tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20970518699379801002011-11-14T19:36:18.131-05:00Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.comBlogger371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-52689947756548290612011-04-29T16:07:00.002-04:002011-04-29T16:15:09.032-04:00<div>4/29</div><div>Dandelions</div><div>Violets blooming!</div><div><br /></div><div>Maple trees leafed out</div><div>Catbird!</div><div><br /></div><div>4/27</div><div>Ruby throated hummingbird!</div><div>American kestral</div><div>Bat at pond</div><div>Red fox!</div><div><br /></div><div>Baby goslings at the pond</div><div>American toad</div><div>Gray tree frogs</div><div>Owl</div><div><br /></div><div>4/26</div><div>Dragonfly!</div><div>Giant Water Bug!</div><div>Predacious Diving Beetle!</div><div><br />Gray tree frogs!</div><div>Bull frog!</div><div>Green frogs!</div><div>American toad!</div><div>Black rat snake</div><div>Baby painted turtels!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Quince bushes flowering</div><div>May Apple foliage</div><div>Jack in the pulpit </div><div>Canada mayflower</div><div>Dogwood blooming</div><div>Tamarac's have needles</div><div><br /></div><div>4/25</div><div>Dandelions!</div><div>Cherry trees blossoming</div><div>Bald eagles</div><div>Red shouldered hawks</div><div>Red tailed hawks</div><div>Geese on the ponds</div><div>Wood duck at wood duck swamp</div><div>Turkeys behind pond - including a bearded hen!</div><div>Deer, deer, everywhere</div><div>Red-efts</div><div>Bunnies</div><div>Opossoms and raccoons </div><div>Painted turtles sunning themselves on warm days</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4/20</div><div>Forsithya blooming</div><div><br /></div><div>4/14</div><div>Garter snake </div><div>Bloodroot flowers blooming!</div><div><br /></div><div>4/11</div><div>Cowbird at feeder</div><div>male and female Wood ducks at swamp</div><div>Bunny rabbit</div><div>Goldfinches!</div><div>Black throated blue warbler!</div><div><br /></div><div>4/10</div><div>Coltsfoot blooming along roadsides</div><div>Tree swallows!</div><div>Daffodils blooming - only a few</div><div>2 kingfishers at pond</div><div>Pickerel frog at swamp</div><div><br /></div><div>4/9</div><div>Trillium and Trout Lily - foliage only, no flowers yet</div><div><br /></div><div>4/8</div><div>Huge gobbler on Emery Road</div><div>Common mergansers and canada geese on Front Pond</div><div><br /></div><div>4/7</div><div>Coltsfoot!!</div><div>Great Blue Heron!</div><div>Red-winged blackbird!</div><div>2 male wood ducks at swamp</div><div><br /></div>4/6<div>Forsithya buds showing.</div><div>Honey suckle leaves BARELY emerging.</div><div>Red maple buds showing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-5268994775654829061?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-24282972275059029132011-04-05T11:37:00.002-04:002011-04-05T11:43:02.939-04:00March update:<div><br /></div><div>3/19</div><div>Beaver on Front Pond.</div><div>Cowbirds and phoebes are back on campus.</div><div>Woodcocks</div><div>Snow fleas</div><div>Skunk Cabbage</div><div><br /></div><div>Salamander search results: 50+ red spotted newts; 20 red backed salamanders; 23 dusky salamanders; 3 two lined salamanders; 2 tadpoles; 1 freezing cold green frog</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3/20</div><div>Sunny, blue skies. SPRING EQUINOX!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3/21</div><div>3-4" snow overnight</div><div>2 canada geese and 2 mallards at swamp</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3/27</div><div>three bald eagles</div><div>hawks</div><div>robins, ravens and crows</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3/29</div><div>Hepatica and dutchmans breeches at Zimmerman Farms (foliage, but no flowers yet)</div><div><br /></div><div>Bear scat at the knoll house</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3/30</div><div>Turkey tracks by vernal pool</div><div>Masses of amphibian eggs in vernal pool</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3/31</div><div>Spring peepers</div><div>Woodcocks</div><div>Canada Geese</div><div>Wild turkeys - gobbling each night on lower campus</div><div><br /></div><div>Honeysuckle leaves are starting to unfurl</div><div>Red maple buds are turning the hillsides a dull red</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4/1</div><div>Wood duck</div><div>Mallards</div><div>Woodcocks</div><div><br /></div><div>1-2" of snow overnight</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4/2 </div><div>Turkeys gobbling</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4/4</div><div>Common mergansers on front pond</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-2428297227505902913?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-7747185461789832302011-03-18T16:38:00.002-04:002011-03-18T16:42:00.717-04:00Painted turtles sunning themselves at the swamp!<div><br /></div><div>Chipmunks are out and about. Lots and lots of gray squirrels are running around.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mourning doves have been calling all day and into the evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>Garter snakes were seen on March 12.</div><div><br /></div><div>American woodcocks were first heard on March 8, and they have been "peenting" every night on campus since then. Dawn and dusk are their busy times, but they've been heard and seen in the black of night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spring peepers have started peeping at the swamp. Last night was the first "choir" that was heard.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-774718546178983230?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-64276556135440936972011-03-11T09:01:00.004-05:002011-03-11T09:03:44.710-05:00Springtime has arrived! Well...the salamanders have!<div><br /></div><div>Last night, we walked along Brisco Mountain Road in the rain, looking for and assisting spotted salamanders across the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>The tally:</div><div><br /></div><div>41 live spotted salamanders</div><div>17 dead spotted salamanders</div><div><br /></div><div>2 live wood frogs</div><div>3 dead wood frogs (one with an egg sac)</div><div><br /></div><div>20 live spring peepers</div><div>10 dead spring peepers<br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-6427655613544093697?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-46045441259468184692011-03-10T08:59:00.000-05:002011-03-10T09:00:03.622-05:00Rain, rain and more rain. Started last night and is continuing into the morning. Will it melt all the snow?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-4604544125946818469?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-9629666681999159132011-03-09T10:11:00.003-05:002011-03-09T10:14:29.526-05:00Flock of American Robins on campus - pulling worms from the loosening soil.<div><br /></div><div>Chipmunks are out and about, running along rock walls where they've probably been curled up, avoiding the heavy snows and cold temperatures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Canada Geese are back on Front Pond.</div><div><br /></div><div>AMERICAN WOODCOCKS displaying on campus, right in front of the main building. Their courtship display involves spiraling upwards into the air and giving off a loud "peent!"</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-962966668199915913?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-71080357804899921462011-03-07T15:35:00.002-05:002011-03-07T15:35:27.280-05:00Lots of rain last night. Turned to snow this morning, but only left a dusting.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-7108035780489992146?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-65572725656039580842011-02-14T08:54:00.002-05:002011-02-14T08:57:03.881-05:00Herd of eight white-tailed deer walking around campus.<div><br /></div><div>A few days ago, a flock of blue birds (nearly 20) were seen behind the main building. This morning, a flock of mourning doves was seen.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-6557272565603958084?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-60499238053200553662011-02-13T11:04:00.002-05:002011-02-13T11:06:35.804-05:00Ice fishing on Front Pond yesterday! We caught six fish, including sunfish, black crappie and a largemouth bass.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-6049923805320055366?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-88530368835871597722011-02-10T16:36:00.002-05:002011-02-10T16:40:45.317-05:00Northern cardinals are beginning their courtship calls.<div><br /></div><div>Cardinals are mainly seed eaters, but will also eat insects and fruit when they are available. During courtship, the male feeds seed to the female beak-to-beak.</div><div><br /></div><div>A clutch of 3-4 eggs is laid and 2-4 clutches can be produced each year.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-8853036883587159772?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-43463577240738993692011-02-06T10:27:00.003-05:002011-02-10T16:36:35.303-05:00A little sunshine and some warmer temperatures today. Not quite warm enough to melt the ice layer, but warm enough to lure all the gray squirrels back out. They're all over campus today, squabbling over food.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-4346357724073899369?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-7786494884816363412011-02-04T15:37:00.002-05:002011-02-04T15:42:14.767-05:00<div>Lovely, sunny day with blue skies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two male cardinals squabbling and chasing each other around the bird feeders.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are only a few animal tracks in the woods - primarily squirrels. The deep snow is covered up by a thick ice layer. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-778649488481636341?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-78994847859562468672011-01-31T09:08:00.002-05:002011-01-31T09:09:04.399-05:00Headed north yesterday - up to the Mongaup Reservoir and the Eagle Institute. Saw six bald eagles, including a resident pair along the river.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-7899484785956246867?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-62309313426750854902011-01-27T09:50:00.001-05:002011-01-27T09:51:15.255-05:00Two pileated woodpeckers flying through the woods.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-6230931342675085490?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-47445710696037980512011-01-24T15:08:00.001-05:002011-01-24T15:09:14.544-05:00Cold, cold, cold temperatures.<div>-8 degrees this morning!</div><div><br /></div><div>Our resident winter birds are keeping us busy filling the feeders.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-4744571069603798051?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-45282225908427585382011-01-21T13:15:00.001-05:002011-01-21T13:16:31.288-05:00Starting to snow this afternoon! We received 5 inches of snow last night and more is drifting down now.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-4528222590842758538?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-42210013256973895972011-01-16T10:19:00.001-05:002011-01-16T10:20:22.162-05:00Cold temperatures!<div><br /></div><div>Feeders are busy with our winter resident birds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Animal tracking programs have found signs from deer, foxes, coyotes, mice, squirrels and rabbits.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-4221001325697389597?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-32588291785221717302011-01-04T09:47:00.002-05:002011-01-04T16:53:39.110-05:00Canada geese are flying past.<div><br /></div><div>We scooted out onto Front Pond today to measure the ice. 7 inches!</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-3258829178522171730?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-52077235151884538052011-01-03T11:10:00.004-05:002011-01-04T09:47:19.295-05:00The new year has begun, with a significant lack of snow. The single snowfall that we've had here is already melting away in the sun. We've spotted a lot of tracks in the snow and mud - white tail deer, fox, coyote, squirrels and rabbits have all been busy around our campus.<div><br /></div><div>The winter birds are busy at the feeders. We frequently see black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, cardinals, juncos and blue jays.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-5207723515188453805?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-13789248729760020892010-04-09T09:20:00.002-04:002010-04-09T09:24:05.643-04:00<strong><em>ANIMALS!</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>In the swamps:</strong><br /><br />Painted turtles<br />Ribbon snakes<br />Red-spotted newts<br />Salamander eggs<br /><br /><strong>In the ponds:</strong><br /><br />Northern water snakes<br />Red-spotted newts<br />Pickeral frogs<br /><br /><strong>In the fields:</strong><br /><br />Turkeys<br />White-tail deer<br />Red-tailed hawks<br />Meadow voles<br /><br /><strong>In the forest:</strong><br /><br />Red-shouldered hawks<br />Black bears<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-1378924872976002089?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-10478493562168368662010-04-09T09:06:00.002-04:002010-04-09T09:20:22.567-04:004/9 - Spring Plant Recap<br /><br /><strong>The first to appear:</strong><br /><br />Dandelions<br />Chives<br />Garlic Mustard<br /><br /><strong>First flowers:</strong><br /><br />Forsythia - bright yellow shrubs all over campus!<br />Maple trees - turned the hillsides red with their early flowers<br /><br />Quince bushes - dark peach/red color<br />Shadbush - added white puffs throughout our forest with their recent flowering<br /><br /><strong>Emerging leaves:</strong><br /><br />Honeysuckle shrubs - began in mid-March; leaves are now 1/2 inch long<br /><br />Cherry trees - itty bitty with finely serrated edges<br />Maple trees - recently emerged in a flush of red and green<br /><br />Tamarack needles - this unique conifer had emerging needles on 3/31, and they're now 1/4 inch long, in starburst clusters along the stem<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-1047849356216836866?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-22541561602301240222010-04-09T09:00:00.002-04:002010-04-09T09:06:45.201-04:004/3<br /><strong>Zimmerman Farm's wildflowers, growing along the creek bottom:</strong><br /><br />Hepatica! There were clumps of blue, purple and white flowers. The old leaves from last year are a dark burgundy color and deeply lobed.<br /><br />Dutchman's Breeches! They were growing in patches all over, with their wispy, light green leaves and beautiful flowers that look like little pants hanging out to dry on the line.<br /><br />Bloodroot! There were only a few of these, but the bright white flowers always stand out. If you break off the stem or dig up the root and break it, you'll see where the name comes from. It's amazing to watch the root pores leak the red liquid.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-2254156160230124022?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-65328542677144134572010-03-20T21:31:00.002-04:002010-03-20T21:44:27.497-04:003/20 First day of Spring!!<br /><br />It was a beautiful day at PEEC. Beautiful and busy with bird chirps, whistles and tweets. Flocks of Robins and Juncos cover the ground, searching the warming ground for worms and insects. Canada Geese fly north in large groups.<br /><br />The warm temperatures have brought out the reptiles. Painted Turtles at the swamp and Garter Snakes around campus.<br /><br />Amphibians are also warming up and making some noise. Peepers have been peeping loudly for almost a week at the swamp. Red-Spotted Newts and Green Frogs have been found in the ponds and Red Efts are stirring on the forest floor.<br /><br />Chipmunks are active and chasing each other all over in front in the main building. The nooks in the rock wall provide shelter and the nearby birdfeeder must be advantageous as well.<br /><br />Insects are buzzing and flying. Enjoy the first mosquitos while you can, for their rarity.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-6532854267714413457?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-80132871071547459092010-03-18T08:52:00.003-04:002010-03-18T08:53:04.036-04:003/18<br />Painted turtles were seen at the swamp, sunning themselves on logs and floating on the water's surface<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-8013287107154745909?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-76366757537597641672010-03-17T12:06:00.002-04:002010-03-17T12:08:51.187-04:003/16<br />Garter snake!<br />Beaver swimming around Front Pond!<br />Spring Peeper peeping in the evening at swampside!<br /><br />3/17<br />Bluebird perched on post on lower campus - darting down to ground for insects<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-7636675753759764167?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-73032482977630522912010-03-12T15:33:00.002-05:002010-03-12T15:43:49.418-05:00Spring has sprung! Or - at the very least - it's on it's way. The month started out with warm temperatures and sunny days. Red-tailed hawks and Red-shouldered hawks can be seen perched around campus and soaring high in the sky on warm days. Skunk cabbage - the first wildflower - has broken through the frozen ground and is growing along the creek. Mallards are swimming around our swamp and Canada Geese can be heard honking as they continually fly overhead in large groups.<br /><br />Early season "Stream Ecology" classes have already found amphibians, including small, young salamanders and some very cold frogs.<br /><br />Robins continue to pull worms up from the thawing ground and woodcocks have been seen in the forest - although noone has witnessed their unusual and fascinating mating dance yet.<br /><br />The mammals are moving around more, which results in some great wildlife encounters. Virginia oppossum, red fox and bobcat have all been seen in the area, and some lucky staff members have seen the first black bear tracks of the season!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-7303248297763052291?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-77953988036581472082010-03-12T15:26:00.002-05:002010-03-12T15:33:47.106-05:00The plentiful snow throughout February provided many great opportunities for tracking around the PEEC campus. The fresh snow showed tracks of white-tail deer, squirrels, coyotes and numerous rodents almost daily. Despite the heavy snows, the first flock of robins were seen in the third week of February. These birds return to our northern climates in search of thawing ground and squirming earthworms to eat.<br /><br />The full moon that occurred on February 28 was historically called the "Sugar" or "Sap" moon, and marks the warming season that starts the maple tree sap flowing. PEEC staff tapped over 30 sugar maple trees (outside of the DEWA park) and are still collecting sap that will be boiled down into delicious maple syrup!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-7795398803658147208?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-88987774224639413952010-02-01T08:35:00.003-05:002010-02-01T09:48:06.950-05:00<div><div>The PEEC campus has been busy with wildlife this month!</div><br /><div></div><div>Coyotes were heard howling and yipping throughout the night and into the early morning. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and survive through the cold winter by eating a variety of food. They have been known to eat small mammals, fruits, insects, birds, frogs, snakes, bird eggs, invertebrates and carrion.</div><br /><div></div><div>Pileated woodpeckers were heard flying through the woods and seen perched on mature trees. Their winter diet consists largely of carpenter ants, which they chisel out of the trees with their powerful bills.</div><br /><div></div><div>Red-tailed hawks have been seen in plenty - especially with the warmer temperatures of mid-January. PEEC staff have reported seeing a Red-shouldered hawk as well, and we are all hoping that our resident nesting pair will return again this year. Our nearby ponds provide the feeding opportunities they prefer, and their courtship display is a sight to be seen - conspicuous circling flights, accompanied by loud screaming, over their territory.</div><div></div><br /><div>Wild turkeys were just spotted yesterday, in a group of 20, foraging for fresh blades of grass. In winter, with a lot of snow on the ground, turkeys may fast for up to a week. Their "gobbling" season is triggered by increasing day length and warming temperatures, and the courtship and breeding will begin by March or April.</div><div></div><br /><div>Signs of Spring are everywhere, even if the calendar doesn't agree quite yet. Groups of Canada geese have been sighted flying at dusk. They are one of the earliest migrants of spring - especially those that have wintered farthest south. Another heralder of warmer temperatures - the Spring Peeper - was heard peeping at a local pond. Although it seems too early for amphibians to be out, a few days of heavy rain and warmer weather must have woken this one up a little early!<br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-8898777422463941395?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-88671386909748315322009-10-07T20:57:00.003-04:002009-10-07T21:02:17.523-04:0010/6/09<br /><br />4 Peregrine Falcons<br />93 Sharp-shinned hawks<br />3 Red tailed hawks<br />5 Merlins<br />6 American kestrels<br />2 Bald Eagles<br />2 Osprey<br />4 Cooper's hawks<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-8867138690974831532?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-17521099738426796102009-09-04T16:12:00.007-04:002009-09-16T13:46:57.241-04:00September<br /><br />9/14<br />Raccoon Ridge raptor watch (10:00 AM-7:00 PM):<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SrEkQIAUFGI/AAAAAAAAADI/whACmuI9qx4/s1600-h/Peregrine+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 197px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SrEkQIAUFGI/AAAAAAAAADI/whACmuI9qx4/s400/Peregrine+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382122889129759842" border="0" /></a><br />18 Osprey<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">1 Northern Harrier</span><br />19 Sharp-shinned hawks<br />1 Coopers hawk<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">1 Northern Goshawk</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">1 Red shouldered hawk</span><br />136 Broad-winged hawks<br />2 Red-tailed hawks<br />7 American kestrels<br />2 Merlins<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">2 Peregrine Falcons</span> (photo on right)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">1 Red-headed woodpecker</span><br />Huge flock of tree swallows (maybe 200)<br /><br /><br />9/9<br /><br />Sunrise Mountain raptor watch (9:30-11:30 AM):<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SqkJHsdhMuI/AAAAAAAAADA/MAMplpn6gOY/s1600-h/100_0752.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 177px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SqkJHsdhMuI/AAAAAAAAADA/MAMplpn6gOY/s400/100_0752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379841257669472994" border="0" /></a><br />2 osprey (photo on right from PEEC)<br /><div style="text-align: left;">2 Bald eagles</div>1 Coopers hawk<br />8 broad wings<br />3 red-tailed hawks<br /><br />2 raven<br />2 crow<br />31 turkey vultures<br />6 black vultures<br /><br />9/7<br /><br />Labor Day Family Nature Getaway (morning bird sit)<br /><br />Blue jay<br />Gray catbird<br />Goldfinch<br />Chickadee<br />Tufted titmouse<br />Crow<br />Cardinal<br />Red-breasted nuthatch<br />Ruby-throated hummingbird<br />Pileated woodpecker<br />Mourning dove<br />Flicker<br />Carolina wren<br />House finch<br /><br />9/6<br />PEEC<br /><br />12 common nighthawks<br /><br />9/5<br />Sunrise Mountain hawk watch<br /><br />3 Broadwinged hawks<br />~16 Turkey vultures<br />6 Black vultures<br /><br />9/3<br /><br />Around PEEC<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">40-50 Common nighthawks!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-1752109973842679610?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-28766033964147110312009-08-22T09:29:00.006-04:002009-08-27T13:27:15.062-04:008/26<br /><br />Elderhostel bird sits at PEEC<br /><br />Tufted titmouse<br />Black capped chickadee<br />Mourning dove<br />Cedar waxwing<br />Goldfinch<br />House finch<br />Red-eyed vireo<br />Blue jay<br />Crow<br />Cardinal<br />Raven<br />Catbird<br />Hummingbird<br />Red-breasted nuthatch<br />Green heron<br />Brown thrasher<br />Black vulture<br />Great blue heron<br /><br />8/25<br /><br />*Sunrise Mountain, NJ*<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SpbBIaNNEEI/AAAAAAAAAC4/QBpv2s-a-AM/s1600-h/Turkey+Vulture.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 209px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SpbBIaNNEEI/AAAAAAAAAC4/QBpv2s-a-AM/s400/Turkey+Vulture.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374695555531083842" border="0" /></a><br />2 Broad winged hawks<br />2 Osprey<br />1 Red tail<br />2 Sharp-shinned hawk<br />1 Coopers<br />6 Hummingbirds<br />11 Turkey vultures (photo on right)<br />9 Black vultures<br />2 Ravens<br />4 Chimney swifts<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">1 Copperhead</span><br /><br />8/22<br /><br />Black bear - near Brisco Mt rd.<br /><br /><br />feeder watch birds:<br />Tuft titmouse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/So_1lovAViI/AAAAAAAAACo/gsEJM8Jfz-g/s1600-h/Black+Capped+Chickadee.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 176px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/So_1lovAViI/AAAAAAAAACo/gsEJM8Jfz-g/s400/Black+Capped+Chickadee.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372782907414828578" border="0" /></a><br />Red-breasted nuthatch<br />12+ cedar waxwings*<br />goldfinch<br />chipping sparrow<br />mourning dove<br />red-eyed vireo*<br />black-capped chickadee (photo on right)<br />blue jay<br />house finch<br />house wren* (photo below)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/So_2K1WYcqI/AAAAAAAAACw/fwaOPjvTesk/s1600-h/House+Wren.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 185px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/So_2K1WYcqI/AAAAAAAAACw/fwaOPjvTesk/s400/House+Wren.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372783546456371874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />*not at feeder<br /><br />8/18<br /><br />8 nighthawks - lower campus of PEEC<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-2876603396414711031?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-72541337829042613072009-07-13T12:51:00.000-04:002009-07-16T17:04:16.137-04:00Pine siskin on feeder<br /><br />6/30-7/1<br /><strong>Dragonflies and Damselflies </strong><br />Ebony Jewelwing<br />Swamp Spreadwing<br />Powdered Dancer<br />Bluet - Stream, Skimming<br />Forktail - Fragile, Eastern<br />Sprite - Sphagnum, Sedge<br /><br />Green Darner<br />Unicorn Clubtail<br />Rusty snaketail<br />Prince baskettail<br />Common baskettail<br />Calico pennant<br />Halloween pennant<br />Eastern pondhawk<br />Spangled skimmer<br />Slaty skimmer<br />Widow skimmer<br />Twelve-spotted<br />Blue dasher<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-7254133782904261307?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-40987372522408365572009-06-11T19:25:00.001-04:002009-06-25T16:58:35.392-04:006/25<br />Lots of birds...including!!!!<br /><span style="color:#009900;">2 Pine siskins on the feeder!</span><br /><br />6/23 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SkKByWV6_1I/AAAAAAAAACY/ssYWeypN0kY/s1600-h/5+lined+skink+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 319px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350982009260539730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SkKByWV6_1I/AAAAAAAAACY/ssYWeypN0kY/s400/5+lined+skink+2.jpg" /></a><br /><strong>Worthington state park, NJ</strong><br /><span style="color:#009900;">5 lined skink (photo on right)<br /></span>Jumping mouse<br />Catbird<br />Rose-breasted grosbeak<br />Robin<br />Cowbird<br />Grackle<br />Eagle<br /><br />6/12<br /><strong>bio<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">luminescence</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Fox fire fungus</span><br />Lightning bugs (first big night)<br /><br /><strong>Around PEEC</strong><br />tufted titmouse<br />Cardinal<br />Pine warbler<br />Chipping sparrow<br />Rose-breasted grosbeak<br /><br />6/10<br /><strong>Frog search</strong><br />Green frog<br />American toad<br />Bullfrog<br />Gray tree frog<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-4098737252240836557?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-25091720074184050632009-05-02T15:13:00.000-04:002009-05-28T11:25:43.939-04:005/28<br /><br />Morning walk around Front pond:<br />-Yellow warbler<br />-American robin<br />-Mourning dove<br />-Scarlett tananger<br />-Oven bird<br />-Cowbird<br />-Indigo bunting<br />-Chipping sparrow<br />-Tree swallow<br />-Catbird<br />-Red-eyed vireo<br /><br />5/25<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/Sh6rkK4gbgI/AAAAAAAAACA/h59kSYi075o/s1600-h/Click+Beetle.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340894845992988162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/Sh6rkK4gbgI/AAAAAAAAACA/h59kSYi075o/s200/Click+Beetle.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Garter snake<br />Northern water snake<br />Bald Eagle<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Click beetle</span> (photo on right)<br />Luna Moth<br /><br />5/21<br />Still no red-shouldered hawks<br /><br />Ridgeline trail<br />-bear tracks in mud<br />-Scarlet tanangers<br />-robin<br />-chickadee<br />-tufted titmouse<br />-red-eyed vireo<br />-prairie warbler<br />-oven bird<br /><br />5/18<br /><br /><p align="right"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/ShF-r7c-8iI/AAAAAAAAABo/rtxnnbAYXFo/s1600-h/black+rat+snake.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337186326569480738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/ShF-r7c-8iI/AAAAAAAAABo/rtxnnbAYXFo/s200/black+rat+snake.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />-4' Black rat snake<br />-Rosy maple moths have been showing up a lot.<br />-Dragonfly nymph casings by the 100s<br /><span style="color:#009900;">-MIA: Red shouldered hawks - Last I saw they had one chick (5/13). I have not seen one on the nest in 4 days!</span><br /><br /><strong>Warbler weekend II</strong><br />5/9<br /><br />Great Blue Heron<br />Canada Goose<br />Wood Duck<br />Mallard<br />Common Merganser<br />Black Vulture Turkey<br />Vulture<br />Osprey<br />Bald Eagle<br />Sharp-Shinned Hawk<br />Coopers Hawk<br />Red Shouldered Hawk<br />Broad Winged Hawk<br />Red Tailed Hawk<br />Wild Turkey Spotted<br />Sandpiper Mourning<br />Dove<br />Yellow Billed Cuckoo<br />Black Billed Cuckoo<br />Ruby Throated hummingbird<br />Belted Kingfisher<br />Northern Flicker<br />Red Bellied Woodpecker<br />Downy Woodpecker<br />Hairy woodpecker<br />Pileated Woodpecker<br />Eastern Wood Pewee<br />Least Flycatcher<br />Eastern Phoebe<br />Great Crested Flycatcher<br />Eastern Kingbird<br />Tree Swallows<br />Northern Rough winged<br />Barn Swallow<br />Blue Jay<br />Common Raven<br />American Crow<br />Fish Crow<br />Black Capped chickadee<br />Tufted Titmouse<br />White Breasted Nuthatch<br />Red Breasted Nuthatch<br />House wren<br />Ruby crowned Kinglet<br />Blue gray gnatcatcher<br />American robin<br />Wood thrush<br />Hermit thrush<br />Veery<br />Eastern bluebird<br />Gray catbird<br />European starling<br />Yellow throated vireo<br />Blue headed vireo<br />Warbling vireo<br />Red eyed vireo<br />Blue winged warbler<br />Northern parula<br />Yellow warbler<br />Chestnut sided warbler<br />Magnolia warbler<br />Black throated blue<br />Yellow rumped warbler<br />Black throated green<br />Blackburnian<br />Prairie<br />Cerulean<br />Black and white<br />American redstart<br />Worm-eating<br />Ovenbird<br />Louisiana waterthrush<br />Common yellowthroat<br />Hooded warbler<br /><span style="color:#009900;">WILSON’S WARBLER</span><br />Canada warbler<br />Scarlet Tanager<br />Northern Cardinal<br />Rose-breasted grosbeak<br />Indigo bunting<br />Eastern towhee<br />Chipping sparrow<br />Field sparrow<br />Song sparrow<br />White throated sparrow<br />White crowned sparrow<br />Red winged blackbird<br />Common grackle<br />Brown headed cowbird<br />Orchard oriole<br />Baltimore oriole<br />Purple finch<br />House finch<br />WHITE WINGED CROSSBILL<br />PINE SISKIN<br />American goldfinch<br />House sparrow<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Warbler weekend I</strong><br />5/2<br />Hooded warbler<br />Common yellowthroat<br />Ovenbird<br />Worm-eating warbler<br />Black-and-white warbler<br />Prairie warbler<br />Pine warbler<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Blackburnian warbler</span><br />Black-throated green warbler<br />Yellow warbler<br />Northern parula<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Nashville warbler</span><br />Blue-winged warbler<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Warbling vireo</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Cape May warbler</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Scarlet tananger </span><br />Northern cardinal<br />Chipping sparrow<br />Field sparrow<br />Common grackle<br />Brown-headed cowbird<br />Baltimore oriole<br />Pine siskin<br />House sparrow<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Ruby-crowned kinglet</span><br />Blue jay<br />American crow<br />Fish crow<br />Black-capped chickadee<br />Tufted titmouse<br />White-breasted nuthatch<br />House wren<br />Ruby-crowned kinglet<br />Blue-gray gnatcatcher<br />Wood thrush<br />American robin<br />Gray catbird<br />Canada goose<br />Turkey vulture<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Bald eagle</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Broad-winged hawk</span><br />Red-tailed hawk<br />Wild turkey<br />Mourning dove<br />Chimney swift<br />Red-bellied woodpecker<br />Northern flicker<br />Eastern phoebe<br />Eastern kingbird<br />Tree swallow<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-2509172007418405063?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-13123823387237219802009-04-15T10:18:00.000-04:002009-04-15T10:23:13.805-04:00<span style="color:#cc6600;">Amphibian research project</span> (Brisco Mountain beaver pond):Brisco Mountain pond is a sight where spotted salamanders cross a road to there breeding grounds each spring. We are counting amphibians that cross the road and are at risk of being run over by vehicles. Brisco Mountain road is a road that only has one house in use and it is near an access point close to an alternate route. Would it be worth closing this road, at night, when it rains during the spring? This is the purpose of the research project. I will collect date and submit it to the National Park Service, whom this property is owned by.<br /><br />4/14 *finally more rain at night*<br />-17 spotted salamanders (alive)<br />-8 spotted salamanders (dead)<br />-2 spring peepers (alive)<br />-2 spring peepers (dead)<br /><br />4/1<br />-4 spotted salamanders (alive)<br />-7 spotted salamanders (dead)<br />-1 spring peeper (alive)<br />-8 spring peeper (dead)<br />-Peepers loud in beaver pond undetermined number<br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">-1 or 2 pickerel frogs in back of pond *1st of year*</span><br />-small group of wood frogs in back of pond<br /><br />3/26<br />-32 spotted salamanders (alive)<br />-37 spotted salamanders (dead)<br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">-1 *Marbled salamander*</span><br />-5 Spring peepers<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-1312382338723721980?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-84879735436922741462009-03-25T13:41:00.000-04:002009-04-30T11:39:03.909-04:00<span style="color:#000000;">4/29</span><br />Birds around PEEC:<br />Yellow warbler<br />Hooded warbler<br />Yellow rumped warbler<br />Pine warbler<br />Ovenbird<br />Northern parula<br />Broad winged hawk<br />Red-shouldered hawk<br />Tufted titmouse<br />Robin<br />Rufus-sided towee<br />Cardinal<br />Crow<br />Raven<br />Bald Eagle<br />Dark-eyed junco<br />Chickadee<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/26</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329363840290348434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SfW0LTNRXZI/AAAAAAAAABQ/82BnpVVFpGc/s320/Rose+Breasted+Grosbeak+(Male).JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SfW2H9gzqvI/AAAAAAAAABY/hRbL6mpLTUA/s1600-h/Yellow+Warbler.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329365981950356210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PzrJ0q5F6Xs/SfW2H9gzqvI/AAAAAAAAABY/hRbL6mpLTUA/s320/Yellow+Warbler.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#009900;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#009900;">Rose-breasted grosbeak</span></span><span style="color:#006600;"> (in photo on left)</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Rufus-sided towee</span><br />Yellow warbler (in photo on right)<br />Robin<br />Tree swallow<br />Purple finch<br />Red-wing blackbird<br />Cowbird<br />Goldfinch<br />Broad winged hawk<br />Baltimore oriole<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/25</span><br /><div align="left"><strong>Trip to Big Egypt rd:</strong><br /></div><span style="color:#009900;">Brown thrasher</span><br />Robin<br />Canada geese<br />Great blue heron<br />Common grackle<br />Boat-tailed grackle<br />Belted kingfisher<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Bald eagle</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Chipping sparrow</span><br />Rufus-sided towee<br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Gray tree frogs calling in trees</span><br />American toad<br />Pickerel frog<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Northern water snake</span><br /><br /><strong>Wildflower walk</strong> (with Justin)<br />Rue Anenome<br />Hepatica<br />Yellow violet<br />Trout lily<br />Partridge berry<br />Shadbush<br />Trailing arbutus<br />Blueberry<br />Cypress spurge<br />Columbine<br />Dandelion<br />Violet<br />Daffodil<br />Grape hyacinth<br />Bluet<br />Crocus<br />Coltsfoot<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/23</span><br />Solitary vireo<br />black capped chickadee<br />cowbird<br />red-shouldered hawk<br />crow<br />pine warbler<br />turkey vulture<br />goldfinch<br />cardinal<br />robin<br />mallard duck<br />chipping sparrow<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/22</span><br />Happy Earth Day!<br /><span style="color:#009900;">1st bear reported by PEEC instructor (HT) on RT 209</span><br /><br />Flowers:<br />Spurge<br />Dutchman's breeches<br />Trout lily<br />Spicebush<br />Purple dead nettle<br />Bedstraw<br />Trailing arbutus<br />Trillium<br />Serviceberry (shadbush)<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/15</span><br />Bird feeder:<br />Dark-eyed junco<br />pine siskin<br />house finch<br />tufted titmouse<br />robin<br />brown-headed cowbird<br />chipping sparrow<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/12</span><br />Salamander egg search:<br /><span style="color:#009900;">-80 + spotted salamander egg masses</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">-40 wood frog egg masses</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Marbled salamander</span><br />Spotted salamander<br /><span style="color:#009900;">4 toed salamander</span><br />red backed salamander<br />Red eft<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/10</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Gray Fox spotted on PEEC campus</span><br />Red shouldered hawk bringing food to mate sitting on nest<br />Common mergansers on front pond<br /><br />Birds around PEEC today:<br />-Pine warblers<br />-Purple finch<br />-Robin<br />-Tree swallow<br />-Red shouldered hawk<br />-Turkey vulture<br />-House finch<br />-Raven<br />-Crow<br />-Pine siskin<br />-chickadee<br />-Brown headed cowbird<br />-Wood duck<br />-Mallard<br />-Northern flicker<br />-Tufted titmouse<br />-Pileated woodpecker<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/5</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Red shouldered hawk sitting on nest!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">4/2</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">First tree swallow of the year!</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Red shouldered hawk grabbed a red squirrel</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">3/28</span><br />Scenic Gorge and Rigdeline hike<br /><span style="color:#009900;">-Roughed grouse drumming</span><br />-Great horned owl flying through woods<br /><span style="color:#009900;">-White-winged crossbills<br /></span>-Spring peepers in vernal pool on Ridgeline trail<br />-Wood frogs in vernal pool on Ridgeline trail<br />Wood frogs getting LOUD in vernal pool on Fossil Trail<br />Red shouldered hawk not sitting on nest yet, but nest guarding behavior taking place.<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">3/27<br />More eastern phoebes than I can count!<br />Beaver spotted in front pond.</span><br />Red shouldered hawks land at nest sight<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">3/26<br /></span><span style="color:#000000;">Wood frogs calling in Fossil Trail vernal pool<br /><span style="color:#000000;">Spring peepers calling in Nature Lodge Ponds</span><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">3/25<br /><span style="color:#009900;">For the second time this week, we had eastern phoebes around the main building.</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Woodcock walk:</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">-5 woodcock calling, fantastic look at one 30 feet away doing courtship flights</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">-Coyotes calling in the distance</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">-One winnie from a barred owl</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">-Kingfisher</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">-2 beavers </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">-Found bear den<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-8487973543692274146?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2097051869937980100.post-51949870382951112062009-03-24T13:17:00.000-04:002009-03-24T13:28:49.899-04:00Welcome everyone to PEEC's new nature blog where you can keep up on the nature world at one of you favorite places.<br /><br />Starting today I will be posting a list of things seen at PEEC and/or tell stories about things that happened here.<br /><br />The posts will be updated at least once per week, sometimes more.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2097051869937980100-5194987038295111206?l=peecnaturejournal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Naturalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822094392429702604noreply@blogger.com0