Northern Pintails: male and female
As we get deeper into autumn we also receive a greater diversity of waterfowl joining us in the Northeast. I wanted to share some photos of male and female Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) that I took last week in the middle of a large flock of Mallard and American Black Duck. Some of them were more interested in mating than anything else making it difficult for the Pintails trying to feed, preen and stretch. I noticed the male first due to its distinctive plumage that always helps it stands out well in a crowd. Northern Pintails are slender birds and males have a long, pointed tail that help...
Read MoreWater Testing
This week we have been getting outside collecting water samples and running some tests looking for specific elements in the waters of the Chadakoin River. The resulting data will give us more insight into the water quality of the river and the tolerances the Spiny Softshell Turtles appear to have to the existing conditions. We tested temperature and dissolved oxygen levels with our SUNY Jamestown Community College interns and Jan Bowman, JCC professor of biology, and will be testing for levels of phosphorous and nitrogen as well. Spiny Softshell Turtles are rather sensitive to pollutants, so...
Read MoreAmerican Pipit (Anthus rubescens) in HD
Right now the migrating American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) can be found on farms and fields in areas such as Chautauqua County to the shores of Lake Erie or the Atlantic Coast. You may see one individual or you may see dozens. This HD video shows how much they as a species enjoy bobbing their tails. It may be a “drab” bird due to its preference for open areas but it certainly has an understated zest.
Read MoreMigrant 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 MoreLeaves are leaving
This is a picture of the Chadakoin River before all of yesterday’s formidable gusts blew away much of our fall foliage here in Jamestown. Yep, the leaves are leaving. What makes me shake my head is how low the water level has been lately as our precipitation has fallen back to near average or below after a very wet summer. We sure could have used these conditions for Spiny Softshell Turtle work the rest of the year when they were more active, nesting and basking in strong numbers. The weather shapes all of the life around us in both positive and negative ways. This is also why active...
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