Northern Pintails: male and female
As we get deeper into autumn we also receive a greater diversity of waterfowl joining us in the Northeast. I wanted to share some photos of male and female Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) that I took last week in the middle of a large flock of Mallard and American Black Duck. Some of them were more interested in mating than anything else making it difficult for the Pintails trying to feed, preen and stretch. I noticed the male first due to its distinctive plumage that always helps it stands out well in a crowd. Northern Pintails are slender birds and males have a long, pointed tail that help...
Read MoreSpring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) by Twan Leenders
One optimistic Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) was calling from the marsh behind Twan’s house last night…we’re so close!
Read MoreRed-eyed Tree Frogs
When I’m not engrossed in avian research my focus gets drawn to reptiles and amphibians. While visiting the Karen Mogensen Nature Reserve we found this nice population of Pacific phased Red-eyed Tree Frogs (Agalychnis callidryas). Around the main pool we found a few masses of eggs that were in various stages of development. The next find was particularly exciting for me – individuals in amplexus. That means during the courtship of this species the female carries the male on her back before copulation. We proceeded to find a few other individuals in the immediate vicinity....
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