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Posts Tagged "fly"

Female American Kestrel

Posted on Dec 9, 2016

Female American Kestrel

This has been one great late fall stretch for raptors for me. Not coincidentally, it has also been a poor stretch for passerines during my survey work, with very little of note apart from common and expected species in low numbers. Snowy Owls, Northern Harriers, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper’s Hawks have all been providing some great looks or photos. The unfortunately uncommon American Kestrel has even cooperated with this female being seen semi-regularly at Stratford Point. Her she is perched on the flagpole at the lighthouse before zipping off. I...

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Still Not Spring

Posted on Oct 29, 2016

Still Not Spring

It is not spring even though many Clouded and Orange Sulphur butterflies continue flying and feeding on nectar sources like this dandelion. Something that gives away the relative date of this photo is the low sun angle adding light from the side as we are less than two months from the winter solstice. You can also see a little bee mimic fly venturing into the flower, too.

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American Kestrel

Posted on Sep 30, 2016

American Kestrel

This is a terrific time of year to spot American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) heading south and making their way through the sky and farmlands of places like our own Chautauqua County. They will need place to stop and feed along the way, hunting all the songbirds also migrating through the region as well as dragonflies. There are so many birds passing over our heads right now – don’t forget to look up!

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Peregrine Falcon

Posted on Sep 29, 2016

Peregrine Falcon

Sometimes inclement weather conditions can create challenging or unique photographic ones, as was the case with this Peregrine Falcon. The bird flew over me unexpectedly, and I was certainly not at all ready with my camera as I had been shooting stationary sparrows in the dark brush – far different than a raptor soaring by in a turbulent, pale sky. Nevertheless, the gray conditions made it easier for me to swing up and hit it with a couple of shots, leaving me one decent photo. It looked rather bland so I turned it into a more striking black and white shot for the fastest animal on the...

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Robber Fly

Posted on Sep 27, 2016

Robber Fly

This is one of those “Man, I wish I got a better look or a better photo,” photos as a Robber Fly had captured lepidoptera prey. It was very cautious, and I lost it as it flew off right after this. What a predator! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

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