December El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Diagnostic Discussion
Looking for winter in the east? You might be looking to travel for it! The December El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Diagnostic Discussion that came out today says… Synopsis: El Niño is expected to remain strong through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2015-16, with a transition to ENSO-neutral anticipated during late spring or early summer 2016. “Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of above-median precipitation across the southern tier of the United States, and below-median precipitation over the northern tier of the United States. Above-average temperatures are...
Read MoreHooded Mergansers
It has been a great autumn for Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) even as we near the end of the season, with all of the above-average temperatures, little ice and rarely seen snow. Courting is well underway for these birds as you can see by the striking black-and-white crests being displayed by the drakes. The several hens present on this pond were mostly preoccupied with trying to take a nap or grabbing a bite to eat. The boys kept swimming after them, vocalizing and trying their best to get some attention. When it comes time to breed these birds will be making their nests in tree...
Read MoreWhite Ibis
The White Ibis has a spectacularly appealing appearance from head to toe, this one seen foraging on a beach in Florida. This is a bird of the deep south, though rarely one confused individual can wander further north. I always think of the species around this time of year after seeing a juvenile in my hometown in Connecticut in December years ago! Do you have more long-legged waders than usual in your area as we enter the holiday season? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBrant
Very few waterfowl species have been seen in any sizable numbers consistently in Long Island Sound in November and early December. Some of the chillier night air, along with the calendar, is finally pushing additional birds more to the south. One exception has been the Atlantic Brant, with hundreds of birds being seen on many days. They are starting to dwindle as they head for even warmer quarters as finally more American Black Duck, Gadwall, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated and Common Loons, American Wigeon and others arrive. Even while noting additional species their overall abundance...
Read MoreSea Star Snack
Anyone care for a sea star snack? The gulls have it easy – from landfills to parking lots to shores there always seems to be a lot for them to eat year-round compared to some other starving species. I will say this…that does not look like it would feel good going down. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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