Release of the Butterflies in Clarence Hollow
As many of you know, pollinators are disappearing at an alarming rate for a variety of reasons: loss of habitat, climate change, and use of pesticides to name a few. Pollinators are an essential part …
Book Review: The Mother West Wind Collection
The Mother West Wind Collection, vol. 1 by Thornton W. Burgess This volume contains four books: Old Mother West Wind, Mother West Wind’s Children, Mother West Wind’s Animal Friends, & Mother West Wind’s Neighbors. The …
Petty about Rain
Remember back to just a few weeks ago when it was July, when it seemed like not a week could go by without at least a day of rain? For many counties across New York, …
What’s So Special About a Refuge?
People who visit the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge very often describe it as a well-kept secret, a gem of conservation. But it isn’t a park or recreation area. Neither is it a preserve or sanctuary. …
Purple Martin Colonies at Iroquois NWR
It’s already summer and purple martin chicks are getting older! Purple martins are a large species of swallow that almost exclusively nest in manmade cavities such as nest houses. They are colonial birds and live …
Of Black-necked Stilts, Ruffs and Rails
Several avian rarities have shown up recently at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. At Cayuga Sub-impoundment, also known as Kumpf Marsh, an elegant black-on-top and white below Black-necked Stilt showed up! The stilt stayed for about …
2021 Youth Fishing Derby
The 2021 Youth Fishing Derby, presented by Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Iroquois NWR runs from June 1 through June 7, 2021. The event will be practiced northern pike style…more solitary, staying close to …
The Names of Things
It has been said that one of homo sapiens’ distinguishing characteristics is to give names to things. It’s easy to see how the naming of things is directly related to preserving that knowledge and passing …
Fantastic Feathers
Feathers, being unique to birds, are one of the most remarkable structures in nature. They are the ultimate multi-taskers. Here are some fun feathery feats: Feathers provide thermoregulation since birds can adjust each feather position at will with …
Drew Lanham: Mystic Ornithologist
When my husband and I moved to Western New York in 1989 we searched for trails to hike and places to go that would immerse us in the arms of nature. We lived in New …