Palm Warbler
It is getting late for warblers in many areas of the Northeast with the exception of a few like the Yellow-rumped Warbler, an uncommon Orange-crowned Warbler, or a late and lingering Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) like this one. Occasionally I have seen them into December in warm and productive feeding areas if there is not too much happening in the way of frigid air or snow. I hope to find one like that this year as an always welcome little yellow sight in an increasingly brown landscape. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreField Sparrow
This Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) actually flew directly towards me and my dog to perch on this white pine branch this morning. It looked us over for a minute and then went back to snacking. It is another great example of a lovely bird that we can still find even in the..uh, cold days of November? It is November, and apart from the low sun angle and early sunset it felt like it could have been late August out there today. This will undoubtedly keep birds with us a little longer with easier to survive temperatures, poor migratory conditions because of the southerly flow, and prolonged...
Read MoreHot Election Day
It’s November…right? It could be snowing right now! Instead we are pushing 70 degrees in Jamestown with it currently in the mid 60s in western New York. Here we have the temperature departures from the 1981-2010 30-year average, the current hourly temperature, and the stations in the warmest 10% vs. the 30-year data. Enjoy it while you’re heading out to vote on this lovely Election Day. Graphic via Penn State Dept. of Meteorology
Read MoreBlue-headed Vireo
Who said November can’t offer us lovely shades? This beautiful Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) looked super today in this cherry tree. Go out and enjoy the relative warmth – perhaps you will be rewarded with late treats like this one!
Read MoreCommon Buckeye
You can still find butterflies like the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) even here in November. This individual was sunning itself on a cool morning, still looking like those wings are in great shape in late autumn. Our science and conservation staff surveys and records butterflies across a multitude of sites in New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, helping to increase the knowledge of range and abundance for certain species, discover early or late individuals pushing the boundaries of flight seasons, and adding layers information on the biodiversity at important locations. We also work to...
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