American Coots
A species such as these American Coot (Fulica americana) entered January finally having to find some open water as the freezing line has penetrated regions like Chautauqua County, quickly locking up the open water of small ponds and waterways. While Lake Erie can still provide a comfortable spot for many waterfowl this winter others will migrate south to the Atlantic Coast and warmer shoreline quarters. These American Coots are actually in the rail family and more closely related to Sandhill Cranes than their duck friends, and if you have ever seen their legs and feet out of the water then...
Read MoreHidden Wood Duck
This pond had a bunch of Mallards, American Black Ducks, and some hybrids…and hidden in the back were a couple of Wood Ducks, a treat for a December day when this water could very well have been frozen over in many other years. I hope you will be able to put on your t-shirt and shorts and get outside to enjoy this unfathomable stretch of holiday heat this weekend. See what you can find and keep an open mind – in the past week I have seen uncommon lingering birds like these, a dragonfly (Autumn Meadowhawk) and a butterfly (Orange Sulphur). It’s unbelievable! Scott Kruitbosch...
Read MoreGraupel
This past weekend some big gray clouds rolled through and dropped some frozen precipitation on us here in Chautauqua County. While most of it has already melted, it was quite a surprise to see in mid-October with all the autumn leaves and colors still vibrant. Much of what fell was graupel, a form of soft hail that looks and acts like ball bearings once it hits the ground. These snow pellets created slippery conditions on the roads and piled up in many low lying areas. While we still have a ways to go before winter officially settles in, its never too early to be prepared for an unexpected...
Read MoreWilson’s Snipe
As the snow recedes and the marshes, rivers, wetlands and wet meadows thaw, birds like this Wilson’s Snipe can finally trickle back to the north. You can’t bury your bill in the frozen earth, but thankfully for them the end of the winter’s grip is here. This late afternoon bird is being heated by that warming sun, knowing its path back to its breeding grounds will soon be easier.
Read MoreMallard Pair
This Mallard drake and hen are a great looking pair, and despite the fact you may have a difficult time finding any open water and the landscape looks more like the arctic tundra some duck species will be pairing off soon. Spring? Not quite, but it is in the air…
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