Snowy Owl in Erie, Pennsylvania by Michele Rundquist-Franz
Michele Rundquist-Franz, President of the Presque Isle Audubon Society, sent me this stupendous photo of a Snowy Owl taken last Wednesday, November 12. Michele took the photo of this bird on a roof of a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, noting this was approximately the same date Snowys started showing up in the coastal city last autumn. This weekend, with a cold northerly flow in place and a lot of birders outdoors, should yield more owl sightings. Get outside and find them – and good luck! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreLake Effect Snow
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! When I got to the office this morning we had about seven and a half inches of snow in the backyard! And we are still getting more lake effect snow as this system continues to move over Lake Erie, which is a balmy 51° today. So how exactly does this lake effect weather work? Well, as cold air is pushed over the warm waters of the lake, unstable air and water vapor build up. As the water vapor condenses, big grey clouds, full of snow are formed. As these clouds move inland, they dump their burden of snow in bands downwind of the lake, producing sometimes...
Read MoreLake effect snow coming to RTPI
This photo was taken nearly one year ago to the day – November 13, 2013. On that day in 2014 lake effect snow will also be covering the region in the first event of the fall season. Enjoy the winter preview and beautiful scenes!
Read MoreWaiting for waterfowl
Whether it is the shores of Lake Erie or Chautauqua Lake to areas across the Chautauqua Allegheny region and the Northeast most observers have noted a slow movement of waterfowl thus far in November. The fall flocks of ducks, loons, swans, scoters and more will soon be moving rapidly as frigid air, ice and snow descend upon our section of the country. Without chilly temperatures freezing water and pushing birds south there are often not many to be seen, but by the time Thanksgiving rolls around we should have our typical abundance and diversity.
Read MoreAmerican Pipit (Anthus rubescens) in HD
Right now the migrating American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) can be found on farms and fields in areas such as Chautauqua County to the shores of Lake Erie or the Atlantic Coast. You may see one individual or you may see dozens. This HD video shows how much they as a species enjoy bobbing their tails. It may be a “drab” bird due to its preference for open areas but it certainly has an understated zest.
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