Least Terns
Here is one of those birds that would have been extirpated if not for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act – the Least Tern (Sternula antillarum). One of the focal species of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Least Terns were a target of the millinery (hat-making) trade and market hunting nearly wiped them out. Besides such a direct threat these birds must also be legally protected from harm via unaware beachgoers and unfortunately the select few who still wish to ignorantly hurt them in some way if we want them to make it through the 21st century. These photos show courtship in...
Read MoreTree Swallow
This busy nesting Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) may have been hunting for insects while perched at the top of the pole of its box, but it almost looked for a moment to be staring towards the sun in silent contemplation. Just something to think about for your Monday morning – and I hope you get to spend at least some of your day outdoors basking in the sunshine. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreJumping Spider
This looks to be a jumping spider, though what species I cannot say for sure – I am no spider expert and this is as good of a look as I got from afar. It was hunting a local pond as so much more life is suddenly jumping out at this point of the spring. Why are “we” as a people so afraid of spiders anyway? With such a tiny percentage of all spiders having the ability to do us any potential harm we should probably stop worrying about them already! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach
Read MoreJamestown Airport Birds
The boys are back in town! Bobolinks have taken over the grasslands around the Jamestown airport again and it makes me happy! Our plant and bird surveys are kicking into gear again – hoping for the return of Grasshopper and Henslow’s Sparrows soon. One of these birds was a nice surprise today – likely a late migrant, but perhaps the Northern Harrier will stick around and attempt to nest? Time will tell… Twan Leenders President
Read MoreGrowing Fox Family
As summer approaches, these little ones will be on the move more and more in order to prepare themselves for life on their own. Red fox kits typically stay with their mothers until they reach about seven months old. During that time, they will develop their hunting skills through playtime, hunting the prey brought back by mom and slowly through their own exploration outside of the safety of their dens to seek and stalk prey species close by. By fall, these young foxes will be on their own and will have to rely on their own hunting skills to get a meal. These little ones living down the...
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