Sping Animals are Fun to Watch
This time of the year I find myself bombarded with things to write about but very little time to actually do the writing. I will try to focus on some important things instead of every little encounter that I had. Yesterday morning the Eastern Bluebirds were actively singing around my bluebird box and I am soo pleased to have them around. Not sure how I am going to accomplish this but I am currently trying to come up with a plan on getting some video of these guys for the blog. While working on the computer in my office there was a wonderful little song coming through my window. I had to think for a few second “who is this bird” and then it hit me “Brown Creeper”. The Brown Creeper is a common little brown bird which is rarely seen but commonly heard singing in the springtime. (more…)
Stinky Bug
Whenever the outside temperatures start warming up, we will get many flies and ladybugs around the house. Living in the woods for the past three years has introduced me to a new resident living with me over the winter months. I had always called this a “stink bug” because whenever someone accidentally steps on one or grab it quickly the bug will produce an unpleasant odor. It has only been recently that I started to investigate the proper identification of this insect. I am proud to introduce you to my new room mate Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis).
Salamander Migration
Spring is a magnificent time of the year when nature does so many wonderful things. This is when I find myself on a set routine waiting for the next major natural event to happen (and it normally happens right on schedule). My biggest and most favorite activity to participate in is the migration of the Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum).
Bluebirds, Phoebe and Osprey
There have been soooo many “nature” things going on and I don’t even know where to start. I got back from Massachusetts on Sunday and realized that all 4-5 inches of snow had melted. These are the wonderful turning points in the weather where I could be spending all my time focused on the critters (but I need to work to pay the bills). I quickly opened all my windows so my kitties could get some fresh air and there was the “wonderful” sound of Eastern Bluebirds down near my bluebird box. Monday morning the Bluebirds were actively adding nesting material to the box and I plan on trying to get a video clip of them once I get a little more time.
Road Trip
Tomorrow morning I am off to Cape Cod for the weekend. I am expecting to get some lifers since I have never done any east coast ocean birding before. The hotel will have wireless internet in it, so expect some updates while I am out on my trip. I will leave everyone with these Tree Sparrow photos that I captured this morning. (more…)
Spring Dusk Birding!
This evening I went searching to see if our American Woodcocks have arrived. Not long after sunset, one of the Great Horned Owls started vocalizing (only one individual this time). It wasn’t long and I saw this silhouette of the Great Horned Owl fly across the sky! I had only wished my camera wasn’t sitting in the truck. I continued to watch this silhouette fly from tree top to tree top looking for something to eat (or a good place to sit). I sure hope they are not hunting my woodcocks??
While leaning up against my truck, I was starting to believe the American Woodcocks hadn’t arrived yet …… but then I hear it ….. Peent…… Peent ……Peent… (CHECK, first of the year) few minutes later I hear a second bird .. Peent……. Peent ……. Peent … Peent…..then they starting doing their twittering flight display way up into the sky! I was lucky able to follow two of their flights up into sky! What joy this is watching such wonderful birds on the beginning of spring. I continued listening to three different birds doing their display till almost twilight (then there was silence again). They were too far away from the road to capture any video clips/pictures. Once I return from my conference, I plan on hiking through the snow and get some up close video clips of them doing their display (I promise).
BTW: I had a major scare this morning. Pulled the 400mm lens out to try and capture a few pictures of the Fox Sparrows. Hmm, error!! Hmmm still erroring! Hmmm ….. I can’t seem to be able to take any pictures!! hmmm (ok, now you can start changing the hmmm’s with words that I should be typing)! I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t able to capture any photos with my 400mm!! Kit lens, no problems! Hmmm, after many hours assuming my lens died just before my big trip to Cape Cod something came to me by a fluke. I realized that my manual f-stop ring had moved. In digital SLR’s your older lenses irises need to be opened up all the way before the body can properly register the lens….. YEAH!! Mystery solved! Once again I am to take pictures again and the world hasn’t come to an end!
Dark-eyed Junco Behavior and Vocalization
You can learn a great deal about a bird once you begin watching their behaviors. There is no better time to start observing these behaviors than during the spring months when the birds are just starting establishing their territories. The Dark-eyed Junco or also known as the Slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemalis) is one of Allegany State Park’s early species that are just beginning to sing. Before we learning their song, here is a video for you to become better familiar with two of their calls. (more…)
Such a Warm Stinking Flower
As promised, I have finally gotten around to writing something about Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). My interest in this flower started late last week when two of my friends were posting pictures of their first of the year wildlfower; Jennifer photo 1, photo 2, and photo 3 & Salamanderdance photo 1 and photo 2. But, after thinking about it, this isn’t my first wildflower for 2007. In January before the 2007 “Ice Age”, I saw dandelions growing out on the lawn. So, this really is my 2nd flower species for 2007 but, does very much feel like my 1st flower also this year.
You might ask why this is a remarkable wildflower? (more…)
Change of Plans!
I first intended this post to include a wonderful in-depth discussion on Eastern Skunk Cabbage!! But, things just continue to occur which has kept me from writing it (high school friend called, cat puked, ect…)! So, I have decided that instead of writing a half ass post that I am going to hold off till tomorrow. I hope this White-tailed Deer video clip that I captured on Sunday will make up for my laziness.
Although, I am pleased to report more signs of spring are still becoming apparent! Today I saw my first Red-shouldered Hawk this season displaying high up in the sky. CHECK – Great part is that I didn’t see one, but three different males displaying in three different locations here in Allegany State Park! Even though they wouldn’t allow me to photograph them, they are still my favorite of all hawks!
Things you find at dusk!
This evening I went out searching for some early arrivals of the American Woodcock here in Allegany State Park. My searching started close to dusk where I almost stepped on a caterpillar while getting out of my truck. Not exactly sure which species of caterpillar this is but looks like it could be in the dagger family (See photo below). Finding this little fuzzy caterpillar had encouraged me to continued searching for little things on the pavement. It didn’t take long before I located another caterpillar called the Woolly Bear. But, this one wasn’t photographable because it was about as flat as a quarter. You can only find on so many dead Woolly Bears on the pavement before you start focusing your energy on something else (like unusual sounds).
Didn’t take long before I heard my first sound of the night …. Could it be the twittering sounds of the woodcock during its display?? …. (more…)
Could spring be near?
Rumor has it that spring temperatures will be around for this next week and there have been many signs that just maybe spring is finally starting to get close. Yesterday I heard one of those familiar signs during my walk around Red House Lake!! (more…)
Wordless Wednesday (ok a few words)
Goldfinch visiting me just outside the Administration Building here in Allegany State Park, NY
Took the Wordless Wednesday idea from Barbara. Wait, have I said too much already?? Darn!
Finding things on the snow!
While coming home from work yesterday, I accidentally flushed a Red-tailed Hawk doing something behind the house. You know that look on a child’s face that something just happened and there is no way that they are going to tell you? Well, this was the same feeling I had with this Red-tailed Hawk who took off carrying something in its talons. I would have loved to follow it for a good photo opportunity but I needed to get the cats fed and get ready for the Kenn Kaufman talk. I did hiked through the deep snow for CSI – TOM to investigate those fallen remnants from under its perch (before I rudely interrupted is dinner). (more…)
Grounded with no where to go!!
This morning a fellow employee came into the office saying “Tom, we have an injured bird in the snow!!” He told me how “a bird watcher found this bird and asked if he would go get some help”. I agreed to help out and while looking for a box; I started asking questions like “how big was it?”, “what was it doing” etc.. I quickly realized that the bird being described was probably a grebe species. I went down the hall and asked “Randy” a fellow naturalist to give me a hand with the bird. (more…)
-2.9° to 42.4°F in 36 hours
Over the past 36 hours we have had a temperature change 45.3° degrees! To put that into perspective, if we had a low temperature of 55°F and had the same temperature change within 36 hours; we would be looking at it being 100°F outside!! Isn’t that crazy?
Here is my GOOD / BAD thoughts regarding this temperature changes.
| Spring is getting closer | Very muddy and ugly outside |
| Things are finally starting to melt | Soon will have flooding |
| More time outside | Treadmill gets dusty |
| Take more pictures | Less time to watch Ellen |
| Furnace doesn’t run as long | House in generally colder |
| Cats don’t lay on furnace vents as much | Cats are laying on me more |
| No more shoveling | Will probably snow again |
This evening I went for a quick walk around Red House Lake. I hoped to try and capture a bunch of pictures but the rain just made it too dark (and kinglets were too high up in the trees). Although taken with high ISO, there were 3 American Robins feeding on some berries. This was my only opportunity for a photo.
HAPPY FAT TUESDAY EVERYONE!
Bird Feeders and Sleeping Birds
Yesterday I started feeding the birds again after the feral cat took the cardinal a few weeks ago. Rumors have it that the cat was seen about a mile + away from my house. I hope it lost some interested with my empty feeder and gets lost in the deep woods. I will keep my eye open for any cat tracks and if found again, I will stop feeding for a second time. I enjoyed seeing my feathered friends again during my lunch break. I was amazed that chickadees returned within minutes of placing the feeder back in its spot on the tree.
Bear Safty Education
Recently the park obtained a large, male, black bear from the Department of Environmental Conservation. The bear was killed out of season by a deer hunter who clamed that it attacked him. It was donated to the park for educational purposes. A taxidermist mounted the head and front paws, and prepared the skull. These are materials the park naturalists will use for the Bear Safety program. Bear Safety was added to the list of program offerings in an effort to educate campers to the dangers of feeding and getting close to bears. Bears in the park are used to people, and they seem tame. Even so, they are still potentially dangerous wild animals.
The right side of the skull of a big male black bear. The canine teeth (fangs) are normal. (more…)
Can-Am Dog Sled Race in Allegany State Park
Today the Canadian-American Dog Sledders had one of their annual dog sled races here in Allegany State Park, NY. It is so much fun watching the team of dogs work together in reaching the finish line. Below are some photos from the day and then a video clip as requested.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Today we had a heat wave with temperatures in the 20’s F and an additional 3-4 inches of powder on the ground. Something just gave me the urge to head out and have some fun this evening! After work I quickly fed the kitties, watched Ellen and pulled out my skiing equipment. I was successful in making it out on the hill within an hour’s time. The tracks were perfect in every way and quickly changed into my skiing boots!! This is the first I have gone cross country skiing since the 2005 season!! Last year we never had enough snow for good tracks and this years conditions became good once it was extremely cold (and I became a wimp and didn’t go)!!
The sounds of the two skis clapping against the snow are true sounds of happiness! I always love an adventure so 75% of the time I do this in the pitch dark!! Lucky I had my headlamp with me and know the trails extremely well!! Did I mention how nice it was getting out on the trails again?? I headed home after being tired from the wonderful workout. Lucky there was a little milk left in my fridge so that I could make some hot chocolate and relax with my laptop to write this posting.
I also wanted to include this video clip from last weekends snowboarding adventure with my banding assistants!! Young naturalist J (snowboarder) and his father (skier) were in this clip while young naturalist C took this 5 minute clip with their new camera!! Yep, I said 5 minute clip but I did edited it down to only be 30 seconds long (where you can also see the nature nerd in the gray jacket hogging the camera time)!!
It should be a great post tomorrow because I am heading over to watch the Can-Am Dog-sled Races over on the Quaker Side of Allegany State Park!!
Searching for Food!
I woke up this morning to find that the White-tailed Deer have been playing in the snow again!
I call these snow deer angels
Red-tailed Hawk Feeding on its Prey
I get calls all the time about a hawk that just visited someone’s feeder and they would like to know what kind of hawk is it?? Majority of the time the visitor is an Accipiter species like the Sharp-shinned Hawk or even the Cooper’s Hawk. The Accipiters have longer-tails and shorter-wings which allow them to chase the little birdies through the trees and shrubs. On occasions I have heard about Red-tailed Hawk stalking a feeder. Unlike the Accipiters who hunt by surprise, the Red-tailed Hawks will wait for their prey to come out in the open. The Buteos (which is the genus of the Red-tailed Hawk) have a shorter-tail and longer-wings which will allow them to soaring high up in the sky. They are also known to sit tight on a branch looking for any kind of movement and quickly swoop down on their prey when they are not looking.
Today one of my co-workers yelled down the hall that a Red-tailed Hawk just caught something at the feeder! Quickly I grabbed my camera and ran down the hall to see what happened. I captured a few shots (was a good distance away, sorry about the quality of the photos) and I was amazed how quickly it devoured this small critter. I feel confident that this hawk captured a small mammal due to not finding any feathers (most birds pluck the feathers away) and then closely examination the prey in the photographs. These small mammals could include meadow voles, mice, or even squirrels that might be hiding around the feeder. I have heard stories about how they witnessed a Red-tailed Hawk chasing a squirrel around a tree and then came within inches of actually catching it.
Obviously when a Red-tailed Hawk captures that squirrel the hawk needs to kill its prey as quickly as possible. If they fail to do so, the squirrel could bite the hawks toes and try to force it to let it go. This picture above shows a dead Red-tailed Hawk that was recently brought into the office. After closely inspecting it, we realized that it had numerous bite marks on its feet. Although this bird probably passed away from a vehicle strike, there was always a chance that it could have gotten an infection in its toes and then increased it chances of dieing from starvation (for not being able to use its feet properly).
Fun Day With Naturalist Buddy
I spent a lovely day with Jamestown Audubon Naturalist and Nature Photographer Jen S. here in Allegany State Park today. I am so glad that she suggested that I take some time off from work to enjoy some needed fresh air!! We didn’t go cross-country skiing as planned (I know that I keep on getting out of skiing) but we did hike along some of our snowmobile trails which gave us some great photographic opportunities. The temperatures didn’t feel bad with the sun out but we did still dressed in layers.
Jen captured a photo of me checking out this moth chrysalis. Jen – thanks for giving me permission to use this picture of me!
Jen photographing the texture of this Birch
We also enjoyed checking out the frozen Bridal Falls
Getting over the winter blues!
Seems like there has been all kinds of talk about the fidget temperatures over the past few days and the weather service isn’t expecting any changes till next week sometime. After helping my blogging buddy “Nature Woman” with her video clip; I just knew this 5 second clip would be a perfect reminder that our snow white castle will soon become green again with some sights and sounds of spring.
Here is a video clip of an American Beaver feeding on some Raspberry species and what sounds like a Yellow Warbler singing (and Red-eyed Vireo) in the background. If you listen closely you can even hear this beaver chewing (I am a nature nerd and find that cool). The ear tag was placed on this Beaver as part of a many long term studies by SUNY ESF Forestry students (wish I knew more about the study).
Ok, now back to the real world of -0 F air temperatures and -20 F windchill temperatures! Tomorrow heading out with another Naturalist from Jamestown Audubon to do some Cross-country Skiing on the Art Roscoe Cross-country Skiing trail system here in Allegany State Park!! You can be sure this video will be in the back of my mind once I can’t feel my toes anymore! Please be sure to dress warm everyone!!
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 