Bald Eagle

Species: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)      
Family: Accipitridae
Date: 8.5.15

Observation:  

This Bald Eagle was not spotted right outside our home, but we decided to include a few things we saw over our summer vacation.  This eagle was spotted on Haskell Island in Maine during our August trip to the island.

A Fact from Alice:  

The largest observed Bald Eagle nest (St. Petersburg, Florida) was nearly 3 meters in diameter and over 6 meters tall.

Learn more at All About Birds - Bald Eagle

Red Admiral

Species: Red Admiral (Venessa atalanta)
Family: Nymphalidae
Date: 7.22.15

Observation:

 I wasn't planning on taking any pictures this day, but I changed my mind when this Red Admiral decided to hang around the asters in our backyard.

Facts:

Red Admiral butterflies prefer to feed on sap slows and fermenting fruit; nectaring on flowers is typically a secondary option. Caterpillar hosts are the nettle family.

Learn more at Butterflies and Moths of North America - Red Admiral

Great Spangled Fritillary

Species: Atlantis Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
Family: Nymphalidae
Date: 7.5.15

Observation:

This post is a little after the fact.  The Atlantis Great Spangled Fritillary was spotted by one of the girls during the Fourth of July celebration (on the 5th) at Gumma and Gogo's.  We didn't get around to trying to identify the fritillary until this morning.

A Fact:

The caterpillar hosts are violets and the butterflies are generally in flight from the second week in June through the last week of September in Vermont.

Learn more at Butterflies and Moths of North America - Great Spangled Fritillary

Common Yellowthroat Warbler

Species: Common Yellowthroat Warbler (Geothlypis thricas)
Family: Parulidae
Date: 7.13.15

Observation:

These photos were take on two different days at two different locations.  The male yellowthroat (top picture) was photographed down by the Muddy Branch.  The female (middle photo) and juvenile (bottom photo) were in the underbrush on the edge of the back lawn.  I believe there were two different juveniles with the female, probably around two weeks old (give or take a week).

A Fact: 

Common Yellowthroats are one of the bird that are particularly susceptible to brood parasitism (brown-headed cowbird lay eggs in their nest).  The song of the male Common Yellowthroat is one of the more recognizable and common summer bird songs...I will add audio at some point. 

Learn more at All About Birds - Common Yellowthroat Warbler

Eastern Chipmunk

Species: Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Family: 
Date: 7.15.15

Observation:

This is one of the chipmunks I get to see everyday.  They are certainly not one of my favorite critters, but up close they are kind of cute.  Still a nuisance overall.

A Fact:

Chipmunks are most active during mid-morning and mid-afternoon.  They are very territorial and primarily stay within a range of 15 to 25 meters from their burrow.

Learn more at Animal Diversity Web - Eastern Chipmunk

Tiger Crane Fly

Species: Tiger Crane Fly (some member of the genus Nemphrotoma)
Family: Tipulidae
Date: 7.13.15

Observation:

I photographed this Crane Fly while I was walking around the yard a coupled of days ago.  Alice and I were able narrow it down to being a Crane Fly.  My best guess is that it is a type of Tiger Crane fly.


A Fact or two:

Crane flies occur worldwide, and there are more than 15,000 different species and subspecies.  Most species inhabit a fairly small geographical range.  These flies are sometimes referred to as "daddy long legs."

Learn more (I hate to do it, but there aren't many good options here) at Wikipedia - Crane Flies

Red-eyed Vireo

Species: Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous)
Family: Vireonidae
Date: 7.13.15

Observation:

Getting a photograph of a Red-eyed Vireo seems remarkably challenging given the fact that they can be heard singing throughout the day.  The male here was pausing to sing as it foraged in the top of one of the large tree on the north end of the lawn.  In the background you can hear a Black-capped Chickadee and one of the many annoying mosquitoes. (I apologize - the mosquito sound is very distracting)


A Fact:

The male Red-eyed Vireo sometimes sings more than 20,000 times in one day.  It is a song worth learning, because you will hear it all the time, even in the middle of the day when most birds are not singing.

Learn more at All About Birds - Red-eyed Vireo

Common Grackle

Species: Common Grackle (Quiscalas quiscula)
Family: Icteridae
Date: 7.8.15

Observation:

This Common Grackle was hanging around with the Red-winged Blackbirds down by the Muddy Branch.  The accompanying photos show the grackle with its eyes open and closed - always a little eerie. 

A Fact:

Grackles are the number one (bird) threat to corn; they eat both ripening corn and corn sprouts.

Learn more at All About Birds - Common Grackle

Cedar Waxwing

Species: Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Family: Bombycillide - Waxwings
Date: 7.9.15

Observation: 

Cedar Waxwings are some of the more noticeable birds on our property - typically flying around in pairs or threes.  These photographs are from down by the Muddy Branch on the north end of the property.  It was later in the evening and the waxwings weren't as quick to move on as they often are earlier in the day.

A Fact:

In the northeast, you may find a Cedar Waxwing with tail-tips that are more orange than yellow.  This is a result of the red pigment from the berries of an introduced species of honeysuckle.  The orange tail-tips were first noticed in the 1960's.




Learn more at All About Birds - Cedar Waxwing

Red-winged Blackbird - female

Species: Red-winged Blackbird - female (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Family: Icteridae
Date: 7.9.15

Observation:

I went down to the Muddy Branch at the north end of our property last night and was greeted by the alarm call of many blackbirds who did not appreciate my presence.  The female with the grasshopper (I think) in her mouth kept a very close eye on me.  After a few minutes things quieted down as the birds became a little more relaxed, as long as I didn't move around much.



A Few Facts:

Red-winged Blackbirds are highly polygynous - some males may have up to 15 females mates.  Not surprisingly, males spend a great deal of their time defending their territory (roughly a quarter of the daylight hours).  Studies have shown that typically one-quarter to one-half of the nestlings are sired by someone other than the territorial male.  


Learn more at All About Birds - Red-winged Blackbird

American Redstart - First summer male

Species: American Redstart - First summer male
Family: Parulidae
Date: 7.6.15

Observation:  

The first photograph captures the view that had me very interested and perplexed.  I really didn't know what I was looking at.  The second image is what pointed me in the direction of an American Redstart, but the plumage was very interesting.  After consulting a couple of sources, it seems (at least to me...I would be very happy to be corrected) that this is a first summer male that had not developed the adult plumage.  The bird in the third photo, I believe, is another first summer male, although it could be the same individual in different lighting that I captured on my walk back down the edge of the meadow.  In both instances, the birds were foraging in the growth along the meadow about ten feet off the ground.



A Fact:

Male American Redstarts may have two mates at the same time.  While polygamy is not uncommon in birds, the redstart is different in that the male often holds two different territories that may be separated by a quarter-mile.

Learn More at All About Birds - American Redstart

Baltimore Oriole

Species: Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Family: Icteridae
Date: 7.6.15

Observation:

I spotted this Baltimore Oriole making a couple trips to the end of a branch high up in a pine on the edge of the meadow.  The oriole was bringing food for a fledgling that was resting in the tree.

A Fact from Annie: 

The Baltimore Oriole and Bullock's Oriole were considered one species until the 1990's when genetic tests showed they were two distinct species.  The two hybridize extensively in the Great Plains region where the range of the two species overlap.



Learn more at All About Birds - Baltimore Oriole 

Appalachian Brown

Species: Appalachian Brown (Satyrodes appalachia)
Family: Nymphalidae
Date: 7.6.15


Observation:

I spotted and photographed this Appalachian Brown on the path over the new waterline that runs through the back of our property.  The family spent a good deal of time trying to determine whether this was an Appalachian Brown or an Eyed Brown (Eyed Browns are a bit more common), but we feel it is an Appalachian Brown.  This is the second time we have identified a butterfly that is listed as being "very rare" in Vermont - the first was the Silvery Checkerspot.  That has me a little concerned about our identification abilities.




A Fact from Kate: 

The Appalachian Brown's habitat is wooded wet swamps, shrub swamps, forest edges and along slow moving streams.


Learn more at Butterflies and Moths of North America - Appalachian Brown

Six-spotted Green Tiger Beetle

Species: Six-spotted Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata)
Family: Cicindelidae - Tiger Beetles
Date: 7.03.15

Observation:

This unfortunate tiger beetle was stuck in our kiddie pool, but was liberated shortly after the photo was taken when the pool was emptied.  Alice took charge of identifying the beetle with the help of Michelle.

A Fact from Michelle:

Females place eggs singly in holes along paths in the woods and adults emerge in summer.


Learn more at Nature's Notebook - Six-spotted Tiger Beetle

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Species: Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)
Family: Tyrannidae
Date: 6.24.15 (Updated photos on 7.2.15)

 Observation:  

Alice spotted the Eastern Wood-Pewee as it landed on a branch of our back-yard brush pile.  As I slowly attempted to get closer, we saw the bird sallying out (the feeding technique of looping out, catching an insect, and returning to the same or nearby perch) to catch insects five or six times in a minute.

A Fact from Alice:

Eastern Wood-Pewees are usually found in forest clearings (like our back-yard).  They are often spotted on dead branches, as they like to sit on conspicuous perches when they are foraging for insects.


A Fact from Dana:

Eastern Wood-Pewees are territorial during breading season.  A male's territory is often 5-20 acres, and a male pewee will attack other species that approach while he is singing.

Learn more at All About Birds - Eastern Wood-Pewee

Honey Bee

Species: Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Family: The Apids (Apidae)
Date: 7.01.15

  


Observation:

Alice is home with me on this rainy Wednesday, and she decided we should look at pictures and find something to add to our blog.  She has chosen the Honey Bee.  The bees pictured here are on milkweed flowers.





A Few Facts from Alice:

Queen bees have an average lifespan of one to three years, and they can lay over 1500 eggs in one day.  Worker bees are not only responsible for gathering nectar and making honey, but also for maintaining the temperature (93 degrees Fahrenheit) of the nursery. If the weather is hot they use their wings to collectively fan the nursery.  If the weather is cool, they cluster around the nursery to generate heat.  Drone bees serve one function for the colony: they mate with the new queens.  Once a drone mates with a new queen, it immediately dies.

Learn more at Everything About - Honey Bee

Gray Tree Frog

Species: Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)
Date: 6.30.15

Observation:

I was wrapping up some work on the soon-to-be turn around off our driveway and was in the process of flipping Ken's wheelbarrow over since it looked like it was going to rain when I spotted this frog on the handle of the wheelbarrow.  It was quite camouflaged...it may have been there the entire time I was working.  After looking at this frog, I wanted to go take a nap!


A Fact from Annie:

The Gray Tree Frog is one of the loudest frogs that have been measured in North America.

Learn more at Rhode Island Vernal Pools - Gray Tree Frog

Black & White Ichneumon

Species: Unknown
Family: Ichneumonid Wasps 
Date: 6.29.15

           

         

Observation:

This female wasp (a non stinging wasp) caught my attention as I was walking around our porch.  By the time I noticed its remarkably long ovipositor (the long needle like appendage behind the wasp - it is used for laying eggs), the wasp flew away.

A Fact from Dana:

Ichneumonids are parasitic wasps - they lay their eggs in or on other "host" insects.  Scientists estimate there are between 40,000 and 100,000 species of Ichneumoid wasps.

A Fact from Alice:

The females of the Megarhyssa genus (not pictured here) lay their eggs by inserting their ovipositor into a dead log (through up to two inches of wood) in order to reach the lavae host.  Scientists believe the egg laying process may take between seven minutes and five and a half hours, depending on the depth to which the wasp must drill.  How the wasp accomplishes this is unknown.  

Learn more at the Missouri Department of Conservation - The Amazing Ichneumon

Veery

Species: Veery (Catharus fuscescens)
Family: Turdidae
Date: 6.29.15


      
   

Observation:

We have been treated to singing Veeries all summer long; they are the most noticeable singers at dusk.  Yesterday, I spotted one for the first time as it was feeding with the robins on the lawn during the afternoon.  It hung around for a short time, and perched in view for a brief photo-op.


A Fact from Alice:

Veery can fly up to 160 miles in one night, and they can fly at altitudes up to 1.2 miles.

Learn more at All About Birds - Veery

American Goldfinch

Species: American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis)
Family:Fringillidae
Date: 6.28.15

 

Observation:

I noticed this female Goldfinch working her way along the ropes to one of our swings, but it wasn't until I looked more closely at the photographs that I saw the Goldfinch was pulling off fibers from the rope for her nest.

A Fact from Alice:

The American Goldfinch breeds later in the year than most birds.  They wait until plants have produced fibrous seeds (milkweeds, thistles, swing rope!) as they use these in nest building and in feeding their young.

Learn More at All About Birds - American Goldfinch 

Little Wood-Satyr

Species: Little Wood-Satyr (Megisto cymela)
Date: 6.27.15

Observation: 

The Little Wood-Satyr was patrolling our backyard on a fairly overcast day.  Alice and Dana identified the butterfly as being a Little Wood-Satyr with the help of the field guide Grandpa Chris and Grandma Sue sent to us!




A Fact from Alice: 

This Little Wood-Satyr will be in flight on cloudy days when most butterflies are not out.

Learn more at Butterflies and Moths of North America - Little Wood-Satyr

Wild Geranium

Species: Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Date 6.27.15

Observation: 

Dana spotted a Wild Geranium flower between the Red Maple and rhododendron in the backyard and picked it so that Alice could take a closer look at it.  With the help of a field guide, Alice identified the Wild Geranium all by herself!




A Fact from Alice:

The Wild Geranium can be most easily identified by looking at its distinctive palmately divided leaves.

Learn More at wildflower.org - Wild Geranium 

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Species: Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylanica)
Family: Parulidae
Date: 6.26.15




Observation:

The Chestnut-sided Warbler's song was what drew my attention, and the warbler was kind enough to make an appearance just long enough for me to confirm what type of warbler it was.  I was walking around the backyard with my digital voice recorder, not a camera, so I have uploaded a brief clip of the Chestnut-sided Warbler's song.

A Fact from Annie:

The Chestnut-sided Warbler has become increasingly common over the past 200 years.  It likes to lie in open, second growth forest areas.

Learn more at All About Birds - Chestnut-sided Warbler

Eastern Comma

Species: Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
Family: Nymphalidae
Date: 6.25.15

                 

Observation:

While I was working on filling in potholes in our driveway, I was joined by an Eastern Comma (or two).  I must admit I was a little rusty on the difference between Commas and Question Marks.  The photo showing the underwing (and the white comma) was very helpful!


A Fact from Dana:

The host plant for Eastern Comma caterpillars are usually members of the nettle or elm family.  


A Fact from Alice:

The caterpillars are usually solitary and feed during the nighttime.


Learn more at Butterflies and Moths of North America - Eastern Comma

Northern Flicker

Species: Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Family: Picadae
Date: 6.23.15

Observation:  

Kate noticed this Northern Flicker in one of the maples down toward the brook.  It was quite far away (I am impressed the picture isn't more blurry when enlarged).  A month earlier a Northern Flicker gave us a good up-close viewing, foraging for insects right off the edge of our porch.  

A fact from Annie (hey, its' my birthday!):

Northern Flickers prefer to forage for food on the ground (ants, beetles, etc.), and their call is somewhat similar to a Pileated woodpecker's (and my sister thinks they sound like a monkey-bird).

Learn more at All About Birds - Northern Flicker

Silvery checkerspot

Species: Silvery checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)

Family: Nymphalidae

Date: 6.22.15

   

Observation:

Kate and I were enjoying our first day of summer vacation, taking a stroll around the yard when Kate spotted this butterfly on the front lawn.  After some careful online research, Alice determined the butterfly is a checkerspot, most likely a Silvery checkerspot.  We are counting on Grandpa Chris letting us know for sure.

A Fact from Alice:

Checkerspots prefer habitat that is moist, such as streamsides, meadows, and forest clearings. 

Learn more at Butterflies and Moths of North America - Silvery checkspot

Cellar spider

Species: Longbodied cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides) 

To the girls it is a "daddy long legs."  

Family: Pholcidae

Date: 6.21.15

Observation: 

Dana shot out of the garage to tell me there was a spider.  With only a little convincing she decided we should take a picture and add it to our freshly started list.

A fact from Dana:

There is no scientific evidence to support the often heard claim that the venom of the cellar spider is some of the most potent. 

Learn more at Spiders.us or Insect identification - Long-bodied Cellar spiders

Sensitive fern

Species: Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis L)

Date: 6.21.15

             

Observation:

Alice spotted the ferns along the side of our driveway in the shade along the east side of the tree line.  The plant-of-the-day was to be a fern!

A Fact from Alice: 

Sensitive ferns got there name due to their sensitivity to frost.  The frond (fern "leaf") die shortly after the first frost.

Learn more at Go Botany - Sensitive fern

Quaking aspen

Species: Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Date: 6.21.15

                 

Observation:

Alice spotted Quaking aspen trees along the edge of the yard and thought they should be recorded to our list.  Alice has observed lots and lots of Quaking aspens growing along the edge of the lawn.

A fact from Alice:

Quaking aspens grow quickly and are one of the first to spring up after forest fires or forest clearings.  A quaking aspen grows about 2 feet a year.

Learn more at Arborday.org - Quaking aspen

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Species: Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticu ludovicianus)

Family: Cardinaidae (Cardinals)

Date: 6.21.15

Photo credit: Tony Northrup Photography 

(many thanks for providing a site that allows images to be used on the Web!)

     

Observation:

A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak got my attention when it flew to the a porch window before it retreated to the wild grape on the trees off the porch.  It flittered about the grape for a couple of minutes before disappearing when I went to find the camera.

A Fact from Dana:

The song of the rose-breasted grosbeak is similar to the American Robin's.  Its tone is a little "better" and its song isn't as choppy as the robin's.

Learn more at All About Birds - Rose-breasted Grosbeak.