Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Recently I heard a little rustling in the leaves around me while I was watching some warblers (what a birder, I know) with a distinctive and familiar sort of sound. Sure enough, this Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) was slithering as I had disturbed it while it was sunning on the edge of a pond. I stepped back to let it be and snapped this shot with my 500mm before continuing on. Go see what you can find on the ground, in the air, and in the trees outdoors this weekend! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreDaffodil Buds
I snapped this photo of daffodils emerging in the leaf litter in Connecticut on February 25 as I have seen them coming up in several areas at multiple locations. I recalled that I took a similar photo last year and wondered when, knowing this season’s warmth and last February’s historic cold likely meant it was a couple weeks later. Surprisingly it was a full month later on March 25! If the date wasn’t enough of a shock there was also still snow surrounding them then which is very late indeed for Connecticut. We had a taste of winter recently along with a couple of strong...
Read MoreWelcome Back, Chippy!
A big welcome back to this Eastern Chipmunk! It feels like it has been years since we have seen any of your kind in these parts…
Read MoreDaffodil Buds
Here we can see some daffodil buds fighting their way through the earth, emerging from the leaf litter despite the snow still present around them. More snow may end up coming down on our early flowers in the next couple of weeks. What is popping up in your yard at this point in the spring? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Woodcock in March Snow
I was delighted to find this American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) feeding in the exposed leaf litter and mud thanks to the warm, flowing spring and expansive wetlands in my yard today after about six more inches of snow fell yesterday and early this morning. Note the muddy end of this shorebird’s bill showing it had been busy foraging throughout the day in this video… …and the photos below: This well-known spring species dances on the ground while foraging and in the sky while courting every March, though this year the displays may be a little later than usual. The sun is so...
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