Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Here is a group of Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus), a common species to spot on an unfrozen pond or lake near you right now. Chautauqua Lake is certainly a good place to find them – at least during this time of the year while it is not a solid block of ice. More of our waterfowl species are moving into the region as we have had an active and varied weather pattern. Have you had any surprises?
Read MoreFemale White-breasted Nuthatch
This looks to be a female White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) – can you determine why? The crown stripe on this bird is gray rather than the solid black of a male. This lovely lady inquisitively watched me for a moment before continuing to forage with what seems to me to be a tad higher than average numbers of the species in our region. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Crow hunting acorns
I spotted this American Crow having a delightful time watching all of the action around it as more American Crows plus Blue Jays, squirrels and chipmunks all eagerly grabbed countless acorns under an oak tree. In this shot it almost seemed like it was gleefully sizing up the tree, taking an account of how much stock was left in this giant store. There are feeding frenzies going on all around us with wildlife storing food for the winter during a very helpful warm November stretch. That is about to end as colder than average temperatures are coming for the mid-month with some snow in the...
Read MoreSunlight on an autumn Tulip Tree
This Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) certainly looks beautifully imposing surrounded by yellow and orange shades while bathed in golden autumn sunlight. The towering tree is magnificent against the slowly sinking sun as our days get shorter…winter will be knocking on the door soon in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region.
Read MoreResting Monarch
This Monarch butterfly was content to take a rest out of the wind for a while. Part of what must make a Monarch’s migration so difficult is that autumn days with warm temperatures are often those that feature a strong southerly flow – precisely the opposite of the direction they’d like. Finding sunny and warm days with a tailwind out of the north is not easy in September or October, especially in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region with lake effect clouds and precipitation even under high pressure. This is before we mention the cool temperatures associated with those...
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