Magnolia Warbler
This Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) was not in the rain. The drops you can see on the branches of this white pine are from dense fog collecting on the tree. This is the time of year where those little twigs, tiny needles and growing leaves get right in the way of some good photos…grrr! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreHarlequin Darner
I was very jealous of Twan once I saw this! He took a quick photo of a Harlequin Darner (Gomphaeschna furcillata) that was visiting his yard earlier this week, a beautiful, friendly and often interactive dragonfly species that can be found in the early spring in a variety of wooded, and of course wet, habitats. Harlequin Darners are known to land on you if you are standing in the woodlands, avoiding your net and then deciding your hat or the leg of your pants is a good place to hang out. They have landed on my head, my arm, my chest, my leg, my foot…and I want to have one find me soon!...
Read MoreYellow-throated Vireo
The Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) is one of those species I never seem to spot frequently, and thus I end up knowing little about them. They are birds of the deciduous forest of eastern North America, preferring the edge. This may be along a roadway or a trail, the latter allowing for some good views in my experience, but they also enjoy staying at mid to high levels. A bird in the canopy is much more difficult to learn about than one that hangs out down here with us. I spotted this Yellow-throated Vireo several days ago at a migratory stopover site for many passerine species. It...
Read MoreAmerican Bullfrog
Our birds aren’t the only thing popping up at this point in the spring as this American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser can attest to. What’s filling your pond right now?
Read MoreBlack-and-white Warbler
I couldn’t let Twan have all the fun with the Black-and-white Warblers (Mniotilta varia), and this little creeper was spotted last week as it furiously crawled and flew all around tree trunks for its insect prey. You can even see one such snack in the last photo. These birds seem like they have so much personality, but when they are visiting us in May they are move, too busy to stop to chat for too long. I am envious of anyone who gets to enjoy them while they are more relaxed on the wintering grounds. However, even then they are said to be aggressive and territorial. Did you know that...
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