Slaty Skimmer
This is an up close and personal look at the ruggedness of a male Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) dragonfly, scratched and scarred from a tough life on the wing and seen here while resting on vegetation along a pond. That thorax looks rough and beaten on this mighty hunter, but after this was taken it was soon patrolling for females and fending off foes in the fight for life at the water. Don’t you always wonder what those enormous eyes have seen…while they undoubtedly keep a close watch on you? Just another hot July afternoon… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
Read MoreEastern Towhee Pair
There have been many, many Eastern Towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) moving through in the last few weeks, some likely scratching away at your yard and feeders. Both the black male and brown female shown here, as recently photographed in Jamestown, New York, really do have lovely shades! Drink your tea…towhee! And Happy Mother’s Day to you and all the soon to be mothers like this one out there.
Read MoreBobcat Signs
Can you spot the mammal here? No? Well…yes, you cannot find it because it is not there, but it has left its mark…literally. What do you see? This is a Bobcat scratching post and resting area, the bark stripped away by sharp claws. You can see the lines that have been carved into the wood. It is conveniently located over a pool of water, making it harder for anything to sneak up on the bobcat when it is at rest. It almost seemed similar to a place one of our pet cats would like to enjoy a snooze on! Nearby we found this pile of scat, also Bobcat. If you have a cat at home that may help you...
Read MoreFox Sparrows Moving
March is the month for the Fox Sparrow as the hefty backyard bird moves north, relying on feeding stations when there is still snow on the ground. The thaw is on, and the more melts, the more we will see scratching at that fresh earth, but the worse the weather is the more likely you will find them in your yard.
Read MoreFox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
One of my favorite parts of the chilly month of November is the return of the Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) which becomes widespread after most of the other sparrow species have passed through or established winter territory. As you may have seen at your feeders this relatively large sparrow is a big time kicker, making feeding in the early season leaf litter and snow much easier. They are often difficult birds to dig up on Christmas Bird Counts as they are shy and like to remain hidden or close to a ready escape most of the time. If you have never had one in your yard try placing seed on...
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