web analytics

Posts Tagged "lake"

Chautauqua Lake Sunset

Posted on Feb 3, 2016

Chautauqua Lake Sunset

So, I can’t let Scott have all the fun shooting beautiful sunsets and felt that Chautauqua Lake was in need of some representation on the web.  With that said, as soon as I got home from the office last night I grabbed my camera and ran to the water’s edge to capture this off of Bemus Point. With all the ice still on the lake, despite the warm temperatures we have had as of late, the withering sunlight was aglow across the frozen body of water. As the ice has sealed off food resources for many waterfowl, it has left the lake rather quiet and barren. However, taking in the...

Read More

American Coots

Posted on Jan 6, 2016

American Coots

A species such as these American Coot (Fulica americana) entered January finally having to find some open water as the freezing line has penetrated regions like Chautauqua County, quickly locking up the open water of small ponds and waterways. While Lake Erie can still provide a comfortable spot for many waterfowl this winter others will migrate south to the Atlantic Coast and warmer shoreline quarters. These American Coots are actually in the rail family and more closely related to Sandhill Cranes than their duck friends, and if you have ever seen their legs and feet out of the water then...

Read More

Sea Star Snack

Posted on Dec 3, 2015

Sea Star Snack

Anyone care for a sea star snack? The gulls have it easy – from landfills to parking lots to shores there always seems to be a lot for them to eat year-round compared to some other starving species. I will say this…that does not look like it would feel good going down. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

Read More

Sunset at Chautauqua Lake

Posted on Jun 8, 2015

Sunset at Chautauqua Lake

Doing conservation related work around our region takes us to some really incredible places, blessing us with beautiful scenery and a diversity of species. While we work hard at surveying these areas in order to learn more about the habitats and needs of existing species, sometimes we need to take a break and simply take in all that is around us. Last week after spending the day doing surveys, I took an evening hike over at Long Point State Park, one of our Natural History Atlas sites, to take in the beautiful colors, warmth and water that surrounded me. I hope that during your busy week you...

Read More

Water Merlin

Posted on Apr 27, 2015

Water Merlin

Those falcons sure do love their water! They know that birds are in the open, exposed, sometimes exhausted and usually abundant along bodies of water including oceans, rivers, lakes, swamps and more. At this time of year, with so many birds on the move back to the north, hunting along and over water makes life easier for a falcon like this Merlin, able to snag prey that is already in a foreign place and tired from a long journey across the globe. Clever predator.  

Read More