Leafcutter Bee
This is a female Leafcutter Bee (Megachile sp.), and as you can see from her large mandibles she cuts leaves of vegetation to build nests. They make their nests in the ground and take the small clippings down the hole to line the interior. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Connecticut for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreJumping Spider
This looks to be a jumping spider, though what species I cannot say for sure – I am no spider expert and this is as good of a look as I got from afar. It was hunting a local pond as so much more life is suddenly jumping out at this point of the spring. Why are “we” as a people so afraid of spiders anyway? With such a tiny percentage of all spiders having the ability to do us any potential harm we should probably stop worrying about them already! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach
Read MoreJagged Ambush Bug
The Jagged Ambush Bug (Phymata sp.) hides out on flowers, waiting for the opportune time to strike out and catch prey. These interesting looking insects can even mimic sounds to attract insect species to get a little too close them. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Connecticut for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreGrasshopper Sparrow
I photographed this Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) last week on a dreary and foggy morning in grasslands known to be a spring migratory site for the species. It was busy feeding in the mist, generally avoiding any picturesque views, as is typical for the species. It had even been singing the previous day! RTPI staff documented confirmed breeding of Henslow’s Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows at the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport (KJHW) during the summer of 2013. Both species are listed as New York endangered species with the Henslow’s Sparrow classified as ‘threatened’ and...
Read MoreTree Hollow
I always walk past this decaying dogwood tree hoping to find something in here – a roosting owl, the beginning of a nest, some small mammal crammed in there for a nap. It is probably in too open of an area for anything, but my hope remains. Someday, something…always keep an eye open for shelters like this one, and one day you may end up with a little gift. Once again, this is why we should leave our dying or dead woody vegetation in place. At least it serves as a place to grab a meal. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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