Spring Amphibians
The past couple of weeks while we have been out surveying migrating birds and spring ephemeral flowers, we have also seen lots of amphibian activity as well. Last week while up at College Lodge, we came across a few very productive vernal pools. The water levels were relatively low, causing a bit of concern that the pools may dry up before the amphibians could develop from tadpoles and larvae to land conquering salamanders and frogs. However, all this week’s rains have filled up the pools nicely, giving more time for the amphibians to develop. Here are a few photos of our findings....
Read MoreMystery Fern
Earlier this week while we were surveying a potential property for the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, we came across this interesting fern. Any idea of what it is? I’ll give you a hint, it is named after a bird since the fertile and sterile fronds looks very similar to the feather plumes of this particular species. Give up already? It’s Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), a terrestrial fern relatively common to the area’s floodplains and rich woods.
Read MoreMay bird migrants
I’ve spent upwards of 60 hours in the field in the last week with most of my time spent surveying for birds (besides butterflies, dragonflies/damselflies, amphibians, reptiles, plants, you know..basically everything!) and here are more of the photos I’ve taken of a bunch of species. From May 6 to May 10, without trying to accumulate a high count and simply working on specific properties, I saw 141 bird species in Chautauqua County. What were they, you ask? Here’s all of them! Canada Goose Wood Duck Gadwall American Black Duck Mallard Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler...
Read MoreMay wildflowers and migrants walk, invasive training
I wanted to make sure to call everyone’s attention to two events we have coming up this May at RTPI. The first is a walk coming up on May 10 and there are a few open slots remaining! “Birds, Blooms, Butterflies, and Amphibian Breeders” field trip series – April and May 2014 Springtime Field Experiences of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History Co-led by Mark Baldwin and Terry Mosher These field trips are for all levels of experience and are limited to the first 20 who register. The nominal fee of $20 for each trip helps defray the cost of transportation provided. All...
Read MoreRough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) by Twan Leenders
This Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) was recently seen in a snow squall at Dunkirk Airport here in Chautauqua County, New York. RTPI staff and volunteers are continuing to search for wintering Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) and Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) across the region in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and recording other birds like this along the way as well. Please let us know if you have seen either of the two focal species this season! Email your sightings to RTPI’s Conservation & Outreach Coordinator Scott Kruitbosch...
Read More
