Jewel Beetles (Buprestidae) – LIFE IN THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER WATERSHED

April 12, 2023April 13, 2023

Photo of the Day

A Reforestation Project — Visible in the background of this image, an infestation of invasive Emerald Ash Borer larvae has killed the trees in a woodlot comprised exclusively of Green Ash. Left standing, the dead snags provide excellent habitat for a number of animal species including cavity-nesting birds like woodpeckers, known consumers of these destructive larvae. To reforest the mowed field in the foreground, a variety of native deciduous trees have been planted. In areas where a diversity of trees are not present to furnish a source of seeds for natural succession, manually planting an array of seedlings provides some insurance against the risk of allowing establishment of a single pioneer species such as the vulnerable Green Ash. The white plastic tubes on the young trees offer protection from the ever-browsing White-tailed Deity.

September 17, 2022

Photo of the Day

Purple Finch feeding on Green Ash seeds. — It seems a bit early, but Purple Finches are indeed beginning to transit the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed on their way south. This one is feeding on the abundance of seeds produced by a Green Ash that has, at least thus far, survived the Emerald Ash Borer invasion.

May 1, 2022September 15, 2022

Early May Migration

National Weather Service radar showed a sizeable nocturnal flight of migrating birds early this morning. Let’s go for a short stroll and see what’s around.

Radar returns from State College, Pennsylvania, display several bands of light rain and a massive flight of migrating birds. (NOAA/National Weather Service image)

Birds of Conewago Falls in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed: Gray Catbird — After coming in on an overnight flight, Gray Catbirds were numerous at dawn this morning.

Birds of Conewago Falls in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed: Black-and-white Warbler — Masses of Neotropical migrants are just beginning to arrive. This Black-and-white Warbler was found feeding on insects in a Green Ash tree that, so far, has survived Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) infestation.

Birds of Conewago Falls in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed: Veery — The Veery is a Neotropical thrush that nests in understory vegetation on forested slopes in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed.

Birds of Conewago Falls in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed: Orchard Oriole — Orchard Orioles are here.

Birds of Conewago Falls in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed: Baltimore Oriole — And Baltimore Orioles are here too. Vibrant colors like these are what many observers find so wonderful about many of the Neotropical species.

Birds of Conewago Falls in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed: Double-crested Cormorants — Not all migrants move at night. While you’re out and about, keep an eye on the sky for diurnal fliers like these migrating Double-crested Cormorants, seen this morning a full ten miles east of the river.

Birds of Conewago Falls in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed: Carolina Wren — While many birds are still working their way north to their breeding grounds, resident species like this Carolina Wren are already feeding young. This one has collected a spider for its nestlings.