Red Admiral Reflection
This was one finely crafted and very reflective Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) butterfly. It was only taking a drink of water, but it felt like much more.
Read MoreRed-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
This window was not the most photogenic place to capture such a beautiful little butterfly, but I will take any place I can to snap a shot of a Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops). A lot of new species and second broods seem to have emerged this week. Keep an eye out for cool little friends! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Coots
A species such as these American Coot (Fulica americana) entered January finally having to find some open water as the freezing line has penetrated regions like Chautauqua County, quickly locking up the open water of small ponds and waterways. While Lake Erie can still provide a comfortable spot for many waterfowl this winter others will migrate south to the Atlantic Coast and warmer shoreline quarters. These American Coots are actually in the rail family and more closely related to Sandhill Cranes than their duck friends, and if you have ever seen their legs and feet out of the water then...
Read MoreTurkey Tapping
Anybody there? This Wild Turkey was photographed several years ago by RTPI President Twan Leenders while it was looking to apply for an office job. At this time of year the turkeys might want to hide instead of coming right on in…
Read MoreAmerican Coots (Fulica americana)
Here is a series of photographs recently taken of two American Coots as they were swimming and feeding on a sunny day. The lovely weather permitted me to snap off some shots while they eagerly dived for food. Watch how one bird gets a sense of the snack it wants, some delicious aquatic vegetation, circling with its head facing downward. They must have some sensational, well-tuned sight to be able to see so well down through the water column. Once it decides what to grab…down it goes in a splash! The other bird, having followed the first nearly the entire time, circling in the same...
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