul included three more highlighted by this uncommon Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) that actually let me photograph it while perched in the shade. For the species…I’ll take it! It is only August and so far the autumn migration has been a blast to see but difficult to shoot. I am still not over raising my camera, focusing, pressing the shutter and missing a Mourning Warbler on a branch in the open eight feet from me by a split second. My thanks...
Read MoreAugust Art
Have you visited us at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History to see Keeping the World Wild yet? If not, you only have this weekend to stop by as the art of John and Suzie Seerey-Lester is on display in our galleries through August 28.
Read MoreArt Books
You need to check out the John Seerey-Lester limited edition books for sale in the RTPI Nature Store! Visit us during the exhibition’s final weekend to see the art and be sure to purchase the perfect gifts for the nature lovers in your life.
Read MoreCommon Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
The little Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus) butterfly can easily go unseen in the dirt, buried in the grass, or sitting on some mulch like this. The typical common name fits, certainly, but the other – Roadside Rambler – is very entertaining, though it seems to be used for Amblyscirtes celia as well. Regardless, here’s some love for a less extravagant lepidoptera friend.
Read MoreBroad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator)
The uncommon skippers are starting to pop up more and more as butterflies fill the fields and meadows here in the late summer. This Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator) is a species of marshes and wet areas, though in this case it provided great views in a garden.
Read MoreSnowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
Earlier today I enjoyed my second Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) of the summer, and the first in a situation where it was not unbelievably humid with such a high dew point that my camera immediately fogged up when taking it outside until the moth flew away and I was left with no images whatsoever…woo! All is forgiven, weather, so long as you keep up these beautiful conditions. By the way, moth, I like your bee outfit, too! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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