Vernal Pools Poking Through
Last weekend as we were out surveying for HWA in Dobbin’s Woods, a beautiful Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy property, we came across several little pools beginning to form in the depressions of the landscape as the snow increasingly melts back. While these pools aren’t too attractive for us to throw our beach chair next to, they are extremely important to a number of amphibian species. In the upcoming weeks these small pools will serve as little nurseries for salamander and frog offspring to safely develop from egg-y masses to free swimming larvae to land conquering tetrapods....
Read MoreGray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Have you figured out the answer to our mystery woodland creature post yet? Do you give up? Well, that little mammal that was sitting behind all the brush is in fact a Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)! Although the Gray and Red Fox share the same family and some similar colorations, there are several distinct differences that separate these relatives. For starters, Gray Fox are called gray for a reason. Their coat is short and the fur down their back and tail are dark gray, ending with black at the tip of the tail. Compared to the Red Fox, and many other North American canids, Gray Fox are...
Read MoreMystery Woodland Creature
Can you identify this mystery woodland animal that visited RTPI the other day? I’ll give you a hint: it’s a small, carnivorous mammal that isn’t too often seen during the day, but is relatively common to the region. Any guesses? Keep watch for a follow up post that will reveal the answer! Elyse Henshaw Conservation Technician
Read MoreWhite-breasted Nuthatch Posing
It looked like this White-breasted Nuthatch was doing a seed commercial, holding out the delicious product before gulping it down, and then asking me about the previous take. Alternatively, I go a little crazy at this time of year when prolonged periods of heavy desk work and inclement weather keep me indoors a bit too much. Let’s all make sure to go outside tomorrow on a sunny Sunday! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSnowy Owl in Erie, Pennsylvania by Michele Rundquist-Franz
Michele Rundquist-Franz, President of the Presque Isle Audubon Society, sent me this stupendous photo of a Snowy Owl taken last Wednesday, November 12. Michele took the photo of this bird on a roof of a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, noting this was approximately the same date Snowys started showing up in the coastal city last autumn. This weekend, with a cold northerly flow in place and a lot of birders outdoors, should yield more owl sightings. Get outside and find them – and good luck! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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