Pine Warbler
Here is a Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) that I enjoying finding last weekend during less than optimal migratory conditions on one of those autumn days that feels like the definition of the seasonal transition. And would you look at that, what is it foraging in? Why a White Pine tree, naturally. They are also one of the first warblers to return in the spring when March is finally beginning to break winter’s hold on the Northeast. Pines are a bright little beacon of spring’s light coming in or summer’s glow heading out. We only have a few more weeks to enjoy a variety of...
Read MoreFall Bobolink
This Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) was a beautiful sight for the first day of October as it fed on seeds with sparrows, especially once it allowed this great a look. Keep an eye on your fields, grasslands, gardens and farms for more birds like this one still heading out and other new migrant species – like the Vesper Sparrow – arriving soon.
Read MoreAmerican Kestrel
This is a terrific time of year to spot American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) heading south and making their way through the sky and farmlands of places like our own Chautauqua County. They will need place to stop and feed along the way, hunting all the songbirds also migrating through the region as well as dragonflies. There are so many birds passing over our heads right now – don’t forget to look up!
Read MoreMonarch Butterfly Release
I raised a couple of Monarch caterpillars this August, something I had not done since I was a child. I collected them and ended up feeding them from my own supply of swamp milkweed leaves that went otherwise unused. While many pollinators visited to enjoy the nectar of the flowers, I did not note any Monarchs in the yard or find any eggs. A couple weeks ago I noticed each chrysalis was turning black not far apart from one another, and by late that morning they’d emerged. I released them onto my coneflowers after their wings dried, and one of the two females provided me a chance to...
Read MoreGolden-crowned Kinglet
A cold front passed through the Northeast late Friday, as was evident to everyone who lives there, with temperatures dropping quite a bit thanks to the first blast of truly autumn air. This morning I got out early to complete some surveys at Stratford Point knowing the previous night’s migration was terrific on the continuing chilly north winds. It was the first day of “fall” birds as well with the species distribution shifting to the October autumn classics. My highlights included a Lincoln’s Sparrow, a rare for the site Ovenbird, and a quick look at what was likely...
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