Snowy February
With the sort of active, stormy and snowy weather we have been experiencing in the last few weeks the landscape takes on a very different appearance. Heavy snow in desolate, mature woodlands covers everything and leaves only hints of colors. Did you even notice that this photo is actually really and truly black and white?
Read MoreWood Duck Pair
If you live in or near wet woodlands, or even in a neighborhood with some forest habitat and a small pond, perhaps you will be fortunate enough to have Wood Ducks frequenting the area. During the winter months it is a good time to consider what you want to do with your yard and home to help birds. Determining what nest boxes you can erect in a few months for the spring arrivals and local breeding species can be a great activity on a quiet day. Wood Ducks like the cute couple pictured will already be pairing up next month!
Read More‘Help Me!’ Local Trees Are Calling for Help
Area conservation organizations and citizens join hands to prevent spread of devastating forest pests Collaborative Forest Pest Project – Information Session December 4th from 6:00-7:30pm at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown Quietly infiltrating the great expanse of forests throughout New York State, invasive pest species are wreaking havoc on countless ecologically and economically valuable trees. As potentially devastating pests such as Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an aphid-like insect targeting Eastern Hemlock trees, and Emerald Ash...
Read MorePeterson Field Guides
Throwback Thursday to the original! It was now over 80 years ago that Roger Tory Peterson’s A Field Guide to the Birds was first released – April 27, 1934. It was and still is a catalyst that sparks a passion for bird watching in millions of people. It is a powerful tool in the conservation movement to support environmental awareness, understanding and stewardship. Keep the momentum going by venturing out into the chilly air with your favorite Peterson’s guide for a walk in the woods or even by staying cozy indoors and enjoying “your” birds at home through the...
Read MoreTufted Titmouse digging in leaf litter
Can you identify this bird with its back to us? The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) does not have legs and feet specifically designed to scratch at the earth that many sparrows possess. Even if it did they would have a tough time getting through these layers of leaves. This bird was ripping away with its bill, leaf by leaf, sifting through them to find some food. It was an organized, frantic and impressively strong leaf tossing frenzy. Good hunting, little one!
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