Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Forget-me, forget-me-not. The true forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) is a common sight in moist areas throughout the region. Originally introduced from Europe and Asia, these little flowers are typical garden escapees that creep their way across an area using their fibrous roots. While you typically see them in small patches here or there, the forget-me-not can make itself unforgettable by populating an area and forming monocultures. If you plant these cute little blue flowers in your garden, just be sure not to forget about them so that they don’t creep away into areas they...
Read MoreFour toes, white belly, must be a: Four Toed Salamander!
Hello! I am a female Hemidactylium scutatum, or for those that prefer common names, four toed salamander. My name is quite literal as it refers to the fact that I only have four toes on my hind limbs whereas other amphibians typically have five. I am a member of the Plethodontidae family, so like my relatives I do not have lungs and rely on oxygen exchange through my wet skin. I happily live within moist woodlands throughout New York State, but I’m very secretive and hide myself near swamps, bogs, small ponds or seeps. During the spring, I will move to mossy areas to find a suitable...
Read MoreMarsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) by Scott Kruitbosch
The clattering of several Marsh Wrens was a pleasant surprise for me today in Jamestown. While not unexpected the species was assuredly absent from my mind this morning until I heard that familiar sound.
Read MoreBlue-winged Teal (Anas discors) by Scott Kruitbosch
More ducks! Can you ID the pair in this photo? Those are Blue-winged Teal looking beautiful in a local marsh earlier this morning. Coming from Connecticut I certainly appreciate seeing them in breeding season as the nesting population is listed as “Threatened” in the CT Endangered Species Act.
Read MoreAmphibians emerging
Yesterday it was over 50 degrees and raining in Western New York and more warm and wet weather will be on the way – ideal conditions for frogs, toads and salamanders to emerge from hibernation and start migrating to a nearby wetland at night! Please slow down for salamanders and frogs when you’re driving back roads near wetlands – even when they don’t get crushed by your tires, the slipstream generated underneath a vehicle when you’re moving more than 20-25 MPH will pick these animals up from the road surface and slam them into the underside of your car…...
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