Drake 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 MoreCommon Yellowthroat Sailor
You could say this Common Yellowthroat is ready to set sail to the south…fair winds and following seas, friend! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreLeaf Lovers
Welcome to October! It is a wonderful month of the year for the leaf lovers among us, and one of the crew is certainly the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla). These little warblers prefer to stay on the forest floor among the dead leaves that have now started to fall. I was very grateful for such an uncommonly sensational look at the loud but typically unseen species earlier this year. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreField Sparrow
Chautauqua County certainly has an abundance of old farm fields, but we should be hearing more Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla), and other grassland birds, singing in the fields and other open areas across our region. The prairie habitat that once covered our landscape is long gone, but old, overgrown fields and hay fields provide a decent substitute for grassland birds. Even though their substitute habitat provides most of what these animals need, management practices can be challenges for them. Timing the mowing of these fields is important to protect nesting birds, and cutting in early...
Read MoreBronze Owl Sculpture Raffle
RTPI is currently selling raffle tickets for a chance to win this bronze snowy owl sculpture. All proceeds from this fundraiser will support RTPI’s Project Wild America Youth Ambassadors Program which engages young people in RTPI’s conservation initiatives in Jamestown’s urban ecosystem – the very place that inspired a young Roger Tory Peterson. To purchase a ticket, stop in to RTPI or contact Amy Hudson at 716-665-2473 ext. 227 or ahudson@rtpi.org.
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