April Sky
It is such an underrated thrill to have more frequently clear, dynamic and vivid cirrus skies instead of stratus this and that with inclement, blah-type weather. Be sure to always look up – you may end up seeing some of our atmosphere’s beauty, not to mention all sorts of birds, butterflies, dragonflies flying by and more that you may never have noticed in front of you. They are all about to arrive and emerge. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreGoodbye March Sky
As we say goodbye to March and its cold, dark and dreary skies we turn a hopeful eye to April when perhaps – after more chilly weather and possibly snow – we will see a return to normal climate conditions and much more life outdoors. March came in like a lion and and is leaving like a lion, but the sun will win. It always does. Warmth and growth are coming. Perhaps a lamb, too! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreFiery Winter Sunset
Even when the ground looks bare or brown without the expected snow cover the sky can still be on fire, even in the middle of winter. You can practically feel the heat in these shots of our cold atmosphere being torched by the setting sun last evening.
Read MoreAlways look up! Bald Eagles
You do not have to be “birding” to find and enjoy birds! One of the first things I tell new birders is that our avian friends are three-dimensional…huh? I mean that birds are not simply in the bush or tree in front of you or scratching at the earth below us, nor do you have to be at a special location to see spectacular birds in the air. If you remember to look in every direction, especially up, you will find some rare and wonderful things flying by when you least expect it. This is a good time of year to do so and find random Bald Eagles, like this overhead young bird and...
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...
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