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TV and Robins

Turkey Vulture

I have been seeing Turkey Vultures flying most everywhere this past week. They are such neat birds!! After a dusting of snow last night the Robin’s are flocking to the roads. I just love this time of the year! But make sure you drive slow as to not hit any!
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Posted by mon@rch | 26 March 2010 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Birds, Flickr, Nature, photography | 3 Comments

Salamander Movement Tonight

Spotted Salamander Smile

Allegany State Park has had some outstanding temperatures recently and I have been anticipating this night for the past few weeks! The migration of the Spotted Salamander starts each spring when these yellow spotted creatures emerge from the ground and slowly work their way towards their breeding pools.
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Posted by mon@rch | 22 March 2010 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Flickr, migration, Nature, photography, Salamander, Science, Weather | 9 Comments

Peterson Field Guide to the Birds [book review]

This month Houghton Mifflin revised the Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America (4th edition) after not being updated in nearly 20 years. The Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America (6th edition) was also revised and was released on March 14th 2010. Both books include the many name changes and taxonomic splits and lumps, along with its typical Peterson style maps and arrows. These revisions include updated text and 40 new paintings for two series of books. New to these revisions include over 3 hours of downloadable Video Podcasts from many different categories.
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Posted by mon@rch | 22 March 2010 | Categories: Birds, Nature, Ornithology, Science | Tags: Book Reveiw, Eastern and Central North American, Field Guide, Peterson Field Guide to Birds, Roger Tory Peterson, Western North America | 3 Comments

Butterflies Courtship and Nest Building

Mourning Cloak

Temperatures reached in the 60’s yesterday with my first butterfly of the year “Mourning Cloak” (CHECK), courtship displays from Red-shouldered Hawks, and American Crows gathering nesting material. True signs that spring has finally arrived.
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Posted by mon@rch | 20 March 2010 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Birds, bugs, Butterflies, Flickr, Nature, photography | 3 Comments

Beaver and Black Cherry

Sometimes you go out of your way to keep the Beavers from chewing the
trees. Found more proof today that nature always finds loop holes!

Uploaded Via my iPhone!

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Posted by mon@rch | 19 March 2010 | Categories: Nature | 2 Comments

Grebe and Killdeer

Horned Grebe

I had a great yesterday. Red House Lake showed a few Horned Grebe’s (CHECK) swimming around with the Canada Goose. It was great seeing them along with Buffleheads and Wood ducks. I just love this time of the year!!!
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Posted by mon@rch | 19 March 2010 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Birds, Flickr, migration, Nature | 6 Comments

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow photo from May 2008

Had my first Song Sparrow for 2010 today (CHECK)! I actually saw many along Red House Lake while walking the dog but only heard one singing near the house this morning.
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Posted by mon@rch | 17 March 2010 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Birds, Flickr, migration, Nature | 2 Comments

Saint Green

Colt’s Foot

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day everyone! Had my first of the year Colt’s Foot yesterday . . . . Almost green but more yellow!! Plants should be green soon!! CHEERS
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Posted by mon@rch | 17 March 2010 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Flickr, Nature, Wildflowers | Tags: Colts Foot | 1 Comment