Canada Goose Pair
There is no more common and known waterfowl species than the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) for most of us year-round, but even this bird, seen as a pest by some as they soil parks and cover golf courses, must live and breed. This is a pair at a local pond that was likely about to nest. They really have a handsome look to them, if you stop to take it in…and I appreciate them! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreCanada Warbler
This Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) looks like a jewel in the cheery spring scene here as captured by Twan. Let’s hope it decides to stay in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region to breed! That necklace is such a wonderful accessory.
Read MoreButterflies Coming
Butterflies like this Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) will be emerging next month! As we near the end of avian migration and enter their breeding season we will be seeing many more of our insect friends taking flight. I have not had a lot of time to spend surveying for them yet, but butterflies I have seen so far this year include Black Swallowtail, Eastern Tailed-blue, Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, Cabbage White and Monarch. When June hits our staff will be sure to begin surveying sites from our Natural History Atlas as well as other critical habitats, or locations that...
Read MoreOvenbird
Those Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) will soon be crafting their ovens on the forest floor, filling them with eggs and keeping a very low profile when near this home. This leaf-covered little dome nest is certainly what gave them their name. I’m glad it was not TEACHER-TEACHER-TEACHER instead! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreKilldeer Eggs
First there was one, then two, then three, and today there are four!!! Aren’t they beautiful?! Jane Johnson Communications & Public Programs Coordinator
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