Turkey Vulture Soaring
It is going to be a great weekend to get on the move under the bright spring sun in clear, deep blue skies. Birds like this Turkey Vulture will be soaring over the lands of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region and more songbirds will be heading back to their breeding grounds. Go out and see what’s up!
Read MoreAmerican Crow hunting acorns
I spotted this American Crow having a delightful time watching all of the action around it as more American Crows plus Blue Jays, squirrels and chipmunks all eagerly grabbed countless acorns under an oak tree. In this shot it almost seemed like it was gleefully sizing up the tree, taking an account of how much stock was left in this giant store. There are feeding frenzies going on all around us with wildlife storing food for the winter during a very helpful warm November stretch. That is about to end as colder than average temperatures are coming for the mid-month with some snow in the...
Read MoreSunlight on an autumn Tulip Tree
This Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) certainly looks beautifully imposing surrounded by yellow and orange shades while bathed in golden autumn sunlight. The towering tree is magnificent against the slowly sinking sun as our days get shorter…winter will be knocking on the door soon in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region.
Read MoreResting Monarch
This Monarch butterfly was content to take a rest out of the wind for a while. Part of what must make a Monarch’s migration so difficult is that autumn days with warm temperatures are often those that feature a strong southerly flow – precisely the opposite of the direction they’d like. Finding sunny and warm days with a tailwind out of the north is not easy in September or October, especially in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region with lake effect clouds and precipitation even under high pressure. This is before we mention the cool temperatures associated with those...
Read MoreVesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)
In the continuing spirit of “it’s time to find [bird X]”…it’s right about time to find the Vesper Sparrows! This large sparrow has a bright, bold white eye ring that stands out in nearly any conditions. It can find the perfect habitat for migration throughout the Chautauqua-Allegheny region favoring farms, grasslands, fields and even scrubby or rocky areas like this one. If you ever spot a Vesper Sparrow during nesting season please let us know so we can help you do all you can to protect the habitat. They are decreasing in many areas of their range including...
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