I have been smelling them and also been seeing their tracks but last night was my first of the year Skunk running around! We probably saw 3 different ones out on the roads last night! (CHECK)
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Long-tailed ducks
By: Pat Coate
Had a lot of fun on Monday birding in Buffalo with Joe and Bert. We started at the Erie Basin Marina where the focus was on gulls. Using their scopes, Joe and Bert picked out Glaucous and Iceland gulls from the more run-of-the-mill and abundant Herring and Ring-billed gulls; Great Black-backed were also present. Among the ducks were Canvasbacks, a life bird for me.
This week I had my first Tufted Titmouse of the year (CHECK). Wednesday I also had 2 White Winged Crossbills over on the Quaker side of Allegany State Park (CHECK). That takes me up to 44 species for the year.
Weather is changing and the birds should be rolling in here soon.
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By: Pat Coate
A trek along the Allegheny River Trail earlier in the week yielded these unusual tree rings. Best guess is they formed as the partially frozen river receded after being swollen by recent rain and melting snow.
Jim A., aka Tree Master, if this guess is not right please let me know how these rings form – thanks!!
However they formed, they were beautiful to see.
The birds were up bright and early this morning getting ready for the huge storm that is going to hit us. Are you ready for this storm?
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American Tree Sparrow
By: Pat Coate
Sparrows are often referred to as “LBJs”, or Little Brown Jobs, among birders. Many species can be difficult to distinguish due to subtle differences in field marks and others due to their skulking behavior making getting a good look hard to come by. So, when a firm ID cannot be made, the “LBJ” column gets checked.
The East Aurora Bird Club recently held a helpful workshop on identifying some of the more common species in our area. Shortly afterwards I came across this very photogenic American Tree Sparrow, which gave me a chance to try out my new found ID skills.
Enjoying the sun . . . . after Ground Hogs Day the birds start singing. Today I heard my first Northern Cardinal singing its heart out.
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Early visitor to the Western New York area but this morning I had my very first of the year Yellow-bellied Sapsucker here in Allegany State Park (CHECK). That is species number 42 for the year.
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To all my Blogging friends; I Allegany Tom on the 2nd of February 2013 did not see my shadow when I woke up this morning. I predict that spring will come early this year!! I just love this holidays and on a side note . . . . Punxstawney Phil also did not see his shadow this morning!
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Tundra Swans
By: Pat Coate
While driving along West River Parkway on Grand Island I saw several groups of tundra swans swimming and feeding near shore. In total, there were at least 30 swans – the most I have ever seen at one time.
Welcome to the mon@rch nature blog and I hope you join us in some of our nature adventures through the Allegany State Park area!
I am a naturalist, field biologist and nature photographer from the Western New York area. I have started exploring nature writing through this blog and it truly has been fun sharing my numerous adventures with everyone. Thanks to the many other authors that help me with my post and they will be sharing some of their nature explorations.
I have always had a latent interest in birds and photography and have been lucky enough to find time to explore these interests over the last few years. I am very thankful to the Cattaraugus County Bird Club for getting me started, sharing their wealth of knowledge and for their wonderful programs. And many thanks to Tom for letting me share some of my adventures and photos on the Monarch Nature Blog.
Thank you for taking the time visiting and commenting on this blog.
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