Summer 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 MoreThunderstorm Sunset
One can never be completely certain what Mother Nature will produce. As a weather nerd and wannabe meteorologist I will steadfastly defend the meteorological community while correcting anyone who unfairly besmirches it and believes we have “no idea” what the conditions will be on any given day. Advances in knowledge and technology have allowed us to predict hurricanes, snowstorms, and even tornado outbreaks well in advance to save countless lives. However, the process is not perfect, and small-scale features can be slightly off producing a massive shift in actual weather...
Read MoreGreen Frog
This Green Frog recently took a hop my way on a wonderfully sunny day. Despite those enjoyable conditions I think it and we all would and should keep rooting for more rain. A moderate to severe drought continues to plague much of the Northeast region including western New York, and days like yesterday are very welcome! But we need more, so please keep it coming for us and our friends. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreJune Drought
Here are a couple more great graphics from the Northeast Regional Climate Center on the dry June we just wrapped up in the Northeast. The regional drought continues and will worsen even after some late week storms. We need significant rain and we need it soon, and for a prolonged period…but that is not in the forecast. As you can see in the table the precipitation stayed to our south causing record and tragic flooding in places like West Virginia. We need more balance, climate!
Read MoreEastern Wood-Pewee
I recently mentioned that we still have flycatchers coming into the region as spring migration wraps up, and even into early June you may find individuals at migratory stopover sites. One such bird was this Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus viren), and he provided far better looks here than most do in the depths of the dark forest or higher up in the canopy. Finding him was easy thanks to that “peeeeaaaweeee” call, and he is belting it out in the second photo. Identifying flycatchers by voice makes life so much easier, especially when you cannot always rely on habitat thanks to...
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