Song Sparrow Bath
Whether you are currently living in the heat and humidity or being threatened with heavy rain and thunderstorms we all can take a bath outside simply by walking out the door in much of the U.S. this August. Or perhaps you would like to join this Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) for a cool down and clean up. You can see the bird even dunking its head in the water and getting its entire body wet. Bird bathing is critical for our feathered friends in order to help keep all of those feathers in the best shape they can be. Baths also likely help in getting rid of mites or ticks while of course...
Read MoreSummer Thunderstorm
This week’s persistent heavy rain and frequent thunderstorms are providing a great deal of relief to a drought-stricken region after a difficult summer. Much of the Northeast is in need of several inches of rain or more, and these storms are providing a lot – almost too much – in a short period of time. It will take a while for the water table to fully recover, but these sorts of stormy days and nights are necessary for the health of our environment and all the wildlife in it…including us. Be safe and remember, “turn around, don’t drown” and that,...
Read MoreQuestion Mark & Zabulon Skipper
Earlier this week I was able to get quick but crushing views of this Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) that was immediately joined by a Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon) as soon as I raised my camera. I’ll take it! And I will show you a closer look at each later this week… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSummer Sunset
This has been one nonstop summer for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute’s art, education and conservation work in Connecticut. It feels like just the other day I was enjoying the peak of spring bird migration, and here we are entering mid-August. In reality we have been going full speed ahead since mid-March and the beginning of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds season which continues even now with birds still yet to fledge in the next couple of weeks. The Bridgeport WildLife Guards are still on duty at Pleasure Beach for another week and a half. The below photos were taken at...
Read MoreRed-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
This window was not the most photogenic place to capture such a beautiful little butterfly, but I will take any place I can to snap a shot of a Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops). A lot of new species and second broods seem to have emerged this week. Keep an eye out for cool little friends! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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