Mon@rch's Nature Blog

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Last Nights Salamanders

You need to be fast for the perfect Salamander photo!

By 8pm the migration had not started yet . . . . . but our sprinkles were quickly turning into heavier drops!! We investigated the Vernal Pools again by 10:30pm and were welcomed by a few amphibians just starting their migration! The migration of the Spotted Salamanders only happen a few nights a year when we receive the first warm rain of the season. I am busy with my time right now but promise my next post will include the full details on our amazing night!! Here are just a few teaser photos for everyone!
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Posted by mon@rch | 19 March 2009 | Categories: Flickr, migration, Nature, Salamander | Tags: spotted salamander, Spring Peeper, Wood Frog | 15 Comments

Bluebirds are in the yard!

Female Eastern Bluebird from my 2008 photos!

I heard my first Eastern Bluebird singing around the nest boxes in the backyard today. It is amazing how a simple little song can get someone so excited! I suddenly went into dream-land thinking about what I should be expecting throughout the summer in my boxes . . . .
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Posted by mon@rch | 18 March 2009 | Categories: Bird Banding, Birds, Flickr, Nature, photography | Tags: Box, Chick, Eastern Bluebird, Egg, nest, Nestling | 16 Comments

Cootest Wordless Wednesday Ever

American Coot

This fun American Coot was walking the runway for me on Saturday and I thought it would be the Cootest Wordless Wednesday to publish!
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Posted by mon@rch | 17 March 2009 | Categories: Birds, Flickr, Nature, photography | Tags: adorable, American Coot, Coot, cute, cuteness, Wordless Wednesday | 22 Comments

back to birding

Common Goldeneye

I took advantage of the sunny day on Saturday with a great day of birding with 51 different species observed! I have been a little busy the past few weeks and this birding adventure was very much needed (what can I say, I am a birder!)! I started the morning over at Chautauqua Lake outlet in Celoron and ran into a few birding friends (great seeing Bob and Jim).
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Posted by mon@rch | 16 March 2009 | Categories: Birds, Flickr, migration, Nature, photography | Tags: Celoron, Chautauqua Lake | 21 Comments

Streams and Creeks

The main waterfall at Bridal Falls

Just a few random steam and creek photos that I have taken over the years from the Allegany State Park area!
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Posted by mon@rch | 12 March 2009 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Flickr, Nature, photography | Tags: brook trout, crayfish, Creek, Stream, trout, water, waterfalls | 28 Comments

CHECK [Wordless Wednesday]

Tundra Swans (CHECK) 3/10/09

Just catching up with my first of the years for 2009 (all older photos)!
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Posted by mon@rch | 10 March 2009 | Categories: Birds, Flickr, Nature, photography | Tags: 2009, check, word, Wordless Wednesday | 17 Comments

My Bird Watcher

Phoebe watching the birdies!

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Posted by mon@rch | 9 March 2009 | Categories: Flickr, photography | Tags: cat, eye, Pets, Phoebe | 21 Comments

Snapping Turtle walking on the Ice

Yes that is a Snapping Turtle on the Ice

You always need to be ready to expect the unexpected and last Friday was one of those days. I have seen Amphibians climbing over the ice and snow to get to their vernal pools (which should be happening soon) . . . . but I never thought about Reptiles enjoying winter sports!!! Friday I found this Snapping Turtle ice skating across Red House Lake in Allegany State Park and so I asked this turtle, “Dude . . . . what are you thinking?”
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Posted by mon@rch | 8 March 2009 | Categories: Allegany State Park, Flickr, Nature, photography, Science, Turtle | Tags: Ice, Reptiles, Snapping Turtle, Snow | 40 Comments