Close-up Deer
This picture by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser shows us what we do not want to see. This White-tailed Deer should have a lot more fear of humans, and their overpopulation in many areas is a leading factor in the continuing degradation of our forest understory habitat, especially in consideration of nesting bird species. Apples certainly are a tasty treat, but this is a wild animal, not a petting zoo!
Read MoreLyme Disease
I have Lyme disease. Thankfully most people have now heard of Lyme disease, but for those who have not, Lyme borreliosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Borrelia type and transmitted to humans (or pets!) by a black-legged/deer tick bite and subsequent feeding by the parasite. It typically takes 24 or maybe 36-48 hours of feeding for the disease to be transmitted if the tick is a carrier, though this is not a guarantee either direction. Lyme disease can cause flu-like symptoms nearly immediately, and if untreated they can be followed by severe headaches, joint and muscle...
Read MoreChestnut-sided Morning
It was a decidedly Chestnut-sided morning for Twan recently, with this cooperative Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) enjoying the rising sun. How can you not love these birds? The fact they make the journey all the way from places like Costa Rica, where RTPI works on the ground to understand their wintering range, behavior, foraging and more, to our yards is truly astounding. Their good health is our mission year-round!
Read MoreUnintentional Disturbances Threaten Waterbirds
There are a number of activities that can unintentionally scare, disturb or even threaten the survival of our waterbirds throughout the spring and summer seasons. Even a person with good intentions can fail to realize how sensitive a bird like the Piping Plover is, feeling threatened by dogs on the leash as they still see them as a predator invading their territory, making birds more prone to abandoning the area, wasting valuable energy or separating them from eggs or young, increasing mortality. Most beaches in Connecticut ban all dogs during the warm seasons in consideration of public...
Read MoreHooded Merganser leaving a wake
Even the smallest creature can leave a tremendous mark. This little Hooded Merganser male left quite a wake in the waters of this pond on a cold December day, but those ripples will quickly fade away. When you are outdoors please remember to leave only footprints and take only memories.
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