Chiropterophily: The incredible pollination services that bats provide.
Recently, many have become aware of the issues that our pollinating insects face. Insects have been in a general decline for some time now, which is worrisome as they help prop up the food chains that support just about everything else on the planet. There are over 400 species of native bees just in New York State alone, each with an important role in the food web. Other critters – flies, beetles, butterflies, birds, etc. are important pollinators as well. A critical pollinator that often gets overlooked is the majestic and glorious bat. While all of the bat species in NY and around 70%...
Read MorePlain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii)
Sean got right back to producing gorgeous art like this upon commencing the new season of avian conservation research in Costa Rica. Here is the Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), a beautiful tropical hummingbird species. It gives the look of a stretched out Ruby-throated Hummingbird with a beautiful red gorget and its long bill used to probe many species of flowers for feeding and pollination. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Costa Rica while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural...
Read MorePollinator Meadows
You think there are a few pollinator sources here? It may not be the most ideal mix of vegetation, and it may contain some non-native and even dominant or invasive species, but it is far better than a mowed lawn or some pavement, full of busy bees, beetles, butterflies and many other insects. Let it grow and keep it chemical free, folks! We can perfect it later.
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