Slaty Skimmer
This Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) is not hanging out in the desert, though it may look like that from this photo. Much of the region is running a strong rainfall deficit from the past few months with many areas abnormally dry and some in the midst of moderate drought. This combined with higher than average temperatures and aggressive destruction of vegetation in areas around ponds like this one (I promise there is a pond out of sight in this photo with actual water) can make what was a favorable area for insects and thus birds and other wildlife far less attractive and beneficial. Water...
Read MoreRecord December Heat
What a remarkable and historic stretch of weather! The probable strongest El Niño of all-time looks like it will keep us all very warm for a while still…we are getting into more uncharted territory here in Earth’s modern history. At least it is helping the extreme drought in the west, but what other potentially severe weather is yet to come? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSeptember Sunset
This has been the hottest September on record thus far for many locations in the Northeast. The sultry and arid conditions have worsened a drought for much of the region. The blazing sunset here may be one of the last hot days of the year as today’s cold front should bring much more seasonable conditions for the week, albeit still a little above average in terms of temperature and far below average for precipitation in the near future. All of this is coming after a historically cold winter. What was that we used to say about climate change and the future…extremes, and more of...
Read MoreField Farm & Forest
Here we have field, farm and forest all in one shot on a hot but beautiful August afternoon. This green scene has changed dramatically already with the recent drought in parts of the Northeast wilting plants and turning some leaves to brown or yellow this September. Perhaps the last few days of rainfall will help. Nevertheless, fall foliage may be earlier this year and a little different than usual.
Read MoreQueen Anne’s Lace
There has been an abundance of Queen Anne’s Lace in fields and grasslands this summer, like the this photo from a couple weeks ago at Stratford Point. Is the generally dry and warmer than usual season to blame? A moderate drought is taking hold in coastal Connecticut with conditions starting to get serious. The green below is gone and it’s already a brown and wilting beginning to this meteorological autumn. Rain as soon as possible, please, and lots of it!
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