RTPI and SUNY JCC studying Spiny Softshell Turtles
This fall we have two interns from SUNY Jamestown Community College working with us on the study and research of the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) population present in the Chadakoin River, located mere moments from our campus in Jamestown, New York. The state-listed turtle is listed as “special concern” and we are thankful to have this nearby area where we have found them successfully nesting. The Chadakoin River has a history of being surrounded by development and industry, making contamination of various sorts and water quality major concerns. However, the...
Read MoreGroundhog (Marmota monax)
It is about to turn into a very chilly weekend for us in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region after a week of warm temperatures and a lot of sun. This Groundhog (Marmota monax), or whatever else you prefer to call the rodent among its many names, has to be in a hurry to eat all it can now. The species is always highlighted when they come out of hibernation to “predict” the end of the winter and early spring seasons. However, if you watch them in autumn you will see a lot of activity out of the increasingly fatter individuals as they prepare to hibernate. A good “night” to...
Read MoreChipmunks collecting for winter
Does this happen to you? Even if you have baffles up on well-protected feeders it is the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) collecting season as they prepare for winter by grabbing every kind of seed, acorn, nut and other tasty treat they can find. I love watching them scurry up and down trees and run as fast as they can with a mouth full of food each fall, filling the cache in their burrow. They do hibernate but not fully – I sometimes see them wake up from one of their naps, popping out to enjoy warmer winter days, especially around bird feeders, to get some extra fresh food.
Read MoreDon’t whack the snakes
Even The Simpsons knew harming snakes is so very wrong. As we enter the season where more may be found in homes, greenhouses and other odd spots in our dwellings please let snakes be free from whacking and send them back outdoors.
Read MoreRing-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
Whenever I see a Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) I think of the one that came into our basement years ago looking for a cozy place to hibernate. The cats did not appreciate that decision but the snake did appreciate a trip back outside.
Read More
