Winter Raptor Internship
There are a number of bird species that call Chautauqua County their home. In particular, there are two species, Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) listed as ‘threatened’ and Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus), listed as ‘endangered’ in New York. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is now in its third year of helping the DEC conduct surveys for these birds. The primary focus of these surveys is to determine where Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls are spending their time to roost and feed during the winter months. The Northern Harrier is rather distinctive from a long distance with a slim,...
Read MoreNorthern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
Can anyone say cute?! If you’re a mouse or small songbird, you likely wouldn’t be saying that within ear shot of this owl! The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a pint sized predator that is actually quite ferocious when it comes to hunting. Thanks to their nocturnal nature and silent strike, prey don’t even hear them coming. Interestingly, once these owls catch a meal, they often don’t eat it all at once. Saw-whets will eat part of their meal and then save some for leftovers… Yummy right? As autumn continues keep an ear out for these little owls, you...
Read MoreBlack-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)
For those of you that guessed Black-throated Blue Warbler for our confusing fall warbler question, you would be correct! As you may have noticed both the prior photo and this photo of the Black-throated Blue Warbler features them in-hand after receiving a small silver band on one of their legs. While the birds migrate from the northeast, upon their return and possible recapture, ornithologists can gather a great deal of data as to where the birds may have traveled to, whether they return to the same breeding grounds year after year as well as what their overall state of health appears to be....
Read MoreArctic Visitors
With the recent snows and plummeting temperatures, the Snowy Owls within the area are feeling right at home in the tundra like conditions. These arctic visitors, that typically visit the region’s many snowy and seemingly barren fields in an irregular fashion, are in full force for a second year with multiple sightings throughout Chautauqua County. While most of us are cooped up inside protecting ourselves from the elements, these owls endure the weather while perching themselves on good vantage points within fields or along beaches, getting an owl’s eye view in search of small...
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