web analytics

Posts Tagged "rock"

Harlequin Duck at Stratford Point

Posted on Nov 16, 2017

Harlequin Duck at Stratford Point

Today we were fortunate enough to host a drake Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) at Stratford Point as found by our friend Tom Murray. I took the below photo in the later afternoon during a brief moment when the sun came out from behind the clouds. These additional shots were taken earlier in the morning under those aforementioned clouds while the duck was feeding, swimming, preening, and loving those rocks as the species always does. Harlequin Ducks are a relatively rare visitor for us in Connecticut. If it is anything like the last drake Harlequin (could it be the same bird?) that...

Read More

Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)

Posted on Oct 4, 2016

Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)

This Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) was an unexpected shore surprise last month as I had it fluttering along the rocks just above the tidal zone. It was a cool and breezy day, and the butterfly was trying to warm up like this when it could in between short flights. It looked to be on a mission to somewhere, and I hope it got where it wanted to go. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

Read More

Spotted Sandpiper

Posted on Aug 4, 2016

Spotted Sandpiper

The Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is one of our easier to identify shorebirds from any distance, and their unique behaviors make them a stand out from the crowd – literally. While you may run into large flocks of shorebirds numbering in the dozens, hundreds, or even thousands heading south in the summer along lakes, in marshes, or on the Atlantic coast, you will very likely find only one or two or a handful of Spotted Sandpipers at a time. Even if multiple Spotteds are present in one place they will probably be on different flocks, not bumping into one another or seeking the...

Read More

Great Black-backed Gull

Posted on Feb 4, 2016

Great Black-backed Gull

Here is a Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) that was relaxing on this balmy February day – chatting? Yelling? Calling? Laughing? Not that, we know what Laughing Gulls look like! It was actually yawning, and you can even get a good look at that tongue dangling down. It must be bored with this easy and comfortable winter weather…or maybe tired of staring at me who is itching to see more wildlife. I love snow but oh boy, these days make me ready for spring. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

Read More

Crab Breakfast

Posted on Oct 9, 2015

Crab Breakfast

Did you have crab for breakfast today? I know someone who did…Harley the Harlequin Duck certainly knows fine dining. He also enjoys mussels that are easier to hold on to in that bill. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

Read More