Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
Can anyone say cute?! If you’re a mouse or small songbird, you likely wouldn’t be saying that within ear shot of this owl! The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a pint sized predator that is actually quite ferocious when it comes to hunting. Thanks to their nocturnal nature and silent strike, prey don’t even hear them coming. Interestingly, once these owls catch a meal, they often don’t eat it all at once. Saw-whets will eat part of their meal and then save some for leftovers… Yummy right? As autumn continues keep an ear out for these little owls, you...
Read MoreSouthern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
This Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) was netted and subsequently photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser in New Jersey while he was attempting to capture and band migrating Northern Saw-whet Owls. These cute nocturnal creatures are the more discrete bird feeder robbers. Look for a blog entry later this week on this new friend of Sean’s…and watch for a fantastic photo of another pal he made tomorrow!
Read MoreBioBlitz this Friday-Saturday at SUNY College Lodge
We are only two days away from the blitz! On July 18-19, 2014 experts from across the region will take part in a ‘BioBlitz’ conducted by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History at the SUNY College Lodge Nature Preserve in Brocton. A BioBlitz is a 24-hour race to identify as many species of plants and animals of all kinds on the property and we invite you to join in the fun. Hear from the experts what they are finding or join us for a number of free and public walks and talks about some of the unique and exciting life that can be found on the approximately 200-acre property owned...
Read MoreSnowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) by Roger Tory Peterson
Between the number of Snowy Owls around and the frigid air we had (before the last few days!) this almost looked like our backyards. These Snowy Owls are of course by Roger Tory Peterson and if you’ve visited us you may have seen them on our wall. We’re very fortunate to have the chance to enjoy them now in our neighborhoods, their wintering grounds, as Roger did in their arctic nesting habitat.
Read More
