Spicebush Swallowtail on Eastern Purple Coneflower
This breathtaking sight was a recent morning surprise for me as once again the wonderful Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) brought in a special friend in the form of a Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) butterfly. It can be somewhat difficult to identify the Spicebush Swallowtail as the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) looks very similar. To me, in terms of general and unscientific impressions, the Spicebush Swallowtail is a duller black, flies a little stronger, and seems a little larger with broad wings. One scientific way to tell the species apart if you have a view...
Read MoreBlue Jay
This Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) was in the shade on a sunny April day, nevertheless showing off blue hues against a blue sky and flying around with its mate. In this case the blues are not as blue as they could be because they are not actually blue. Huh? Their feather barb cells are specially modified scatter light in a way that makes them appear blue instead of what would be brown melanin, and if this bird flew into the sunlight then it would pop even more. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSigns Are Going Up!
We are one month and counting until the winter trails officially open for snowmobile, ski and snowshoe activities to begin! Our “Nature at Your Fingertips” cell phone tour signs are in the process of being erected at 30 different locations and the tour itself is getting a major face-lift! With Orbitist providing the new platform, our tour will be easier to use and I think a lot more fun! I can’t wait to tell you more about this in the coming weeks as we continue to improve the tour, so stay tuned! Elyse Henshaw Conservation Technician
Read MoreWinter trails cell phone tour coming soon, with snow!
Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information and breaking news about our upgraded interactive, self-guided cell phone tour on the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County’s trails with 25 stops on 450+ miles of trails. Development of this tour was made possible in part through support from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. You can always learn more about it here on this page. Details will follow in the coming days as snow is coming to Chautauqua County later this week…
Read MoreGoodbye to green and growing season
We have already had multiple frosts and freezes in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region. This weekend may bring the first…I’ll say flakes and avoid using the s-word for now! This photo is about as green as it is going to get for several months as we say goodbye for now to both green and growth. Winter brings its own joys and adventures with a new selection of life to take in. Please be sure to read the exciting developments in our winter trails cell phone tour as it expands across Chautauqua County! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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