The shade-loving Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa) is a common species of resident dragonfly in the lower Susquehanna basin. Females deposit their eggs on aquatic vegetation in clean still waters, including those found in marshy sections of streams, beaver ponds, and even, on occasion, garden pools, as long as they aren’t overpopulated with large fish. Shadow Darners are the most likely of the dragonflies to be noticed cruising in search of prey at dusk and are the last to be seen during the season, sometimes still found hawking small insects on warm days in November. As you may have guessed, they are quite fond of consuming mosquitoes.
A Peregrine Falcon appearing to be equipped with a tracking transmitter passes the lookout at Second Mountain Hawk Watch in northern Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, today. Note the antenna trailing behind the tail. This individual appears to be a hatch-year/juvenile “Tundra Peregrine”. An effort is currently underway to try to find out more about the bird and its travels.
In the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed, the Common Yellowthroat is a summer resident that nests within brushy cover along stream courses and forest edges. It is particularly fond of dense thorny growth in utility right-of-ways. During spring and fall migrations, it is one of the most likely of the warbler species to be found visiting suburban shrubbery.
The Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) is a terrestrial denizen of steep forested slopes. These amphibians are lungless, “breathing” air through their skin, so don’t touch or handle them. In autumn, as freezing temperatures arrive in the lower Susquehanna region, Northern Slimy Salamanders seek a cozy subterranean shelter to pass the winter.
A juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker surveys the morning landscape. In the lower Susquehanna watershed, Red-headed Woodpeckers are an uncommon summer breeder requiring large dead oak trees in semi-open habitat for nesting. They can occasionally be found during winter in mature oak woods, appearing most frequently west of the river at places including Gifford Pinchot State Park. Fall migrants are seen along local ridges in September and October.
A migrating Monarch butterfly takes a break to feed on nectar from the blooms of a Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum), a common autumn wildflower also known as Heath Aster.
