Thunderstorm Sunset
One can never be completely certain what Mother Nature will produce. As a weather nerd and wannabe meteorologist I will steadfastly defend the meteorological community while correcting anyone who unfairly besmirches it and believes we have “no idea” what the conditions will be on any given day. Advances in knowledge and technology have allowed us to predict hurricanes, snowstorms, and even tornado outbreaks well in advance to save countless lives. However, the process is not perfect, and small-scale features can be slightly off producing a massive shift in actual weather...
Read MoreGreen Frog
This Green Frog recently took a hop my way on a wonderfully sunny day. Despite those enjoyable conditions I think it and we all would and should keep rooting for more rain. A moderate to severe drought continues to plague much of the Northeast region including western New York, and days like yesterday are very welcome! But we need more, so please keep it coming for us and our friends. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMated Monarchs
This was a memorable moment from last weekend – a mated pair of Monarch butterflies high up on a tree branch. Here’s to them having successful eggs, caterpillars and a healthy next generation. We need every butterfly we can get!
Read MoreSilver-spotted Skipper
Here are a couple more photos of that Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) enjoying some Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) from last week. If only we could see what those eyes must see…
Read MoreRed-spotted Purple
This is a Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis) butterfly showing off some of those red spots on a leaf last week. The harsh and very bright mid-morning sunlight really washed the butterfly (and photo) out, so what you see is my work balancing those contrasts and tones a bit. Woodland edges are usually a good place to find them. I was only able to get a good ventral view, and the somewhat skittish individual never allowed me a dorsal photograph. I wish it would relax – it’s a Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) mimic and telling me it is poisonous, so why not shoot some...
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