Euchlaena muzaria
This is Euchlaena muzaria, the Muzaria Euchlaena moth, a relatively large and active species – at least in my limited experience! This was the best photo I could get of the jumpy individual as it continually kept flying off the building and away from the lights and towards me. It literally hit me several times in the continual cycle of land, approach, possibly take one photo, and fly (into me). Going off of the photo alone it would seem to be shy but…not so much! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreTulip Tree Beauty
Here we have the Tulip Tree Beauty (Epimecis hortaria) moth, with the host plant not far away. These are large moths which seems to fit because the Tulip Tree itself can be an enormous life form.
Read MorePileated Woodpecker Holes
These are some extra fresh Pileated Woodpecker holes! That wood looks like it has been cut very recently, and it certainly looks like a professional job. Whenever you see a dead or dying tree in your yard please try to leave it there if possible – if it is not infected with something such as Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, or a particularly dangerous falling hazard to people. It will end up serving a host of species that depend on these decaying plants for food, shelter and nesting. Cutting even these trees down solely for aesthetic purposes is robbing the environment of a vital component....
Read MorePileated Woodpecker Signs
Here is another telltale bird sign that you can find rather easily in the winter. Any guesses as to what species made these massive marks on this tree? The Pileated Woodpecker is a large, crow-size bird and as such it creates astonishingly huge holes with its big bill. Even though they are conspicuous birds when seen they can be tough to find in the first place because they have such large territories. If you cannot see them flashing by through mature woodlands try listening for their laughing call or finding these reminders of their presence.
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