Snowy Owl sentinel
This Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) sentinel was photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser during last year’s irruption. There have been more Snowy Owls appearing daily in the Midwest and the Northeast. One was seen yesterday not too far from RTPI in Erie, Pennsylvania. None of our staff or colleagues have had the chance to see one yet this fall but we will let you know and hopefully show you one soon if we do. Have you spotted a Snowy this autumn?!
Read MoreFall foliage turns to brown
Even at this mid-November date there are still areas of fall foliage clinging to trees in the Northeast. The prolonged autumn season has left us dark orange, red and brown leaves that have a haunting hue in the setting sun against the slate-colored clouds. The coming cold and snow will mark the end of their prolonged reign against our skyline.
Read MoreWaiting for waterfowl
Whether it is the shores of Lake Erie or Chautauqua Lake to areas across the Chautauqua Allegheny region and the Northeast most observers have noted a slow movement of waterfowl thus far in November. The fall flocks of ducks, loons, swans, scoters and more will soon be moving rapidly as frigid air, ice and snow descend upon our section of the country. Without chilly temperatures freezing water and pushing birds south there are often not many to be seen, but by the time Thanksgiving rolls around we should have our typical abundance and diversity.
Read MoreOak leaves falling on Mallards
What do you believe the birds think as the world is literally falling around them? The bright, vibrant existence most of them are born into during the spring and the summer suddenly fades in the Northeast with cooling temperatures, shortening days and leaves floating to the earth from increasingly bare trees. Here is their reality collapsing further on a crisp November autumn day as these Mallards feed and contemplate, possibly wondering when the process will begin to reverse.
Read MoreAmerican Crow hunting acorns
I spotted this American Crow having a delightful time watching all of the action around it as more American Crows plus Blue Jays, squirrels and chipmunks all eagerly grabbed countless acorns under an oak tree. In this shot it almost seemed like it was gleefully sizing up the tree, taking an account of how much stock was left in this giant store. There are feeding frenzies going on all around us with wildlife storing food for the winter during a very helpful warm November stretch. That is about to end as colder than average temperatures are coming for the mid-month with some snow in the...
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