Migrant Monarch
Today I was thrilled to see several dozen Monarch butterflies as I surveyed a classic fall migration spot on the Connecticut coast. While this total may far under historic sums seen there it is still better than the last couple of years. This male, sexed by the black patches on the hind wings, was one of the more cooperatives individuals. I’ll share more photos of them all week. What are your Monarch counts looking like? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreCommon Green Darners still moving
After a scorching day on Tuesday (OK, in relative mid-October temperature terms) with highs into the 80s in Western New York it is a good time to remember there are still some dragonflies migrating through our region and they are active on such cooperative days. Common Green Darners (Anax junius) are on the move and may represent some of the last green you see this year…or maybe not if they are resting or warming in pine trees like this one. What a summer feel!
Read MoreA warm fall day
Temperatures are soaring upwards today to the mid 70s and the strong southerly flow responsible for the rise is taking a toll on the foliage! It even hit 80 in Buffalo. Get outdoors today and come visit us at RTPI as dozens of other visitors have already this Tuesday. Here’s a view from behind our building where folks are watching birds and enjoying the air.
Read MoreBlue Jays on the move?
Whether I have been in New York, Pennsylvania or Connecticut recently it feels like everywhere I turn I see a Blue Jay. Whether it’s one, two, several or more they are filling up every bit of land they can find. I mean this quite literally – every time I walk outside of RTPI it seems as if there are Blue Jays active all over the place. Considering the calendar it occurred to me that we are probably experiencing an influx of migrant Blue Jays. Being such common backyard birds and a widely adaptable species it can be difficult to discern when a Blue Jay movement is taking place. We...
Read MoreWired world of swallows
Sometimes I think the swallows would hate a wireless world most of all. Tree, Barn, Northern Rough-winged, Bank, Cliff and a Purple Martin or two can still all be seen trying to head south. Aerial insectivores have to go where the food is flying or they’ll be in deep trouble. We need to rely more on them to clean our skies rather than chemicals which harm us all.
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