Wired world of swallows
Sometimes I think the swallows would hate a wireless world most of all. Tree, Barn, Northern Rough-winged, Bank, Cliff and a Purple Martin or two can still all be seen trying to head south. Aerial insectivores have to go where the food is flying or they’ll be in deep trouble. We need to rely more on them to clean our skies rather than chemicals which harm us all.
Read MoreRTPI gardens as rain arrives
I took this photo a few hours ago at RTPI as clouds moved in, the wind picked up and humidity rose. It’s going to be another wet few days for our region as the insects were already hunkering down for a tough stretch again. We wish we could send it to our friends out west.
Read MoreHalloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina)
After a lot of cool weather with lows into the 40s at night at times and yet more rain here in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region we seem to be between populations for a lot of insects. The calendar is also shifting the species in our yards. This current warm-up should allow another big emergence soon. Get out there and find some stunning sights like this Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina).
Read MorePurple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)
Seas of Sarracenia – or Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea) in nearby Cattaraugus Co. A beautiful bog surveyed recently by RTPI staff to assess our region’s natural areas and biodiversity. With the staggering density of carnivorous plants here you’d expect there to be few bugs around. Alas! In fact, specific mosquito species actually breed in the water-filled Sarracenia pitchers without being digested. Although I’m not a big fan of mosquitoes, I have to admit that that is pretty cool!
Read MoreJune fireflies
Take a few minutes one of these nights to get outside and listen in on the conversations of fireflies. It’s quite the spectacle when their chatter heats up – note the different frequencies and patterns that different species and individuals use to communicate. Even though is not quite the 4th of July yet, beautiful evening light shows are in full swing right in your backyard!
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