Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)
There is not much green to be seen right now in Chautauqua County, but thankfully we have some being digitally shipped to us from Costa Rica. RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser took this ridiculously awesome photo of a Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) butterfly blending so effortlessly into the landscape of its home. One of the more common species in Costa Rica, these stunning brush foot butterflies are always a pleasure to see if you are there, here, or anywhere!
Read MoreCloud Forest
Here is a little morning getaway for you to the warmth of Costa Rica. Sean describes it as walking in a dream of sorts with walls of green surrounding you and a constant mist in the air. These magical views are from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser.
Read MoreEastern Phoebe
Here is a Throwback Thursday to a little more color! I photographed this Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) around a month ago with the fall foliage still just beginning to change. It will be a while before we see that sort of green background again, but these birds could have stayed here for longer than usual with all the insects we still have in the air thanks to continued warmth. You never know, some may still be here…check out any hotspots, literally, and you could find some very late birds. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreFall Pond
Make sure some of your Sunday is outside enjoying the end of the fall foliage season. It is hard to imagine ponds like this one could be covered in ice in a couple of months…
Read MoreAutumn Leaves
There have been a lot of bright pink autumn leaves to go along with the lemon yellow painted on the trees during this fall foliage season. The past week has yielded some gorgeous October weather. If you look a little closer you may end up seeing something other than a leaf flying off in the breeze – that is a Yellow-rumped Warbler flitting between the trees, one of millions on the move right now. Migration started strong again last night behind another cold front, and it should continue through the weekend. Good birding, and good autumning! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
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