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 …
Juncos are Extraordinary Birds
Along with their brown sparrow relatives, some mostly gray birds regularly visit bird feeders. Although they do occasionally eat at trays, more often they are to be seen with doves and other birds feeding on …
Purple Martin First Flights
Who could not be captivated by the beautiful song and graceful flight of our largest swallow species, the Purple Martin? I for one, have long admired these glossy purplish-blue long-distance migrants to North America. I’ve …
Playing Possum is Serious Business
The opossum (Didelphis virginianas) is a truly remarkable creature. Although many consider them to be ugly, even sinister looking, (the author is not among those) they possess no small number of amazing adaptations. There are a few …