Migration – August 12, 2015
Here is the migration map – also known as the radar of the eastern continental United States – a few hours after sunset here on August 12, 2015. Avian targets, along with undoubtedly a few insects and bats, were mostly active in the southern regions where the wind is more consistently out of the north. For those of us in the Northeast we have a flow pushing birds to the Atlantic Coast, a typical occurrence for the fall. In another month the winds will be stronger and skies will be fuller. For now you can keep expecting to find birds like Bobolink, Orchard Oriole, Northern...
Read MoreMonarchs Moving
It is really starting to turn into a good couple of weeks for Monarch butterflies in their expected migratory hotspots, especially along the Atlantic coast, with more individuals like this one being seen feeding and flying every day. Whether it is on a clover, some goldenrod, a sunflower, coneflowers or many more pollinator plants not coated in chemicals these insects are getting the fuel they need to keep moving south. Sunny and calm weather means conducive conditions for flights, and likely means more of them survive their journey. I don’t know about you but the fact they have become...
Read MoreDragonfly Swarm!
On the evening of July 21, 2015 a cold front was rapidly advancing through Stratford, Connecticut from the northwest, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the tri-state area. This video was taken at Stratford Point, a peninsula that stretches far into Long Island Sound and harbors migratory insects and birds throughout the year. These Swamp Darners (Epiaeschna heros) and Common Green Darners (Anax junius) suddenly swarmed the site, seeking refuge from the rain and storms in this corner of the building and covered porch. Some literally flew into me while I filmed. This behavior has been...
Read MoreRed-winged Blackbird Female
People often think of the Red-winged Blackbird strictly as a species of ponds, cattails and marshes, but they can be found in all sorts of old and wet fields, pastures, coastal grasslands and even golf courses with areas of water. Their ability to take to a sizable variety of habitats has helped them become one of the most abundant birds on the continent. Here we have a female who was vocalizing because of a nearby nest. In a couple of months they will be starting to form flocks and staging before heading south. While most of the species will leave our area some will push through the autumn...
Read MoreSpring Sunset
The sun is setting on the spring soon as the longest days of the year are here. We hope you get outdoors to enjoy all of the light and life surrounding us in our Wild America this weekend. Have a wonderful time!
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