American Kestrel
This is a terrific time of year to spot American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) heading south and making their way through the sky and farmlands of places like our own Chautauqua County. They will need place to stop and feed along the way, hunting all the songbirds also migrating through the region as well as dragonflies. There are so many birds passing over our heads right now – don’t forget to look up!
Read MoreMonarch on Cosmos
I have taken so many photos of Monarch butterflies this year, but this very fresh and bold Monarch nectaring on a cosmos flower was a sensational contrast of colors on a cool September morning. I really am obsessed with them, and I’ll miss them as the last depart the region in several weeks. Here is hoping that winter population counts are strong this year. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch Butterfly Release
I raised a couple of Monarch caterpillars this August, something I had not done since I was a child. I collected them and ended up feeding them from my own supply of swamp milkweed leaves that went otherwise unused. While many pollinators visited to enjoy the nectar of the flowers, I did not note any Monarchs in the yard or find any eggs. A couple weeks ago I noticed each chrysalis was turning black not far apart from one another, and by late that morning they’d emerged. I released them onto my coneflowers after their wings dried, and one of the two females provided me a chance to...
Read MoreFemale House Finch
This female House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is already a feeder friend – have you filled your bird feeding stations yet this fall?
Read MoreMonarch Profile
How much more crisp and gorgeous can a Monarch get? We are still seeing caterpillars but the butterflies are starting to get a move on to the south now…good journey, friends!
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