Harlequin Duck
Come on, this is getting ridiculous – Harley, our drake Harlequin Duck at Stratford Point, looks absolutely stupendous with his nearly completed beautiful blue plumage. The blue water really brings out his tones even more. Please stay with us for the winter, Harley! We think he will be off to find a hen, or at least some other members of his own species, once his molt is complete, but we have our fingers crossed that he has enjoyed his time with us and may consider sticking around. In all seriousness a bird like this is an inspirational one in that it brings in all sorts of non-birders...
Read MoreMonarch Movement
As we press on into October it becomes all the more vital for Monarch butterflies to hurry up and head to the south. The weather may feel lovely this week with sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s and 70s, but as Yogi Berra said, it is getting late early. The results of tagged Monarch butterfly studies have shown that those individuals that migrate earlier have a better chance of reaching the wintering grounds. Every week that passes at our higher latitudes in the United States means it will be more difficult for those currently passing through to survive the journey. At least right now...
Read MoreBig Monarch
I am in the enviable position of staring at around ten or twenty different Monarch butterflies each day, at least. I have a good running impression of them by now, so when I see a unique individual it strikes me instantly. This female Monarch seemed to be very large, though the scale does not show that well in these photos. I watched her feeding, moving about the goldenrod, and flying around a bit, all with the same larger than typical feeling. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch Monday
Happy Monarch Monday! If you have any goldenrod growing near you now is the time to check it out as the butterflies are pouring to the south. They have to get a move on now as we near October and the air grows chillier.
Read MoreHarley the Duck
We use the name “Harley” for this continuing drake Harlequin Duck at Stratford Point, and here is a daily progress shot of Harley’s plumage from several hours ago. He’s matching the blue waves more and more!
Read More
