Sun in the Forest
Happy Fourth of July weekend! We hope you enjoy the holiday and get outdoors for a hike under the beautiful summer tree canopy and bright sunshine. Find something new in the woods near you!
Read MoreSummer Sun
Here’s a weekend project for you – yep, more homework! Go find the sun and bask in it however you please Discover a place outdoors or more life that you have never seen before during this sensational summer weather Be reminded why the blue sky against the green landscape is one of the best sights there is Enjoy every moment of it that you can with your friends and family!
Read MorePrairie Warbler
This male Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) put on a sensational display for us last Sunday all while singing away and finding plenty to eat after his journey the previous night. It took a few hours to finally see the bird after hearing the rising, buzzy song repeatedly in the morning. The sun was shining brightly high in the sky by the time he came out into the open, giving the yellow warbler an even brighter glow while foraging in these willows. The Prairie Warbler is one of those species that perplexes me in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region. I feel like there should be more of them in...
Read MoreBlue Jay
This Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) was in the shade on a sunny April day, nevertheless showing off blue hues against a blue sky and flying around with its mate. In this case the blues are not as blue as they could be because they are not actually blue. Huh? Their feather barb cells are specially modified scatter light in a way that makes them appear blue instead of what would be brown melanin, and if this bird flew into the sunlight then it would pop even more. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreEastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Recently I heard a little rustling in the leaves around me while I was watching some warblers (what a birder, I know) with a distinctive and familiar sort of sound. Sure enough, this Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) was slithering as I had disturbed it while it was sunning on the edge of a pond. I stepped back to let it be and snapped this shot with my 500mm before continuing on. Go see what you can find on the ground, in the air, and in the trees outdoors this weekend! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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