https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1 daily 0.75 2025-01-14 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/sparrow-habitat monthly 0.5 2024-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6430eb8c-c9b3-448e-a053-abecfeccd0bd/Meadow-Kenridge+Farm-12-31-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Sparrow habitat - Make it stand out Meadow at Kenridge Farm - Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall, NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6d231540-3b95-4346-be9c-4a66d47487ff/Song+Sparrow-Kenridge+Farm-12-31-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Sparrow habitat - Song Sparrow The summer time diet of the Song Sparrow is generally insects, worms and other invertebrates. In the winter, however, these birds rely heavily on seeds and berries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3bb35d26-c9f1-4ab4-b387-2da6e5563671/Song+Sparrow-Kenridge+Farm-12-31-24-3.jpg Naturally Digital - Sparrow habitat - Make it stand out In different seasons, these birds will be found in different regions of the US. But over the course of the year, they will be found in every state in the country. When trying to identify these songsters, listen for them singing “Put on your tea kettle-kettle-kettle” and look for the “stick-pin” over their chest. I always think of them as singing from their heart! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ab76c401-8714-41d4-a32f-2c35ef6de719/Song+Sparrow-Kenridge+Farm-12-31-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Sparrow habitat Tech Tip - Keep the shot interesting by trying to capture motion. This will mean being patient and waiting for the bird to strike an interesting pose or perhaps take flight. A faster shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher will lead to crisper shots. Many newer mirrorless cameras have a “Pre-capture” feature which will increase your chances of getting good motion shots. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/black-dirt-farms-orange-county-ny monthly 0.5 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7104b0de-dc47-470c-833e-a44c02eab257/Skinners+Lane-12-30-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Black Dirt Farms - Orange County NY - Make it stand out Sod and Onion fields in the Black Dirt Region. Nikon Zfc with Z 24-70 mm lens, 1/125 sec, f/11, ISO 200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0ce3b75f-742b-4f59-90c1-fa9842ac5677/American+kestrel-Skinners+Lane-12-30-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Black Dirt Farms - Orange County NY - Make it stand out Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 180-600 lens @600mm. 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/410a5c5d-a49b-42f7-a08f-b84ecaf8280c/Red-tailed+hawk-Missionland+Road-12-30-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Black Dirt Farms - Orange County NY - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/the-winter-freeze-continues monthly 0.5 2024-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3a3cdea2-5b98-47c3-a056-107b11bf3a40/Icicles-Rte+293-12-27-24-3.jpg Naturally Digital - The Winter Freeze Continues….. - Make it stand out Nikon Zfc with Nikkor Z26mm lens. 1/125 sec, f/9, ISO 500. Hoya Circular Polarizer Filter employed to cut the glare and help bring out details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3000d588-2f6c-4044-859f-c9a2aa572482/Icicles-Rte+293-12-27-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - The Winter Freeze Continues….. - Make it stand out The image captured above reminds me of the pipes of an organ situated side by side in the loft of a cathedral. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/the-frozen-northeast monthly 0.5 2024-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/89f89ada-52fa-4563-822f-0f006f588862/Frozen+downspout-Ondaora-12-23-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - The Frozen Northeast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/915e0dca-d3ef-4ef9-85de-5440a3c82776/Mallards+on+ice-Roe+Park-12-23-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - The Frozen Northeast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8f5a0844-ecd7-4ddb-a0bb-6382469d116c/Northern+cardinal-Ondaora-12-23-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - The Frozen Northeast - It was interesting to see which birds preferred which seed. The Carolina wrens were always at the fruit and nut mix, the house sparrows and finches at the mixed seeds, the tufted titmouse preferred the Safflower seeds, while the cardinals and jays were most fond of the sunflower kernels https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/day-9-winter-solstice monthly 0.5 2024-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9b0e82e9-fdfb-43a9-826a-aa7dc2a305cb/Winter+solstice-Mine+Road-12-21-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 9 - Winter Solstice - Make it stand out The Winter Solstice arrives in the Hudson Valley - Nikon Z9 w/26 - 70mm at 26mm, f/11, 1/250 sec, ISO 800 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3878a369-050c-4ad1-9d59-7b0fa182936d/Screenshot+2024-12-21+at+3.37.55+PM.png Naturally Digital - Day 9 - Winter Solstice - Make it stand out Earth-Sun position during the Winter Solstice (image from web) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4b338aee-405c-4a1e-a9eb-c88b1c8e947a/Winter+solstice+shadows-Mine+Road-12-21-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 9 - Winter Solstice - Since the sun appears lower in the sky than any other time of the year today, the shadows it casts will be longer than any other time as well. You can see the shadows of the trees cast across a dirt road along Mine Road in Orange County NY appear quite long, even though this shot was captured near mid-day. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/day-8-grassland-raptors monthly 0.5 2024-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/71138798-9f79-490f-a1f4-9be133e588c3/Shawangunk+Grasslands+Pan-8-19-22-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 8 - Grassland Raptors - Make it stand out Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d793e019-e13a-4514-99ce-6a0d9d2df184/Red-tailed+hawk-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-19-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 8 - Grassland Raptors As we entered the grounds, we were welcomed by a magnificent Red-tailed hawk (known as Millie to those who visit here regularly). It appears that Millie has taken on the role of Resident Avian Caretaker and is perhaps one of the most photographed individuals in the National Wildlife Refuge system! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bcc8ab31-297d-4387-8167-37b7d607897a/Northern+harrier-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-19-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 8 - Grassland Raptors - Make it stand out Northern Harrier - Nikon Z8 w/ Z180-600mm @600mm, 1/2000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/86099ac7-50e6-409d-a9e1-871de6cde11c/Short-eared+owl-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-19-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 8 - Grassland Raptors - Short-eared flyby The harriers flew in fairly close to the viewing platform which made for nice photo-ops. Too early for the owls, however. The skies grew darker as daylight faded to twilight. The temps dropped quickly as the winds picked up and we found ourselves praying for an appearance of the owls sooner rather than later. The chilly air drove me back to the heat of the RAV4 where my wife and birding buddy had already taken cover. I no sooner got into the front seat when the owls finally decided to make their appearance. A total of five individuals were observed, and fortunately, one of the Short-ears flew right in front of our vehicle. I jumped out back into the cold, took aim, and fired away. Capturing images of these magnificent birds never gets old and is always worth the price of a little discomfort. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/day-7-first-snowfall monthly 0.5 2024-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f9cae9c5-19b6-444f-9557-54c5ff2e76ca/White-throated+sparrow-Ondaora-12-16-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 7 - First snowfall - Make it stand out Nikon Z8 with Nikon Z100-400 lens. 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 6400 Exposure compensation + 1 2/3 stops https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/doodletown-cascade monthly 0.5 2024-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bc32cc33-553f-43c2-898e-8d59372b6a5d/Doodletown+Brook-Iona+Island-12-12-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Day 6 - Doodletown Cascade - Make it stand out Nikon Z8 with Z100-400mm Zoom at 100mm. 1/6 sec, f/7.1, ISO 64. Tripod https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/another-foggy-day-of-storm-king monthly 0.5 2024-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b3ae2393-77b2-42d9-ae90-eb7d065710c6/Storm+King+Highway+Fog-12-10-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Another Foggy Day on Storm King - Make it stand out Nikon Z8 with Z 26 lens: 1/400 sec, F/11, ISO 4000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/03b41ab4-e745-48e6-bb04-a57a0e5319c1/Storm+King+Highway+Fog-12-10-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Another Foggy Day on Storm King - Tech Tip - You do NOT need to have bright sunny skies to photograph the wonders of nature. Overcast, rainy, foggy or snowy days offer us opportunities to capture some intriguing images that tell a story in and of themselves. To learn more about photography in foggy conditions, visit the site below. \ https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/blog-post-title-four-4jn43-e3nwm monthly 0.5 2024-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7bfad4d6-7160-4adb-bedd-34d5b62c37ea/Dark-eyed+junco-Welch+Parkway-12-7-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 5 - Dark-eyed juncos - Make it stand out During the Winter months, Dark-eyed juncos commonly gather along roadsides to feed on seeds from weeds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/59ceae76-3921-4da4-a132-a7761f0fc218/Screenshot+2024-12-08+at+5.41.23+PM.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 5 - Dark-eyed juncos - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4246ca08-8d8b-45d7-913c-ec1a765f8b5d/Dark-eyed+junco-Welch+Parkway-12-7-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 5 - Dark-eyed juncos - Slate-colored junco Not too hard to see how it got its name! https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/blog-post-title-four-4jn43 monthly 0.5 2024-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c8d3882f-fd63-41b8-b14f-0b9be7779ad8/Hermit+thrush-Iona+Island-10-27-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 4- Hermit thrush - Make it stand out Hermit thrush found on Iona Island during the Fall of 2024 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/blog-post-title-three-74tyc monthly 0.5 2024-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5008d623-77c6-4940-980b-e2aeac59b513/Hooded+mergansers-Rockland+Lake12-3-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 3 - Two Bucks - Make it stand out Another clear sign of winter approaching is the sighting of large flocks of Hooded Mergansers gracefully making their way across the water. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/Blog Post Title One-rzf2m monthly 0.5 2024-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/99e61025-441d-4667-846d-79b4fbc60d70/American+tree+sparrow-Lynch+Ave-Black+Dirt-11-20-24-1.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 2 - American Tree Sparrow - Make it stand out https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-1-1/blog-post-title-two-py2yl-UttR3 monthly 0.5 2024-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dae604bf-15d2-44c8-8895-fb1d971d7335/Wild+turkey-Ondaora-11-10-24-3.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 1 - Thanksgiving Visitors Wild turkeys in our side yard….just in time for Thanksgiving! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c25dd0b5-1de2-4bfb-8055-01c2d09cab04/Wild+turkey2-Ondaora-11-10-24-2.jpg Naturally Digital - Preview 1 - Thanksgiving Visitors This hen wanted to steal the show from the rest of her siblings. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1 daily 0.75 2025-01-30 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/january-parting-shots monthly 0.5 2025-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3f603d9d-8fe5-4f3f-a08c-66d74aa92871/Red-shouldered+hawk-MINWR-1-28-25-1.jpg January - January Parting Shots… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9cb46fcf-a898-46e3-92ac-998f7eeabbb6/Eagleon+nest-Weather+Tower+Rd-MINWR-1-28-25-1.jpg January - January Parting Shots… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/merritt-island-nwr monthly 0.5 2025-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e796f1d5-0e03-4d10-a3c0-897c8c97fc29/Wilson%27s+snipe-Black+Point+Drive-1-28-25-1.jpg January - Merritt Island NWR - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1d6a1388-747a-4408-8068-55b443ce1cf3/Short-billed+dowitchers-Black+Point+Drive-1-28-25-1.jpg January - Merritt Island NWR https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/eastern-shore-of-virginia monthly 0.5 2025-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/30a95ebd-6652-4a14-97da-23bb7e1b13b5/Bufflehead-Eastern+Shore+Of+Va+NWR-1-24-25-1.jpg January - Eastern Shore of Virginia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e5c513dc-bd47-43f0-83e3-a7c3007a46a4/Swamp+sparrow-Eastern+Shore+Of+Va+NWR-1-24-25-1.jpg January - Eastern Shore of Virginia As I finished my time with the Buffleheads, I noticed a small sparrow picking through the seeds on the grasses next to the slips. I was pleased to see that it was a Swamp sparrow in nice plumage with an exceptionally dark cheek coloration and nice chestnut sides. He remained in the same area for quite a time and I enjoyed watching and photographing his activity in the waning hours of daylight. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/surviving-winter monthly 0.5 2025-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/62447839-d486-4414-981f-2386d0b012aa/Black-capped+chickadee-Croton+Point+Park-1-10-25-1.jpg January - Surviving Winter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/dwgqiv953k1t6f9tsfau39h9uubldn monthly 0.5 2025-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/10ff12f2-b087-4884-87f7-6260f0487601/Frozen+Hudson-Peekskill-1-22-25-1.jpg January - The Frigid Blast Continues… https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/birds-in-flight monthly 0.5 2025-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/63cef78c-e032-4b06-af44-4f4b1b0538c9/Junco-Ondaora-1-21-25-1.jpg January - Birds in Flight - Nikon Z9 with Z 100-400 zoom at 300 mm. 1/1200 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400 This Dark-eyed junco is a fine looking winter visitor to our feeders. But, how can we make this little guy into a better more attractive image. We realize that in photography, we are taking a two-dimensional medium be it photographic paper or a screen and trying to illustrate three-dimensions and action through electronic imagery. This is much easier to achieve when using video, but the real challenge is in conveying action and multi-dimensional events in a still photograph. Well, if your subject is sedentary, your task is almost impossible. You can’t convey action where there IS NO action! So, be patient and wait him out until he presents you with a better opportunity to make the image dynamic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/264b95cb-a173-49eb-b161-263f424e6b7c/Junco+BIF+2-Ondaora-1-21-25-1.jpg January - Birds in Flight - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/snowscapes monthly 0.5 2025-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5367a79e-e48d-4116-a31d-799899d6f0b8/Poplopen+Creek-1-19-25-2.jpg January - Snowscapes - Cascades With a fair amount of rainfall in the past several weeks, the Creek is once again flowing at a moderate clip. Image is tinted with the amber hues of dormant vegetation augmented by the grays of the granite boulders and cobbles in the stream bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6dfd9c89-10be-4aba-a8bf-46c80c0220b8/Poplopen+Creek-1-20-25-1.jpg January - Snowscapes - After the snow…. Yesterday, the only white in the scene was from the white foam forming as the stream rolled along and a bit of ice on the rocks. Today, white is the dominant color of all that is not actually part of the stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/922eb527-a10d-474a-8daf-d25babd5f714/Poplopen+Creek-1-19-25-3.jpg January - Snowscapes - Looking downstream prior to the snow on Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/be0a8090-1efe-4a88-a521-de0c7bde76fc/Poplopen+Creek-1-20-25-2.jpg January - Snowscapes Today, it’s a Winter Wonderland…. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/feeder-birds monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/more-wintering-waterfowl monthly 0.5 2025-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c1c622e3-ca1f-49b9-84c8-ca4458ee49c7/Bufflehead+pair-Tappan+Zee-1-15-25-2.jpg January - More Wintering Waterfowl The ducks from up north keep on coming down to spend the winter with us as their home waters freeze solid during this frigid winter. Here a pair of Buffleheads don’t seem to mind the 33 degree water. Nikon Z9 with Z 180-600 lens, 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 360 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c47461a0-b91e-4bf5-9e12-085cf788913c/Canvasback-Tappan+Zee-1-15-25-1.jpg January - More Wintering Waterfowl - Another winter visitor which is often one of the last to show up in times of chilly weather is the Canvasback. Males have a white body, chestnut head and black chest while the females are grayer and show more brown plumage. Another winter visitor which is often one of the last to show up in times of chilly weather is the Canvasback. Males have a white body, chestnut head and black chest while the females are grayer and dhow more brown. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/eagle-maturation monthly 0.5 2025-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/96868de4-dbc0-421d-91b9-05f30992c871/Juvenile+bald+eagle-Peekskill+Bay-1-12-24-1.jpg January - Eagle maturation - Immature Bald Eagle _ Peekskill Bay Young eagle on the ice in Peekskill Bay - Nikon Z9 with Z180-600 lens at 600mm 1/2000sec f/7-1 ISO 900 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b2d99ff4-0267-4560-957b-a113fa5d3b51/Bald+eagle-Black+Point+Drive-MINWR-1-5-24-2.jpg January - Eagle maturation - Make it stand out An adult eagle with its iconic look of a pure white head and tail. Nikon Z9 with Z 180-600 mm 1/2000sec f/7.1 ISO 125 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/ss46nqq3cxh2umgk3an78wyx229g10 monthly 0.5 2025-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/eaa8abfc-7ec4-499e-8991-ba48cfcce3fd/Phragmites-Iona+Island-1-12-24-1.jpg January - Invasives - Make it stand out Phragmites - Nature’s styrofoam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dd066285-9e51-47ca-9a22-7e985c4c5ce5/Cattails-Iona+Island-1-12-24-1.jpg January - Invasives Cattails These hardy plants play a crucial role in ecosystems by providing habitat for various wildlife, including birds and insects, while also helping to filter and purify water. Their adaptations to wet environments make them a resilient species, capable of thriving in challenging conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/aaf3f542-ffe1-462a-9713-3697016f76b4/Cattails-Iona+Island-1-12-24-2.jpg January - Invasives - Gone to seed….. Look closely at this image of a cattail. Each piece of “fluff” is attached to a tiny seed. The fluff acts as a parachute which carries and disperses the seed through the marsh. These seeds are a valuable food source for many resident and migrating birds as well as some small mammals. Botanists estimate that each seed head (such as the one seen here) can hold a remarkable quarter of a million individual seeds! In the spring, many species of birds such as wrens, red-winged blackbirds, vireos, sparrows and even hummingbirds use the fluff to line their nests. Eventually, when the cattail plant dies, it decomposes readily to add to the nutrients of the marsh soils. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/first-chase monthly 0.5 2025-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/acb2a781-672d-404a-b1be-24f607c46623/Pond+at+Warwick+Town+Hall-1-11-24-4.jpg January - First chase… - Make it stand out One of the few ponds with open water, the body of water across from the Town Hall in Warwick has a good number of ducks including Mallards, Gadwalls, and a Wigeon… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/94138c89-83c1-4f31-82a1-b7861fd36252/American+wigeon-Pond+at+Warwick+Town+Hall-1-11-24-2.jpg January - First chase… - Wigeons have a characteristic light colored shield down the front of their face. I saw this and quickly started shooting. I figured I had scored my first successful chase” of the year. All too quickly, however, my jubilance turned to disappointment when I realized that the bird was too dark overall and had a whitish shield rather than the more buffy shield of the Eurasian. The greenish hue on the side of the head confirmed that my find was actually an American wigeon….far more common than my target Eurasian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5add676b-4558-4a15-9996-a5b4dc83bdb9/Gadwall-Pond+at+Warwick+Town+Hall-1-11-24-1.jpg January - First chase… - I did find a number of Gadwalls which were quite cooperative as far as allowing a reasonable close-up, so the day was not a washout. Have to admit, just being out and in the hunt looking for a rarity makes the day worth while. If the Eurasian is reported again soon, I may have to get out to Warwick again and see if I can have better luck. Only time will tell. . https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/wintering-eagles monthly 0.5 2025-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b818d21b-3f59-4c3a-acd1-8aed723e415b/Bald+eagles+on+ice-Hudson+River+China+Per-1-10-25-3.jpg January - Wintering eagles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e8c222b5-ea64-46f4-8f24-2cfec4da2fd8/Doodletown+Bight+Ice-1-10-25-1.jpg January - Wintering eagles - Make it stand out You can see ice forming along the edge of the River where Doodletown Brook flows into the Hudson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0492dad8-508f-4630-a051-9eb82a27117b/Common+mergansers-George%27s+Island+Park-1-10-25-2.jpg January - Wintering eagles - At one of our more reliable eagle roosts during the winter month, I was disappointed to find that there were no eagles on site. The ice flows out on the river were few and far between here. Eagles are not the only birds looking for open water this winter, however, and other birds like these Common mergansers have made the journey and are taking advantage of the situation here at George’s Island along the Hudson this morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a087daca-758c-4d63-92da-e599095d78a0/Bald+eagles+on+ice-Hudson+River+Verplanck-1-10-25-1.jpg January - Wintering eagles - Make it stand out Only a few miles further north at Verplanck, the ice flowing down the river was more abundant and some of the hoped-for eagles had taken advantage of the ice platforms to hang out and wait for some tasty fish to come swimming by. Only a week ago, there was no ice to be found in this section of the River and only a few resident eagles were around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a40bdd80-1c00-452f-b78a-d720d3caff04/Bald+eagles+on+ice-Hudson+River+China+Per-1-10-25-1.jpg January - Wintering eagles - A few more miles north brings us to China Pier in the town of Peekskill. Here in Peekskill Bay, a large mass of ice has accumulated as the ice from the north is pushed southward into this eastern section of the river. I found 6 more eagles on the ice here…..a promising sign of things to come. In years past, we have counted over 250 Bald eagles in the 14 mile stretch of river from Croton to Bear Mountain. Seeing the 16 eagles on the ice that I observed today is hopefully an indication of things to come this winter. An adult Bald eagle photographed with the Nikon Z8 and Z 180-600 zoom lens fitted with the Nikon 2X teleconverter for an effective focal length of 1200mm. 1/1250 sec, f/13. ISO 500 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/iona-island monthly 0.5 2025-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/994e6dee-c36d-47ff-9463-002a5b074b03/No+Mockingbird+eating+Bittersweet-Iona+Island-1-6-24-1.jpg January - Iona Island - Make it stand out Northern Mockingbird feasting on Bittersweet - Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 lens 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 1100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6896e66e-9a6d-44d2-ade8-7c1845afc593/Swamp+sparrow-Iona+Island-1-6-24-1.jpg January - Iona Island - Make it stand out Swamp sparrow - Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 lens @200mm 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 8000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1efe84b0-1011-4499-880f-770796ae1664/Big+Brown+Bat-Iona+Island-1-6-25-1.jpg January - Iona Island - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b1ab52ea-a9c7-445b-87ce-580d328f31fa/-Bear+Mt+Dock-1-6-25-1.jpg January - Iona Island - We end our busy day with Ed scanning the sky above Anthony's Nose at Bear Mountain Dock. We end our day with Ed scanning the horizon in the waning moments of daylight. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/1777-trail monthly 0.5 2025-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/933a9818-0e08-4510-a6d1-c63c86edd687/1777+Trail-1-6-24-1.jpg January - 1777 Trail - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/765dd61c-5946-4ac1-9e91-32a20e66205f/Doodletown+Brook-1-6-24-2.jpg January - 1777 Trail - Challenging terrain In the past couple of years, areas in Rockland and Orange Counties have been hit with several devastating rain storms which severely eroded a good deal of this trail through the Bear Mountain area. Areas were deeply rutted, completely washed out and compromised in other ways as well. A small wooden bridge which crossed the normally placid Doodletown Brook was completely washed away. I times of drought, this is not a problem as you can easily cross over by stepping from rock to rock. With the rain and snow we’ve had recently, this is not possible today and getting through the heavily overgrown area was only possible by “bush whacking” through the invasive wisteria vines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c504cb3b-4ac5-444c-b29b-98146ddf1a28/Oak+leaf-1777+Trail-1-6-24-1.jpg January - 1777 Trail - Make it stand out The falling snow begins to adorn an oak leaf which still clings to the branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ffee8489-8b33-48de-8e3b-2dceb45c7c64/Bald+eagle+thru+Tulip+tree-Doodletown-1-6-24-1.jpg January - 1777 Trail - Make it stand out A immature American bald eagle framed by a tulip tree filled with its seed-pods. The falling snow is visible against the dark silhouette of the eagle. Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 lens @120mm, 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/stopping-by-for-breakfast monthly 0.5 2025-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/df93b0b7-fe47-47da-9ff6-48d6e3093b03/Coopers+hawk-Ondaroa-1-5-01-1.jpg January - Stopping by for breakfast… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/dimorphism monthly 0.5 2025-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9ed7d1e7-414f-4404-afa5-dde4278c95ad/Carolina+wren-Ondaroa-1-5-01-1.jpg January - Dimorphism - Make it stand out Carolina wren at our feeder this morning - Nikon Z9 with Z 100-400 lens @350mm, 1/640 sec, f/8, ISO 8000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bfbaf505-048d-4a78-9a24-e23e033e7887/House+finch+pair-Ondaroa-1-5-01-1.jpg January - Dimorphism - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cfeb418c-12b8-4d7a-a641-0ab9c276b891/Cardinal+pair-Ondaroa-1-5-01-1.jpg January - Dimorphism - Make it stand out Cardinal pair with female on the left and the male on the right. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/open-water monthly 0.5 2025-01-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a83d358b-23b0-4cd1-903e-d7bf6c45422b/West+Point+Ice+Jam-West+Shore-1-3-01-1.jpg January - Open water… - Make it stand out Ice Jam along West Point - 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0865f734-45ef-4032-b6c3-d8755fda033b/Gadwall-Hooded+merganser-Haverstraw+Bay+Park-1-3-25-1.jpg January - Open water… - Make it stand out A mixed flock of Gadwalls and Hooded mergansers take advantage of the ice free pond adjacent to the Hudson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/44445f55-fee8-4b04-ab39-4f2f164e89e9/American+bald+eagle-West+Shore+Drive-1-3-25-1.jpg January - Open water… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/birds-of-a-feather monthly 0.5 2025-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a4a61e90-deba-4aea-84bb-1dafb06d5531/Feral+pigeons-Newburgh+Landing-1-1-25-1.jpg January - Birds of a feather…. Feral pigeons - Newburgh Landing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6b6e33e7-b73f-43fe-a170-6724f947d05a/Black+vulture+roose-Cornwall-1-1-25-1.jpg January - Birds of a feather…. This roost of Black vultures was found taking a break from their meal sitting above a partially consumed deer carcass which had been deposited in a dumping ground along Route 9W. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e657f679-c818-40e6-bf90-fe2b35224942/Canada+and+Snow+geese-Roe+Park-12-15-24-1.jpg January - Birds of a feather…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-1/blog-post-title-one-aas4z monthly 0.5 2025-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b65d460e-5513-4e34-b779-f93c821f94bc/Wild+bergamot-Kenridge+Farm-1-1-24-1.jpg January - January 1 - New Beginnings - Make it stand out A close-up view of the seed head of Red Bee Balm. Nikon Z9 with Z 105 mm Micro lens. Composite of 30 images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7f01ecc1-3ac3-48de-8978-acbbd3ad0ef7/Carolina+horsenettle-Kenridge+Farm-1-1-24-1.jpg January - January 1 - New Beginnings - Make it stand out Carolina horse nettle - another macro shot of a plant in winter, this time the fruit of the plant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5b96a3ae-778b-4153-b749-23c4f3ea6f85/Ditch+stonecrop-Kenridge+Farm-1-1-24-1.jpg January - January 1 - New Beginnings - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2 daily 0.75 2025-02-28 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/6fk7ch3g1lejjtamk9f9h3n65g8x6i monthly 0.5 2025-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b53b5400-6157-400d-868e-7bf5c7755b7b/Herring+gull-NSB+Jetty-2-28-25-1.jpg February - Large young gulls - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/422832f1-8b84-424f-a2f0-def7880e34ad/Herring+gull-NSB+Jetty-2-28-25-2+copy.jpg February - Large young gulls - I had photographed the same bird as it sat on the beach, so I decided to take a closer look at the bird from that vantage point. Merlin did in fact identify that bird was a Herring gull as I had originally thought. Now according to the field guides, a young herring gull’s breast should be pretty blotchy while an immature Lesser black-backed gull has a whiter streaked breast. Looking at the shot of the bird I took today, you can definitely see that there is no streaking on the breast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2f163a68-f4dc-44cf-8e9c-1ba54d49cd14/Lesser+black-backed+gulls-4-26-2020-1+copy+2.jpg February - Large young gulls I went back into the archives to see if I could see the difference between a young Herring and a young Black-back. It would appear that the most definitive field mark is the streaked breast of the Lesser, seen clearly in this shot. So, my first impression was the correct one. (but i really had to look deeper to make sure of the identification). https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/spruce-creek-park monthly 0.5 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4321ed24-9597-44f6-bd13-36500fb9b18e/Clapper+rail-Spruce+Creek+Preserve-2-25-25-1+copy.jpg February - Spruce Creek Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/522648d8-37c2-46af-a1ad-4d855eabe61f/Brown+pelican-Spruce+Creek+Preserve-2-25-25-2+copy.jpg February - Spruce Creek Park The most prominent bird of the morning was the ubiquitous Brown pelican. Brown pelicans can be found up and down the east coast of the United States during the warm summer months but are pretty much confined to an area south of the Virginia during the winter. A plunge diver, this bird will soar above the water in search of fish until it spots its prey. At that point, it goes into a steep dive at high speeds, plunging into the water scooping up a pouch full of water and hopefully fish. It tilts its bill down to drain the water from its bill and then swallows what’s left…..lunch! Mother Nature has provided the Brown pelican with an airbag in its breast to help absorb the impact of diving down from heights of 50 - 60 feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f7783aa9-5344-491a-913d-0c34b104907e/Blue-gray+gnatcatcher-Spruce+Creek+Preserve-2-25-25-2+copy.jpg February - Spruce Creek Park When in the Sunshine State, one bird you are likely to see at anytime of year is the petite Blue-Gray gnatcatcher. In spite of the fact that you can find these birds in Florida all year round, it’s believed that they are all migratory, so the birds you’ll see here in summer are not the same birds that are here now! The males will head north to the breeding grounds as far north as New York before the ladies, but the females will be soon to follow. A good birding buddy of mine hit the nail on the head when he rated this little beauty a perfect “10” on the Avian cuteness scale. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/merganser-raft monthly 0.5 2025-02-22 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/tiny-tyrants monthly 0.5 2025-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a342aaa0-3376-4ca3-b982-a1db2072cb5a/Eastern+phoebe-MINWR-2-21-25-1+copy.jpg February - Tiny tyrants We find ourselves visiting Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge’s Black Point Drive once again. Over the course of our 4 months here in the Sunshine State, we generally y try to get down to this fabulous birding spot at least once every two weeks. The population of birds is ever changing as birds fly in from the north in the early months and are displaced by birds returning north later during our stay. Today we had a total of 50 species including several very photogenic “tiny tyrants”. What these three small birds lack in size they certainly make up for in terms of attitude and ability. Our first bird on today’s photo list is a true tyrant… a member go the family “Tyrant flycatchers”. The Eastern phoebe is a winter visitor here in Florida. Their numbers will dwindle quickly in the near future, however, as they are one of the earliest migrants to head back to the north country. These birds are omnivores and will eat fruits and berries during the cooler winter months. They are remarkable aerialists. Their main diet consists of wasps, bees, flies and other insects which they can snag in mid-air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/97c454d3-c291-49d4-a2dd-f213ac60fec5/American+kestrel-MINWR-2-21-25-3+copy.jpg February - Tiny tyrants Our second “tyrant” of the skies today is the American kestrel. A beautiful little falcon, about the size of a Robin, this diminutive hunter normally specializes in large insects such as grasshoppers and dragonflies. This little guy is a dynamo and is not afraid to tackle larger prey like voles, mice, bats or small birds equal in size to themselves. They are a joy to watch hovering above fields in search of prey or sitting on a high perch (often telephone lines) waiting to swoop down upon their unsuspecting quarry. Those razor sharp talons and that small but powerful bill are made for hunting and this mighty-mite is another real tyrant in its realm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fda4fc62-1add-47a8-b244-f663182d974c/Loggerhead+shrike-MINWR-2-21-25-1+copy.jpg February - Tiny tyrants Our last but certainly not least “tough guy” was found at the Chain-of-Lakes Park in Titusville just north of the causeway into Merritt Island NWR. Tyrant? Just look at this bird’s nickname… “Butcher Bird”! With a hooked bill like the kestrel we just discussed and powerful little talons, the Loggerhead shrike is well known to take down it’s prey and then stick it onto barbed wire fencing or a nearby thorny tree for later consumption. Small birds, rodents, and large insects are all fair game. The shrike will sit on a low perch (often in plain sight) and pounce down on its prey quickly dispatching it with its sharp bill. The shrike is not that particular as to what it dines upon and are known to feed on snails, frogs, lizards, snakes and well….whatever! https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/the-jetty monthly 0.5 2025-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9da57c59-3525-4339-9c28-ff78c6a20f27/Ruddy+turnstones-Lighthouse+Park-2-18-25-1+copy.jpeg February - The Jetty - In spite of being limited as to how close we could approach the birds on the jetty, we were still afforded the opportunity to see and photograph some of the species we had hoped for. Among the expected species are the Ruddy turnstones we see every time we visit this site. Turnstones love to hunt for crustaceans, insects, worms and other aquatic prey which thrive on the wave-washed rocks. With bins, scopes and a decent length lens on the camera, we were able to capture a respectable look at the “ruddies” in our mind’s eye and on our cameras’ sensors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/612a3722-d55f-4fa1-a385-17235e40e382/Purple+sandpiper-Lighthouse+Park-2-18-25-1+copy.jpeg February - The Jetty With continued effort, a member of the birding group finally found our main target, the Purple sandpiper. To the novice birder, this species can look very similar to the Turnstones seen above. Closer examination will reveal that the turnstones have a distinctive black bib and a clean white breast and a black and white face. The Purple sandpipers on the other hand sport a dark slaty color which is not found in any other shorebird on the East Coast in winter When you can see the two side by side (or as seen in comparison with these two images), the differences as fairly obvious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8e96a683-5665-4dd4-a351-686fb8caf9b7/Black+skimmers+and+Herring+gulls-Lighthouse+Park-2-18-25-1+copy.jpeg February - The Jetty - Make it stand out Black skimmers and Herring gulls over “Disappearing Island” at Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet, FL https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/orlando-wetlands-ii monthly 0.5 2025-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/83f5e432-0887-4a81-8587-8cae0912412c/Alligator+snapping+turtle-Orlando+Wetlands-2-15-25-1+copy.jpg February - Orlando Wetlands - II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f7a0b365-eaa0-48dc-8a4c-c0b4cafdc16e/American+kestrel-Orlando+Wetlands-2-15-25-1+copy.jpg February - Orlando Wetlands - II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b5c158e8-5405-40e7-aa53-e6efff0a6dc4/Bald+eagle+with+chick-Orlando+Wetlands-2-15-25-1.jpg February - Orlando Wetlands - II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/orlando-wetlands-i monthly 0.5 2025-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/92bc6d5c-fb76-4e33-bca0-32b9d9beb518/Wood+storks+w+rainbow-Orlando+Wetlands-2-15-25-2+copy.jpg February - Orlando Wetlands - I - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8117c332-8e7a-488e-9d15-8a7aea50adc7/Spooning+spoonbills-Orlando+Wetlands-2-15-25-1+copy.jpg February - Orlando Wetlands - I - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8894d94a-f808-4949-8025-385f0cdbadd1/Black+and+white+warbler-Orlando+Wetlands-2-15-25-1+copy.jpg February - Orlando Wetlands - I - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/on-the-beach monthly 0.5 2025-02-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/11d16ede-e364-48f8-a427-c7c65f9b685f/Herring+gull+adult-NSB-2-14-25-1+copy.jpg February - On the Beach - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6f11b1c7-b188-4fc6-9d3f-534dc7e7afba/Great+black-backed+gull-NSB-2-14-25-1+copy.jpg February - On the Beach - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/59d07160-cbd3-4fb8-ba12-4088b3687627/Bonaparte%27s+gull-NSB-2-14-25-1.jpg February - On the Beach - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/smyrna-dunes monthly 0.5 2025-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b795a13b-b867-4ee2-96cd-1aa01d00e203/Another+foggy+morning-Smyrna+Dunes+Park-2-11-25-1.jpg February - Smyrna Dunes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/93462ea9-fd77-4654-8d57-40604c3e695e/Common+ground+dove-Smyrna+Dunes+Park-2-11-25-2.jpg February - Smyrna Dunes - One of the most prolific birds at the park is the Common Ground Dove. It may be “common”, but their coloration, small size and fondness for skulking around the ground vegetation make spotting this bird a challenge. We potted this bird along with two others close to the beginning of the boardwalk. While it may look similar to a Mourning dove which is more familiar to many new birders, it is considerably smaller, has a “scaly” appearance , and has pink legs and pink at the base of its bill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9f918c21-81d8-486a-9b3a-d51e87d0837b/Sanderling-Smyrna+Dunes+Park-2-11-25-2.jpg February - Smyrna Dunes The boardwalk eventually leads to the beach where we immediately find a group of Sanderlings. These little gems are often seen at the water’s edge scurrying back and forth as the waves roll in and then recede. The fog is still with us making for muted looks and sadly muted photographs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bee50818-a07a-4bbd-b571-582b5128385b/Snowy+egret-Smyrna+Dunes+Park-2-11-25-1.jpg February - Smyrna Dunes - Make it stand out Snowy egret https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/anhingas-and-cormorants monthly 0.5 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bc3fdbc5-6409-464d-a776-a20b00d5e1a2/DC+Cormorant-Shiloh+Marsh+Rd-2-10-25-1.jpg February - Anhingas and Cormorants - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant - Shiloh Marsh Rd MINWR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/613de3c4-afd8-46a7-b17a-ece439f7eed7/1-18-Anhinga-Shiloh+Marsh+Road-1-18-22-2.jpg February - Anhingas and Cormorants Cormorants and anhingas (like this one found at Shiloh Marsh in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge) would find water-proofing to be a major disadvantage to their preferred method of hunting, however. Both cormorants and anhingas feed by diving down into the water and chasing their prey down. Anhingas spear their quarry and Cormorants swim after the fish at high speeds to catch and grab them in their bills. Being water-logged is a benefit since it allows them to easily stay under water for extended periods of time. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/avian-bounty monthly 0.5 2025-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7a93eef9-82b4-4225-9acc-f305a9878425/Coots+and+American+wigeons-Black+Point+Dr-+MINWR--2-7-24-1.jpg February - Avian Bounty… - A raft of American coots with a few American wigeons sprinkled in… Nikon Z8 with Z180-600mm @600mm. 1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 560 Every time we venture out to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, there is something different to observe. Today, it was not just the sheer number of birds, but also the variety. With over 50 species including some new to us for the year, we kept our shutters busy recording the avian bounty Mother Nature had to offer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/77054af9-ecd5-47e2-a203-9ee876cb8e10/Bald+eagle+and+chick+on+nest-WSEG+Nest+MINWR--2-7-24-1.jpg February - Avian Bounty… For the past several years we always make our first stop at Weather Tower Road near the WSEG boat launch. It’s been a number of years since we first discovered this nest and every year it reclaims the honor of being one of the more reliable nest sites. We watched today as one chick sat in the nest patiently awaiting the other parent to return with its next meal. While one parent remained guarding its youngster, the second was observed taking a break from parenting in a nearby pine. It was fun to watch the little guy admire the activity of its mom (?) jumping from the nest onto the adjacent limb as if it was thinking, “someday soon, I’ll be able to fly too!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8c1ac04f-4a54-44e5-be58-993b9a116cfa/Yellow-rumped+warbler-Black+Point+Dr-+MINWR--2-7-24-1.jpg February - Avian Bounty… As we began the Black Point Drive loop, we noticed that some of the impoundments had been lowered as a result of water management or simply a lack of rain. With the changing landscape, the assemblage of birds in this section of the park had been altered. Last week, it seemed as if there was another Wilson’t snipe every quarter mile or so. Today? They were conspicuously absent! We did find a nice little Yellow-rumped warbler picking off insects from the mangrove roots just above the water’s surface. These little warblers are very opportunistic and will find a bite wherever it is available. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/abdeb1f6-b8c0-4c90-b13d-ef17aca25c76/Avocets+and+Dunlins-Black+Point+Dr-+MINWR--2-7-24-1.jpg February - Avian Bounty… One of the pools was a virtual gold mine of avian life. Our first avocets of the year were found along with Long-billed dowitchers. The image above is a small piece of the many birds hanging out in this area. Just a short distance further, we found a large number of winter visitors from the north-central US - White pelicans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0b219d74-02ac-4fac-8522-adff3360340a/White+pelicans+et+al-Black+Point+Dr-+MINWR--2-7-24-1.jpg February - Avian Bounty… - A careful examination of the photo above will reveal individuals of each of the following species…….Blue-winged teal, Black skimmers, Great egrets, Long-billed dowitchers, Laughing gulls, Ring-billed gulls, Dunlin, and perhaps more lurking in the shadows. What is it that brings such a variety of birds into one spot while other areas remain devoid of bird life? Obviously, conditions are ripe for a combination of factors such as relative safety from predators, an abundance of food, water, and shelter. . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/eebba125-6855-4b0f-a4ad-150b7535268c/Great+horned+owl-Black+Point+Dr-+MINWR--2-7-24-2.jpg February - Avian Bounty… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/dinnertime-at-the-lagoon monthly 0.5 2025-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/28c2216e-c3b9-4346-a117-28513ad3bf7b/Brown+pelicans-Indian+River+Lagoon-2-3-25-1.jpg February - Dinnertime at the Lagoon - It’s another foggy day along the Indian River Lagoon, but it’s time to eat for our avian friends. Brown pelicans know where to get an easy meal. Let the dolphins do all the work and simply follow along to pick up the spoils of the day. Whenever you see several pelicans all frantically moving about in unison, you can be reasonably sure that there is a dolphin or two in the area. Such was the case today as these two pelicans continually followed this dolphin which was driving small fish into the shallows. At Indian River Lagoon Preserve in New Smyrna Beach, low tide is an ideal ideal to watch feeding behaviors of birds and mammals. The shallow water makes for easier fishing and the exposed oyster bars provide a buffet of crustaceans and worms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9a4533b9-5e46-4a98-a3ee-0eed6f620213/Great+egret+and+Little+blue-Indian+River+Lagoon-2-3-25-1.jpg February - Dinnertime at the Lagoon While the pelicans were busy picking up the left-overs from the dolphin, a Great egret and Little blue heron came in nearby to scour the oyster bars. The Little blue apparently did take-out as upon further examination (see next shot), we realized that he was snacking on a Glass lizard, a legless lizard of the south which is terrestrial. The Little blue must have brought it with him when he arrived. The Great egret seemed more interested in watching his dinner mate than searching for his own bite. Always something to entertain us when we take the time to look carefully. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1027b472-356b-40d2-831e-c2963fee2b89/Little+blue+with+Glass+lizard-Indian+River+Lagoon-2-3-25-1.jpg February - Dinnertime at the Lagoon - Make it stand out Little blue heron with Glass Lizard - Indian River Lagoon Preserve, New Smyrna Beach, FL https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/zx7tb4mq5wvv14q9gpx4zgr9dlfnxy monthly 0.5 2025-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dde49eb2-a310-4c8e-a3cf-e0f47c9b72f7/Foggy+Day-Dunlawton+Bridge-2-4-25-1.jpg February - Dunlawton Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/05a1d3be-b00e-4b3b-b383-22ce79e3eba1/Red-breasted+mergansers-Dunlawton+Bridge-2-4-25-1.jpg February - Dunlawton Bridge - Impervious to damp foggy weather, a drake Red-breasted merganser and his harem swim leisurely by. These birds are entitled to be “leisurely” as they have migrated from their breeding grounds in Canada and northern US to spend the winter along with the rest of us “snowbirds” here in the warmer climes of coastal Florida. These are fish-eating ducks, and they love the salt-water lagoons where their prey is plentiful. Belonging to a group of water fowl known as “diving ducks”, the mergansers coordinate their dives so that if you see one plunge down into the depths, you will see the entire group do likewise at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/56894a57-c749-4df6-a624-75aed573080a/White+ibises-Dunlawton+Bridge-2-4-25-3.jpg February - Dunlawton Bridge - Anytime you visit the Indian River Lagoon beneath the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, you can be pretty much assured of the fact that you are going to see White ibises. These are resident birds found in Florida year round and rarely venturing out of their southeast range. Their long curved reddish bills serve them well as they probe shallow water in search of small crabs, worms, fish or even frogs and small snakes. In adulthood, the birds are pure white with black wing-tips. The bird seen here in the background is an immature bird distinguishable by its blotchy appearance often referred to as the “calico” phase. While most often thought of as water birds, don’t be surprised to find these birds using those long bills to probe into the Florida sandy soils in search of a meal on residents’ lawns! Inspire of the foggy conditions, the group ended up with over 20 species…more birds than birders which is always the goal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6ee85c52-37dd-477c-8043-99dd9152d85b/American+oystercatcher-Bird+Island+NSB-4-17-24-1.jpg February - Dunlawton Bridge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/canaveral-national-seashore monthly 0.5 2025-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/32db2cf6-42ab-49a7-9091-1850c5ee1106/Armadillo-Canaveral+NS-2-2-25-1.jpg February - Canaveral National Seashore We are indeed fortunate to have Canaveral National Seashore as our neighbor to the south. Only several miles from our home in Florida, this wonderful stretch of unspoiled beach will be forever wild and is home to many species of wildlife. Anytime we visit the refuge (which is often!), one of our first targets is the Nine-banded armadillo which is often seen digging in the soft sandy edges of the road leading down through the park. The armadillo is a strange mammal with a body covering of bony plates which make it appear somewhat prehistoric. Today, I was greeted by a welcoming committee of 5 of these little guys along the 6 miles leading down to the end of the drive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/34d47417-60fc-4d38-a006-da4ae32cbb21/Turkey+vulture-Canaveral+NS-2-2-25-1.jpg February - Canaveral National Seashore Another common denizen of the wooded areas along the seashore is the Turkey vulture. Vultures are one of the most common birds found in North American. They are sometimes referred to as Nature’s garbage disposal and serve an important role in the ecology of the natural world. The red face and long tail of this bird tells us that this is indeed a Turkey vulture, one of the two species we might see in Florida….but more on these fascinating birds in a future post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dd5030f3-1f7f-463e-8560-6401049ef524/Common+yellowthroat-Canaveral+NS-2-2-25-3.jpg February - Canaveral National Seashore Among the other species observed today was this beauty, the Common yellowthroat. These little warblers are more often heard than seen. Their melodious song seems to say “witchety, witchety, witchety”. Throughout most of North America, where there is a body of water there is very possibly a Common yellowthroat….hence the name “common”. Listen to the call of the yellowthroat in the following video and see if you might hear this bird in the wild on your next trip into the field. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-3-2/welcome-home monthly 0.5 2025-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/da138acb-e918-4f2d-be66-1215ced0a5b7/Osprey-SBC+Condo+Deck-1-31-25-1.jpg February - Welcome Home… - Beautiful osprey fly-by in New Smyrna Beach. Nikon Z9 with Z 180-600 Zoom at 250 mm, 1/2500 sec, F/7/1, ISO 800 Could it be Ozzie??? https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1 daily 0.75 2025-04-01 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/lightning monthly 0.5 2025-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fed65cd5-9f74-4f16-a9e1-b736b0d57598/Lightning+strike-NSB+Condo-3-30-25-2.jpg March - Lightning - Make it stand out Two shot composite - Nikon Z9 with Z24-70mm at 24mm 1/500sec, f/5.0, ISO 8000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ec518388-34a3-467d-a716-18f98b4ba20f/Update+Lightning+strike-NSB+Condo-2-14-24-1.jpg March - Lightning - Make it stand out Cloud-to-cloud lightning strike from last night’s storm….. Nikon Z9 with Z24-70 at 24mm 1/125 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/00981d5d-7b0d-44df-a97f-e4c7aea8b761/Lightning+strike-NSB+Condo-3-30-25-3.jpg March - Lightning Hand held lighting strike over the Atlantic from last night’s storm using the Pre-burst feature on my Nikon Z9.. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/out-with-the-old monthly 0.5 2025-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e480183d-e814-40f5-a6c6-ec0f8e944ddd/Jubilee+Pond-MINWR-3-29-25-1.jpg March - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/331977f5-a4a1-4ee5-8e2b-5f20aa65a379/Tricolor+heron-Black+Point+Dr-MINWR-3-29-25-1.jpg March - Out with the old…. One of the Tricolored herons found in the pond was in beautiful breeding plumage. The base of the tricolor’s bill is normally yellowish throughout most of the year, but when the hormones kick in, the yellow turns bright blue as seen here. Most of these birds will migrate north after breeding season has past, but some remain here in Florida as permanent residents. March being the “dry season” here in east-central Florida, the ponds are usually low allowing for concentration of small fish and crustaceans , critical for allowing the breeding adults to acquire food without excessive exertion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7f6a8e4d-6178-4d23-8585-881b3e281854/WSEG+Eagle-MINWR-3-29-25-1.jpg March - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/79f533f1-b8ad-4540-b5de-cf5569f9d857/Reddish+egret-Black+Point+Dr-MINWR-3-29-25-1.jpg March - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/willets monthly 0.5 2025-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5408d652-5da9-4467-bdfd-41c9afcfa93c/Willets-NSB+Condo-3-28-25-1.jpg March - Willets - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/293e9e88-4692-4d29-a82d-619b0a0dcd82/Willet-NSB+Condo-3-28-25-3.jpg March - Willets Once you hear the bird, a quick glance at the Willet in flight will display an unmistakable field mark…it’s bright white wing bar as seen here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a17f69ad-38fc-4ae0-bac7-27978a3e3cbb/Willet+eating+sand+flea-NSB-2-21-21-1+copy.jpg March - Willets Our bird today was doing what most shore birds do…foraging for food. The Willet will dine on insects, worms, and crustaceans such as this favorite of their’s, the sand flea. The birds we saw today were all of the western population. These are distinguishable by their lighter color and a slightly larger size than the eastern group. The Eastern population will start showing up along our coast in April as they return from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. There is a period of overlap as the Westerns begin to head west and the eastern begin to arrive back. At that time, it is pretty easy to tell which is which. The archival photo below which I took 6 years ago shows how dark the Eastern willet is compare to its western cousin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4fe0af9f-df4e-4ef6-ae92-ccd33a9f2ed3/Eastern+willet-Chincoteague+NWR-4-27-19-2.jpg March - Willets - Make it stand out Eastern willet photographed in Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia April 27, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/df5b5551-f330-4fe6-bfc2-818e1c6e4a26/Western+Willet-NSB+Condo-3-28-25-7.jpg March - Willets - Make it stand out Western willet photographed this morning (3/28/25) in New Smyrna Beach, FL https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/turtle-mound-flora monthly 0.5 2025-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/35c32b12-e5bc-406e-b92f-edc9756c8ae1/Indian+River-Turtle+Mound-3-25-25-1.jpg March - Turtle Mound Flora - Make it stand out Panoramic photo taken with Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 1/2703 sec, f/1.78, ISO 80 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1b6df040-a130-4359-89ad-383ae13b3593/Morning+glory-Indian+River-Turtle+Mound-3-25-25-1.jpg March - Turtle Mound Flora Oceanblue Morning Glory This beautiful flower is known by several names, but since it is so close to the ocean, we’ll stick with the name most commonly used in these parts…Oceanblue. The flowers produced by this plant are “hermaphroditic” meaning these plants possess both male and female reproductive organs within the same individual. This enables them to produce both pollen and ovules. This unique feature allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in reproduction, as these plants can self-pollinate or cross-pollinate with others in their vicinity. The morning glory is a fast growing aggressive vine and can grow to more than 70 feet in tropical climates. Technically, the plant is a “native” species, but it can become a nuisance plant as it spreads rapidly. Nonetheless, it is a beauty to behold here on the mound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/070882bb-20cc-47eb-8dbe-414c706e3160/Sea+ox-eye+-Indian+River-Turtle+Mound-3-25-25-1.jpg March - Turtle Mound Flora Sea Ox-eye This lovely flower is a member of the aster family and is native to the United States and Mexico. It extends north to Maryland and south from here in Florida to Texas. This plant occurs naturally in coastal strands, mangroves, beach dunes, salt marshes and tidal flats. It is very attractive to butterflies and other pollinators as it can bloom year-round. Its seeds provide food for birds and other small wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/70ea50e4-0378-4a1e-94da-32e710063b29/Prckly+sowthistle-Indian+River-Turtle+Mound-3-25-25-1.jpg March - Turtle Mound Flora - Prickly sow-thistle Another member of the daisy family, the Prickly sow-thistle (Sonchus asper) is a biennial herbaceous plant often found in disturbed areas across North America. We found this plant today growing in sandy soil that had been overlain with bags of oyster shells in an attempt to limit erosion along the banks of the Indian River during stormy periods. Characterized by its lobed, spiny leaves and bright yellow flowers, it can grow up to 4 feet tall. The plant's milky sap is a distinguishing feature, and its seeds are equipped with fluffy tufts that facilitate wind dispersal. These tufts are easily seen in this photo with both the flowers and the fruits visible. Native pollinators are attracted to its flowers, making it a contributor to local ecosystems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7ace3637-c21d-4d37-a9ea-0e76a10cc393/Nickernut-Indian+River-Turtle+Mound-3-25-25-2.jpg March - Turtle Mound Flora - Make it stand out Nickernut Finally, but certainly not least, is a fascinating plant called the Nickernut. Nickernut, scientifically known as Guizotia abyssinica, is a flowering plant native to East Africa and parts of India. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is cultivated for its oil-rich seeds, which are commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. The plants thrive in well-drained soil and are often grown in regions with a moderate climate. The seeds are buoyant and durable which allows them to be carried by ocean currents over vast distances and commonly end up in new coastal areas. When the pods seen in the photo taken today at the mound eventually open, the hard beadlike seed may well fall into the Indian River and begin a new journey to the next spot for colonization! https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/bethune-beach-park monthly 0.5 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/00f72dd2-a5f8-4f20-a56c-c7a5f6b38900/Bethune+Beach+Park-3-23-25-1.jpg March - Bethune Beach Park Bethune Beach ParkBethune Beach Park, located on the east coast of Florida in New Smyrna Beach, is a scenic destination known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. This park offers visitors access to pristine sandy shores, where they can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the Atlantic Ocean. Across A-1-AT, the park is also home to diverse wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography. The little Intercoastal bay on the west side of the park is a magnet for manatee and dolphin especially when the waters begin to warm up in March. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/645ae299-8f4f-4b41-851a-aa35f3b2814b/Manatee+with+calf-Bethune+Beach+Park-3-23-25-1.jpg March - Bethune Beach Park - Make it stand out Manatee with calf - Nikon Z8 with Z100-400mm lens at 125 mm 1/1000 sec, f/4.8, ISO 560 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dab1b376-aadb-4b69-8050-659e976781d7/Common+grackle-Bethune+Beach+Park-3-23-25-1.jpg March - Bethune Beach Park - The birdlife was pretty sparse except for a nearby Red-bellied woodpecker and a communal group of Common grackles. Grackles are quite commonplace here in Florida, but you have to look carefully to see which of the two common species you have spotted. In Florida, this is an easy call if you can see their eyes. If you see a black iris in the bird’s eye, you are looking at a “Boat-tailed” grackle (remember the two “B”s - black eye =Boat-tail). Golden eyes, however mean this is a Common grackle such as is pictured in the photo to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ebf53b0b-a0b6-46ab-ae32-fd85c6541c1a/Great+blue+heron-Bethune+Beach+Park-3-23-25-1.jpg March - Bethune Beach Park The only other bird of note this morning was the Great blue heron which was positioned at the little bay’s end. Often, especially in the afternoon hours, dolphin will come into the bay in small groups of two or three and will herd the fish into the shallow end of the bay. I will attempt to photograph this event later during our stay as it is quite a display of cooperation among the species. As the small fish are pushed into the shallows, they become easy prey not just for the dolphin but also for other fish eating creatures like this heron. Unfortunately for the heron, he was here too early for the feast today and will have to wait for the dolphin to show up later in the day. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/vernal-equinox monthly 0.5 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0b08c753-426c-4a63-a702-3cd9b5a41b14/Vernal+equinox+sunrise-NSB+Condo-3-20-25-1.jpg March - Vernal equinox - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f2d1c415-2c9b-45c1-bedb-aa20f88e2313/Egyptian+goose-Hidden+Lakes+GC-3-20-25-1.jpg March - Vernal equinox It’s a glorious first day of spring 2025 and the weather is perfect for golf and for birding….so why not both? This is the second annual Birds and Brews held at Hidden Lakes Golf Club by Southeast Volusia Audubon. We began at 5:00 PM and headed out to the 10th tee box to see if we could find any avian life. Golf courses often get a bad rap with critics pointing out the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers as being a detriment to birds and other wildlife. On the positive side, however, golf courses preserve a great deal of habitat that may otherwise be developed for housing, strip malls, parking lots and other not-so-environmentally friendly enterprises. As we head out to explore the habitat around the course, we almost immediately find an Egyptian goose which is apparently oblivious to the golfers sharing the same fairway. The “negative” impact of this course has not apparently had a negative effect on these geese as they have a family of 5 chicks on site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/86c57e71-ec5f-40fb-bae6-857e0e020369/Great+blue+heron-Hidden+Lakes+GC-3-20-25-1.jpg March - Vernal equinox - Great blue heron searching for its next meal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/32cde7ee-1f0d-4c7d-8479-865d3db5d694/Osprey-Hidden+Lakes+GC-3-20-25-1.jpg March - Vernal equinox - Make it stand out Osprey - Nikon Z9 with Z100-400 at 400mm (heavily cropped) 1/1250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2617a491-b434-471f-accb-6207e6e0b2ab/Bald+eagle-Hidden+Lakes+GC-3-20-25-4.jpg March - Vernal equinox - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/78056f00-d483-495b-b166-ec61d497c3b5/Egyptian+chases+Bald+eagle-Hidden+Lakes+GC-3-20-25-1.jpg March - Vernal equinox This young eagle was actively hunting over the waters of the lake and had its eyes set on a raft of cormorants and well as some Egyptian goose chicks. The cormorants which had been on the island in the center of the lake quickly took to the water when the eagle showed up and were partially submerged as they often are. Eagles don’t fare well in water and would prefer to grab a bite with a little less hazard involved. The chicks which are often on dry land along the shore make for a much easier meal….unless Mom or Dad is around. In this case, an adult quickly took on the role of family protector and made a beeline for the intruding threat. It was pretty amazing to see how agile the goose was in harassing the eagle and chasing it out of the goose’s territory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3a973675-f772-4b9b-8387-244b360fa469/Vernal+equinox+sunset-3-20-25-2.jpg March - Vernal equinox - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/viera-wetlands monthly 0.5 2025-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/540eeba7-1cb4-4555-9526-ce91a6cb8b77/Black-crowned+night-heron-Viera+Wetlands-3-15-25-4+copy.jpg March - Viera Wetlands…. - So, in spite of the fact that there were several folks in our group who would have liked to have joined us but were not physically able, eight members of Southeast Audubon ventured out to walk around the wetlands this morning and take a look at what the onset of spring had to offer. We had several targets among which were the Least bittern and the Crested caracara. Both birds are tough to find, but at least the bittern is a bird which is often heard if not seen. Such was the case today as we heard one early on and then later heard a second. Their call is quite distinctive normally, but the first vocalization was a little different than we are used to. With the help of a little technology, however, we were able to confirm our bird as the Least bittern. Another bird which is not always seen on our trips is the Black-crowned night-heron. We did not have to rely on audio clues to pick out his bird. One of our members spotted him perched back on a tree limb on an island several hundred yards across the pond from the dike along which we were walking. What was less than an ideal sighting soon became a lot more definitive and enjoyable as the night-heron took flight. It flew over and around the island giving us all wonderful looks at this great bird allowing for nice photo-ops as well. Nikon Z8 with Z100-400mm at 400mm…1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 500 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ee445502-234f-49d8-94e5-75f5ff226ce4/Crested+caracara-Moccasin+Tract-3-15-25-1+copy.jpg March - Viera Wetlands…. Of all the birds we were hoping to see, the Crested caracara is by far the most elusive, and we generally hope but don’t necessarily expect to see this bird on our outings. The caracara used to be much more reliable as far as sightings in the Viera area, but habitat loss due to extensive development has made the chance of seeing this bird less and less each year. Still, nature persists and we did get our lone view late in the morning of our trip. Our trip leader Don was the first to spot our quarry and called out “Caracara caracara caracara” so many times that no-one had any doubt as to what he had seen! The bird made a steady long flight over the fields at the end of the road down Moccasin Tract to River Lakes Preserve where we were ending our day. Guess he just wanted to save the best for last for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/25a29ba4-4e68-414a-819d-d40afd0b71a9/Limpkin-Moccasin+Tract-3-15-25-1+copy.jpg March - Viera Wetlands…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/eyes-to-the-skies monthly 0.5 2025-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7b1ed84a-ca68-45c5-9cb2-598af432f85e/Full+Moon-3-13-25-1+copy.jpg March - Eyes to the skies… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/01d8a060-c2b9-48cc-8296-d618baec13f3/Falcon+9+Starlink+Jellyfish+effect-NSB+Deck-3-12-25-1.jpg March - Eyes to the skies… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b5b473a6-c7f3-4df4-8791-9ca172908114/Lunar+eclipse-NSB-3-14-25-1.jpg March - Eyes to the skies… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6d81599d-03d5-45d9-b152-944aadc29414/SpaceX+Crew+Launch-3-12-25-1+copy.jpg March - Eyes to the skies… - Act IV The closing act was the launch of the SpaceX Crew-10 Mission to retrieve astronauts Suni Willians and Butch Wilmore and replace them on the International Space Station with 4 new astronauts. The two Americans have been “stranded” on the ISS for over 8 months on a mission that was supposed to take 8 days. It is always a thrill to photograph these launches from nearby Cape Canaveral which now occur on a regular basis. There is certainly a certain amount of anxiety when you know the launch is a manned mission such as this one was. Great to see that the mission is going well so far. The fact that this rocket lifted off in the early evening before sunset meant that it would be illuminated by the sun, making for ideal lighting for photography. It certainly has been a wild ride these past few days watching all the fantastic sights in our skies. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/morning-on-the-deck monthly 0.5 2025-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6d7e3e00-26ce-480a-8766-75f4f1ea6c59/Brown+pelican-Condo+deck-3-13-25-1.jpg March - Morning on the deck…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0a0dead3-0cdd-4d0e-ac19-8270242d3461/Forster%27s+tern-Condo+deck-3-13-25-1+copy.jpg March - Morning on the deck…. My next subject was a far-off Royal tern. Even at a considerable distance, this bird is beautiful and graceful. I had the longest length lens in my arsenal mounted on my camera and shot away. The great thing about shooting in bright daylight is that the ISO stays very low, so you can fire away at high shutter speed and freeze their action without worry of getting a grainy image. These terns are the most common along this shore at this time of year and are commonly seen resting with many of their companions on the sand near the surf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a8303fab-7c20-4f84-9363-9250d02c0947/Osprey-Condo+deck-3-13-25-1+copy.jpg March - Morning on the deck…. The third bird of the morning was another very common sight from our deck….the Osprey. These birds are magnificent hunters which fly high over the shallows in search of fish. When they spot their prey, they maneuver overhead and begin a steep high speed dive or “stoop” into the surf. They are not always successful and this bird sadly came up empty-handed (or taloned as the case may be). We often have them fly over the deck with their prize as if to show off their catch, however. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/after-the-storm monthly 0.5 2025-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d5a5a96d-96ae-46c6-ba8a-dca6bd1650a6/Tornadic+storm-NSB+Condo-3-10-25-1+copy.jpg March - After the storm…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8d24da7d-50a4-494a-93d5-1463d53c5ecd/Palm+warbler-23rd+St+Indian+River+Trai March - After the storm…. With the passing of the storm, many small moisture-loving flying insects made their appearance in the woodlands. We had difficulty identifying the predominant species, but the birds could have cared less. Warblers are carnivorous and are exceptionally adept hunters on the wing. I had just entered the trailhead off Saxon Drive in New Smyrna when I encountered an assemblage of hungry warblers taking advantage of the large number of flying insects being served up. There were 4 species of warblers and a number of other birds all in the same tree. For photos, I only had to stand in one spot with the camera ready to fire away. One of the most common diners was this Palm warbler….one of many. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/817ee602-d1c5-4e87-b420-fb0f57415746/Northern+parula-23rd+St+Indian+River+Trai March - After the storm…. One of the earliest migrants to show up in Florida in spring is the Northern parula. A brightly colored photogenic bird, the first wave of these migrants appears in early March. This group will likely breed here in Florida and may even be on the nest already when a second major wave travels through the state on their way to more northerly breeding grounds. Warblers can be a tricky bird to photograph as they are diminutive as well as being constantly on the move. Everytime I made an attempt to capture an image of the bird, he would quickly take flight as if to taunt me. Eventually, I saw one peeking out from behind a tree. I swear, he was checking to see if I was still around trying to invade his privacy. I’ve entitled this image ”Peek-a-parula” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/eed961e7-dff9-4ed5-b6fa-4aca31a18032/Brown+anole23rd+St+Indian+River+Trai March - After the storm…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/peacocks-pocket monthly 0.5 2025-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/49b06029-922f-4a45-8eba-424452b29d71/Common+yellowthroat-Peacock%27s+Pocket-3-8-25-2+copy.jpg March - Peacock’s Pocket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fd3767c5-e6f8-40d9-9202-50fc958e7739/tricolor+%26+Snowy-Peacock%27s+Pocket-3-8-25-1+copy.jpg March - Peacock’s Pocket - Make it stand out Tricolor heron and Snowy egret perched in front of a White ibis. Nikon Z9 with Z180-600 mm, 1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 180 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d07822ed-606d-466d-bb63-08cb03ec2d5c/Black+skimmer-Peacock%27s+Pocket-3-8-25-3+copy.jpg March - Peacock’s Pocket While the skimmer made numerous passes over the pond, most were in open water and while fun to watch, they did not offer much background to contribute to the shot. Finally, I did manage to capture an image of the bird with nice foliage in the background. I’ve photographed this bird may times, but this is one of my favorite images because of that background. Once again, patience is the name of the game in photographing wildlife. This time it paid off. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/tiger-bay monthly 0.5 2025-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5473c6db-6142-4499-9b87-49cc865e4c70/Tiger+Bay+WMA-3-6-25-1.jpg March - Tiger Bay - Make it stand out Pine stand in Tiger Bay Wildlife Management Area shot with Nikon Zfc body and Nikon Z26mm prime lens - 1/125 sec, f"/11, ISO 500 - post processed in Black and White https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7a9fae61-e659-461e-9946-c60b36aa6f6e/Wild+turkey-Tiger+Bay+WMA-Rattlesnake+Pond+Trailhead-3-6-25-1+copy.jpg March - Tiger Bay Access to the area and vehicular travel through the WMA is made possible by well maintained dirt roads. As we entered the preserve, we spotted a wild turkey down the main entrance. Down here in Florida, many of the turkeys are Osceola turkeys, The Osceola turkey is a unique subspecies native to Florida, distinguished by its strikingly dark feathers and a vibrant, iridescent appearance. These birds thrive in the subtropical climate of their home state, primarily inhabiting hardwood swamps and pine forests such as we have in Tiger Bay. Known for their elusive nature and cautious behavior, Osceola turkeys are a favorite among hunters and birdwatchers alike. This bird was exhibiting that elusive nature and did not want to be photographed, so the best I could do was the distant shot seen here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0935d9fc-2f63-41ee-b5ea-88caeaa185f0/Tiger+Bay+WMA-Rattlesnake+Pond+Trailhead-3-6-25-1+copy.jpg March - Tiger Bay Although the avian wildlife was tough to come by today, we did find a number of “LBJ”s (aka “little brown jobs”) such as Carolina wrens, Tufted titmice, Yellow-rumped and Palm warblers, and one lone Eastern phoebe which we found at the Rattlesnake Pond Trailhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/337fed2e-6980-4cec-93d1-727e2b882286/Eastern+phoebe-Tiger+Bay+WMA-Rattlesnake+Pond+Trailhead-3-6-25-1.jpg March - Tiger Bay - Make it stand out Eastern phoebe - Rattlesnake Pond Trailhead - Nikon Z9 with Z180-600 zoom, f/7.1, 1/2000 sec, ISO 700 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/deep-creek-preserve monthly 0.5 2025-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/558b283e-1b2f-4bfc-83d6-2a800d2dd55f/Yellow+trail-Deep+Creek+Preserve-3-4-25-2+copy.jpg March - Deep Creek Preserve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b7911ccc-39ea-4c20-bf25-8d89a5c8bb82/Cedar+waxwings-Deep+Creek+Preserve-3-4-25-2.jpg March - Deep Creek Preserve - While the bird species were somewhat limited this morning, we did get fine views of a flock of Cedar waxwings. As they so often do, they were found perched high in a tree with sparse foliage making them easy to see and photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d5095cdf-0f39-41c7-8e89-be62a77f45d1/Hooded+pitcher+plant-Deep+Creek+Preserve-3-4-25-1+copy.jpg March - Deep Creek Preserve The hooded pitcher plant, scientifically known as Sarracenia minor, is a carnivorous plant native to the wetlands of the southeastern United States. Characterized by its tubular, hooded leaves, this plant attracts and captures insects using a sweet nectar and a slippery inner surface. As the insects slip into the fluid-filled cavity at the base of the pitcher, they are digested by enzymes, allowing the plant to absorb essential nutrients. The hooded pitcher plant typically blooms from spring to summer, showcasing unique flowers that rise above the foliage. Its adaptation to nutrient-poor environments makes it a fascinating example of plant evolution in response to ecological challenges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bb29b60a-e782-4dfd-9d5d-30cdc97f722a/Pink+sundew-Deep+Creek+Preserve-3-4-25-1.jpg March - Deep Creek Preserve Another fascinating carnivore is the Pink sundew. The pink sundew, known scientifically as Drosera capensis 'Alba', is a captivating carnivorous plant native to South Africa. It features rosettes of slender, elongated leaves covered in glistening glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance to attract and trap insects, which are then digested for nutrients. This plant thrives in nutrient-poor, acidic soils and typically grows in wetlands, where its vibrant pink flowers emerge on tall stalks, adding a striking visual element to its habitat. The pink sundew's ability to adapt to its environment and its unique feeding mechanism make it a fascinating specimen for both horticulturists and nature enthusiasts alike. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/black-bellied-whistling-ducks monthly 0.5 2025-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/27bc4586-6498-4b7f-a35e-c85bca877063/Black-bellied+whistling+ducks-Blue+Heron+Wetlands-3-3-25-2.jpg March - Black-bellied whistling ducks - Make it stand out 120+ Black-bellied whistling ducks - Blue Heron Wetlands, Titusville FL Nikon Zfc, Nikon 26mm f/2.8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7b80e000-104e-46af-b16e-56fd8247d93a/Black-bellied+whistling+ducks-Blue+Heron+Wetlands-3-3-25-1+copy.jpg March - Black-bellied whistling ducks - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c702d42e-debf-4b4f-9574-aa354285ccfd/American+bittern-Blue+Heron+Wetlands-3-3-25-2+copy.jpg March - Black-bellied whistling ducks - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-1/birds-as-physicists monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b8e472d3-6c8f-45c7-b4fc-ad324624006b/Diffraction-3-2-25-1.jpg March - Birds as physicists Ever noticed that when you put a pencil into a glass of water, it appears to be broken? Why is this so? As seen in this image of the pencil in water, light first travels through the air – which is easy to move through – and then through the water, where it slows down. This change in speed causes the light to bend, or refract, meaning that the part of the pencil that is in the water will appear shifted. So if a bird is looking at a fish through a layer of air and then through a layer of water, the fish will not actually be in the same location as it appears any more than the pencil is in the location it appears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/80035742-bc0c-4c2d-a85d-111608fbcdb7/Snowy+egret-NSB+Jetty-3-1-25-2+copy.jpg March - Birds as physicists So…..if the fish is not actually in the position that the bird sees it looking through the water, how is it possible for the Snowy egret seen here to drive his bill into the water and snag a very small target that is not where it appears to be? The bird has to play “physicist” and compensate for the phenomenon of “diffraction’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/09b18677-d25b-4306-8d3a-a88111046716/Snowy+egret-NSB+Jetty-3-1-25-3+copy.jpg March - Birds as physicists The egret knows enough (perhaps through many misses and trial and error) that to overcome the disadvantage it faces due to diffraction, it must position itself as close to directly over the target fish as possible. If he is not at an angle, the image of the fish will not be bent and will in fact be close to where it appears leading to a higher “hit rate” like this bird I photographed today. Other birds like ospreys have also learned this approach to catching prey. When you watch an osprey “fishing” from the air, you will notice that it hovers before it plunges. The hovering manuever allows it to position itself as close to directly over the fish reducing the angle of diffraction and placing the target close to where it appears below the water’s surface. Avian physicists? Maybe stretching it a bit, but it works for the birds. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2 daily 0.75 2025-05-02 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/a-new-york-state-of-mine monthly 0.5 2025-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6fefcc50-da27-4d65-b7f9-9a109fa2c241/Archival+shot+Iona+Island-4-30-25-1.jpg April - A New York State of mind…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/86fc16ec-35e1-4173-95fe-ec642a10086b/-Song+sparrow-Iona+Island-4-30-25-1.jpg April - A New York State of mind…. - Make it stand out One of the most common sparrows in this part of New York State is the Song sparrow. The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small, adaptable bird commonly found across North America, particularly in wetlands, fields, and shrubby areas such as are found at Iona. Recognizable by its distinct brown streaks and a rich, melodious song, this sparrow displays a variety of vocal patterns that can differ by region. The bird's diet primarily consists of seeds and insects, making it an important player in its ecosystem. Nesting in dense vegetation, the Song Sparrow typically lays between three to five eggs, which both parents help to incubate. Its resilience to diverse habitats and ability to thrive in urban environments contribute to its widespread presence, making it a familiar sight and sound in many backyards and parks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/967254a5-5cc4-44c9-a5c5-095e4a9e062e/Orchard+oriole-Iona+Island-4-30-25-2.jpg April - A New York State of mind…. A not-so-common bird which does show up regularly on Iona is the Orchard oriole. The Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) is a small, vibrant songbird found primarily in the eastern United States and parts of Mexico. Males are notable for their striking black and chestnut coloration, while females such as I found today display a more subdued yellowish hue, making them less conspicuous. These birds inhabit open woodlands, orchards, and residential areas, where they can often be seen flitting among trees and shrubs. Part of Iona’s rich history was that at one time it had a very impressive variety of fruit trees planted by one of its former owners. Could this be the reason these orioles still are reliably found on this island oasis? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/be677073-3bce-4810-bca9-569f9660d570/Orchard+oriole-Iona+Island-4-30-25-3.jpg April - A New York State of mind…. - Orchard orioles are known for their melodious songs and intricate nests, which are woven from plant fibers and suspended from the branches of trees. They primarily feed on insects and fruits. During migration, they travel to Central America, showcasing their adaptability to a range of environments. So glad to see that this female has returned for the summer breeding season. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/poor-mans-pelagic monthly 0.5 2025-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/64001590-ff7c-4180-b304-c071fdbcb59e/Lighthouse-Cape+May-4-28-25-1.jpg April - Poor Man’s Pelagic - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5e9eac10-5619-4040-99d0-dc221b4d98ce/Gulls-Cape+May-Lewes+Ferry-4-28-25-1.jpg April - Poor Man’s Pelagic - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c6fee2af-5ecc-4e1a-ab01-dbf11640a7ed/Herring+gull-Cape+May-Lewes+Ferry-4-28-25-1.jpg April - Poor Man’s Pelagic - Make it stand out The most prevalent gull today was the Herring gull many of which were in juvenile plumage. This image was captured with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon Z 100-400mm zoom at 400mm. 1/1000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 125 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b458c417-bee6-445f-8725-5cbdd293b8b6/Laughing+gull-Cape+May-Lewes+Ferry-4-28-25-1.jpg April - Poor Man’s Pelagic - Make it stand out Laughing gulls were also present in good numbers. All winter, we observed these gulls down in Florida in their non-breeding blotchy appearance. They are so much better looking with their contrasting pure black heads against the pristine white nape and breast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4b6ff538-c140-4780-a163-3a083ab1db38/DC+Cormorant-Cape+May-4-28-25-1.jpg April - Poor Man’s Pelagic - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b8573da6-ea5e-4f69-a8fb-c6970a8788c0/Forster%27s+tern-Cape+May-4-28-25-1.jpg April - Poor Man’s Pelagic - Make it stand out One final species before we hit land….the Forster’s tern. Again, there is a marked change in appearance from the winter birds in Florida and the breeding plumage seen here. The Florida birds in non-breeding attire sport a Zorro-like mask throughout the entire winter. Now that we are approaching breeding season and are getting on breeding grounds, the mask has evolved into a full hood as seen on this beautiful tern. Yet one more sign that “spring has sprung !” https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/northbound monthly 0.5 2025-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/64891dfb-42f1-431c-a554-680635adf4d8/Barn+swallows-Cape+Charles+VA-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Northbound - Make it stand out Barn swallows in flight Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 at 200mm 1/1000 sec, f/7/1, ISO 400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/92a7526a-6dfd-4cc0-a855-ddfa31218adc/Juvenile+White-throated+sparrow-Cape+Charles+VA-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Northbound - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7fbac505-6f41-42bc-941b-22d80262557c/Green-winged+teal-Cape+Charles+VA-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Northbound Heading out to the refuge boat launch, there is a small pond where I always check for shorebirds, waders, and ducks. It was pretty sparse viewing today except for a lone duck that flew into the far side of the water. This fellow did not want me to get the id wrong and reared back to expose the telltale iridescent wing patches of the Green-winged teal, a small dabbling duck native to North America and breeding in Canada and northernmost central United States. The Green-winged teal is pretty rare in seasons other than Autumn and Spring, so this bird is more than likely on a long journey back to points north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3cee020b-7492-4d37-802c-c1f8bf5fc21d/Osprey-Cape+Charles+VA-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Northbound This Osprey has already finished his annual trek and is as far north as he plans to go. These birds of prey are migratory and arrive in Virginia from their wintering grounds in the West Indies, Central American, and South American in March and April. Once their nest is “built”, the eggs will be laid and are incubated for 35-37 days.. There are no young on this nest yet, but in another month or so, that will be a different story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8f2f1951-7789-4f6a-b54e-598a0d46f56e/Common+grackle-Cape+Charles+VA-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Northbound - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/taking-flight-1 monthly 0.5 2025-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/73287f46-770a-4895-a1f2-ba8c583bb9be/Painted+bunting-Santee+NWR-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Taking flight 1 - Make it stand out And not to be disappointed, the Painted bunting makes an appearance for the camera. Actually, we did not have much luck finding a good photo-op for a male PABU while in Florida, so this was a really nice beginning to the afternoon’s jaunt. As it turned out, this bird was a precursor of things to come as far as color was involved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/999445cc-36dc-4675-adad-db6534bf9d2e/Great+blue+skimmer-Santee+NWR-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Taking flight 1 And indeed, color was quickly becoming the theme of the day, as the dragonflies were numerous along the trail’s edges. The odonates are always a sight to behold in their brilliant metallic hues. The Great blue skimmer seen here literally glowed in the late afternoon sun and yes….typically, the thorax of the Great blue is green…go figure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5226052f-d0a4-44ee-9dee-b14579a6c816/Prothonotary+warbler-Santee+NWR-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Taking flight 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fa922190-d4c4-4b63-95fa-77e09a6275e9/Yellow-throated+warbler-Santee+NWR-4-27-25-1.jpg April - Taking flight 1 - Make it stand out As I was enjoying photographing the Prothonotary, my attention was drawn to the familiar song of het another species of warbler, the Yellow-throated. While not as densely saturated with yellow as the bird I was engaged with at the time, this little guy manages to draw attention by augmenting his appearance with black and white stripes and a bold facial pattern. Another absolutely strikingly gorgeous warbler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4475c4bf-43b1-4bce-93ad-9de4ef66f481/Summer+tanager-Santee+NWR-4-27-25-2.jpg April - Taking flight 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/parting-shots-taking-flight monthly 0.5 2025-04-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7e499fa3-b74a-4b40-8526-9e1bf6b01dd1/Fish+crow-Canaveral+NS+North-4-25-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots - Taking Flight - Make it stand out Fish crow at Boat Launch #1 - Canaveral National Seashore NSB Nikon Z9 with Z 180-600 @ 600mm 1/1600 sec, f/8, ISO 1100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/868a1b8b-7871-4412-a2ec-ae67b64ecf0c/Northern+parula-ElDora+Road-3-29-24-1+copy.jpg April - Parting shots - Taking Flight - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2f2cfedc-e6fe-431b-a582-27b88765d56c/Great+Southeren+White+in+flight-Canaveral+NS+North-4-25-25-4.jpg April - Parting shots - Taking Flight - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d5312102-121f-4e03-97db-f7ef9fb50c70/Osprey+in+flight-Canaveral+NS+North-4-25-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots - Taking Flight - Make it stand out The final avian subject of today’s theme “Taking flight” is the iconic Osprey soaring overhead. Seemed like this beauty was insistent upon being included in today’s post. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/parting-shots-4- monthly 0.5 2025-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f0d4b7f7-08ae-415f-9416-57652b3e9930/Dolphin-Bethune+Park-4-24-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 3 ….. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6ae6ca32-2a7a-4f9f-8a89-d8e2960431c9/Dolphin+attack-Bethune+Park-4-24-25-2.jpg April - Parting shots 3 ….. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8228bb4c-16f3-4d35-9055-088249e85993/Manatee+Pair-Bethune+Park-4-24-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 3 ….. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/641e36b2-02b9-43e0-959f-e4699f1aa271/Manatee+tail-Bethune+Park-4-24-25-2.jpg April - Parting shots 3 ….. - Make it stand out As I prepared to head out, the biggest of the manatees decided to give me a “parting shot” of her own with a wave of her huge fluke, barnacles and all. Can’t wait to be back with these beautiful fascinating mammals when we return next year. For now, this short outing made for some fine “parting shots”. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/parting-shots-2- monthly 0.5 2025-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/44d98dd5-79a4-4692-9446-17aa955a218e/Scrub+pano-Tosohatchee+WMA-4-23-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 2 ….. - Make it stand out Panorama of the scrub habitat at Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area in Christmas…. 3 Zfc images at 28mm stitched together with Lightroom Classic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/200d63cf-a3f7-4e0b-b8a5-111d23775f71/Bachman%27s+Sparrow-Tosohatchee+WMA-4-7-23-2+copy.jpg April - Parting shots 2 ….. Today’s “Parting Shot” brings us to the town of Christmas and Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area. With our shortened stay in Florida this year, I did not get out to this area which is a classic site for Bachman’s Sparrow. Bachman's sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) is a small, ground-dwelling bird native to the southeastern United States, primarily found in pine forests and grasslands. Known for its distinctive, soft, musical songs which sound like “Here, Kitty, kitty, kitty”, this species often sings from low perches or on the ground. The sparrow is characterized by its warm brown plumage, with streaked upperparts and a lighter underbelly, which help it blend seamlessly into its habitat. Bachman's sparrow relies heavily on fire-maintained ecosystems, as their preferred habitat is often shaped by regular burning that promotes the growth of grasses and shrubs, essential for nesting and foraging. Due to habitat loss and changes in land management practices, populations of Bachman's sparrow have been declining, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival. The photo displayed here is a shot I made in 2024 at this site. While I heard at least 6 over a 4 hour period that I birded here, I was never able to get so much as a fleeting glimpse of this illusive bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/67ff3851-4350-42ad-a6e3-0e86292f0740/Great+crested+flycatcher-Tosohatchee+WMA-4-23-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 2 ….. While I did not get the Bachman’s sparrow, while I was patiently waiting for the bird to pop up from the dense vegetation, a beautiful Great crested flycatcher which I had been hearing far off in the distant trees cane flying in to grab an insect off the road right in front of my RAV4. It seized the bug and flew into a nearby tree with great lighting as if to say,” OK, you couldn't get a shot of the sparrow, so you’ll have to make do with me!”. Not a bad trade-off and I was quick to oblige. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5f257059-33c8-4183-a974-2c0c3d8d0b50/Brown-headed+nuthatch+pair-Tosohatchee+WMA-4-23-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 2 ….. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/parting-shots-1 monthly 0.5 2025-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ebbb9adf-732c-489e-ba37-76d0b1fc5416/Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-4-22-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 1…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0992a39c-faa7-4498-9010-fed0bb92cc0b/Wave+action-Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-4-22-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 1…. - Make it stand out Wave action at the jetty, Nikon Z9 with Z180-600mm 380mm, 1/20 sec, f/36, ISO 90 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fb640f88-85f1-4fc8-9a16-e3fc642a11ae/Ruddy+turnstones-Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-4-22-25-2.jpg April - Parting shots 1…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/600c87b3-2203-4b25-aeb7-f364964b4993/Snowy+and+Ruddy-Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-4-22-25-1.jpg April - Parting shots 1…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/63448048-ec05-4b92-9e4f-b99943baf5d5/Sanderling-Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-4-22-25-2.jpg April - Parting shots 1…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/canaveral-seashore monthly 0.5 2025-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0b67ba33-631d-4387-b676-b254de557606/Indian+River+Lagoon-Canaveral+NS+Lot+5-4-16-25-1.jpg April - Canaveral Seashore - Make it stand out Indian River Lagoon - Canaveral National Seashore Nikon Zfc - Nikon 26mm f/2.8 1/125, f/11 ISO 200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c5bfaebf-5130-4adc-bc6d-3a4430578d31/Western+willet-Canaveral+NS+North-4-16-25-1.jpg April - Canaveral Seashore - Make it stand out Western willet at Canaveral National Seashore - Nikon Z9 with Z 180-600mm lens at 600mm 1/1600 sec, f/8, ISO 220 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/747727de-251a-49f8-980d-57e9d3a877e7/Turkey+vulture-Canaveral+NS+North-4-16-25-1.jpg April - Canaveral Seashore - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5f41bfa1-3051-47ae-8e0f-1b12bdd1d7f1/Eastern+towhee-Canaveral+NS+North-4-16-25-3.jpg April - Canaveral Seashore - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/92mx5g9xq247w02odgbjbygwq9bhkv monthly 0.5 2025-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b1436b5f-cbef-4021-bf72-92fa4923755a/Cape+May+warbler-Indian+River+Lagoon+Preserve-4-15-25-1.jpg April - Indian River Lagoon - Make it stand out Cape May warbler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5db1792c-3918-44c7-ada0-14db6a3032f1/Northern+parula-Indian+River+Lagoon+Preserve-4-15-25-1.jpg April - Indian River Lagoon - Make it stand out Northern parula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f9037021-1e6c-413a-83ca-54018670b553/Northern+flicker-Indian+River+Lagoon+Preserve-4-15-25-1.jpg April - Indian River Lagoon - Make it stand out Northern flicker - note the conspicuous yellow shafts on the flight feathers visible in today’s shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fa206901-0020-411d-b874-7513ca03f321/Blue-gray+gnatcatcher-Indian+River+Lagoon+Preserve-4-15-25-1.jpg April - Indian River Lagoon - Make it stand out Blue-gray gnatcatcher in the canopy found along Callalisa Creek Boardwalk Trail. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/bushman-park monthly 0.5 2025-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3653da0c-ef25-40cf-85c7-7cd90c4ce84a/Fem+Northern+cardinal-Buschman+Park-4-13-25-1.jpg April - Bushman Park The birds were singing, but the foliage was so thick that it was difficult to isolate individuals for a decent shot. Yellow-throated warblers, Gray catbirds, many Carolina wrens, Northern parulas, and more were all heard clearly, but the only bird that came out into the open was one of a myriad of Northern cardinals heard during my walk. This female was constantly calling in response to another cardinal (presumably male). In many species, singing is limited primarily to the male, but cardinals make their own rules and females will sing to communicate, defend territory, and to reinforce pair bonds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/02261ffa-6602-44af-93dc-b754fefcacf7/Peninsular+cooter-Buschman+Park-4-13-25-1.jpg April - Bushman Park - Make it stand out Peninsular cooter - Nikon Z8 with Nikon Z100-400 @ 400mm 1/800 sec, f/16, ISO 2200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1c9a9ab8-8f84-410e-a86e-a475cb8d277c/White+peacock-Buschman+Park-4-13-25-1.jpg April - Bushman Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cc914759-a435-40c1-8297-903a07596c6e/Monarch-Buschman+Park-4-13-25-1.jpg April - Bushman Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4d24267c-60ef-4262-a84f-ab08892f46c7/Brown+anole-Buschman+Park-4-13-25-1.jpg April - Bushman Park And finally, I have to include the obligatory shot of the Brown anole. This little lizard is so common in the state that he can be found on virtually every walk through the Sunshine state’s woodlands. When threatened, these reptiles will display a red flap of skin that extends down from the throat. Apparently, this guy was not intimadated by my presence and did not feel it necessary to present this warning to me. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/south-florida-v monthly 0.5 2025-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/38117ae7-0f45-48ac-ac1a-3a999700b1ce/Red-bellied+woodpercker+pair-Richardson+Historic+Nature+Preserve-4-6-25-1.jpg April - South Florida V - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f974855e-20c6-4fea-bb9b-fb9644b1c0f8/Spot-breasted+oriole-Richardson+Historic+Nature+Preserve-4-6-25-3.jpg April - South Florida V - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7c687200-1dc7-4d43-a0b7-ea352d760a48/Cape+May+warbler-Richardson+Historic+Nature+Preserve-4-6-25-1.jpg April - South Florida V - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/23be852f-54f6-4a8e-bc5d-85ab1c5ebada/Black-throated+blue+warbler-Richardson+Historic+Nature+Preserve-4-6-25-4.jpg April - South Florida V - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bb2ef8ee-e032-4d95-a69b-8426372531e0/Limpkin-Peaceful+WatersNature+Preserve-4-6-25-1.jpg April - South Florida V We ended up our South Florida Bird adventure with a stop at Peaceful Waters Sanctuary in Wellington, FL. We were hoping to find a reported Bell’s Vireo. This park is rich in bird species, but we had been out on the road for three straight long days and decided to spend a limited amount of time searching for this rarity before heading home. While walking the berm to the reporting area of the most recent sighting, we were escorted by another Florida specialty, the Limpkin. We found empty Apple snail shells (their preferred diet) along the side of the trail and are not surprised to find this iconic Florida bird thriving here. It was a nice ending to a wonderful birding trip with a wonderful group of fellow Southeast Audubon members. We’ll look forward to revisiting south Florida next year when the club has its annual South Florida Birding Adventure. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/6jb80yi4wsnsq0uf77v2k676f8f755 monthly 0.5 2025-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2300d227-23f1-450b-94f4-9dff4aac762a/Swallow-tailed+kite-Lucky+Hammock--4-5-25-2.jpg April - South Florida IV - Make it stand out Swallow-tailed kite Lucky Hammock, Homestead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/29a537d1-5dda-4316-b389-cd0f5fe0d2b0/Western+kingbird-Lucky+Hammock--4-5-25-3.jpg April - South Florida IV - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/325eb76e-bd08-44d6-a650-bbe6c2cd5734/Peters%27s+Rock+Agama-Lucky+Hammock--4-5-25-2.jpg April - South Florida IV - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3edd53ee-2975-4adb-9bf8-1907e2644f86/Shiny+cowbird-Flamingo+Everglades-4-5-25-1.jpg April - South Florida IV - Make it stand out Shiny cowbird - Flamingo Marina end of Main Park Road….. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/south-florida-iii monthly 0.5 2025-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/feb76630-0996-40fc-b1c2-b16c1e767ba9/Monk+parakeets-Brian+Piccolo+Park-4-4-25-1+copy.jpg April - South Florida III - Make it stand out A pair of Monk Parakeets at Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City, FL Nikon Z8 with Z100400 mm lens at 400mm 1/640 secs f/7.1 ISO 90 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d034858f-9f4b-410c-a8ec-b9642014f6c9/Burrowing+owls-Brian+Piccolo+Park-4-4-25-2.jpg April - South Florida III - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6aaf8a57-1a99-4a0d-9176-e533c9141128/Mitred+parakeetsl-Kendall+Baptist+Hospital-+Miami-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida III - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b9403cf0-3066-4330-8a0a-4425dee8c5c6/Helmeted+guineafowl-Kendall+Baptist+Hospital-+Miami-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida III - Make it stand out Helmeted guineafowl roaming the grounds of Miami’s Kendall Baptist Hospital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/52111e3c-6b1a-4bfb-8021-4523b8f4ef42/2-15-Common+myna-Everglades+Camp+ground-4-6-24-1.jpg April - South Florida III - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/south-florida-ii monthly 0.5 2025-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/006f9384-f6ed-47cd-9dcc-6fd9d30ed262/Yellow-crowned+night-heron-Green+Cay+Wetlands-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/91d901f3-5d5f-4bec-b5d0-d3590a20aecc/Eastern+screech+owl-Green+Cay+Wetlands-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1cd50d37-5da9-47f7-82b7-682410cd0b50/Florida+soft+shell+turtle-Green+Cay+Wetlands-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/398be486-9c64-43d9-8ac8-343a6f0e35e0/Brown+anole-Green+Cay+Wetlands-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/south-florida-i monthly 0.5 2025-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d816a7df-0f29-4947-966d-effe49065293/Wakodahatchee+Wetlands-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida I - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c7161007-364a-474d-be63-32210a92e5e5/Glossy+ibis-Wakodahatchee+Wetlands-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida I Photographic opportunities like this image of a Glossy ibis with her chicks are common at the wetlands. We are here in the peak of breeding season and a myriad of birds have made this their nesting site of choice. The abundance of food and fresh water and the fact that there are many small mangrove islands in which to build a nest make this an ideal spot to start a family. Being surrounded by water, the islands are oases offering protection for predators such as raccoons. Throughout the park, nesting birds and their young can be observed from close quarters as the boardwalks provide close encounters with these nesters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/42101b62-3715-4f45-a8a9-3ed374478945/Green+iguana-Wakodahatchee+Wetlands-4-4-25-2.jpg April - South Florida I Unfortunately, water is not a major deterrent for this invasive predator which has become widespread throughout the wetlands. The Green iguana is primarily a vegetarian and prefers fruits and natural foliage found in southern Florida, but they are opportunistic and will feed on fauna such as insects, other lizards and sadly baby birds when the opportunity rises. Water is no deterrent to the iguanas as they are superb swimmers. The iguanas are seen everywhere here in the wetlands and although they are not protected by law, there seems to be no limit to the numbers found each year in south Florida. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2aefced4-9e66-4869-9cb0-7eeca1b413fb/Cattle+egret-Wakodahatchee+Wetlands-4-4-25-1.jpg April - South Florida I - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d85d5738-88b0-4256-802a-d3f1c29714c5/Wood+storks-Wakodahatchee+Wetlands-4-4-25-2.jpg April - South Florida I - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/in-with-the-new monthly 0.5 2025-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a8a189d2-9065-47e1-9083-4869d917ca14/Swallow-tailed+kites-Sugar+Mill+Gardens-4-1-25-1.jpg April - In with the new…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b214ea39-8875-446e-831b-b985d909368a/Painted+bunting-Sugar+Mill+Gardens-4-1-25-2.jpg April - In with the new…. While it is true that we see Painted buntings here on the Central east coast of Florida through much of the winter, they are in fact Short- to Medium-distance migrants. These beautiful birds will be seen less and less commonly during the summer as they head up to their usual breeding grounds in northern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. By mid-October, they will be returning our region in mid and southern Florida for the winter. We were fortunate to see this individual still here as they will be more and more uncommon during the upcoming months until they return once again in the fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/44164e79-a956-4ddc-bd7a-d9ea5500b96d/Tufted+titmouse-Sugar+Mill+Gardens-4-1-25-1.jpg April - In with the new…. Being spring, many birds like this Tufted titmouse are beginning to form “bonded pairs” as their nesting season formally begins. Late March through mid-June, these small omnivores begin to set up shop, using whatever cavity they may find at their disposal and lining these with hair, fur, or wool. The bird pictured here was constantly flitting from tree to tree seemingly in tandem with its presumed mate. The two never ventured very far from one another. Titmice are monogamous and it is of interest that if they have two broods in a season, the youngsters from the first nesting often remain with their parents throughout the year and actually help raise the second brood! So while not migrating into this part of the country as our “in with the new” crowd, they certainly are playing their role by adding to the existing population. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/79800439-ea76-41e0-8fb0-436e96750014/Cooper%27s+hawk-Sugar+Mill+Gardens-4-1-25-5.jpg April - In with the new…. - Make it stand out Another local adding to the population numbers in this area is the Cooper’s hawk. These hawks are what are considered “partial migrants”. Northern populations tend to be much more migratory than the southern birds. Last year, at about this same time, we observed a Cooper’s hawk nesting in a tree very close to where we were now located. It is a fact that “Coops” are known to return to the same area to nest year after year. We wondered if this hawk could be the same one we saw on the nest last year, but at first we could not locate any existing nests. Before long, however, this bird let us know that he was indeed planning on raising a family on these grounds as he began to collect some pretty substantial nesting material which he proceeded to carry into a nearby live oak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4ff2cfa1-78b6-4e65-bbb9-2524018ca301/Cooper%27s+hawk-Sugar+Mill+Gardens-4-1-25-7.jpg April - In with the new…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-2/lightning-ii monthly 0.5 2025-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dba9f166-e3dc-43bb-a7aa-a397c9eac697/Lightning-NSB+Condo-3-31-25-2.jpg April - Lightning II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4210be47-4a45-46a0-9dc7-1e1279a2ee1a/Lightning-NSB+Condo-3-31-25-3.jpg April - Lightning II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/664656ee-7770-4b73-9434-09152e0d6a7a/Lightning-NSB+Condo-3-31-25-4.jpg April - Lightning II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3 daily 0.75 2025-06-01 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/rainy-day-in-black-dirt monthly 0.5 2025-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e99d1b29-86c5-47a2-b66a-7f0492daf4b1/Black+Dirt-Skinners+Lane-5-31-25-1.jpg May - Rainy Day in Black Dirt - Make it stand out Black Dirt Farm along Skinners Lane Nikon Z8 with Z 24-70 Zoom @28mm 1/250 sec, f/11, ISO 640 ( That’s ponding water on the field, not snow!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ecf261aa-af07-4aa6-848f-9511a2b117dd/Black-bellied+plovers-Goodwill+Road+Farm-5-29-25-2.jpg May - Rainy Day in Black Dirt - Make it stand out Black-bellied plovers: Nikon Z9 with Z180-600mm coupled with the Z 2.0X teleconverter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f432da17-b66e-4c7d-9377-4b858337b200/Black-bellied+plovers-Goodwill+Road+Farm-5-29-25-1.jpg May - Rainy Day in Black Dirt - Make it stand out Today, in this one field alone, there were over 70 plovers picking through the furrowed ground. This image captures only a small part of the field and there are more than 40 plovers visible in this frame alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0ccaf664-9874-44d8-b7e6-408efcf31a35/Red-winged+blackbird-Sunflower+Farm-5-29-25-1.jpg May - Rainy Day in Black Dirt Red-winged blackbirds are striking passerine birds commonly found across North America, recognized for their glossy black plumage and vibrant red and yellow shoulder patches. Males tend to be more prominent with their bold colors, especially during the breeding season when they sing to defend their territory and attract mates. Females, in contrast, exhibit a more subdued, streaked brown appearance which helps them blend into their surroundings, particularly when nesting. These birds are often seen in wetlands, marshes, and open fields, where they primarily feed on seeds and insects. Their distinctive songs and calls contribute to the rich tapestry of sounds in their habitats, making them a favorite among bird watchers. Too often we become jaded to the beauty of this bird and its songs as we see it so often. On occasion, it’s worth the time and effort to reconnect with some of our more familiar avian neighbors! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bea01004-4ad4-42c4-bba8-2d95e8d491d9/Wake+of+Turkey+vultures-Sunflower+Farm-5-31-25-1.jpg May - Rainy Day in Black Dirt - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/pine-hill-road-swamp monthly 0.5 2025-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d9213004-653f-4a97-8137-9109b61ab920/Pine+Hill+Swamp-5-30-25-1.jpg May - Pine Hill Road Marsh A site worth visiting for possible shorebirds as well as spring migrants is Black Meadow Creek (aka Pine Hill Marsh to local birders) in Chester, NY. A parking area just southeast of the junction of Glenmere Rd and Pine Hill Road allows for open viewing of the wetlands in all seasons. I make a quick stop today in the hopes of catching some shore birds, turtles, and migrants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/782186e8-181e-4167-b923-472fa9edaf22/Cattails-Pine+Hill+Swamp-5-30-25-1.jpg May - Pine Hill Road Marsh - Make it stand out The area is thick with cattails, making it ideal habitat for Red-winged blackbirds. Many of the rich stands of these tall perennial aquatic plants have been overtaken by an invasive know as Phragmites. Cattails are an important element of marsh ecosystems providing food and shelter for local wildlife such as muckrats, Red-winged blackbirds, Marsh wrens, ducks, and Chickadees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/85550a6e-59c8-4599-b36c-d8fdafca2a8c/Phragmites-Pine+Hill+Swamp-5-30-25-1.jpg May - Pine Hill Road Marsh in many areas, the invasion of phragmites, another aquatic plant which thrives in marshy wetlands, has greatly altered the ecosystems of these wetlands. While there are certain species such as swallows and sparrows which do nest in and feed upon the phragmites, the plant is so aggressive that it has severely degraded many habitats by virtually wiping out the cattail population. In some areas, it has become so expansive that it is the primary aquatic vegetation and limits the variety of birds that normally exist there. Fortunately, there are still plenty of cattails in this area, however, and this marsh is more than suitable for a wide variety of resident and migratory species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6a4fd883-2468-4ae1-8177-9a5bca184d60/Great+blue+heron-Pine+Hill+Swamp-5-30-25-2.jpg May - Pine Hill Road Marsh - Make it stand out One of the most prevalent species of Pine Hill Marsh is the Great blue heron such as this individual that flew in while I scanned the area. In the past, I have found other shorebirds such as Least sandpipers, Dunlin, and Yellowlegs. But today, the Great blue was the only aquatic species to be found. Image was shot on a Nikon Z9 with Z 180-600mm zoom coupled with the Nikon Z 2.0X teleconverter for an effective focal length of 1200mm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/07c24086-effb-4024-a2d0-ab2811c49d96/Yellow+warbler-Pine+Hill+Swamp-5-20-25-2.jpg May - Pine Hill Road Marsh - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/48a5c0ae-de49-4920-9d60-8d9aade00ad7/Red-eyed+vireo-Doodletown-5-17-22-1.jpg May - Pine Hill Road Marsh Another LBJ (little brown job) found here today was the Red-eyed vireo. Like the Yellow warbler, he is pretty much ubiquitous during these spring months. He does not want you to miss hearing his song and he continues to sing his song “here I am, where are you? here I am, where are you?” almost endlessly with little or now break between the phrases. Easily heard, he is sometimes not so easy to see, so it is always a stroke of good fortune to be able to grab a picture when afforded the opportunity. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/silvermine-nest-check monthly 0.5 2025-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ddb5121a-f73f-4569-bf08-ce1fe1429d19/Barn+swallow+nest-Silvermine+Lake-5-29-25-1.jpg May - Silvermine Nest Check Earlier this month, I stopped by Silvermine Lake in Harriman State Park to check on the Barn swallows which nest on the eaves of the rustic buildings found on site. There were several older nests there, but no sign of any recent activity. And so, it was with eager anticipation that I revisited the site in the hopes of finding renewed nest-building taking place. Threre was at least one new nest, but alas no other nesting activity whatsoever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e0177f4c-638a-49ee-84dc-c25ec0ce1b2d/Barn+swallow-Silvermine+Lake-5-29-25-1.jpg May - Silvermine Nest Check A few Barn swallows were skimming over the lake picking off small insects mid-air, but the numbers were lower than I expected. The one seen here was perched in the shadows under the roof of the picnic pavilion. After checking my photo files from the past several years, I now realize that I may be looking for the nests too early. Apparently, the birds have not nested until Late June/early July in the past. I’ll continue to check in the upcoming weeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/27d1f3d7-aa19-4734-a98b-67e15fb80237/Northern+rough-winged+swallow-5-29-25-1.jpg May - Silvermine Nest Check Silvermine has always been a great spot for viewing swallow activity, and not just Barn swallows. This little Northern rough-winged swallow was perched on a wire near the buidlings. I am sure that there will be many more to come as the season progresses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0d1af837-e4f5-4d86-9c23-051bba7ef632/Blue-winged+warbler-Silvermine-5-29-25-1.jpg May - Silvermine Nest Check - Make it stand out Blue-winged warbler Nikon Z9 with 180-600 mm lens @ 280mm. 1/800 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1800 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/unofficially-summer monthly 0.5 2025-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/194b6499-216b-4d4f-ada5-942481fdb43d/Chipping+sparrow-Morgan+Farm-5-26-25-4.jpg May - Unofficially summer - Memorial Day - Make it stand out Chipping sparrow at Morgan Farm Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 @400 1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 1000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2abafc09-dd5e-441e-8050-1b3a18ec29ff/Barn+swallow-Morgan+Farm-5-26-25-1.jpg May - Unofficially summer - Memorial Day - Make it stand out Barn swallow - Nikon Z8 with Nikon Z 100-400 @ 400 (heavily cropped). 1/1600 sec, f/11. ISO 1400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3037baec-d78a-4855-a0eb-6258948a7fbb/Narrow-leaved+blue-eyed+grass-Morgan+Farm-5-26-25-1.jpg May - Unofficially summer - Memorial Day It was great today to see so many wildflowers starting to bloom. The last time I was here only a couple of weeks ago, the blossoms were few and far between, but now the brilliantly hued flowers are making their presence known. These tiny Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed grass blossoms were popping up all along the pond’s edge as were the buttercups seen in the next image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/88bf8081-9ece-469e-b922-6ccfb21b4f47/Meadow+buttercup-Morgan+Farm-5-26-25-1.jpg May - Unofficially summer - Memorial Day - Make it stand out Meadow buttercup https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/twin-lakes-park-ii monthly 0.5 2025-05-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/32041051-8210-418f-a367-52f768e160f6/Yellow+warbler-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-23-25-3.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park II - Make it stand out Yellow warbler Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 @400mm 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c3e96d74-4ef5-4f60-ae8c-d9921cbf8fe3/Yellow+warbler-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-23-25-4.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6ece33d5-525d-4ed8-bbfc-b720887410e3/Carolina+wren-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-23-25-1.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d2fddf4c-f5e6-4cc0-8b8c-cd4e8a16ba40/American+redstart-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-23-25-4.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park II - Make it stand out American redstart - Pretty well soaked, but photogenic all the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/84827e99-69bc-46a1-9ca5-f3f45f1cd10d/American+redstart-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-23-25-3.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/twin-lakes-park monthly 0.5 2025-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a375b4a7-0a26-49b3-8857-3ebf945b6ef8/Carolina+wren-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-20-25-1.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park - Make it stand out Carolina wren Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 @ 400mm 1/640 sec, f/7.1,l ISO 128000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5d09ab3b-a581-44f6-9ccb-3bba518a9289/Gray+catbird+in+deep+shade-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-20-25-2.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1cc25dd5-daaa-4a01-b527-230d05dc1423/Chpmunk-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-20-25-1.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park A bit further down the trail, the canopy opened up a bit and a shaft of light shown down next to the trunk of a large tree and provided nice lighting for a shot of an Eastern chipmunk. The eastern chipmunk, a small and vibrant rodent native to North America, is recognized for its distinctive striped back and cheek pouches that allow it to store food for later consumption. Typically measuring around 9 to 10 inches in length, including the tail, these creatures are often found in wooded areas, gardens, and suburban environments. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects, showcasing their adaptability in varied habitats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/021fd5f5-60c3-4a76-a9d2-523f9d3fbee3/Mallard-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-20-25-1.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park - The backside of the trail provided some more open views of one of the two lakes. Out on the water, there were only a few ducks…all mallards. This colorful drake was busy preening and gave me some poses that I always prefer to the standard shot of sitting still on the water. These birds will rub their bills on an oil gland found towards the rump of the bird and then rub the oil onto the feathers making them water repellent and providing a bit more insulation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/681192a2-d8ae-45f2-89ee-7772eab84141/Song+sparrow-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-20-25-1.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park Just a bit further along the path, a Song sparrow was perched out in the open, singing its easily identifiable song. I always think of an opera singer warming up by singing ,”Meee, Meee, Meee”. The Song sparrow also prefaces his refrain with three long drawn out notes. One of our more common sparrows in this part of the country, but one I never tire of hearing or seeing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5d821ab7-7a2d-4a3f-9d9f-8c5fb9d369da/lAmerican+robin-Twin+Lakes+Park+Eastchester-5-20-25-1.jpg May - Twin Lakes Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/beauty-and-the-beast monthly 0.5 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/149c6474-f457-4c8f-a0d2-a193136c5b2f/Turkey+vulture-Iona+Island-5-18-25-2.jpg May - Beauty and the beast - Make it stand out Turkey vulture shot with the Nikon Z8 and Z1100-400 with 1.4X telextender for equivalent focal distance of 560mm. 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 360 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/15fa97cb-fd10-4e15-bca2-cce50de82661/Yellow+iris-Iona+Island-5-18-25-1.jpg May - Beauty and the beast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/marsh-birds monthly 0.5 2025-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5c55dcb6-73c6-471f-a3b0-dda7426b0370/Common+yellowthroat-Iona+Island-5-16-25-3.jpg May - Marsh birds - The Common yellowthroat is one of our most widespread warblers across the entire continent. The descriptor ‘Common” can be a bit deceiving, however, as it implies you’ll see this bird everywhere. Well, he may be almost everywhere, but the chances of seeing one are slim unless you spend the time and effort to find him. The easiest way to find him is to listen for the song…”Whichity, whichity, whichity” in a heavily vegetated area near water. With luck, you may see movement in the grasses and finally see him pop out for a brief moment. Today’s goal was to find some of the “marsh birds” at one of my favorite local places to bird, Iona Island. On my list of hopefuls today were two no-shows, the Virginia rail and the Marsh wren. The Yellowthroat is such a beautiful bird, however, that I’ll take this as a fine consolation prize for today’s blog post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d60c9d81-5569-4a5d-83d8-1a2515e3f217/Least+sandpiper-Iona+Island-5-16-25-2.jpg May - Marsh birds - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4272f24d-de45-4997-a569-e6ccd46147d7/Solitary+sandpiper-Iona+Island-5-16-25-2.jpg May - Marsh birds - Make it stand out Solitary sandpiper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b5adeaa3-7f3c-4916-970f-72af00f983b1/Solitary+and+Least+sandpiper-Iona+Island-5-16-25-2.jpg May - Marsh birds - Make it stand out Solitary (back) and Least (forward) sandpipers seen side by side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/eac291a5-0673-47aa-a1c4-6c2e688a16d6/Osprey-Iona+Island-5-16-25-1.jpg May - Marsh birds - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/ponds-edge monthly 0.5 2025-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a3bc256e-6ecf-4b8c-867e-cbc52f98a911/Pond%27s+edge-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-1.jpg May - Pond’s edge… - Make it stand out Cranston Lakes 5/15/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c153e8d8-91b9-4260-8a5c-7e864895a6f9/Whirligig+beetle-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-1.jpg May - Pond’s edge… Looking out onto the water’s surface, all appears placid until you start to observe small ripples along the ponds’s edge. Closer examination reveals that the source of these ripples are tiny little critters commonly called “whirligig beetles.”The whirligig beetle, belonging to the family Gyrinidae, is a fascinating aquatic insect recognized for its distinctive swimming style. These beetles can be spotted gliding across the surfaces of ponds and lakes, where they often spin and whirl, giving them their name. Characterized by their streamlined bodies and large, compound eyes, whirligig beetles are adept at navigating through water, with their unique adaptations allowing them to see both above and below the surface simultaneously. They primarily feed on small aquatic organisms and are known for their social behavior, often appearing in groups while foraging. Their presence not only indicates a healthy ecosystem but also adds to the intricate dynamics of freshwater habitats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5e4b8439-0997-4c22-b59c-779bbf772ef0/Stream+cruiser+nymph-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-1.jpg May - Pond’s edge… - Another sign of a healthy body of water is the presence of these dragonfly molts found clinging to vegetation or in this case a guard rail along the pond’s edge. This is the molt of a “Stream cruiser dragonfly” (hope I got that right!). There are three stages to a dragonfly’s life….egg, larva or nymph, and adult. The eggs are laid near or in the water and hatch as the nymph which looks like what you see here. Amazingly, the nymph may live for several years at the pond’s bottom before it emerges and climbs up onto vegetation or some other structure above the water’s surface and undergoes a final molt to the adult stage. The “Stream cruiser” is one of the earliest to emerge and become an adult. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6d917fac-4a1e-4e19-89a8-2d259530bd9b/Blue+corporal-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-3.jpg May - Pond’s edge… - Make it stand out Blue Corporal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a76707a7-7fbf-44fe-bc58-6c9345c5979d/Red-winged+blackbird-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-3.jpg May - Pond’s edge… There were two species of birds along the edge today. The most prevalent next to the water was naturally the Red-winged blackbird. The female of this species looks more like a “sparrow on steroids “ than a blackbird, This female sat and preened for a considerable amount of time making for an easy photo capture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/87444bbd-cf07-4cf7-8630-5c797bddbefc/Baltimore+oriole+nest-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-2.jpg May - Pond’s edge… - The other dominant bird singing at the lake today was the Baltimore oriole. For a bright yellow/orange bird, this species can stay well hidden among the green foliage of the surrounding trees Finally, however I did find the nest of one of these marvelous architects. The intricacy of their pendulum nest as seen here is a marvel. Do you think you could weave a structure so meticulously using your hands? Now try it with your teeth….. Nature is incredible! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e8ee0972-adf1-4f39-afc7-f2961ee96c87/Muskrat-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-1.jpg May - Pond’s edge… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/968a3389-47bc-4cb5-a8c6-df42d8d7f5aa/Muskrat-Cragston+Lakes-5-15-25-5.jpg May - Pond’s edge… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/black-rock-forest monthly 0.5 2025-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0ded0e45-8bab-4852-b241-dc20b65bd4a3/Screenshot+2025-05-14+at+9.55.16%E2%80%AFAM.png May - Black Rock Forest - I am here today as part of a guided Spring Migration Hike which Black Rock holds annually for its membership and guests. We began our day by driving back into the upper reaches of the park to an area known as the Stone House close to the center of the map seen here. Although much of the birdlife we found was high in the canopy, many of the trees were still lacking a great deal of foliage and the birds were often out in the open or in sparse vegetation. Two of our goals today were the Blue-winged warbler and the Scarlet tanager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/646a374d-800d-4161-9eb9-ccef447452f1/Scarlet+tanager-Black+Rock+Forest-5-13-25-3.jpg May - Black Rock Forest - It did not take long before we began to hear the song of the Scarlet tanager. Perched high in the canopy, the bird sang a song that “sounds like a robin with a sore throat” just like the field guide books will tell you. Until the tanager hopped out onto a bare branch, it was surprising how a bright red bird could hide in dark green foliage. Eventually he did appear and gave us some nice albeit distant photo-ops. After our initial exuberance at seeing the target tanager, we soon became jaded to its call as it was one of the most prevalent sounds in the forest over the next 3 hours! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6651daa0-b066-46d2-a1d3-8ed2bb861b1b/Blue-winged+warblerBlack+Rock+Forest-5-13-25-2.jpg May - Black Rock Forest While a bit more muted than the tanager, another song we heard throughout the day was the “BEE BUZZZZ” of the Blue-winged warbler. It took us a while to locate the source of the call, but eventually (and then several times thereafter) we did see the bird emerge from the cover of the leaves and broadcast its song. Our leader informed us that you can get an idea of where the nest site of this warbler is by patiently watching the bird fly from tree top to tree top letting other member of his species know that this is his territory. By noting his position over time, it is possible to establish a perimeter within which the nest site is located. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c727558f-59db-407c-ac45-9cd225227c32/Cedar+waxwings-Black+Rock+Forest-5-13-25-1.jpg May - Black Rock Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7cb1aa9c-463a-4911-8f7b-2664d99a26f4/Eastern+North+American+Newt-Black+Rock+Forest-5-13-25-1.jpg May - Black Rock Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1ba6381a-5004-4ff2-b4cf-2fb0f467405d/Eastern+ratsnake-Black+Rock+Forest-5-13-25-1.jpg May - Black Rock Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5d42c12c-9ccd-4f21-b287-9e0ce6c9e786/Ruby-throated+hummigbird-Black+Rock+Forest-5-13-25-1.jpg May - Black Rock Forest Two final bird shots from today’s outing…. This was my first Ruby-throated hummingbird of the year, so I felt obligated to include it into today’s gallery. This shot may not be worthy of hanging in a gallery, but it must be noted that this bird was quite distant and took a lot of enlarging and enhancing to get it to the quality where it is useful as a “documentation shot”. There ended up being two hummers in the same tree, but it was not possible for me to tell the sexes of the two, so I cannot say whether they were interested in one another as a possible mate, or if there was a possible question as to exactly who this territory belonged to . I never did see any adversarial interaction between the two, so hopefully they were just getting acquainted and had something more friendly in mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9b1823b4-2ac9-4dae-b814-418c83dc7ad5/Indigo+bunting-Black+Rock+Forest-5-13-25-1.jpg May - Black Rock Forest And last but certainly not least, and Indigo bunting. One of our most striking spring birds, the bunting is often heard at this time of year with its long drawn-out song referred to as an “excited warble, each note or phrase given twice”. One common mnemonic for remembering the Indigo bunting’s song is ,”Fire, Fire, Where?, Where?, Here!. Here!. See it, See it.” Play the song by hitting the button below and see if you can relate the above mnemonic to the song. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/kenridge-farm monthly 0.5 2025-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4024c14c-f3c6-41c7-b730-8d10bae394c0/Wild+turkey-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-1.jpg May - Kenridge Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/75277ad3-9e1c-42ab-8bd8-15db29f11345/Killdeer-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-1.jpg May - Kenridge Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8db18ae5-b057-41fa-b221-1b3111ca969c/Red-bellied+woodpecker-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-1.jpg May - Kenridge Farm .As we left the road and headed onto the trails, we heard and found a good number of song birds up in the canopy. Even though it is still early spring, the trees are beginning to leaf out in earnest and it is becoming harder and harder to locate the source of much of the song. The loud trill of the Red-bellied woodpecker lead us to the bird simply because the woodpecker was drilling on the trunk of the tree and not hidden by the foliage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/adc764fe-0997-43ac-8e7b-f247397aaa7a/Red-winged+blackbird-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-2.jpg May - Kenridge Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fff70714-aa91-46c3-a1f6-e641aacf31bb/Cottontail-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-1.jpg May - Kenridge Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2091cd05-5baf-4de3-b169-0dfc1380a8c0/Wood+duck-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-2.jpg May - Kenridge Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4e133006-b4b6-45e5-bfef-a35baf1cb56e/Blue-winged+warbler-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-4.jpg May - Kenridge Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5d2c26cd-f62d-4e1e-96cf-354f75ff8b54/Baltimore+oriole-Kenridge+Farm-5-10-25-2.jpg May - Kenridge Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/rainy-days monthly 0.5 2025-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/467ba4c4-11d5-4fc7-9416-dc08ac6a6682/Ring-bill+spat-Newburgh+Waterfront-5-9-25-1.jpg May - The Waterfront…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c9adce05-b539-44d7-a6e5-580478909735/Neotropic+cormorant-Newburgh+Waterfront-5-9-25-1.jpg May - The Waterfront…. - Make it stand out Neotropic cormorant - Newburgh Ferry Landing Nikon Z9 with Nikon Z 180-600 zoom at 600mm 1/100 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/56664a44-5f74-4e3d-9592-df8bd386a254/Screenshot+2025-05-11+at+9.25.59%E2%80%AFAM.png May - The Waterfront…. This range map for our hird indicates why we are so surprised to have this spring/summer visitor in our neighborhood. The map does indicate that there are some reports of the Neotropic showing up along the coast from South Carolina to Long Island, but why this bird would venture this far north into the Hudson Valley and do so year after year … well, you’ll have to ask the cormorant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/deee891e-7066-4914-be5e-4d8db8dccc4e/Neotropic+cormorant-Newburgh+Waterfront-5-9-25-3.jpg May - The Waterfront…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/close-to-home monthly 0.5 2025-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/518cb149-899f-4686-9c2c-71e0eca3064b/Pano+South-Perkins+Drive-5-8-25-1.jpg May - Close to home…. - Make it stand out Looking south from the summit of Bear Mountain…… Composite panorama - Nikon Zfc with Z 24mm f/2.8 1/125 sec, f'/11, ISO 250 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/23c41a2e-3022-4a73-9511-d1dec6511814/Red-winged+blackbird-Mine+Road-5-8-25-1.jpg May - Close to home…. - Make it stand out Red-winged blackbird - Mine Road Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 zoomed all the way out. 1/1250 sec. f/7.1, ISO 200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f4b54c58-973d-48b6-9ded-5e8f4fcba862/Baltimore+oriole-Mine+Road-5-8-25-1.jpg May - Close to home…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cda26dba-8540-4063-b78e-66d1e16d9b5c/Prairie+warbler-Perkins+Drive-5-8-25-2.jpg May - Close to home…. The final two images of the day we taken at the summit of Bear Mountain, another of our favorite spots to visit and the home of our Fall Hawkwatch. My wife tells me to avoid saying “always” when referring to the cbances of finding a bird in a certain location year after year. BUT….every year in early to mid-May, I (dare I say it?) always find the Prairie warbler. Very distinctive in song and plumage, this bird loves high elevations in spite of its name. I always tell new birders to look for the little football players with the black under the eyes which may in fact help reduce glare when these birds are trying to catch insects on the wing. So happy to be able to count on this little gem year after year at one of my absolute favorite places on the planet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b27ec3f6-be9f-4118-b96f-baa546ecc8d4/Prairie+warbler-Perkins+Drive-5-8-25-3.jpg May - Close to home…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/bashakill monthly 0.5 2025-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/13bca191-6779-4757-8148-092ef97852f5/Bashakill-5-3-25-1.jpg May - Bashakill - Make it stand out Bashskill swamp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4e31519e-cf60-4904-b9dd-f69271526d87/American+redstart-Bashakill-5-3-25-1.jpg May - Bashakill Migrating warblers are at the top of the target list during the month of May. This fine looking American redstart more than likely spent his winter in either Florida or the tropics. They are common breeders throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, so he may be moving still further north or he may well stay here at “the Bash” to raise his family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9c95a08b-3fcf-40e2-83b9-9b239bd718b5/Yellow+warbler-Bashakill-5-3-25-1.jpg May - Bashakill Another warbler which was making itself conspicuous through its song was the Yellow warbler. Birders use simple phrases of words…real or nonsense words…to describe the song or call of various birds. The Yellow warbler’s song is said to sound like it is singing, “Sweet, sweet, little more sweet.” It helps to have a good imagination when using these phrases, but see if you can hear that short refrain in this actual recording of the Yellow warblers’s song. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/689fc83d-0df8-4269-a421-30afcd1ba515/Warbling+vireo-Bashakill-5-3-25-1.jpg May - Bashakill - Make it stand out Another oft-heard bird at the Bashakill was this Warbling vireo. I love the phrase used to describe his song. Goes like this, “First I see ya, then I seize ya, then I squeeze ya til ya pop”. (Have to say it real fast.) Can you hear it in the recording below? (Remember, you need a real good imagination!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ff467285-3a85-46ba-9293-71cc00dccb05/Wood+betony-Bashakill-5-3-25-1.jpg May - Bashakill - Make it stand out The Wood betony is a low growing hairy plant with a broad whorl of tubular, hooded flowers atop a segmented stalk. Close examination of the forest floor during this spring months reveals a myriad of intricate beauty woven into a luxurious carpet of greenery. Well worth taking the time to slow down and observe what is all around you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/90524792-dc12-4174-9f90-09e36b23486d/Common+watersnake-Bashakill-5-3-25-1.jpg May - Bashakill - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-3/the-derby-bird-and-friends monthly 0.5 2025-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7aa75d4a-4b67-474c-90d6-82b2f76a532b/Rose-breasted+grosbeakOndaroa-5-5-25-7.jpg May - The Derby bird and others… - Make it stand out Rose-breasted grosbeak - May 2, 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ac0050ca-ed79-46c6-8588-9d1d2d99bebc/Rose-breasted+grosbeakOndaroa-5-5-25-6.jpg May - The Derby bird and others… - Make it stand out The Rose=breasted grosbeak that had already laid claim to his section of the platform feeder did not take kindly to the second bird trying to move in for a piece of the turf . Nikon Z8 with the Z100-400 zoomed in at 145mm, 1/400 sec, f/11, ISO 2000. Photographed from the comfort of our TV room through an open window on a cloudy rainy day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bee6fdb2-9ad6-4963-af06-05162cdb81a6/House+finch+pair-Ondaroa-5-5-25-1.jpg May - The Derby bird and others… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/456f2c4d-7c20-4f2a-8d6f-6ce98a527b62/Jay+in+Flight-Ondaroa-5-5-25-1.jpg May - The Derby bird and others… There were quite a few species showing up today. It doesn’t take long for the birds (and the gray squirrels) to find the newly filled feeders. The Blue jays such as this one coming in for a landing on the platform feeder are much more tolerant of their own today and don’t mind sharing with other jays. Other birds are not welcome and the jays quickly chase other species away. Fortunately for the others, we have a number of feeders stocked, so there is plenty to go around. Interesting to see today, however, how in the case of the grosbeaks, it was ,”mine, mine, mine!”, while with the jays, it was more of a “Plenty to go around” attitude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fc825db5-e841-4382-bd17-08ef8cb30cb6/Bluejay+breakfast-Ondaroa-5-5-25-1.jpg May - The Derby bird and others… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e6664e11-76a3-4807-a2be-c340959e7a8c/Red-bellied+woodpecker-Ondaroa-5-5-25-1.jpg May - The Derby bird and others… The last of our “featured” birds today is the Red-bellied woodpecker. The block feeder shown here is made especially for the woodpeckers, so he really did not have to worry about others coming in to steal his stash, nor did he worry about having to share. We know this is a male by looking at the red on the head which extends all the way from the bill back around to the “nape” of his neck. Many of these birds stick around all winter as long as long as there is food available. This male more than likely has a mate by now and will remain with that female through the breeding season. That’s about it for the duration of the pair bond in this species, however. Still, we expect to find his mate showing up at the feeder in the coming days. We’ll be watching the feeders for more visitors passing through in the next several weeks. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4 daily 0.75 2025-07-01 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/red-headed-woodpeckers monthly 0.5 2025-07-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/083a75bb-6a0e-42ae-911c-912dd38cf52d/Red-headed+woodpecker-Plutarch+Rd+Swamp-New+Paltz-6-30-25-1.jpg June - Red-headed woodpeckers - Make it stand out Red-headed woodpecker Weston Road Swamp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f9602e90-3054-4b2e-a383-aa6c633be2b1/Weston+Road+Swamp-New+Paltz-6-30-25-2.jpg June - Red-headed woodpeckers - Make it stand out Swamp along Weston Road in New Paltz, NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fd9087ff-620f-48f9-806c-44e5e878df42/Van+Nostrand+St-Swamp-New+Paltz-6-30-25-1.jpg June - Red-headed woodpeckers - Make it stand out Swamplands along VanNorstrand Street, New Paltz, NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dd6cdf29-3ed0-4faf-b0d4-0eaa4801fab9/Red-headed+woodpecker-Plutarch+Rd+Swamp-New+Paltz-6-30-25-2.jpg June - Red-headed woodpeckers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4bd41a4c-71c4-4f5f-af7d-799386b7a1b1/juvenile+Red-headed+woodpecker-Plutarch-11-10-21-1.jpg June - Red-headed woodpeckers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a4e7a858-b274-4ff2-8d78-9ba98a7f4b8c/Red-headed+woodpeckerJuv-Plutarch+Rd+Swamp-New+Paltz-6-30-25-4.jpg June - Red-headed woodpeckers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/bees monthly 0.5 2025-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b8f66e2a-41a2-4fce-bc1f-78ef1468c89c/Common+Eastern+bumblebee-Home+butterfly+garden-6-28-25-1.jpg June - Bees One of the more common bees in the garden is the Common Eastern bumblebee. The Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) is a widespread and recognizable species found primarily in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Known for its robust body covered in black and yellow bands, this bumblebee plays a crucial role in pollinating various wildflowers and crops. It thrives in diverse habitats, including gardens, fields, and woodlands. The species is noted for its gentle nature, making it less aggressive than other bees. As a social insect, the Common Eastern Bumblebee lives in colonies that consist of a queen, workers, and males, contributing significantly to ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fa8b15ef-f7a0-4ae4-b4b9-f5b565a118f6/Western+honeybee-Home+butterfly+garden-6-28-25-1.jpg June - Bees - Make it stand out Western Honey Bee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2d608500-f7d9-43fa-86c5-9b8276647579/Ligated+furrow+bee-Home+butterfly+garden-6-28-25-1.jpg June - Bees - Make it stand out Ligated furrow bee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6dd4cbd2-30c3-494d-abe3-d3acb10c0f15/Brown-belted+bumblebee-Home+butterfly+garden-6-28-25-1.jpg June - Bees - Make it stand out Brown-belted bumblebee https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/backyard-birds monthly 0.5 2025-06-28 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/dragonflies-amp-wildflowers monthly 0.5 2025-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8e8b4f81-bbc6-43d4-a3c6-1466c65e8195/Blue+dasher-Morgan+Farm-6-22-25-1.jpg June - Dragonflies & wildflowers - Make it stand out Blue dasher Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 @400mm 1/800 sec, f/11, ISO 900 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5762d532-0161-44d1-b36f-b863de453db3/Blue+corporal-Morgan+Farm-6-22-25-1.jpg June - Dragonflies & wildflowers - Make it stand out Blue corporal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d5300220-4ea1-4d81-926a-a76b82f8bad9/Spangled+skimmer-Morgan+Farm-6-22-25-1.jpg June - Dragonflies & wildflowers - Make it stand out Spangled skimmer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4753bf39-35a7-47ea-b4d4-674bba1de519/Painted+turtle-Morgan+Farm-6-22-25-1.jpg June - Dragonflies & wildflowers - Make it stand out Painted turtle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/29d773dd-1781-43d6-977b-cd7a858fc5a6/Swammp+rose-Morgan+Farm-6-22-25-1.jpg June - Dragonflies & wildflowers - Make it stand out Swamp rose https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/summer-arrives monthly 0.5 2025-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4a605229-1cbc-4793-8bac-62e4b1d5e4f4/Blue+dasher-OC+Arboretum-6-20-25-2.jpg June - Summer arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6bf20bff-d570-47ac-98c1-376b42460ad5/oxeye+daisy-Iona+Island-6-20-25-1.jpg June - Summer arrives New species of wildflowers also make for beautiful subjects to photograph. This Oxeye daisy was found along the marsh edge.The oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a perennial flowering plant commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides across North America. It features white petals surrounding a bright yellow central disc, typically blooming from early summer through early fall. Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, the oxeye daisy can be invasive in some regions, spreading rapidly and outcompeting native species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e95e6bfa-65fe-4eb8-8533-c6d395269fa5/Swans+with+cygnets-Iona+Island-6-20-25-1.jpg June - Summer arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/arden-valley-falls monthly 0.5 2025-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/72c68e7f-67cf-4581-9404-c856867f2178/Arden+Valley+Falls-6-18-25-1.jpg June - “Arden Valley Falls” - Make it stand out Arden Valley Falls Nikon Z8 with Z 24-70 f/2.8 lens at 34 mm 1.6 secs, f/11. ISO 64 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/19b70f67-ce4e-4e68-bca4-707f45b315b5/Yellow+warbler-LUM-Elk+Pen+Lot-6-18-25-1+copy.jpg June - “Arden Valley Falls” I was hoping to find a Field sparrow here, but the grass has grown so thick and high that they seem to have moved on. Before long, however, I did notice a bright yellow spot flitting about in the canopy of the trees abutting the fields. A Yellow warbler was picking little bugs off the cedar tree, and while I’ve photographed a ton of these little guys this spring, I couldn’t resist to grab one more. It seems that these are the most prevalent warblers in the area this year and I’m not sure whether it’s because there are actually more of them or are they simply so bright and so loquacious that they can’t be missed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/29d976fa-d7f9-45b4-8a51-618d3315e719/Indigo+bunting+LUM-Elk+Pen+Lot-6-18-25-1+copy.jpg June - “Arden Valley Falls” Another bird that has made its presence known at many of the sites I’ve visited recently is the beautiful Indigo bunting. Like the Yellow warbler, the bunting’s song is quite unique and easy to identify. Not quite as ubiquitous as the yellow, he still makes an appearance at many of the areas I have been checking in on over the past couple of months. The Indigo bunting prefers “edges” like roadsides and is one of the few species that are “happy” with habitat fragmentation! I’m sure I’ll be seeing him again before he starts to make his return journey to the tropics in the fall. His path will take him across the Gulf of Mexico, traveling mostly at night and navigating by the stars. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/foggy-days monthly 0.5 2025-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f52af48a-db62-41a3-950b-dbaa0fbf79c6/Foggy+day-Lily+Pond-6-17-25-1+copy.jpg June - Foggy days - Make it stand out Foggy day at Lily Pond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/459cf5d0-0394-4e48-ab63-c7bf5521b711/St.+John%27s+Church-Harriman+SP-6-17-25+copy.jpeg June - Foggy days - Make it stand out St. Johns in the Wilderness Church Nikon Zfc with Z 26mm prime lens 1/25 sec, f/11, ISO 100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/382d62b1-f35d-45f6-b3ec-74b011f8c854/Foggy+Kanawauke+PANORAMA-6-17-25+copy.jpeg June - Foggy days - Make it stand out Foggy view of Lake Kanawauke in Harriman State Park Nikon Zfc with Z 26mm Prime 1/10 sec, f/11. ISO 100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/20e20fc7-64bb-4eda-934c-cf677dcdf95e/Purple+crownvetch+stack-Kanawauke-6-17-25+copy.jpeg June - Foggy days - Make it stand out Focus stacked image of Purple crown vetch at Kanawauke Nikon Z8 with Nikon Z105mm micro lens 1/800 sec, f/8, USI 9000 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/fathers-day monthly 0.5 2025-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3a7a4b1b-3f9f-4070-bf85-0bc506fde8ad/Mute+swan+family-Iona+Island-6-8-25-1.jpg June - Fathers’ Day…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/eb6ba618-4a4b-4a18-bd9b-2601478fa3a0/Swallows+in+love-Iona+Island-6-13-25-1.jpg June - Fathers’ Day…. - Make it stand out Barn swallow mating Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 mm @ 280mm 1/1000 sec f/7.11, ISO 360 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fe1400e0-5b72-46e1-96ae-6a0fb53fd3c0/Female+Barn+Swallow-Silvermine+Lake-6-13-25-1.jpg June - Fathers’ Day…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/turn-turn-turn monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a9756487-995e-41a1-a5a9-e140d4f6cfe5/Mountain+Laurel-Perkins+Drive-6-11-25-3.jpg June - Turn, Turn, Turn… - Make it stand out Mountain laurel Nikon Z9 with Z 24-70 f/2.8 lens @ 39 mm 1/200 sec, f/9, ISO 1800 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/08be5e39-c999-4d14-a318-913dcddffec5/Mountain+Laurel-Perkins+Drive-6-11-25-4.jpg June - Turn, Turn, Turn… - Make it stand out Mountain Laurel cluster Nikon Z9 with Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 lens @ 70mm 1/200 sec, f/11, ISO 80 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d7d4d630-b419-470a-a145-ee9ea7f0c72d/Prairie+warbler-Perkins+Drive-6-11-25-3.jpg June - Turn, Turn, Turn… - Make it stand out Prairie warbler Nikon Z9 with Nikon Z180-600mm lens @ 600 1/1000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 280 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1c1a664f-7866-4f4c-9fb8-bb69699d5cdf/Worm-eating+warbler-Perkins+Drive-6-11-25-2.jpg June - Turn, Turn, Turn… - Make it stand out Worm-eating warbler Nikon Z9 with Z 180-600mm lens @600 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 4000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d60522c4-9422-487d-831e-be675abeaba3/Mountain+Laurel-Perkins+Drive-6-11-25-2.jpg June - Turn, Turn, Turn… - Make it stand out Laurel over a rivulet Nikon Z9 with Nikon Z 24-70 f/2.8 @ 24mm HDR composite of 5 images - 1/20 sec, f/11, ISO 64 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/more-signs-of-summer monthly 0.5 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/532e8fa1-33e5-487d-ac19-66515f84b1b4/Learning+how+to+dabble-Iona+Island-6-19-26-1.jpg June - More signs of Summer - Make it stand out Learning to “Dabble” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/416331f7-dc2e-4b71-b1b3-6db2f40334c9/Blue-gray+gnatcatcher-Iona+Island-6-19-26-1.jpg June - More signs of Summer - Make it stand out Blue-gray gnatcatcher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a2467c71-e495-4e09-922e-f3d70660cfd9/Bird%27s+foot+trefoil-Iona+Island-6-19-26-2.jpg June - More signs of Summer - The old saying of “April showers bring May flowers” has stretched in June this year and the grasslands, meadows, and roadsides are now ablaze with the color of new wildflowers. The beautiful yellow flower seen here is known as “Bird’s foot trefoil”. Bird's foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the legume family, known for its distinctive yellow flowers that resemble a bird's foot. This hardy plant typically grows in meadows, grasslands, and disturbed areas, thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions. Its unique name derives from the shape of its seed pods, which resemble the toes of a bird which, with a little imagination, can be seen in today’s pic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/15b4ffcb-0dbd-4a77-9421-46f25ebed5da/Bladder+campionl-Iona+Island-6-19-26-1.jpg June - More signs of Summer Another wildflower found throughout similar habitat here in the Highlands is Bladder campion. Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) is a perennial wildflower known for its distinctive balloon-like seed capsules that give it its common name. The plant features slender, erect stems and pale green leaves, with clusters of delicate white to pale pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Bladder campion is valued not only for its unique appearance but also for its role in supporting various pollinators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4b09f8c0-17c9-43fa-9586-150085f0f769/Monarch+on+milkweed-Iona+Island-6-19-26-1.jpg June - More signs of Summer - Make it stand out Monarch butterfly on Common milkweed https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/fields-in-the-rain monthly 0.5 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a54c999d-38e0-483e-b1ad-9cb047a04ebf/Farm+field-Purgurtory+Road-6-9-25-1.jpg June - Fields in the rain - Make it stand out Purgatory Road Farm Nikon Zfc with 26mm f 2.8 prime 1/400 sec. f/11. ISO 4000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/933481b8-3259-4c12-90e7-7764b6a1983e/Bobolink-Otterkill+Road-6-9-25-3.jpg June - Fields in the rain - Make it stand out Bobolink https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/48fa72e8-a503-4604-b981-1f69e3379541/Bobolink-Otterkill+Road-6-9-25-8.jpg June - Fields in the rain - Make it stand out Bobolink in flight Nikon Z8 with Nikon 100-400 @ 230mm 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 2400 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/nest-check monthly 0.5 2025-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e0ac8ddc-9171-4f5a-aad3-ae217c510c99/Barn+swallow-Silverine+Lake-6-6-25-1.jpg June - Nest check…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bb38bbdf-ee9f-4560-8b18-b7b366fa389c/Lancet+clubtail-Silverine+Lake-6-6-25-2.jpg June - Nest check…. - Make it stand out Lancet clubtail - Nikon Z9 with Z100-400 @ 400mm 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 280 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/723ca89e-c420-488c-b9f0-d6e6e075ece1/Sallow+sedge-Silverine+Lake-6-6-25-2.jpg June - Nest check…. - Make it stand out Sallow sedge Nikon Z9 with Nikon 100-400 @280 mm 1/800 sec, f/14, ISO 1000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9152a486-bb6f-496f-a2b6-964b421a107c/Sensitive+fern-Silverine+Lake-6-6-25-1.jpg June - Nest check…. Ferns are plants that prefer indirect light filtered through overhanging vegetation. The conditions were just right for this Sensitive fern found along the edge of the lake under overhanging tree branches, Its bright green foliage, which can turn a warm golden hue in the fall, is sensitive to touch, often folding when disturbed, giving the plant its name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/183aef1d-230b-459c-b790-f43069ce86b7/Eastern+kingbird-Silverine+Lake-6-6-25-1.jpg June - Nest check…. As I walked back to the building where the nests exist, I passed under an overhanging utility line upon which an Eastern kingbird was perched. With the abundance of insects flying above the lake, this is ideal hunting grounds for this flycatcher. The primary identifying characteristic of this bird is the while terminus of its tail easily seen in today’s photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a1d87c97-2811-4405-b4f2-2901ddbd0544/Barn+swallow-Silverine+Lake-6-6-25-3.jpg June - Nest check…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1c5b930d-c82a-4663-b4f8-c23262c6ca6a/Song+sparrow-Silverine+Lake-6-6-25-1.jpg June - Nest check…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/the-silloway-count-partii monthly 0.5 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1504449e-3dea-4a9d-99b5-66f929cd1d1e/Osprey-Brooks+Pond-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) - Make it stand out Osprey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/267274d5-b405-4f31-8fe5-698998e29e71/Eastern+pondhawk-Brooks+Pond-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) Along the edge of the pond, there are always dragonflies at this time of year. As the summer becomes warmer, their presence will become more and more frequent as will the variety of odonates. This photo is of an Eastern pondhawk perched on a piece of granite near the water’s edge. The Eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a striking dragonfly commonly found near freshwater habitats such as ponds and marshes throughout eastern North America. Pondhawks are adept hunters, preying on various insects, including mosquitoes and other small flies. Their presence signals a healthy ecosystem, reflecting the quality of the aquatic environments they inhabit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7404eca0-e764-415b-8179-e5e6365562b9/Great+Blue+Heron-Iona+Island-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) The dominant bird of the marsh has to be the Great blue heron. As adults, this bird is at the top of the food chain. It will feed on virtually anything that moves…fish, baby birds, snakes…..I’ve even witnessed one eating a fairly good sized turtle! This heron was along the causeway and greeted us upon our entry onto Iona island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c2d2214d-6dfd-4159-9f8f-136531b6ba7e/Blue+grosbeak-Iona+Island-6-2-25-2.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d7ab16ba-1155-4451-aa9d-34ee37419467/Bald+eagle+adult-Iona+Island-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8e686775-cfd2-4a5a-82c1-55292c801244/Bald+eagle+juv-Iona+Island-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/635293f9-686c-4c97-b84a-b07916e8dec4/Orchard+oriole-Iona+Island-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) - Make it stand out Male Orchard oriole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/89151163-e7d4-4a9e-8749-433a9c123dea/Cedar+waxwing-Iona+Island-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (PartII) - Make it stand out Cedar waxwing https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-4/the-silloway-count monthly 0.5 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b72d8c93-dabc-473b-9ab8-7ef4b9b24971/1777+Trail-Doodletown-6-2-25-2.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out A very wet 1777 Trail….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c7b2108e-db46-441c-be6f-01e0d8538566/Indigo+bunting-1776+Trail+head-6-2-25-2.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out Indigo bunting Nikon Z8 with Nikon Z 100-400 mm @ 400. 1/1000sec, f/7.1, ISO 180 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b90aefa8-76e9-428e-9fb3-1aa8af60baee/Pickerel+frog-1776+Trail-6-2-25-2.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out Pickerel frog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3fbeb60d-cd81-44bb-a93a-230935bd3afa/Blackfoot+polypore-Lemmon+Road-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) Blackfoot polypore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/134f9a85-75e7-4d57-8fa4-1356e72f7893/Cerulean+warbler-Doodletown-5-11-23-1-gigapixel-art-height-3059px.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) Once we turned back up the trail, we regrouped and headed down to an access into Doodletown where the Lemmon Road leads down into the Reservoir. Along the way, we encountered a fair amount of bird song. The Cerulean warbler is known to breed here and while we could hear the bird clearly, we had trouble finding him up in the canopy. This image is of one of the Ceruleans I photographed on a previous hike along this pathway. As is the case with many warblers at this time of year, they are striking in their radiant breeding plumage. This is one of those birds whose name really does aptly describe it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fbab4624-74de-4013-b022-12cf68175176/Chipping+sparrows-Lemmon+Road-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out Chipping sparrows Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 @ 240mm. 1/1000 sec , f/8, ISO 640 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2d1a3b69-f69f-430f-9de9-db6d20b09406/DC+Cormorant-Doodletown+Reservoir-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1c29e8c7-2cb6-43bb-8d1d-f4ab54a7be09/Green+frog-Doodletown+Reservoir-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out A Green frog was found partially submerged in the waters of the reservoir. Their call, heard from several more of his species on the other side of the pond, is said to be reminiscent of the strumming of a banjo. Click the button below to hear his call and the calls of other frogs you may hear at a nearby pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1adae890-6bbf-418e-bfb0-cc7d1bdbcafb/Woood+turtle-Doodletown+Reservoir-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out Wood turtle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3dd05e30-060b-43f3-8952-9c25768538fc/Zabulon+skipper-Doodletown+Reservoir-6-2-25-1.jpg June - The Silloway Count (Part I) - Make it stand out Zebulon skipper https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5 daily 0.75 2025-07-29 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/butterfly-garden monthly 0.5 2025-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/11b06d8b-0545-4319-93cc-ab639e2299d4/Butterfly+garden-7-18-14.jpg July - Butterfly Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f221958e-4e4a-41cc-8e42-4bd48611a8e9/Silver-spotted+skipper-Buttterfly+garden-7-27-2.jpg July - Butterfly Garden Among the earliest visitors, the Silver-spotted skipper is the most reliable. Each summer, around mid-July and well into August, this skipper takes advantage of the Buddleia bush with its many purple blossoms. The The Silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) is a distinctive butterfly commonly found in North America, recognizable by its large size and prominent silver-white spot on the underside of its hindwings. This species thrives in open woodlands, fields, and gardens like ours, where it feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. The Silver-spotted Skipper plays an important role in pollination and adds vibrant activity to natural landscapes during the summer months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/54f072a3-894c-41fe-9ea4-204923050126/Dun+skipper+chased+by+Bufflehead+mason+bee-Ondaora-7-9-25-3.jpg July - Butterfly Garden While not as colorful as the Silver-spotted skipper, the Dun skipper is another species which shows up each summer. Much smaller than the Silver-spotted species, the Dun skipper is known for its distinctive brownish-orange wings with subtle markings. Typically inhabiting grassy meadows and open woodlands, this butterfly favors habitats rich in native grasses, which serve as larval host plants. The Dun skipper’s flight period usually occurs from late spring through mid-summer, during which it actively feeds on nectar from various wildflowers. Its relatively short lifespan and quick, darting flight pattern make it a challenging subject for nature photographers interested in capturing detailed images of this elusive insect (especially when being harassed by bees such as this Carlin’s Mining Bee!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/12af5598-42b7-446f-804b-450fd5bfc778/Peck%27s+skipper-Ondaora-7-9-25-1.jpg July - Butterfly Garden - Make it stand out Peck’s skipper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2132670e-653b-41b5-bc57-f2dec3eab296/Eastern+Tiger+swallowtail-Ondaora-7-28-22-1.jpeg July - Butterfly Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/59749c00-be09-4368-8497-15b2b7e2f72f/Bi-colored+striped+sweat+bee-Buttterfly+garden-7-27-1.jpg July - Butterfly Garden - Make it stand out Bicolored striped sweat bee https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/barnegat-bay monthly 0.5 2025-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9e5fa03a-c757-401e-959c-957815ca498c/Herring+gulls-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-1.jpg July - Barnegat Bay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1e0b0c9e-ca60-47b5-ba5f-fe7c5331fea8/Forster%27s+tern-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-1.jpg July - Barnegat Bay Several species of terns are drawn to the shallow waters of the bay as well. On today’s outing, a good number of Forster’s terns were spotted plying the waters for small fish such as Killifish, Silverside’s, and menhaden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f6d18368-abec-41d9-a351-09e82ef2ecce/Osprey+adult-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-4.jpg July - Barnegat Bay - Make it stand out Osprey family on Barnegat Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bfcd539d-bc58-4adb-97ea-feda7248695f/Least+sandpiper-Loveladies-7-23-25-4.jpg July - Barnegat Bay - Make it stand out Least sandpiper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d9fcbb97-52f3-4a82-822c-67d8c20a2c86/3-Blue+claw+crab-Brant+Beach-7-28-2020-1+copy.jpg July - Barnegat Bay - Make it stand out Blue claw crab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0d734b17-7561-4e76-86ba-5debe625a31a/Seaside+dragonlet-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-1.jpg July - Barnegat Bay - Make it stand out Seaside dragonet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c908f86e-e0aa-4343-9716-f8cf918f797b/Lightning+over+LBI-7-25-25-1.jpg July - Barnegat Bay - Make it stand out Lightning flash over Long Beach Island off Barnegat Bay https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/sandy-cove-osprey-family monthly 0.5 2025-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4b379240-cfc1-4ea7-9388-a8a75a37f89e/Osprey+chicks-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-1.jpg July - Sandy Cove Osprey family - Make it stand out Young osprey chicks await their next meal ….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e6df800c-b2a2-47fa-a79a-0441eff95363/Adult+osprey-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-1.jpg July - Sandy Cove Osprey family Off a short distance to the left from the nest site, a lone adult was perched on a post, perhaps keeping an eye out on the youngsters while the second adult was out hunting for the chicks next meal. For whatever reason, one of the fish most often caught by the osprey adults, Menhaden (also known as Bunker), has been relatively scarce this summer and when these little ones were tagged and measured earlier this month, the researchers noted that they were a bit less robust than normal at this point in their growth. Hopefully, they will be able to thrive this summer and be ready to fledge in the upcoming weeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/00456741-fcc5-4d9d-801e-fc0dc7e8045e/Osprey+nest-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-1.jpg July - Sandy Cove Osprey family - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b7a12d06-e47d-430b-9767-68845edb2aab/Osprey+adult-Sandy+Cove+Ln-7-23-25-2.jpg July - Sandy Cove Osprey family - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/one-good-tern monthly 0.5 2025-07-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ea2215dc-ab00-4d64-80e0-35ee10229290/Lighthouse-Barnegat+Light+House-7-21-25-1.jpg July - One good tern….. - Make it stand out Barnegat Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/41840e7e-c404-40ba-93aa-bd219af0001b/Americsn+oystercatcher-Barnegat+Light+House-7-21-25-1.jpg July - One good tern….. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ab646428-92e6-4038-b195-3928b45dab3b/Common+tern-Barnegat+Light+House-7-21-25-1.jpg July - One good tern….. - Make it stand out Common tern at Barnegat Lighthouse Inlet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d0506aa9-5e5b-4b7f-9472-8e8a628ee704/Forster%27s+tern-Barnegat+Light+House-7-21-25-1.jpg July - One good tern….. - Make it stand out Forster’s tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a085994a-cdf0-427b-85df-eca19b73a86a/Forster%27s+tern-Barnegat+Light+House-7-21-25-3.jpg July - One good tern….. - Make it stand out A Forster’s tern emerges from the water after diving in for its prey….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8cdab81b-e72f-4db8-ab74-fee7eef3189c/Least+tern-Barnegat+Light+House-7-21-25-2.jpg July - One good tern….. - Make it stand out Least tern https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/birds-of-a-feather monthly 0.5 2025-07-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0f023f3e-80c3-4f72-a35d-e5bdea11d543/American+Herring+gull-Barnegat+Light+House-7-19-25-2.jpg July - Birds of a Feather - Make it stand out Young Herring gull with crab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/38c8c5f5-60b3-4ba3-b5be-8e7335b8f382/House+sparrow+group-Loveladies-7-19-25-1.jpg July - Birds of a Feather - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7736d434-c22d-4a5d-9587-ffcaacd4542c/Laughing+gull+group-Loveladies-7-19-25-2.jpg July - Birds of a Feather - Make it stand out Laughing gulls looking for a fresh water drink…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/656adc8e-b922-4740-8dda-afe18201f481/Great July - Birds of a Feather - Make it stand out Great Black-backed gulls https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/teatown-lake-preserve-ii monthly 0.5 2025-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/10a469aa-68c0-498e-87bb-0ad27cd2adef/Screenshot+2025-07-15+at+9.34.49%E2%80%AFAM.png July - Teatown Lake Preserve - II - “Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard explores the complex and interconnected relationships within forest ecosystems, revealing how trees communicate and share resources through underground fungal networks. Simard, a renowned ecologist, provides a compelling narrative that blends scientific research with personal experience, challenging traditional views of trees as solitary organisms. Her work uncovers the role of the "mother tree," a central hub that supports younger trees and fosters forest resilience, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and connection in nature. This book not only advances our understanding of ecology but also encourages a deeper respect for the natural world.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/472d8512-be72-4a4a-9ee8-9d1a25ef9687/Shaggy+Legged+Ringless+Amanita-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - II - Make it stand out Shaggy Legged Ringless Amanita https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/96e1e202-a232-421b-a215-228c6aa8306e/Violet-toothed+polypore-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - II - Make it stand out Violet-toothed polypore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a1e3bfb8-20fe-4042-9309-ed3d36dd8702/Fairy+pins-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - II - Make it stand out Fairy pins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/203a9026-1f65-4afc-9bdb-c40e9c559643/American+bullfrog-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - II American Bull Frog Two species of frogs could be heard calling during my walk along the trails at the lake….The Green frog which has a quality of a banjo being strummed, and this gal, the American bull frog (the male has the famous “jug-o’-rum” call). Look carefully at the photo to the right and you will see a raised line extending from her eye and back around her “ear” or tympanic membrane. In a Green frog, that line extends straight back past the ear and down along its back. The fact that the tympanic membrane is smaller than the circumference of the eye is a clue that this is probably a female. In males, the membrane is generally larger than the eye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/64ddcaa2-8778-4888-b761-27712af9a4bd/Common+Eastern+bumblebee-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - II - Common Eastern Bumblebee near Lizard’s tail The Common Eastern bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) is a widespread and familiar pollinator native to eastern North America. It is characterized by its robust, fuzzy body with distinct black and yellow bands, making it easily recognizable. These bees play a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating a variety of wildflowers like this Lizard’s tail. The Lizard’s tail wildflower (Saururus cernuus) is a distinctive perennial native to wetlands and moist areas of the eastern United States. It features long, slender, heart-shaped leaves and delicate, tail-like flower spikes that curve gracefully, resembling a lizard’s tail. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the white, fragrant flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This plant thrives in marshes, along stream banks, and in other damp environments, making it an important component of wetland ecosystems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9d289630-5b64-405a-887b-393c0d3b3f4e/Canada+goose-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - II - Make it stand out Canada goose https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/teatown-lake-preserve-i monthly 0.5 2025-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/12a5dd0b-10b0-4e48-8824-97726c2fe183/Eastern+phoebe-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - I - Make it stand out Eastern phoebe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cc3c011f-5358-416b-af5a-3c346db54b03/Common+WhitetailTeatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - I - Make it stand out Common whitetail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/78314f7a-3df5-43ca-9dbc-97cc40f589ef/Eastern+ambrwing-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - I - Make it stand out Eastern amberwing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7987cb06-9245-4667-be72-9a23e87761f4/Slaty+skimmer-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - I - Make it stand out Slaty skimmer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/36419c52-cd9c-47a7-8b08-30aa773246ae/Fawn+darner+nymph+molt-Teatown+Lake+Preserve-7-13-25-1.jpg July - Teatown Lake Preserve - I - Make it stand out Fawn darner nymph molt https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/mixed-bag monthly 0.5 2025-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/47a2e8a7-609d-4976-9cee-fbeadab86576/Reddish-brown+stag+beetle-Long+Dock+Beacon-7-5-25-3.jpg July - Mixed Bag - Make it stand out Reddish-brown Stag Beetle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/376f69dd-51bd-42bd-af3f-dbc3ca2e39c3/Oval+ambersnail-Pine+Hill+Swamp-7-7-25-1.jpg July - Mixed Bag - Make it stand out Oval ambersnail - Pine Hill Swamp Chester, NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/21d08a83-3840-426b-9f1c-8b3e5148705e/Abandoned+nest-Ondaora-7-12-25-1.jpg July - Mixed Bag - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0f20374c-f897-422a-bcba-fb4733b1eb50/Buttonbush-Morgan+Farm-7-8-25-1.jpg July - Mixed Bag - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/iona-island-low-tide monthly 0.5 2025-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f8ce04c1-8924-4c42-ade1-0e01e06bc15d/Dun+skipper-Iona+Island-7-9-25-1.jpg July - Iona Island-Low Tide - Make it stand out Dun skipper on Spotted knapweed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/52c01d23-8493-4f8b-9ac9-88f09d1bdc7e/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-7-9-25-1.jpg July - Iona Island-Low Tide - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f5f6d3a0-b5a1-4df0-a4ec-4ec188fd0109/Killdeer+vs+Blackbird-Iona+Island-7-9-25-1.jpg July - Iona Island-Low Tide - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c39339e2-dab5-4d11-b8ef-31ad4000963f/Killdeer+gets+the+worm-Iona+Island-7-9-25-1.jpg July - Iona Island-Low Tide - Make it stand out The killdeer gets his reward….a nice juicy worm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d2a57e0f-5ddb-463f-b06d-412275087004/One-striped+deer+fly-Iona+Island-7-9-25-3.jpg July - Iona Island-Low Tide - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3ad4f105-16b3-40f7-94c1-abaeed6a94c0/Eastern+kingbird-Iona+Island-7-9-25-1.jpg July - Iona Island-Low Tide - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/new-kids-on-the-block monthly 0.5 2025-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d0adad79-baf3-4a95-ada7-13dd1b1f05e5/Canada+goose+with+goslings-Kenridge+Farm-5-21-20-1.jpg July - New Kids on the Block - Make it stand out An image of a Canada goose with several goslings born back in May. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c99c714e-3c04-4677-a4aa-903c52dacbc4/Canada+goose+family-Iona+Island-6-15-25-1.jpg July - New Kids on the Block - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fe91012a-313d-4a3d-8a30-85a2746067ed/European+starling+fledglings-Iona+Island-7-3-25-1+copy.jpg July - New Kids on the Block - Make it stand out Four young European starlings patiently awaiting their next meal from the adults tending to their needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9301ac70-2d3d-4e53-8c89-14addf3fc9f6/Eurpopean+starling+fledglings-Iona+Island-7-3-25-2+copy.jpg July - New Kids on the Block These two young birds probably have mom or dad in their sights. The fluffy down of the fledgling has pretty much disappeared in these juvenile birds with dark gray plumage and dark bills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/db03bc27-5c43-4eec-85f7-d407dd5047d6/House+sparrow+fledgling-Ondaora-6-5-25-3+copy.jpg July - New Kids on the Block - Make it stand out House sparrows looking for their next morsel. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-5/benedict-farm-park monthly 0.5 2025-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e259930c-8400-4071-89ac-e0d6c0b871eb/Wallkill+River-Benedict+FArm-7-2-25-4.jpg July - Benedict Farm Park - Make it stand out Wallkill River at Benedict Farm Park, Montgomery, NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/112c4f03-5e89-44f8-b59c-7708e4d11b60/House+sparrow-Benedict+FArm-7-2-25-4.jpg July - Benedict Farm Park - Make it stand out House sparrow carrying fecal sac from Nest Box https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/56756930-3fa5-4bd3-8fe7-e4c00bf9f45c/American+goldfinch+on+creeping+thistle-Benedict+Farm-7-2-25-2.jpg July - Benedict Farm Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/aa364588-c62d-4bdc-826d-67d0eef366cf/American+goldfinch+on+thistle-Benedict+Farm-7-2-25-2.jpg July - Benedict Farm Park - Make it stand out American goldfinch shot with the Nikon Z8 and Z1000-400mm zoom 1/1250 sec, f/11, ISO 1250 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b200535d-7419-4d07-970b-dd8eda592b4a/Barn+swallow+in+barn+window-Benedict+Farm-7-2-25-1.jpg July - Benedict Farm Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76 daily 0.75 2025-08-29 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/blue-the-great monthly 0.5 2025-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/27bce477-d9b7-4736-baff-59cc89094672/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-6-8-25-1+copy.jpg August - “Blue the Great” - Make it stand out “Blue” weathering a storm on June 8, 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b809f354-336a-48c3-a37c-1b7d31960210/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-6-14-25-1+copy.jpg August - “Blue the Great” - Make it stand out Blue just hanging out, June 14, 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/feda678b-15fd-4a41-967f-d71a026b7475/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-7-9-25-1+copy.jpg August - “Blue the Great” - Make it stand out In flight, July 9th https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/38022e83-d330-4cb9-93ee-e1918a9c2508/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-8-5-25-1+copy.jpg August - “Blue the Great” - Make it stand out August 5th https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cdaa4cf6-bd5e-4be7-b583-f9b28876fe5a/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-8-20-25-2+copy.jpg August - “Blue the Great” - Make it stand out August 20th https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cd11b232-70ea-4a6f-8153-23c46482ad7e/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-8-28-25-1.jpg August - “Blue the Great” - Make it stand out August 28, 2025 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/painted-turtles monthly 0.5 2025-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3ee5b5d1-3cf1-4f9d-8148-d1ad60bd5e0e/Painted+turtle-Morgan+Farm+Rd-8-26-25-2.jpg August - Painted turtles - Make it stand out Painted turtle - Cragston Lakes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3b063b5d-e02a-4fc0-906d-ae8c6782acb2/Painted+turtles-Ramapo+River+Boat+Launch-8-26-25-2.jpg August - Painted turtles - Make it stand out Eastern Painted turtle with plain muted yellow bottom shell (plastron) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c2e4117e-2585-49a0-958b-9726c00e8a3d/Painted+turtles-Ramapo+River+Boat+Launch-8-26-25-3.jpg August - Painted turtles - Make it stand out Eastern Painted turtle showing straight parallel yellow lines across carapace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ed98329e-6bd6-456c-a353-23958ddf17ac/Painted+turtles-Ramapo+River+Boat+Launch-8-26-25-1.jpg August - Painted turtles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3bb67afe-7328-41d2-97c9-0c280cea5590/Painted+turtles-Ramapo+River+Boat+Launch-8-26-25-4.jpg August - Painted turtles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/orb-weaver-retribution monthly 0.5 2025-08-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4faf1d92-1ced-4c05-b41c-60f1130f18c7/Spotted+orb+weaver+with+prey-Back+deck+Ondaora-8-25-25-1.jpg August - Orb weaver - Retribution - Make it stand out Spotted orb weaver with prey https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/shorebirds-at-the-black-dirt monthly 0.5 2025-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c7e54bdd-22ea-41bd-8b2d-3bc89efd6384/Cowbird+flock-Skinners+Lane-8-21-25-1.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt - Make it stand out Brown-headed cowbird https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7940a3c9-ebb7-4f3a-ba91-262ba7459169/Brown-headed+cowbird-+Skinners+Lane-8-21-25-2.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt Brown-headed cowbirds are nest parasites. As such, they do not build their own nests and do not rear their own young. Rather, they devote their time and energy to laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, often removing the eggs already laid by the nests owners. Once the eggs hatch, the “foster-parents” raise the young as if they were their own. Should some of the original eggs remain in the nest, the larger cowbird chicks will generally outcompete the smaller chicks that hatch in the nest resulting in the starvation of those birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a27b0a3f-f8b3-43e5-bc73-66b5e8aed398/Killdeer-Warren+Sod+Farm-8-21-25-1.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt - Make it stand out Killdeer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4d2d0786-106d-47b7-a30e-c1d5e7d10b73/Baird%27s+sandpiper-Warren+Sod+Farm-8-21-25-3.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt - Make it stand out Baird’s sandpiper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f700b359-5414-4546-b363-4cd6c5cd7ecc/White-rumped+sandpipers-Missionland+Rd+492.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt - Make it stand out White-rumped sandpiper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/491c536d-0127-44c1-89dc-823c03933871/Sanderlings-Warren+Sod+Farm-8-21-25-1.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt - Make it stand out Sanderlings with Least sandpiper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b433d4a9-82f7-429e-8550-562ce2a18523/Peregrine+falcon-Warren+Sod+Farm-8-21-25-2.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt - Make it stand out A Peregrine falcon cruises in at low altitude looking for a meal of its own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1a1bccbd-9879-44c0-8815-6620ec897473/Kestrel-Skinners+Lane-8-21-25-1.jpg August - Shorebirds at the Black Dirt - Make it stand out American kestrel perched along Skinner’s Lane https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/mimid-id-easy-as-123 monthly 0.5 2025-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c1229909-8daf-4b2a-ae04-62116c524451/Northern+mockingbird-Yardbirds-6-26-25-1+copy.jpg August - Mimid ID: Easy as 1,2,3 - Make it stand out Northern mockingbird - sings triads https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9f791835-f0cc-4a51-859c-99345003bdb3/Brown+thrasher-Elks-Brox+Park-5-20-23-2+copy.jpg August - Mimid ID: Easy as 1,2,3 - Make it stand out The Brown thrasher - sings a song, repeats it once again, and then moves on to the next song. Click below to hear his repertoire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5ecdcae5-c8f3-4958-88ed-901804b4b476/Gray+catbird-Iona+Island-8-20-25-1.jpg August - Mimid ID: Easy as 1,2,3 - Make it stand out Gray catbird - sings each refrain once and then moves on… https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/spiders-eating-fishwasps-eating-spiders monthly 0.5 2025-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3bbbe7ec-8b0f-43f1-8d2c-714f62f234c5/Spotted+orb+weaver-Ondaora+deck-8-17-25-2.jpg August - Spiders eating fish…Wasps eating spiders - Make it stand out Spotted orb weaver Nikon Zfc with Z DX50-250mm lens 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 8000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4544f7a7-ae67-4f84-9b79-6ffec179e0f5/Double-banded+scoliid+wasp-Morgan+Farm+Rd-8-17-25-2.jpg August - Spiders eating fish…Wasps eating spiders - Make it stand out Double-banded scoliid wasp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cc9b84ff-3ff4-4fe6-aff5-7161bcdcb2db/European+Paper+wasp-Morgan+Farm+Rd-8-17-25-1.jpg August - Spiders eating fish…Wasps eating spiders - Make it stand out European Paper wasp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f0c90d56-8be2-4ad8-9da6-ab6a5e8af182/Two-spotted+spider+wasp+with+Banded+fishing+spider-Morgan+Farm+Rd-8-17-25-1.jpg August - Spiders eating fish…Wasps eating spiders - Make it stand out Two-spotted spider wasp with Banded Fishing spider https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/pine-island-area monthly 0.5 2025-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/630d74a2-e09d-44eb-bed4-0919845d8c4d/Killdeer+couple-Skinner%27s+Lane-8-14-25-1.jpg August - Pine Island Area - Make it stand out Killdeer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bfdd2715-3b3a-4a6c-9a79-23aeca1c6441/Sunflowers-Sunflower+Farm+Pine+Island-8-14-25-1.jpg August - Pine Island Area - Make it stand out Sunflower farm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ad956318-3567-4fae-9cdd-518a25774bd6/Sunflower+disc-Sunflower+Farm+Pine+Island-8-14-25-1.jpg August - Pine Island Area - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a8e174d0-344d-488e-be27-145a977dbca3/Dark-veined+Longhorn+Bee-Sunflower+Farm+Pine+Island-8-14-25-1.jpg August - Pine Island Area - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1b944093-6a89-4b7d-abc6-d0fb686bd0de/Dark-veined+Longhorn+Bee-Sunflower+Farm+Pine+Island-8-14-25-2.jpg August - Pine Island Area - Make it stand out The bee was kind enough to turn around so you could get a better view of the dark veins in his wings as well as those long “horns”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cfeb367d-f8e8-4c11-b324-c43537507e5d/Eastern+phoebe-Lynch+Lane-8-14-25-1.jpg August - Pine Island Area - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/piermont-pier monthly 0.5 2025-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d079534f-ddf3-4c5a-afb2-5ec19c77ca09/Tappan+Zee+Bridge-Piermpnt+Pier-8-12-25-1.jpg August - Piermont Pier - Make it stand out Tappan Zee Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8139a276-8763-4481-bf80-c2b8e37b876b/DC+Cormorat+with+Hogchoker-Piermont+Pier-8-12-25-1.jpg August - Piermont Pier - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant with Hogchoker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/77b6f13a-01bd-44b4-9224-ee3ae7503df4/Cormorants+and+terns-Piermpnt+Pier-8-12-25-1.jpg August - Piermont Pier - Make it stand out DC Cormorants with Forster’s terns https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ccb59e27-e734-4edb-b3cf-ade0648378c8/Semi-palmated+sandpiper-Piermpnt+Pier-8-12-25-3.jpg August - Piermont Pier - Make it stand out Semi-palmated sandpiper Nikon Z9 with Z180-600mm at 600mm 1/1250 sec, f/11, ISO 1600 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/30a7a787-f726-49b4-bf35-8eee2e31f208/Semi-palmated+plover-Piermpnt+Pier-8-12-25-1.jpg August - Piermont Pier - Make it stand out Semi-palmated plover Nikon Z9 with 180-600mm at 600 mm 1/1250 sec, f/11, ISO 1600 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/43865bc9-960c-4aed-819f-16cbd8b39d77/Caspian+tern-Piermpnt+Pier-8-12-25-1.jpg August - Piermont Pier - Make it stand out Caspian tern https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/ants-and-bees monthly 0.5 2025-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/774b42c5-bb0e-4cbe-9701-1bc1558e97e2/Ant+colony-abandoned+wren+house-8-9-25-6.jpg August - Ants and Wasps - Make it stand out Odorous house ants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0d3ad90f-8f76-4180-9ba9-ca81365207e3/Great+golden+digger+wasp-Morgan+Farm-8-10-25-2.jpg August - Ants and Wasps - Make it stand out Great golden digger wasp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d64898ee-aa16-4484-a88a-1dee201db2d6/Carolina+grassshopper-Morgan+Farm-8-10-25-1.jpg August - Ants and Wasps - Make it stand out Caolina grasshopper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d867153d-7b5e-4dc4-aae5-8a886037bfdd/Four-banded+stink+bug+wasp-Morgan+Farm-8-10-25-1.jpg August - Ants and Wasps - Make it stand out Four-banded stink bug wasp https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/the-ponds-edge-ii monthly 0.5 2025-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a482efc5-33f6-42e2-94fd-7aa5d96bc8c1/Calico+pennant-Brooks+Lake-8-7-25-1.jpg August - The Pond’s Edge - II - Make it stand out Calico pennant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/da05a8cd-f13b-4994-ab6a-f9167b5361cd/Eastern+amberwing-Brooks+Lake-8-7-25-1.jpg August - The Pond’s Edge - II - Make it stand out Eastern amberwing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0431115c-337f-459f-8370-d1845b971cf0/Female+pondhawk-Brooks+Lake-8-7-25-1.jpg August - The Pond’s Edge - II - Make it stand out Female Eastern pondhawk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5f3a8800-f657-4409-b6ca-59d2ec9e28b1/Male+pondhawk-Brooks+Lake-8-7-25-1.jpg August - The Pond’s Edge - II - Make it stand out Male Eastern pondhawk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2594583b-3fff-4c9e-baeb-b69c2c6a9557/Mating+pondhawks-Brooks+Lake-8-7-25-1.jpg August - The Pond’s Edge - II - Make it stand out Mating wheel with a two Eastern pondhawks- Blue male above and green female below https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f6c2bb24-226a-43dd-b097-f654cf418264/Short-winged+green+grasshopper-Silvermine+Lake-8-7-25-1.jpg August - The Pond’s Edge - II - Make it stand out Short-winged green grasshopper . In spite of the name, the female is generally brown and larger, so we can assume this little lady is a female. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/canadian-smoke monthly 0.5 2025-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/403e796f-9bce-48cf-832d-246233fc4966/Canadian+smoke-Bear+Mt-8-5-25-1+copy.jpg August - Canadian smoke - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9a5261eb-7317-4d87-9cb5-a682975bf496/Screenshot+2025-08-07+at+5.48.25%E2%80%AFPM.png August - Canadian smoke This map was downloaded from the Wildland Fire Iteragency Geospatial Service and shows just how widespread and numerous the wildfires are in Canada this week. Notice also how the western half of the United States is also being affected by wildfire. The prevailing winds, however, are from the northwest today and the huge volume of smoke being produced by the Canadian fires is being carried down over the northeastern United States. In spite of the fact that we are well over 1000 miles from many of these fires, we are being subjected to dangerous air quality conditions throughout our section of New York. The Department of Health stated today that being out in New York City today would be like smoking 7 cigarettes in a day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cf9ba370-a4a6-472b-b5e8-380d784a60d9/Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-3-24-1+copy.jpg August - Canadian smoke This is the view looking to the south from our vantage point atop Bear Mountain in SE New York State. We can see our neighboring state of Connecticut in the distance. This photo was taken almost one year ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c2b03ed4-1e92-4b5b-bc97-bcda5e10df9e/Canadian+smoke-Bear+Mt-8-5-25-2+copy.jpg August - Canadian smoke And here is the same view I had today. This is not cloud cover nor is it fog. This is smoke covering the landscape of almost a thousand miles away. Fortunately for us, the wind patterns are supposed to change in the next several days and give us some relief. The fires are nowhere near under control, however, so if the northwest winds return, we will be subject to these conditions once again. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-76/hummingbirds monthly 0.5 2025-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a6a3d159-a8ed-4958-b399-2fc7d89ddb90/RTHU-2nd+bird+with+Nikon+50-250-7-31-25-2.jpg August - Hummingbirds - Make it stand out Ruby-throated hummingbird Nikon Zfc with 50-250 Nikon DX lens 250mm 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 2500 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/36b10147-6118-4def-9213-b07ad8ae33c9/RTHU-Back+deck-8-1-25-2.jpg August - Hummingbirds - Make it stand out Shot with the Nikon Zfc at 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 2500 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/08579d6f-159f-4c39-89de-d919a19b88cc/Hummingbird+at+Vermillionaire+copy.jpg August - Hummingbirds The hummingbirds that visit our yard love the Vermillionaire Fire cracker plant. Its dense long-lasting display of red tubular flowers is a real magnet for ruby-throats, and they bloom all summer into fall. This photo shows how perfectly suited for the feeding style of the hummingbird these plants are. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35 daily 0.75 2025-09-28 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/autumn monthly 0.5 2025-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2c672824-29ba-4107-ba26-f448fa0853cc/Old+9W+Overlook+Pano-9-26-25-1+copy.jpg September - Autumn - Make it stand out Hudson Valley through the Highlands - Mt Taurus This is the month of spectacular changes in the color of the foliage up and down the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3eb6a565-d812-4915-8957-861afad65765/Mallard+pair-Iona+Island-9-27-25-1.jpg September - Autumn - Make it stand out Mallard pair - Iona Island 9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5240e6e2-262d-4fb0-b06f-f4b52241d1e2/Tufted+titmouse-Iona+Island-9-27-25-1.jpg September - Autumn - Make it stand out Tufted titmouse Iona Island 9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3215fb1b-5f58-4861-9963-1d99162d1e6e/Sugar+maple+leaf-BMHW-9-27-25-1.jpg September - Autumn - Make it stand out Sugar maple leaf just beginning to change - Bear Mt. 9/16/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/063971c4-d144-4582-a471-fa637318dcc5/IMG_1761+2.jpg September - Autumn - Make it stand out Peak colors on September 28, 2025 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/high-hopes monthly 0.5 2025-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ef9377c5-a577-4f5c-b439-420aa4ef2c2d/Variable+field+ant-BMHW-9-23-25-3.jpg September - High Hopes - Make it stand out Variable field ant Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/23/25 Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 mm zoom @ 400mm 1/400 sec, f/10, ISO 640 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e7e033eb-3e05-4883-afb4-f3de3d0af184/Variable+field+ant-BMHW-9-23-25-1.jpg September - High Hopes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/lanternfly-invasion monthly 0.5 2025-09-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/12e5f951-e88d-46ee-a8ec-f54e1bc00f7c/Lantern+fly+on+Maple-BMHW-9-19-25-1.jpg September - Lanternfly Invasion - Make it stand out Lanternflies on Maple Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/20/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d25d887f-2fc5-4f27-8219-370d55f8a521/Lanternfly+on+Ailanthus-BMHW-9-19-25-1.jpg September - Lanternfly Invasion - Make it stand out Spotted Lanternflies on Ailanthus Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/20/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/broadwing-week-ii monthly 0.5 2025-09-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2d6a1bbf-b0ea-48b5-ae8b-f491b1c6d339/Broad-winged+hawk+kettle-BMHW-9-21-23-1+copy.jpg September - Broadwing Week II - Make it stand out Broad-winged hawk kettle Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/21/23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/458aeb4d-a856-440a-a3b7-fe9626c44a88/Broad-winged+hawks-BMHW-9-18-25-2.jpg September - Broadwing Week II - Make it stand out Broad-winged hawks Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/220c7926-b25e-4a30-a71e-f98ebbe1df70/Sharp-shinned+hawk-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-10-9-20-1+5.jpg September - Broadwing Week II - Make it stand out Sharp-shinned hawk Bear Mt Hawkwatch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3d6a69cc-7c7e-42f3-992c-7d0fea9f95e5/Redd-tailed+hawk-BMHW-9-16725-1.jpg September - Broadwing Week II - Make it stand out Red-tailed hawk Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/17/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d8ad82fc-a51d-4abb-a2c7-56c4f2a2a67b/IMG_1736.jpg September - Broadwing Week II - Make it stand out Graphic from the web site of Rockfish Gap Hawkwatch https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/broadwing-week monthly 0.5 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/80fbab75-9123-468f-baa3-886d8e823f32/Sharp-shinned+hawk-BMHW-9-16-25-1.jpg September - Broadwing Week - Make it stand out Sharp-shinned hawk 9/16/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1ca52228-1a9b-44b9-b92f-dcf53bcb4e2c/Bald+eagle+spar-BMHW-25-2.jpg September - Broadwing Week - Make it stand out Bald eagles at play 9/16/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6236144c-7cfa-4d0b-97dd-98897edd82f6/Bald+eagle-BMHW-9-16-25-1.jpg September - Broadwing Week - Make it stand out Adult Bald eagle https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/fall-feathers monthly 0.5 2025-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/23997017-38d0-490e-ba56-67bd6651f628/European+starling-Iona+Island-9-12-25-1.jpg September - Fall feathers…. - Make it stand out European starling at Iona Island - Sept 12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/17584508-cfcf-47d3-b301-0fa4f52b59e3/5-13-08-European+starling2-Haverstraw+Bay.jpg September - Fall feathers…. This earlier photograph of a starling during breeding season (April) shows the effects of “wear molt” resulting in a bright shiny dark plumage. As the months progress, the new white tipped feathers grow in pushing the older worn all black feathers out. Bottom line is, for the next few months, look for bright white spots on starling feathers as they prepare to migrate south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4636450a-9a63-48b9-b90a-33f9b17cc9cd/Mallard+females-Kenridge+Farm-8-29-25-1.jpg September - Fall feathers…. - Make it stand out Mallard female followed by non-breeding plumage male https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/203b50a6-ee56-40ca-a866-36c5012c7a11/Blue-Iona+Island-9-12-25-1+copy.jpeg September - Fall feathers…. - Make it stand out Great blue heron Sept 12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/776015ed-f64a-47b3-a2a0-17f50260b432/Great+blue+heron-Iona+Island-6-8-25-1+copy.jpg September - Fall feathers…. - Here is our heron earlier this summer, “Blue” was looking a bit scruffier and more drab back then. But today, the heron appears to be quite pristine…much deeper hues and much “cleaner”. Again, we see evidence all around us that Autumn is indeed “A Season of Change”. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/no-rush-to-leave monthly 0.5 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b11d4a79-63dd-4693-b970-4cf40dbe6cad/Forster%27s+terns-Piermont+Pier-9-10-25-1.jpg September - No Rush to Leave… - Make it stand out Forster’s terns https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f5d7432c-c589-495d-a8e1-b731f4295735/Forster%27s+tern-Piermont+Pier-9-10-25-4.jpg September - No Rush to Leave… - Make it stand out Non-breeding adult emerging from a shallow dive into the river….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/000ad606-bf01-42ae-8479-98426a6ffaeb/DC+cormorant-Piermont+Pier-9-10-25-1.jpg September - No Rush to Leave… - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/772ccf5d-bf04-4d5e-96a8-53bc72100de6/Mallard+drake-Piermont+Pier-9-10-25-1.jpg September - No Rush to Leave… - Make it stand out Mallard drake https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/hawkwatch-week-2 monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6dca5eae-8d62-43b0-8096-876d26ab9db2/Adult+Bald+eagle-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-9-25-2.jpg September - Hawkwatch: Week 2 - Make it stand out Adult Bald eagle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/950b89ee-457b-416d-9f19-044c8df3603c/Red-tailed+hawk-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-9-25-2.jpg September - Hawkwatch: Week 2 - Make it stand out Red-tailed hawk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9623977d-0045-4b22-8026-a16e8628f6b8/Raven-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-9-25-3.jpg September - Hawkwatch: Week 2 - Make it stand out Common raven https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/db66cce1-00ae-4c3f-8ac8-f8f151f8f4b8/Ravens-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-9-25-1.jpg September - Hawkwatch: Week 2 - Make it stand out An “Unkindness” of Ravens https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/summer-winds-down monthly 0.5 2025-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e6b78b7a-90dd-4628-bc5b-de71f2f6a87e/Season+of+Change.jpeg September - A Season of Change Although it is a little early, we should be on the lookout for changes that are beginning to signal the new season’s approach. Allow me to recommend a wonderful book by Peter Marchand entitled, “Autumn: A Season of Change”. A quick read of this book may peak you interest and make you a bit more aware of the myriad of changes that occur in our natural surroundings at this time of year, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e76cb288-d072-4149-b655-584ffecf1bbe/Chimney+swifts-Kenridge+Farm-9-6-25-1.jpg September - A Season of Change - Make it stand out Chimney swifts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f67bf419-9b0d-4d4e-b51b-e085b87e3be6/Chimney+swift-Kenridge+Farm-9-6-25-1.jpg September - A Season of Change Chimney swifts resemble flying cigars with long scythe-shaped wings. They fly high and fast making them one of the more difficult birds to photograph in flight. Those long powerful wings give the swift amazing agility which allows them to capture insects on the wing. Watch for these amazing aerialists high overhead …. they won’t be here in the northeast much longer! . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1bd1e1c3-ece3-4dd1-a7d2-ca1b8af03748/Northern+flicker-Kenridge+Farm-9-6-25-1.jpg September - A Season of Change This is one of a pair of Northern flickers we found at Kenridge Farm in the past several days. Plenty of food for them right now, but soon they will begin to head to better feeding grounds in the south. If the insects become too scarce, the flickers will adapt and will eat berries and seeds as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/598cc6a0-aff2-4531-b7b4-0701f87296ed/Pickerel+frog-Kenridge+Farm-9-6-25-1.jpg September - A Season of Change - Make it stand out Pickerel frog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b5751f44-a87a-4fe7-bae7-460d30b3a0c3/Lantern+fly+stack-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-5-25-1.jpg September - A Season of Change - Make it stand out Spotted lantern fly https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/bear-mt-hawkwatch monthly 0.5 2025-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/022cbe63-ad6f-4a9d-86b5-43f404daa9e4/Golden+eagle+over+Bear+Mt.jpg September - Bear Mt Hawkwatch - Make it stand out Archival image of a Golden eagle over Bear Mt Bridge as viewed from the Bear Mt Hawkwatch site….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f2155170-16db-4b9c-8d57-5b96c7eac87a/Imm+Bald+eagle-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-2-25-1.jpg September - Bear Mt Hawkwatch - Make it stand out Immature Bald eagle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fd5628f2-93f8-4376-a175-07a4b84f1af4/Adult+Bald+eagle-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-4-25-1.jpg September - Bear Mt Hawkwatch - Make it stand out Adult Bald eagle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/57fca36d-96c7-4fd6-b47e-ba2c09c398ad/Black+vulture-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-4-25-1.jpg September - Bear Mt Hawkwatch - Make it stand out Black vulture flies by https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b73d849b-e66a-46b3-8def-000407198dbc/Spotted+latern+fly-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch-9-2-25-1.jpg September - Bear Mt Hawkwatch - Make it stand out Spotted Lantern fly https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-35/nurse-logs monthly 0.5 2025-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/81e25049-ec73-4005-9c82-4d6c32881124/Lichen+on+Nurse+log-Brooks+Lake-8-28-25-1.jpg September - Nurse Logs - Make it stand out Lichen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7a83cc9b-8e4a-4698-aa06-a494d00292a2/Pin+cushion+moss+close-up-Brooks+Lake-8-28-25-1.jpg September - Nurse Logs - Make it stand out Pincushion moss https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/00392d8d-f51b-425d-9d11-b02fe6a5aa78/Streamside+Leptodictyum+moss-Brooks+Lake-8-28-25-1.jpg September - Nurse Logs - Make it stand out Streamside Leptodictyum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/977e8198-da96-46ca-9019-d0c5daa9e55d/Sweet+birch-Brooks+Lake-8-28-25-1.jpg September - Nurse Logs - Make it stand out Sweet birch becomes established on the Nurse Log https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94 daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/early-winter-waterfowl monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7d0b8d3c-d9da-4b14-867f-a2c3fc4289cd/Sylvan+Lake-10-31-25-2.jpg October - Early Winter Waterfowl - Make it stand out Sylvan Lake in Duchess County, New York Nikon Z8 with Z 24-70mm lens @ 64mm 1/800 sec, f/14, ISO 8000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/66c548f0-5476-4d1b-a733-880912c1a156/Ruddy+%26+Ring-necked+ducks-Sylvan+Lake-10-31-25-1.jpg October - Early Winter Waterfowl - Make it stand out Mixed group of Ruddy and Ring-necked ducks - Sylvan Lake - 10/31/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2efe713f-f7d3-4139-aad0-084248d9a73d/Ruddy+duck+%26+Ring-necked-Sylvan+Lake-10-31-25-1.jpg October - Early Winter Waterfowl - Make it stand out Ring-necked (left) and Ruddy duck (right) on Sylvan Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e2146a3b-9294-4045-98ff-67083ab3825a/Screenshot+2025-11-01+at+1.48.23%E2%80%AFPM.png October - Early Winter Waterfowl - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/afd083a5-fe0a-403d-a446-acb188bce233/Screenshot+2025-11-01+at+1.57.12%E2%80%AFPM.png October - Early Winter Waterfowl - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8945d18e-d60f-4346-951c-a88eaa7fca46/Ruddy+duck-Sylvan+Lake-10-31-25-2.jpg October - Early Winter Waterfowl - Make it stand out Female Ruddy duck on Sylvan Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e2727143-1f73-47d0-bcef-ed825a8d96b0/Ring-necked+duck-Sylvan+Lake-10-31-25-1.jpg October - Early Winter Waterfowl - Make it stand out Ring-necked duck - Sylvan Lake - 10/31/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/the-highlands monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ebb2d9ef-c25f-4199-9d70-2133008ad7af/Hudson+Highlands-Cold+Spring-10-30-25-1.jpg October - Storm King - Make it stand out The Hudson Highlands and Storm King Mountain from Cold Spring https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5e19bc07-c4c3-4486-9f54-412d69346b16/Storm+King+Looking+east-10-30-25-1.jpg October - Storm King - Make it stand out Storm King lives up to its name….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0d02f6af-a8a4-43b0-8bc1-323bc4e0d01f/Osprey-Croton+Point+Park-10-29-25-1.jpg October - Storm King - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ Osprey - Croton Point Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/78751e2c-f306-4b5c-8d16-1d1fa2648307/Americn+crow-Croton+Point+Park-10-29-25-1.jpg October - Storm King - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ American crow - Croton Point Park https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/hawkwatch-iii-1 monthly 0.5 2025-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/85946c75-acc5-446b-948d-eb88a859ca32/Joe%27s+last+Golden+eagle-Bear+Mt+Hawkwatch+Nov+1%2C+2018.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Golden eagle - Bear Mountain Hawkwatch 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c1ac36c9-7e86-4c5b-9633-ce930cebdd44/Bald+eagle-Bear+Mt-9-7-23-1-gigapixel-hq-width-6840px.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Bald eagle - Bear Mt Hawkwatch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2850dc40-ae8f-48a1-ab69-dfc38c073256/Red-tailed+hawk+kiting-BMHW-10-28-25-3.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Kiting Red-tailed hawk Bear Mt Hawkwatch 10/28/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d92b01fd-3743-4864-b98d-ab3fab82f6ed/Red-tailed+hawk+perched-BMHW-10-28-25-3.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Perched adult Red-tailed hawk Bear Mt Hawkwatch 10/28/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1fc1029b-364d-4556-945c-92b3aa092bb1/Peregrine+falcon-BMHW-10-28-25-1.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Peregrine falcon heading for one of our Red-tails Bear Mt Hawkwatch 10/28/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5f5e9b9b-3a93-4046-8b30-eb2f966e6181/Eastern+Bluebird-BMHW-10-28-25-1.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ One of several Eastern bluebirds that stopped by at the Hawkwatch today. Quite the handsome little bird! https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/sparrows-and-more monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1983324a-f7a7-41fd-ae24-63f770f866ff/Aautumn+hues-Winding+Hills+Park-10-27-25-1+copy.jpg October - Sparrows and More - Make it stand out The woodlands at Winding Hills Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5800e9e6-411d-4a6c-8308-a9eb17d5fa38/Rusty+blackbird-Harris+Neck-2012-1.jpg October - Sparrows and More - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ad9e7a94-8348-4317-bf25-bd115a23a750/Northern+cardinal+Fem-Benedict+Farm-10-27-25-1.jpg October - Sparrows and More - Make it stand out Northern cardinal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9043ac88-9244-4cf6-8280-b83e48847937/White-throated+sparrow-Benedict+Farm-10-27-25-1.jpg October - Sparrows and More - Make it stand out White-throated sparrow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e6ec3111-f6c6-4d71-bc5d-44cc817b9f9b/Swamp+sparrow+sparrow-Benedict+Farm-10-27-25-1.jpg October - Sparrows and More - Make it stand out Swamp sparrow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/90b1f24c-4513-4a96-8634-f2135250e143/Song+sparrow-Benedict+Farm-10-27-12-2.jpg October - Sparrows and More - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/autumn-backyard-birds monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/756f4b25-9c2d-4fba-aa03-649a6c4ef58a/Blue+jay-Ondaora-10-25-25-1.jpg October - Autumn Backyard Birds - Make it stand out Blue jay - Backyard - 10/25/25 Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 mm zoom 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2800 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5d1bbe7b-5993-4e4d-aa83-6a69bd267abc/Mourning+dove-Ondaora-10-25-25-1.jpg October - Autumn Backyard Birds - Make it stand out A peaceful Mourning dove - home - 10/25/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0931911a-7f33-415b-a1bf-066ac576eab8/House+sparrow-Ondaora-10-25-25-1.jpg October - Autumn Backyard Birds - Make it stand out Incoming step 1 House sparrow - Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 @240mm 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 11,400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/95577149-1c6d-4138-9b27-8582d67b550c/House+sparrow-Ondaora-10-25-25-2.jpg October - Autumn Backyard Birds - Make it stand out Landing Step 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/35a9b87d-169d-4ced-ba5d-0e78dedd1255/House+finch-Ondaora-10-25-25-1.jpg October - Autumn Backyard Birds - Make it stand out House finch coming in for a landing - Backyard - 10/25/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/53004d93-4d3e-4656-9b19-84c9a85ccfc6/House+finch-Ondaora-10-25-25-4.jpg October - Autumn Backyard Birds - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e490a618-149f-4f4d-a19f-85e21f78b75b/Tufted+titmouse-Ondaora-10-25-25-3.jpg October - Autumn Backyard Birds - Make it stand out Tufted titmouse - Backyard - 10/25/25 Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 mm @ 340mm, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1100 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/ankeny-nwr-oregon monthly 0.5 2025-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ee12c628-b590-4c0c-a848-1e70bab08986/22-Hilltop-AnkenyNWR-10-18-25-1.jpg October - Ankeny NWR, Oregon - Make it stand out Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Jefferson, Oregon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d598c4c3-d54f-4241-b852-c2ded1de2f9a/24-Golden-crowned+sparrow-AnkenyNWR-10-18-25-1.jpg October - Ankeny NWR, Oregon - Make it stand out Golden-crowned sparrow Ankeny NWR 10/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3e820afd-6bf9-46bf-abbe-2896cec71262/28-California+scrub+jay-AnkenyNWR-10-18-25-1.jpg October - Ankeny NWR, Oregon - Make it stand out California Scrub jay Ankeny NWR 10/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1888e49c-199e-41fb-9c55-ec8476ea0f62/29-Red-tailed+hawk-AnkenyNWR-10-18-25-1.jpg October - Ankeny NWR, Oregon - Make it stand out Juvenile Red-tailed hawk Ankeny NWR 10/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ed4bca05-9d95-421e-95ec-19412271140c/33-Bald+eagle-AnkenyNWR-10-18-25-1.jpg October - Ankeny NWR, Oregon - Make it stand out Bald eagle Ankeny NWR 10/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/25532b5e-af38-4550-a2ab-c9ba3aba93b7/31-Black+phoebe-AnkenyNWR-10-18-25-1.jpg October - Ankeny NWR, Oregon - Make it stand out Black phoebe Ankeny NWR 10/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3b256bed-3e13-4e4e-8a21-d8ac9e128fd6/35-Nutria-AnkenyNWR-10-18-25-1+copy.jpg October - Ankeny NWR, Oregon - Make it stand out Nutria Ankeny NWR 10/18/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/newport-oregon monthly 0.5 2025-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cc0c72a1-fbaf-4d21-9d64-3bb409ccb036/4-Devil%27s+Punch+Bowl-10-17-25-1+copy.jpg October - Newport, Oregon Outside the city proper, we visited an overlook high on the bluffs over the Pacific known as “Devil’s Punch Bowl”. The area is very popular with the surfing crowd, but the birds are more than happy to share the environs with the humans. The sedimentary rock strata is seen is this shot and the tilting layers are easily eroded by the pounding surf. The “punch bowl” was formed as two sea cave roofs collapsed. Driving out to this site, we found evidence of recent erosion and slide activity as the road was undulating beneath the vehicle. Erosion has left a number of promentories and sea stacks off shore which serves as home to many sea birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d7917896-3d25-488f-98cd-0581785375f0/5-Western+gull-Devil%27s+Punch+Bowl-10-17-25-1.jpg October - Newport, Oregon I don’t get out to the west coast as often as I would like, so it’s always a real thrill to spend some time scouring the shoreline for some new year-birds or even a lifer. Having my son and granddaughter along makes it all the more special as they also revere the outdoors and this special place and its inhabitants. One of the first birds we spotted out on one of the promontories was the Western gull, a bird we certainly don’t get to see over on the east coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/db1bc640-2e68-4fd6-86ec-56108acc0186/6-Pelagic+cormorants-Devil%27s+Punch+Bowl-10-17-25-1.jpg October - Newport, Oregon - Make it stand out Our next west coast speciality was this group of Pelagic cormorants. Compared to the Double-crested cormorants we commonly see on the east coast, these are small, slender seabirds. They inhabit coastal waters along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California, often nesting on steep cliffs or rocky islands as seen here. These birds are expert divers, using their webbed feet to chase fish underwater with remarkable agility. During the breeding season, pelagic cormorants develop distinctive white throat patches and facial skin which are absent during the fall. Their diet primarily consists of small fish and marine invertebrates, which they catch during short, frequent dives close to shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/64e17821-3c61-4268-82b8-e26d69298054/7-Northern+flicker-Devil%27s+Punch+Bowl-10-17-25-1.jpg October - Newport, Oregon - Make it stand out Northern flicker - a representative of the Western red-shafted population https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/64981549-786e-4c16-91cb-67cf52103a65/9-Harlequin+Duck-Devil%27s+Punch+Bowl-10-17-25-1.jpg October - Newport, Oregon - Make it stand out Harlequin Duck flying over the turbulent waters of the Devil’s Punch Bowl https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/yellow-rumps-on-the-move monthly 0.5 2025-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8329cf65-3a1e-4d42-8310-8828357e5573/Yellow-rumped+warbler-Iona+Island-10-14-25-4.jpg October - Yellow-rumps on the Move - Make it stand out Yellow-rumped warbler takes flight - Iona Island - 10/14/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/197a2a45-8274-48ad-8270-b50a7a2eedca/Yellow-rumped+warbler+migration+map.jpg October - Yellow-rumps on the Move - Make it stand out Species Migration Map showing the path of migrating Yellow-rumped warblers 10/14/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/42203270-9447-4986-94d8-e182dff027e5/Yellow-rumped+warbler-Iona+Island-10-14-25-5.jpg October - Yellow-rumps on the Move - Make it stand out Yellow-rump feeding upon berries - Iona Island - 10/14/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2a979b0a-2b6d-47f5-91e2-8e09d4d112e1/Yellow-rumped+warbler-Iona+Island-10-14-25-3.jpg October - Yellow-rumps on the Move - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/the-calm-before-the-storm monthly 0.5 2025-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/73440056-508e-47fa-8988-025a0169c7e1/Cragston+Lakes-10-12-25-2+copy.jpg October - The Calm Before the Storm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4c7ff56e-d5f4-497b-aadc-a1d47e37c30f/Cragston+Lakes-10-12-25-3+copy.jpg October - The Calm Before the Storm - Make it stand out Woodland road - Morgan Farm - 10/12/25 Nikon Zfc with Nikon Z26mm “Pancake” lens @ f/11, 1/125 sec, ISO 3200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4970e049-dfc0-4293-87d7-215b6397ec4b/Screenshot+2025-10-12+at+12.48.16%E2%80%AFPM.png October - The Calm Before the Storm - Make it stand out Winds across the Tri-state area at 1:00 PM Sunday. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/the-autumn-leaves monthly 0.5 2025-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bd504609-00d5-4b97-b0a3-a711b4fbb530/Birch-Mine+Road-10-11-25-1.jpg October - The Autumn Leaves - Make it stand out Birch in Autumn colors - Mine Road - 10/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/090909cb-bf81-433c-8fb1-1d39920139cf/Red%2C+Sugar%2C+Norway+maple-Mine+Road-10-11-25-1.jpg October - The Autumn Leaves - Make it stand out Red maple - Mine Road - 10-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4c066c37-6d3e-4b22-8e39-f381ec66d1e7/Red%2C+Sugar%2C+Norway+maple-Mine+Road-10-11-25-1.jpg October - The Autumn Leaves - Make it stand out Sugar maple (red), Sugar maple (yellow) and Norway maple (green) along Mine Road https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c67503df-fc5e-49cb-963f-b7b8b2152aea/Black+bear+casualty-Mine+Road-10-11-25-1+copy.jpg October - The Autumn Leaves - Make it stand out Black bear road kill - Mine Road - 10-11-25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/blue-jays-on-the-move monthly 0.5 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/021a1177-1c08-4602-af80-49c451eb9d01/11-9-Blue+jay+in+flight-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-11-9-22-1.jpg October - Blue Jays on the move… - Make it stand out Blue Jay takes flight over the Shawangunk Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/417681f2-975e-46fe-8a29-5a04a3257718/Blue+jay+in+flight-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-11-9-22-2+copy.jpg October - Blue Jays on the move… - Make it stand out Blue Jay over the Shawangunk Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8899e388-f0ef-4d55-a978-2c7556ff6320/Bluejay-BMHW-9-28-25-1+copy.jpg October - Blue Jays on the move… - Make it stand out Blue Jay in a “stoop” at Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/28/25 Nikon Z8 set to DX mode ISO 125, 400mm with 1.5 crop factor for apparent 600mm, F/8, 1/1000 sec https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/474cb61e-540b-462d-91fe-0d761abb0fc5/Blue+jay-Ondaora-9-23-20-2+copy.jpg October - Blue Jays on the move… It is not really known for sure why some Blue Jays migrate while others do not. Some blue jays possibly migrate primarily in response to food availability and harsh winter conditions. While many blue jays remain in their breeding range year-round, those living in northern areas may travel southward during colder months to access more reliable food sources such as acorns, nuts, and insects. This partial migration varies among individuals and populations, influenced by environmental factors and the severity of the winter. And yet, Blue Jays are often found in conditions that defy logic…bitter cold and heavy snows. So why do they remain behind? Guess you’ll just have to ask a Blue Jay next time one comes flying by. Til then, just keep your eyes to the skies in the hopes of catching a view of these handsome birds “on the move”. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/early-autumn-on-the-farm monthly 0.5 2025-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d2145fc4-14cf-4368-a75e-681dd1274cfa/Song+sparrow-Kenridge+Farm-10-4-25-1.jpg October - Who stays and who goes? - Make it stand out Song sparrow - Kenridge Farm - 10/4/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5db33173-1d12-4805-bfdf-69a7935602c8/Phoebe-Kenridge+Farm-10-4-25-1.jpg October - Who stays and who goes? - Make it stand out Eastern phoebe - Kenridge Farm - 10/4/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/59c67d77-b466-4ccf-927a-b33a569ea1de/Yellow-rumped+warbler+on+cedar-Kenridge+Farm-10-4-25-2.jpg October - Who stays and who goes? Many birds including warblers and fly-catchers like the phoebe migrate from New York in winter primarily due to changes in temperature and food availability. As cold weather sets in, insect populations, the main food source for many birds, decline sharply. To survive, these birds travel to warmer southern regions where insects remain abundant, ensuring they have enough nutrition through the winter months. This seasonal migration helps maintain their energy levels and overall health, allowing them to return to New York in the spring for breeding. This Yellow-rumped warbler has a more varied diet than many warblers and fly-catchers and does not hesitate to make use of vegetation like these cedar berries to supply nutrition. Even so, this warbler will prefer to feed on insects and will be leaving us quite soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3b2b7bef-b4e4-4ede-9670-195d10bb63df/Large+milkweed+bug-Kenridge+Farm-10-4-25-1.jpg October - Who stays and who goes? True, there are insect and other “Meaty” organisms around in fall, but they are not all good food sources for the birds. These Large milkweed bugs are striking insects known for their bright orange and black coloration, which serves as a warning to predators about their toxicity. They primarily feed on the seeds of milkweed plants, extracting toxic compounds that make them unpalatable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9dc2ba29-cf03-4a50-994f-1fbbc65c572e/Large+yellow+underwing-Kenridge+Farm-10-4-25-2.jpg October - Who stays and who goes? - Make it stand out Large Yellow Underwing caterpillar - Kenridge Farm - 10/4/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7629b13f-0472-48f1-affb-31926b358159/Common+buckthorn-Kenridge+Farm-10-4-25-1.jpg October - Who stays and who goes? These abundant berries found on this Common buckthorn shrub on the grounds of Kenridge can serve as an alternative food source in winter. During winter, common buckthorn berries provide an important food source for various bird species when other fruits and seeds are scarce. Although the berries are not particularly nutritious, birds such as cedar waxwings, thrushes, and robins rely on them to sustain their energy through the colder months. The bright, persistent berries remain on the shrubs well into winter, making them accessible despite snow cover. While common buckthorn is an invasive plant that can disrupt native ecosystems, its berries have nonetheless become a critical resource for wildlife during harsh conditions. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/hawkwatch-iii monthly 0.5 2025-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2d9f63d6-ff8e-48a8-934e-de14ff4edeec/Northern+harrier-BMHW-10-2-25-1.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Northern harrier - Bear Mt Hawkwatch 0 10/2/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7a5f5da7-d57d-4a96-9e97-acc8144c4c09/Northern+harrier-BMHW-10-2-25-2.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Another shot of our Harrier…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c45be5df-3a6e-4e1c-bfcc-28f926baf807/Red-tailed+hawk-BMHW-10-2-25-1.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Red-tailed hawk - Bear Mt Hawkwatch - 10/2/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/92b30a84-b3cd-4ee0-a79a-8b22b93ab395/Lanternfly+infestation-BMHW-10-2-25-1+copy.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Lanternfly infestation on ailanthus at Bear Mt Hawkwatch 10/2/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ecc9379e-ce02-4acf-8945-22d78b00a793/Lanternfly+infestation-BMHW-10-2-25-3.jpg October - Hawkwatch III - Make it stand out Infestation image 2 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-94/the-last-dragons monthly 0.5 2025-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/16c5051d-646a-4e6a-9af1-1f9c9ecdf359/Autumn+Meadowhawk-10-1-25-4.jpg October - The Last Dragons…. - Make it stand out Autumn Meadowhawk - Orange County Arboretum - 10/1/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c1eff4cb-2401-4d7c-bfdc-6becc305d2b7/Autumn+Meadowhawk-10-1-25-3.jpg October - The Last Dragons…. - Make it stand out Autumn meadowhawk pair in tandem - OC Arboretum - 10/1/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bfe1db15-1332-4fb7-8490-d9aba4b172e7/Autumn+Meadowhawk-10-1-25-1.jpg October - The Last Dragons…. - Make it stand out Note brighter red coloration of the male at the front of this pair….. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13 daily 0.75 2025-11-29 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/muskrat-scramble monthly 0.5 2025-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ca9baad7-25d3-4868-a422-dd90f94d4922/Northern+mockingbird-Iona+Island-11-29-25-1.jpg November - Muskrat Scramble - Make it stand out Northern mockingbird-Iona Island 11/29/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3a444be6-5720-4160-8ff3-e9d01ea2f80d/Dark-eyed+junco-Iona+Island-11-29-25-3.jpg November - Muskrat Scramble - Make it stand out Dark-eyed junco - Iona Island - 11/29/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5281a9aa-173f-451e-b90f-f28d2603ff8d/American+Tree+Sparrow-Iona+Island-11-29-25-1.jpg November - Muskrat Scramble - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ American Tree Sparrow - Iona Island - 11/29/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c9cb3891-2a56-4619-9ad5-6e61bf07b376/Muskrat-Iona+Island-11-29-25-3.jpg November - Muskrat Scramble - Make it stand out Muskrat - Iona Island - 11/29/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ab3ffb0c-7e52-49db-94d1-8f09c25d8d67/Muskrat-Iona+Island-11-29-25-1.jpg November - Muskrat Scramble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/showing-off monthly 0.5 2025-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5c10b1c8-95ae-44c5-8f68-63025281f3b8/House+finch+Autocapture-Ondaora-11-26-25-1.jpg November - Showing Off - Make it stand out House finch - Backyard - 11/26/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6be5772d-f9c4-4495-868c-5ab46f097f29/Mourning+dove+Autocapture-Ondaora-11-26-25-4.jpg November - Showing Off - Make it stand out Mourning dove - Backyard - 11/26/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/71b5370f-947f-4af0-a324-26e917ac5e0d/Titmouse+Autocapture-Ondaora-11-26-25-1.jpg November - Showing Off - Make it stand out Tufted titmouse - Backyard - 11/26/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/83c360dc-7dd9-4374-8750-7811a0edcbd7/Blue+jay+Autocapture-Ondaora-11-26-25-2.jpg November - Showing Off - Make it stand out Blue jay - Backyard - 11/26/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/eastern-orange-county-lakes monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b72bba3a-5765-4858-9260-4d613ec140ca/Ring-necked+ducks-Beaver+Dam+Lake-11-23-25-1.jpg November - Eastern Orange County Lakes - Make it stand out Ring-necked ducks with a few Ruddies - Beaver Dam Lake - 11/23/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/db547d2a-fdde-4dec-b0e6-c4ffd605925e/Ruddy+duck-Beaver+Dam+Lake-11-23-25-1.jpg November - Eastern Orange County Lakes - Make it stand out Ruddy duck - Beaver Dam Lake - 11/23/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/349bbb93-8943-4568-b60c-9514be44de36/Mallards-Beaver+Dam+Lake-11-23-25-1.jpg November - Eastern Orange County Lakes - Make it stand out Mallards - Beaver Dam Lake - 11/23/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ab03d1c5-b9e7-47c1-8b3d-43ef1d498434/Cooper%27s+hawk-Beaver+Dam+Lake-11-23-25-1.jpg November - Eastern Orange County Lakes - Make it stand out Cooper’s hawk - Beaver Dam Lake - 11/23/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/390a52a1-d40c-4af4-912b-8d768dd042e9/Hooded+merganser-Brown%27s+Pond-11-23-25.jpg November - Eastern Orange County Lakes - Make it stand out Male Hooded merganser - Brown’s Pond - 11/23/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/31ef1d74-be89-4384-a0d0-f1192f3d5990/Great+Blue+Heron-Frown%27s+Pond-11-23-25-1.jpg November - Eastern Orange County Lakes - Make it stand out Great blue heron - Brown’s Pond - 11/23/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/turkey-trot monthly 0.5 2025-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0ef636a0-cca4-4fc0-ab21-77002e6afae8/Wild+turkey-Ondaora+Backyard-11-19-25-1.jpg November - Turkey Trot - Make it stand out Wild turkey - Backyard - 11/20/25 Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400@ 400mm 1/800 sec, f/6, ISO 1100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dbc22481-9200-4a5b-b006-1e6c2973eee2/Wild+turkey-Ondaora+Backyard-11-19-25-4.jpg November - Turkey Trot - Make it stand out “Rafter” of Wild turkeys - Backyard - 11/20/25 Nikon Zfc with Z DX 50 - 250 mm zoom lens. 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 8000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8406541d-5a5f-4e94-8eb8-c38276a34d4b/Wild+turkey-Ondaora+Backyard-11-19-25-3.jpg November - Turkey Trot - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/highlands-eagle-loop monthly 0.5 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c7503710-c53b-4042-a2a8-558f20bee160/Croton+Pt+Park-11-18-25-3.jpg November - Highlands “Eagle Loop” - Make it stand out Croton Point Park - 11/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/675fe725-710f-47fb-8df5-b656292a689c/American+Black+Ducks-Iona+Island-11-18-25-1.jpg November - Highlands “Eagle Loop” - Make it stand out American Black ducks - 11/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/80681207-7c40-431d-920b-083fdcf11260/George%27s+island-11-18-25-2.jpg November - Highlands “Eagle Loop” - Make it stand out George’s Island - 11/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0624976d-c282-4ac6-9f8f-39e7a0180e5e/Downy+woodpecker-George%27s+island-11-18-25-2.jpg November - Highlands “Eagle Loop” - Make it stand out Downy woodpecker - George’s Island - 11/18/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/823a22f8-1fcd-416b-896d-0b82efeba5fb/Great+egret-Lake+Meaghan+Park-11-18-25-1.jpg November - Highlands “Eagle Loop” - Make it stand out Great egret - Lake Meahagh - 11/18/25 “Low Key” technique used - ISO 125, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec (See Tech Tip below) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/76e93e22-26e1-4f8c-8f14-b89bbbd25254/Bald+eagles+on+ice-Hudson+River+China+Per-1-10-125-3.jpg November - Highlands “Eagle Loop” - Make it stand out American Bald eagle on ice - Croton- 1/10/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/05dcf4e7-d888-4ac6-946c-c8bfdc65ba40/American+Black+Duck-Iona+Island-11-18-25-1.jpg November - Highlands “Eagle Loop” - Make it stand out American Black ducks - Iona Island - 11/18/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/gulls-at-the-waterfront monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1c5e5db2-0408-4145-94ab-b734c1780f40/Gulls-Newburgh+Waterfront-11-14-25-1.jpg November - Gulls at the Waterfront - Make it stand out Gulls on the Newburgh Waterfront - 11/14/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/552d5b31-1309-4bd4-9482-f6650a94a0bd/Archival+Killdeer+and+chick-2012-1.jpg November - Gulls at the Waterfront - Make it stand out Archival shot of Killdeer and chick from Kenridge Farm 2012 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/88dd35e1-146b-4d4f-a1ad-835c65631c73/Juvenile+Ring-billed+gull-Newburgh+Waterfront-11-14-25-1.jpg November - Gulls at the Waterfront - Make it stand out Juvenile Ring-billed gull - Newburgh Waterfront - 11/14/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fd3fcfcb-b232-4922-b48b-58923e74edb2/First-winter+Ring-billed+gull-Newburgh+Waterfront-11-14-25-1.jpg November - Gulls at the Waterfront - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d90e2e39-ce21-4c85-8a73-610f0dd0d247/Adult+Ring-billed+gull-Newburgh+Waterfront-11-14-25-1.jpg November - Gulls at the Waterfront - Make it stand out Sub-adult Ring-billed gull - Newburgh Waterfront - 11/14/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/47a476af-4190-4d2a-beaa-d4279432e166/Screenshot+2025-11-17+at+11.34.44%E2%80%AFAM.png November - Gulls at the Waterfront - Make it stand out Adult Ring-billed gull - Newburgh Waterfront https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/first-snowfall monthly 0.5 2025-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/36ce1805-d73b-4f5d-8472-bc666f839a95/House+sparrow+in+snow-Ondaora+Park-11-11-25-1.jpg November - First Snowfall - Make it stand out House sparrow in the snow - 11/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/48ace871-7e30-4528-8889-f9638f2653c2/Black-capped+chickadee-Silvermine+Lake-11-11-25-1.jpg November - First Snowfall - Make it stand out Black-capped chickadee - Silvermine Lake - 11/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9760c86c-cd88-499c-9f2f-b5a452aef72a/Pied-billed+grebe-Silvermine+Lake-11-11-25-2.jpg November - First Snowfall - Make it stand out Pied-billed grebe - Silvermine Lake - 11/11/25 Nikon Z9 with Z 100-400 mm lens + Z 1.4 telextender for and equivalent 560 mm of reach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7e4b9508-e302-4d6b-9e33-9d369d0e3cc8/Doe+and+young-Tiorati-11-11-25-1+copy.jpg November - First Snowfall - Make it stand out A Doe with her “Yearling” https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/back-to-black-dirt monthly 0.5 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1f2bf47c-7aed-498d-92a0-c6685b3fbcec/Horned+lark-Black+Dirt-11-9-25-1.jpg November - Back to Black Dirt - Make it stand out Horned Lark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6078c0ba-5e33-4605-a7ed-dcdbc0ad9038/Northern+harrier-Black+Dirt-11-9-25-5.jpg November - Back to Black Dirt - Make it stand out Northern harrier - Sunflower Farm - 11-9-25 Nikon Z8 with Z 180-600 mm lens at 600mm 1/1600 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1feeaf72-c80b-4521-96b4-282c300ebc2f/Murder+of+crows-Black+Dirt-11-9-25-1+copy.jpg November - Back to Black Dirt - Make it stand out Crows in the Black Dirt 11/9/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/the-sod-farms monthly 0.5 2025-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bef9426e-2ebb-4488-86a3-f9449a66e5af/Black+Dirt-11-7-25-1.jpg November - The Sod Farms - Make it stand out Black Dirt Region of Orange County, NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/53d9dfa3-7765-4adc-8a62-dfb4ad69f018/Song+sparrow-Black+Dirt-11-7-25-1.jpg November - The Sod Farms - Make it stand out Song sparrow - Skinners Lane - 11-7-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0985aaab-ff0a-49e7-8e89-94b86cf3f410/Horned+lark-Black+Dirt-11-7-25-3.jpg November - The Sod Farms - Make it stand out Horned Lark - Sunflower Farm - 11-7-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f4a359a7-ef3d-493c-996a-a414a224134d/Horned+lark-Black+Dirt-11-7-25-2.jpg November - The Sod Farms - Make it stand out A second lark…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1682c2cc-c357-4549-a46c-4e5b9d2c2131/Northern+harrier-Black+Dirt-11-7-25-1.jpg November - The Sod Farms - Make it stand out Northern Harrier - Sunflower Farms - 11-7-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4d874265-1a8e-42c4-9f29-d02aabca188c/Northern+harrier-Black+Dirt-11-7-25-3.jpg November - The Sod Farms - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0cd2f8d2-7ea5-48a4-ab94-76d2d9373abc/Green-winged+teal-Oil+City+Rd-11-7-25-1.jpg November - The Sod Farms - Make it stand out Green-winged teal - Oil City Road - 11-7-25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-13/stony-kill-farm monthly 0.5 2025-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2231562d-3fa4-4410-82bf-74cdbe5f0a3a/Signage-Stony+Kill+Farm-+11-3-25-1+copy.jpg November - Stony Kill Farm Stony Kill Farm Education Center in New York's Hudson Valley combines agricultural history and environmental education. It offers working farm exhibits, historic buildings, and trails for hands-on learning about sustainable farming, local wildlife, and ecosystems. The site of a working farm with livestock as well as community gardens growing flowers and vegetables make this an attractive tract for various species of birds. At this time of year, most plants have gone to seed and a nice variety of songbirds are drawn in by the ample supply of fall and winter feed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a81f4414-c4d9-413e-8498-1e50edcb03ff/House+sparrow-Stony+Kill+Farm-+11-3-25-3.jpg November - Stony Kill Farm - Make it stand out Young House sparrow in the gardens of Stony Kill Farm 11-3-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fad69dd4-fc85-4e20-b5b5-6fc9dd8cda03/White-crowned+sparrow-Stony+Kill+Farm-+11-3-25-2.jpg November - Stony Kill Farm - Make it stand out Adult White-crowned sparrow - Stony Kill Farm - 11-3-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/79c96e7c-62e5-4b42-966b-e3ce433ee35a/White-crowned+sparrow-Stony+Kill+Farm-+11-3-25-1.jpg November - Stony Kill Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f668c5b7-c8e7-4ccf-82aa-5f05bd5459a0/Dark-eyed+junco-Stony+Kill+Farm-+11-3-25-2.jpg November - Stony Kill Farm - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30 daily 0.75 2026-01-01 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/out-with-the-old monthly 0.5 2026-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4823aa12-6c06-48da-8795-c6411e2a5c8e/ROAD+CUT+ICE-STORM+KING-12-31-25-1.jpg December - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Ice formation along Route 9W at the summit of Storm King Mountain 12/31/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fad31814-3b78-46b5-bc8b-5750754c9f09/Storm+King+Mt-12-31-25-1.jpeg December - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Storm King Mountain 12/31/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2ba290b0-c850-4947-8068-c6d1f92cb757/Young+Bald+eagle-Newburgh+Waterfront-12-31-25-1.jpg December - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Young Bald eagle overlooking the Hudson at Newburgh 12/31/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/43ab4d22-27ea-44ca-a607-863fba36bdb1/Gulls-Beacon+Train+Station-12-31-25-1.jpeg December - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Vast flock of gulls on the ice at Beacon Train Station - 12/31/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a5e2aa2f-d932-4f96-9ede-9d69f5e90dec/Iceland+gull-Beacon+Train+Sta-12-31-25-2.jpg December - Out with the old…. - Make it stand out Iceland gull - Beacon waterfront - 12/31/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/snowscapes monthly 0.5 2025-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/92a4d2e4-480a-4721-8f9a-72ab68cb45eb/Snowscape-Silvermine+Lake-12-28-25-1.jpg December - Snowscapes - Make it stand out Fire Road to Silvermine Spillway - 12/28/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/504f989e-5d62-48eb-be85-8e70e6e164d9/Snowscape-Silvermine+Lake-12-28-25-2.jpg December - Snowscapes - Make it stand out Silvermine under a blanket of snow - 12/28/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7bb9ac69-c02a-4119-9b8d-97dfa5402ba4/Snowscape-Queensboro+Brook-12-28-25-1.jpg December - Snowscapes - Make it stand out Snowscape along Seven Lakes Drive - 12/28/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/36870a8e-14a8-4ff0-8258-84d06241f326/White-tail+deer-7+Lakwa+Drive-12-28-25-1.jpg December - Snowscapes - Make it stand out Young White-tailed deer along Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park 12/28/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/haverstraw-waterfront monthly 0.5 2025-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e74e08e3-0546-433b-a3e6-b8445e85e4de/Common+merganser-Haverstraw+Bay+Park-12-26-25-1.jpg December - Haverstraw Waterfront - Make it stand out A not so flattering image of a female Common merganser - Haverstraw Bay - 12/26/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/73c3eb93-31e1-494b-9208-0548d0b82997/Hooded+merganser-Haverstraw+Bay+Park-12-26-25-2.jpg December - Haverstraw Waterfront - Make it stand out Hooded merganser - Haverstraw Bay Park - 12/26/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/01689dc5-d0ff-4fac-b542-9016abb34a41/Bufflehead-Bowline+Park-12-26-25-1.jpg December - Haverstraw Waterfront - Make it stand out Bufflehead - Bowline Park - 12/26/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/858453ca-9ef7-4ecf-a397-9397c144cc41/Doe-Park-12-26-25-1.jpg December - Haverstraw Waterfront - Make it stand out Doe- Bowline Park - 12/26/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/95805089-cb0c-482d-b748-15f1c46f4d26/Bald+eagle-West+Shore+Drive+Tompkins+Cove-12-26-25-1.jpg December - Haverstraw Waterfront - Make it stand out Bald eagle - West Shore Drive - 12/26/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/first-day-of-winter monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7376335f-53e7-4ed7-8574-241c8280ec04/Goose+Pond-Carpenter+Road-12-22-25-1.jpg December - First Full Day of Winter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3d11499a-b63d-4147-9b72-0f7d7dcfed7f/Ross%27s+goose-Carpenter+Rd-12-22-25-1.jpg December - First Full Day of Winter - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ A Ross’s Goose tucked behind one of a myriad of Canada geese - Carpenter Road - 12/22/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9d71827b-2a58-4482-9906-a27cf7090334/Juv+Bald+eagle-Carpenter+Rd-12-22-25-1.jpg December - First Full Day of Winter - Make it stand out A fine looking first-year eagle cruises over more than 1000 geese on Carpenter Road goose pond - 12/22/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/35ef1fb6-70c4-440d-a7ba-57fe69e37bbe/Crows+and+onions-Iris+Road-12-22-25-1+copy.jpg December - First Full Day of Winter - Make it stand out American crows among the rotting onions - Iris Road - 12/22/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7e5ab83d-2587-4651-85aa-5cee58d2be84/Doe+and+2+fawns-Iris+Road-12-22-25-1.jpg December - First Full Day of Winter - Make it stand out Down to the Wallkill - 12/22/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0c319582-6f01-4642-864a-2e84064c40a0/Pileated+woodpecker-Iris+Road-12-22-25-2.jpg December - First Full Day of Winter - Make it stand out Pileated woodpecker - Iris Road - 12/22/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/christmas-bird-count monthly 0.5 2025-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/28f82530-ed51-4835-8fcf-f588b22d28f9/Northern+cardinal-CBC-12-20-25-1.jpg December - Christmas Bird Count - Make it stand out Northern cardinal - Christmas Bird Count - 12/20/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d1fe1737-a865-436f-b7c7-0687e1e26226/House+sparrow-CBC-12-20-25-1.jpg December - Christmas Bird Count - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ One house sparrow of the 40 or so in one thicket 12/20/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/85cb06b0-2b34-4edf-bd94-7107810aee96/Vultures+and+cat+on+porch-CBC-12-20-25-1.jpg December - Christmas Bird Count - Make it stand out Black vultures and a black cat - CBC - 12/20/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/46889d53-51f2-41ea-93b8-6883d9102fbf/Red-shouldered+hawk-CBC-12-20-25-1.jpg December - Christmas Bird Count - Make it stand out Red-shouldered hawk - CBC - 12/20/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/790ce28d-0dc1-49e1-b6e5-1ac011b56c7a/Cedar+waxwing-CBC-12-20-25-1.jpg December - Christmas Bird Count - Make it stand out Cedar waxwing - CBC - 12/20/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/nature-pix-with-a-purpose monthly 0.5 2025-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4886f971-7d40-4f29-a13d-dcc9adc5141e/Screenshot+2025-12-17+at+11.27.39%E2%80%AFAM.png December - Nature pix with a purpose… - Make it stand out Stock image from web… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d9fceafb-c257-42fc-8b5a-575956a3be1a/Sparrow+spat-Onion+Ave-12-16-25-1.jpg December - Nature pix with a purpose… - Make it stand out Sparrow spat - Onion Avenue - 12/16/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b820a30f-464e-4a18-b5bd-4e5a113ba244/Common+merganser-Newburgh+Waterfront+Trail-12-16-25-1.jpg December - Nature pix with a purpose… - Make it stand out Common merganser - Hudson at Newburgh - 12/16/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ccabc26a-ad05-4dbf-bb08-8693391f1ed2/Song+sparrow-Onion+Ave-12-16-25-2.jpg December - Nature pix with a purpose… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/grasslands monthly 0.5 2025-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/46e46f0a-7ca1-415f-ac41-a8e8b3fe8129/Observation+Deck-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-12-25-1.jpg December - Grasslands - Make it stand out Observation Deck - Shawangunk Grasslands NWR - 12/11/25 Nikon Zfc Merged Panorama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d8ad0e7a-a1fb-4cf2-a05b-1ad35e4adc17/Northern+harrier-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-12-25-1.jpg December - Grasslands - Make it stand out Northern harrier - Shawangunk Grasslands - 12/12/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c78e2056-4f77-4ef3-a258-0e3cea4edffd/Northern+harrier-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-12-25-3.jpg December - Grasslands - Make it stand out A second lower fly-by https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/82c388c1-dddd-4bda-bb86-cc250c786993/Short-eared+owl-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-12-25-2.jpg December - Grasslands - Make it stand out Short-eared owl - Shawangunk Grasslands NWR - 12/12/25 Nikon Z8 with 180 -600 zoom lens at 600mm 1/1600 sec, f/6,3, ISO 1400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0f03f2e2-e252-4551-a8c3-2edab4a54310/Sunset-Shawangunk+Grasslands+NWR-12-12-25-1.jpg December - Grasslands - Make it stand out Day’s end at the Shawangunk Grasslands 12/12/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/eagle-route-revisited monthly 0.5 2025-12-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fa3704f0-1cf1-4a6d-a38a-25b1aea41770/Buffleheads-Croton+Pt+Park-12-11-25-1.jpg December - Eagle Route Revisited - Make it stand out Buffleheads in Croton Bay 12/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/de8cb5d2-ac90-4872-8ab7-ea50cee9d249/Song+sparrow-Croton+Pt+Park-12-11-25-5.jpg December - Eagle Route Revisited - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ Song sparrow - Croton Point Park - 12/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/60fe200e-ec9d-47aa-ba0e-481ed3f11761/Cooper%27s+hawk-George%27s+Island-12-11-25-5.jpg December - Eagle Route Revisited - Make it stand out A hungry Cooper’s hawk along the entrance to George’s Island Park - 12/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c81dc263-5042-48e3-9f3a-6f7ba0a29798/Hooded+merganser-Verplanck+Nature+Park-12-11-25-1.jpg December - Eagle Route Revisited - Make it stand out Hooded merganser on pond at Verplanck Nature Center 12/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ffbc3243-0803-4139-b95a-c993d731d22b/Ring-necked+ducks-Verplanck+Nature+Park-12-11-25-1.jpg December - Eagle Route Revisited - Make it stand out Ring-necked ducks on pond at Verplanck Nature Park 12/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/82ed9363-e3d9-42fa-926e-dee85038d49a/Bald+eagle-Charles+Point+Marina-12-11-25-1.jpg December - Eagle Route Revisited - Make it stand out Adult Bald eagle at Charles Point Marina - 12/11/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/73202b43-e9c2-49cb-af56-f78602bc6ada/Great+cormorants-Charles+Point-12-11-25-1.jpg December - Eagle Route Revisited - Make it stand out Great Cormorants at the base of a channel marker in Peekskill Bay 12/11/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/needles-in-a-haystack monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/100f0bee-ae90-4977-a299-9020daef7523/1600+Geese-Carpenter+Road-12-7-25-1.jpg December - Needles in a Haystack - Make it stand out Geese flock on pond behind Carpenter Road in Westtown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7723c80c-d630-43fe-922a-897f4486cac4/Blue+goose-Lockenhurst+Pond-12-7-25-1.jpg December - Needles in a Haystack - Make it stand out “Blue goose” on Lockenhurst Pond 12/7/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f8e2efd2-46d0-4f27-870e-f38ef1c6bb7b/Greater+White-fronted+geese+and+Juvenile+Blue+geese-Carpenter+Road-12-7-25-1.jpg December - Needles in a Haystack - Make it stand out Greater White-fronted geese and Canada geese all sharing the same pond. 12/7/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dd485960-5601-4c92-9f84-6265df5a537d/Greater+white-fronted+geese-Carpenter+Road-12-7-25-3.jpg December - Needles in a Haystack - Make it stand out Greater white-fronted geese along Carpenter Road 12/7/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/09ae1c63-30b2-4498-9b72-7f9a089b43a4/Snow+goose-Carpenter+Road-12-7-25-2.jpg December - Needles in a Haystack - Make it stand out Beautiful adult Snow goose on pond behind Carpenter Road 12/7/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/blog-2-30/december-snow monthly 0.5 2025-12-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0969f3c2-743e-4ceb-bccf-136b98d8f79c/Snowscape-Ondaora-12-2-25-1+copy.jpg December - December Snow - Make it stand out First snowfall of December - Ondaora - 12/2/25 Nikon Z8 with Z 24-70 @43mm 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 500 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/950cd5fe-b542-4784-8304-4dce2d9426c4/Carolina+wren+nest%3F-Mine+Road-12-4-25-1.jpg December - December Snow - Make it stand out Carolina wren nest (maybe?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/54a091bd-fb01-4147-a682-4629b395bb33/Mute+swans-12-3-25-1.jpg December - December Snow - Make it stand out Mute swans - Doodletown Bight - 12/3/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/44d568db-8b3c-47e5-ac4b-6076c902df58/Blue+jay-Iona+Island-25-1.jpg December - December Snow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026 daily 0.75 2026-02-15 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/a-quick-eagle-update monthly 0.5 2026-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/36fe2c47-f1b4-4031-a382-1b818e68ec6e/Eagles+Nest-New+Smyrna+Beach-1-31-26-1.jpg January 2026 - A quick eagle update… - Make it stand out Eagle nest VO054 New Smyrna Beach - 1/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2721fb87-a319-46b2-be75-d2fe76b84824/Screenshot+2026-01-29+at+11.29.00%E2%80%AFAM.png January 2026 - A quick eagle update… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/51aa4f75-c91b-41e6-93ed-94ba7ecd208e/Eaglet-Ranken+Drive-1-30-26-3.jpg January 2026 - A quick eagle update… - Make it stand out Our first eaglet of the year! Ranken Drive Nest - Edgewater - 1/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d116d776-df3a-4c9d-b1fb-31eeb837385e/Eaglet-Ranken+Drive-1-30-26-2.jpg January 2026 - A quick eagle update… - Make it stand out Another view of the new chick - 1/31/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/blue-heron-preserve monthly 0.5 2026-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c815b6ba-5160-40db-9313-7c5d78d9f51b/Black-bellied+whistling+ducks-Blue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-26-1+copy+2.jpg January 2026 - Blue Heron Preserve - Make it stand out 230+ Black-bellied whistling ducks - Blue Heron Preserve - 1/30/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ea5741c6-f266-4430-8ee1-05f1ff97ad40/Black-billied+whistling+ducks-Blue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-26-2.jpeg January 2026 - Blue Heron Preserve - Make it stand out Adult (red bills) and juvenile Black-bellied whistling ducks at Blue Heron - 1/30/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/374d8c8a-ee05-494a-9ccd-8de68f0b3d8f/Sandhill+cranes-Blue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Blue Heron Preserve - Make it stand out Sandhill Crane pair (taller is the male)- Blue Heron Preserve - 1/30/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1fc3e979-cb8d-49f1-aa6f-530e49fd64de/Purple++gallinule+Great+blue+Anjonga+triad-Blue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - Blue Heron Preserve - Make it stand out Top to bottom - Anhinga, Great blue heron, and Purple gallinule 0 Blue Heron Preserve - 1/30/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/984cfa75-8cfd-4bb7-938a-28bf892c0fbf/Western+cattle+egret-Blue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Blue Heron Preserve - Make it stand out Cattle egret - Blue Heron Preserve - 1/30/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5f750278-98b3-49fc-b88c-ccf761382d0b/Little+blue+heronBlue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Blue Heron Preserve - Make it stand out Little blue heron - Blue Heron Preserve - 1/30/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/90f8312b-b219-43ea-ba5e-58ae69d04b27/Eastern+phoebe-Blue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Blue Heron Preserve - Make it stand out Eastern phoebe - Blue Heron Preserve - 1/30/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/riverbreeze-park monthly 0.5 2026-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7343fcc7-0995-4b26-8507-7a804debb1a3/The+welcoming+committee-Riverbreeze+Park-1-27-26-2.jpg January 2026 - Riverbreeze Park - Make it stand out A welcoming committee of vultures - Riverbreeze Park - 1/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/32ebe66c-277c-43be-9fdf-a797b8943324/The+welcoming+committee-Riverbreeze+Park-1-27-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Riverbreeze Park - Make it stand out Fortunately, these vultures decided it was easier to simply take their leave and allow us access to “their” fishing pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/56e90649-5403-4760-b763-a64305326c20/Yellow-crowned+night-heron+and+-Riverbreeze+Park-1-27-26-2.jpg January 2026 - Riverbreeze Park - Make it stand out Yellow-crowned night-heron and Green heron - Riverbreeze Park - 1/27/26 Nikon Zfc with Z 50 - 250 zoom at 250 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 1000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/22fedcd4-ce6f-4840-9dc9-a88457d35ac2/Bottlenose+dolphin-Riverbreeze+Park-1-26-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Riverbreeze Park - Make it stand out The scarred dorsal fin of a Bottlenose dolphin - Riverbreeze Park 1/26/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3cf08e44-0b8d-4575-99e5-f4ca6086d85e/White+pelican-Riverbreeze+Park-1-27-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Riverbreeze Park - Make it stand out White pelican - Riverbreeze Park - 1/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d416a6c6-8d11-48a5-a572-7ac911e195ab/Red-shouldred+mhawk-Riverbreeze+Park-1-27-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Riverbreeze Park - Make it stand out Red-shouldered hawk - Riverbreeze Park - 1/27/26 Nikon Zfc with Z DX 50 - 250 lens 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 500 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/eagle-nest-update monthly 0.5 2026-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/84f6f325-02e6-4f90-9bef-9022fd87fd2f/Volco+Eagle+on+nest-Edgewater-1-23-26-3.jpg January 2026 - Eagle nest update…. - Make it stand out A adult Bald eagle attentively sitting on eggs (or so we hope) at Volvo Road nest site - 1/25/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ac7dd8db-41eb-4b29-84ff-13e9a04cfe85/Kennedy+Eagle+on+nest-Edgewater-1-23-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Eagle nest update…. - Make it stand out Adult eagle at the Kennedy Pkwy Nest - 1/25/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1db89686-d8bd-4adb-a74c-58f0425531c6/Great+horned+owl-Bairs+Cove+Rd-1-23-26-2.jpg January 2026 - Eagle nest update…. - Make it stand out The perpetrator of a “hostile takeover” - Great horned owl - Bairs Cove Road - 1/25/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5ec2def7-bff6-4c25-9ab1-b5cdf2e53713/Bald+eagle-Ranken+Dr-1-23-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Eagle nest update…. - Make it stand out Bald eagle at the Ranken Drive nest - 1/25/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cf7c4cde-58b4-4267-aa17-f97d7d43cffc/Bald+eagle+nest-Ranken+Dr-1-23-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Eagle nest update…. - Make it stand out A bald eagle surveys his handiwork - Ranken Drive Nest - 1/23/25 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/merritt-island monthly 0.5 2026-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/55512aba-3f33-4724-824e-a0f7e7a023a3/Painted+buntings-MINWR+VC-11-23-26-2.jpg January 2026 - Merritt Island - Make it stand out Male and female Painted buntings visit the feeder at the Merritt Island Visitors Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2ba7e373-1559-41e3-b22a-65aa92177cb4/Pond+slider-MINWR+VC-11-23-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Merritt Island - Make it stand out Pond slider - MINWR Visitors Center - 1/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/139df95f-6bf9-4a9b-83a2-e9fd1a65959a/Gopher+tortoise-Canaveral+NS+South-11-23-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Merritt Island - Make it stand out Gopher tortoise - Canaveral National Seashore - 1/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7459c1dd-7f77-4ed3-809d-9da797707a95/Americqn+kestrel-Kennedy+Pkwy+MINWR-1-23-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Merritt Island - Make it stand out American kestrel - MINWR - 1/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fa0880d5-2a08-466f-9fc5-3b393b875fde/Sanderling-Parish+Park-11-23-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Merritt Island - Make it stand out Sanderling - Indian River near Max Brewer Bridge - 1/23/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/eagles-on-the-nest monthly 0.5 2026-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dfcca2ef-30b2-46cd-bf88-785393c4cc8d/Bald+eagle-Kennedy+Pkwy+MINWR-1-12-26-1+copy+2.jpg January 2026 - Eagles on the nest - Make it stand out Bald eagle on nest - Kennedy Pkwy MINWR - 1/12/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e1493c5d-efa1-42c0-ab1d-3d338ee77cc2/Screenshot+2026-01-19+at+1.37.58%E2%80%AFPM.png January 2026 - Eagles on the nest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9a134f5e-892f-421a-8b92-e18cb5484638/Bald+eagle+at+nest-Rankin+Ave-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - Eagles on the nest - Make it stand out Adult Bald eagle at the nest on Rankin Drive in Edgewater - 1/12/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f2bc79d5-1330-4db7-abe9-2b07ecbbac29/Ranken+Drive+Nest+site.png January 2026 - Eagles on the nest - Make it stand out Satellite image of nest site VO106 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7c29137a-35b3-420d-a41f-400ce2b0dcac/Screenshot+2026-01-19+at+2.00.24%E2%80%AFPM.png January 2026 - Eagles on the nest - Make it stand out Satellite image of nest site VO170. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c3bce9cb-0df7-412a-b45a-080b5a661d6b/Volco+Eagle+Nest-Volco+Road-1-20-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Eagles on the nest - Make it stand out Adult on the nest on Volco Road in Edgewater, FL 1/20/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/135163f7-fd11-41c8-96fd-c40cc631bb4e/Volco+Eagle+Nest-Volco+Road-1-20-26-2.jpg January 2026 - Eagles on the nest - Make it stand out Eagle takes flight 1/20/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/shiloh-marsh monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a21f2a53-81c4-42bd-bb3f-2054a3048e85/Killdeer-Shiloh+Marsh+Road-1-16-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Shiloh Marsh - Make it stand out Killdeer - Shiloh Marsh Road - 1/16/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/76a0cb6b-715c-4923-8e27-205f1d1720b0/Great+egret+with+fish-Shiloh+Marsh+Road-1-16-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Shiloh Marsh - Make it stand out Great egret and fish shadow - Shiloh Marsh Road - 1/16/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0b0c5bea-b48e-4260-a919-d691cb976d7e/Red-shouldered+hawk-Shiloh+Marsh+Road-1-16-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Shiloh Marsh - Make it stand out Red-shouldered hawk - Shiloh Marsh - 1/16/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a14699f8-8a5a-4a90-ae0e-a94c99f209e8/Osprey-Riverbreze+Park-1-16-26-2.jpg January 2026 - Shiloh Marsh - Make it stand out Osprey - Riverbreeze Park - 1/16/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b54a9715-5204-47ba-bc01-9c93cfe1e772/Royal+tern-Riverbreze+Park-1-16-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Shiloh Marsh - Make it stand out Royal tern - Riverbreeze Park - 1/16/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/loners monthly 0.5 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e7fa99f1-10a6-4d4d-a01d-0c08fbb54a11/Little+blue+heron-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - Loners - Make it stand out Little blue heron - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e8130ffc-416b-4536-bdc6-35283de1b8d0/Snowy+egret-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - Loners - Make it stand out Snowy egret - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/347d6963-d9f7-4261-967f-a550fe953a01/Green+heron-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - Loners - Make it stand out Green heron - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a0897dd7-9b54-42e8-abbd-98284f4e1f4e/Pied-billed+grebe-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - Loners - Make it stand out Pied-billed grebe - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/south-for-the-winter monthly 0.5 2026-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/53a9e7cb-27ab-4908-a379-e902bad6f963/Black+skimmers-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - South for the winter… - Make it stand out Black skimmers - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e99e17b6-369e-4bd5-864e-f5df1a38684c/Glossy+ibises-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpeg January 2026 - South for the winter… - Make it stand out Glossy Ibises and other shorebirds - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/03e942b4-13a4-43b4-ad7d-299f1da2f3d4/Long-billed+dowitchers-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - South for the winter… - Make it stand out Long-billed dowitchers - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/98a76ed9-2f2b-4230-bed4-1d8a1d8b80c5/DC+Cormorants-Black+Point+Drive-1-12-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - South for the winter… - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorants - Black Point Drive - 1/13/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/eagles-on-ice monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1414aa7c-274e-47b4-bfa1-16c42b7db624/Eagle+on+ice-Newburgh+Bay-1-8-26-1.jpg January 2026 - Eagles on ice… - Make it stand out Young Bald eagle - Newburgh Bay - 1/8/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/411e69ee-fe80-4a51-9356-a3ac43040e00/Eagle+on+ice-Newburgh+Bay-1-8-26-3.jpg January 2026 - Eagles on ice… - Make it stand out Bald eagle on ice - Newburgh Waterfront - 1/8/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9335e6e2-224e-47e9-a503-976c724e3d18/Eagle+on+ice-Newburgh+Bay-1-8-26-2.jpg January 2026 - Eagles on ice… - Make it stand out A Third Bald eagle on the ice at Newburgh - 1/8/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/more-on-our-little-eagle monthly 0.5 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/abc79490-26b5-4d1e-b658-33f63bb1471b/Juv+Bald+eagle-Tomkins+Cove-1-3-26-1.jpg January 2026 - More on our little eagle… - Make it stand out Juvenile Bald eagle - Jones Point - 1/3/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/532671bb-2058-42a7-84fa-1ff5d30a540c/IMG_2201.PNG January 2026 - More on our little eagle… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/72af708a-09fa-433e-9c10-cc9301261e24/Juv+Bald+eagle-Tomkins+Cove-1-3-26-3.jpg January 2026 - More on our little eagle… - Make it stand out 88H Silver on Blue https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/the-wolf-moon-and-more monthly 0.5 2026-01-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/54a6f832-9426-4306-b4e0-85693c39f9dc/Supermoon-Ondaora-1-2-26-1.jpg January 2026 - The “Wolf Moon” and more… - Make it stand out The Wolf Moon 1/2/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d888b887-9df9-43fd-bc42-6dd9813153ac/Supermoon+image+of+backyard.jpeg January 2026 - The “Wolf Moon” and more… - Make it stand out Moonlit backyard - 1/2/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5aa3120f-bbae-4c5e-91a9-2a05d889e65e/Carolina+wrens-Ondaora-1-2-26-1.jpg January 2026 - The “Wolf Moon” and more… - Make it stand out Carolina wren pair - Ondaora - 1/3/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b949a425-3e09-4c8b-90fc-e51b6d8ff440/White-tailed+deer-Iona+Island-1-3-26-1+copy.jpg January 2026 - The “Wolf Moon” and more… - Make it stand out Young white-tailed deer - Iona Island - 1/3/26 Nikon Z8 with Nikon F 500 mm prime lens 1/1000 f/14 ISO 900 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/78ef90d1-60c8-4315-a640-3187c07fe828/Belted+kingfisher-Iona+Island-1-3-26-1.jpg January 2026 - The “Wolf Moon” and more… - Make it stand out Belted kingfisher - Iona Island - 1/3/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/734924ad-a837-41e9-8124-fdc77cf00e30/Juv+Bald+eagle-Tomkins+Cove-1-3-26-2.jpg January 2026 - The “Wolf Moon” and more… - Make it stand out Juvenile Bald eagle - Jones Point - 1/3/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/january-2026/in-with-the-new-1 monthly 0.5 2026-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/24dd18e6-55bd-47be-93a9-9712084cbd4e/Incoming+Mallards-Newburgh+Water+Treatment-1-2-26-1.jpg January 2026 - In with the new…. - Make it stand out Incoming Mallards - Newburgh Waterfront Trail - 1/1/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c8cff5c8-fdf9-4e21-8625-2f6c5719dbb1/Song+sparrow-Newburgh+Water+Treatment-1-2-26-1.jpg January 2026 - In with the new…. - Make it stand out Song sparrow - Newburgh Waterfront Trail - 1/1/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0dbca9bd-59df-48d8-9fed-ab0321877622/Downey+warbler-Newburgh+Water+Treatment-1-2-26-1.jpg January 2026 - In with the new…. - Make it stand out Downy woodpecker - Newburgh Waterfront Trail - 1/1/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4b714f19-60c4-470c-9beb-12457acedd79/Yellow+warbler-Newburgh+Water+Treatment-1-2-26-2.jpg January 2026 - In with the new…. - Make it stand out Yellow warbler - Newburgh Waterfront Trail - 1/1/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026 daily 0.75 2026-02-24 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/spruce-creek-park monthly 0.5 2026-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/59a0d16f-f16b-4f34-ad1d-383d48c9e382/Sunrise-NSB+Deck-2-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Spruce Creek Park - Make it stand out Sunrise from our deck - NSB - 2/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0973e3a1-3d67-4601-bf75-376f456ef3c2/Clapper+rail-Spruce+Creek+Preserve-2-25-25-1+copy.jpg February 2026 - Spruce Creek Park - Make it stand out Clapper rail - Spruce Creek Park - 2/25/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/39dbaef7-d284-4c60-8f5b-39f87bbd43d4/Snowy+ad+Little+blue-Spruce+Creek+Park-2-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Spruce Creek Park - Make it stand out Little blue and Snowy - Spruce Creek Park - 2/24/25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1ff9d06b-d257-4eb6-abcd-fbe4d465894e/Red-bellied+woodpecker-Spruce+Creek+Park-2-23-26-4.jpg February 2026 - Spruce Creek Park - Make it stand out Red-bellied woodpecker with acorn - Spruce Creek Park - 2/24/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c5330565-da08-41da-9580-0436f05cc5af/Great+horned+owl-Spruce+Creek+Park-2-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Spruce Creek Park - Make it stand out Great horned owl - Spruce Creek Park - 2/24/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/eagle-nest-update monthly 0.5 2026-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/83f0ace5-0ca2-4b83-9e67-f1986cc9f428/Vacant+eagle+nest-Landis+Road+NSB-2-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Apparently vacant eagle nest - Landis St NSB - 2/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/62bb49cf-2fa2-460b-bafa-6bfaae1522c8/Nest+Watch-Volco+Road-2-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Adult with two chicks - Volco Road - 2/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5d64b3dc-5d1e-42d9-8186-6a0986e72f75/Nest+Watch-Volco+Road-2-23-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Two chicks on the nest on Volco Road in Edgewater 2/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6e4ee9c2-ad6a-49d0-8d8d-4b55ea3f2c50/Eaglet+at+nest-Kennedy+Pkwy-2-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Initial sighting of a very young Bald eagle in the Kennedy Pkwy nest - 2/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b9be05c5-f184-468c-b865-610ed1b20fa5/Eaglet+at+nest-Kennedy+Pkwy-2-23-26-3.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Eaglet with adult - Kennedy Pkwy - 2/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a8d8770a-028d-4575-ab8b-0ffe1929372e/Great+horned+owl+and+chicks-Bairs+Cove+Road+MINWR-2-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Great hired owl with chicks - Bairs Cove Road - 3/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/672f6ef4-16de-45df-85aa-2fde182a5a66/Great+horned+owl+and+chicks-Bairs+Cove+Road+MINWR-2-23-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out A little better view of one of the chicks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ef49d1e1-83bb-4c0b-9a8b-3f8df2f83f86/Bald+eagle+nest-Ranken+Dr-1-23-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Adult eagle at the nest - Ranken Drive - 3/23/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4d7f2b88-3661-4d87-bdfb-5fe12d9dff3d/Adult+with+two+eaglets-Ranken+Road-2-20-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Eagle Nest Update - Make it stand out Adult with her two eaglets - Ranken Drive - 3/23/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/lake-apopka monthly 0.5 2026-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/77f2d119-31cc-44ff-b098-39983c6dec50/Coot+raft-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Raft of coots - Lake Apopka - 2/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5182039c-eee4-4004-81ed-2a632b3dce72/Merlin-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Merlin - Lake Apopka - 3/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ed37904e-6f54-41c5-8bdc-430b64a538dd/Peregrine+falcon-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Peregrine falcon - Lake Apopka - 2/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/508be5f8-771d-4189-8a7f-c48a0eb07c75/Ring-necked+duck-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Ring-necked duck - Lake Apopka - 2/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ae5f7081-c3b7-4ad6-b21a-d7030a82f4be/Gadwall-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Gadwall - Lake Apopka - 2/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/977839ac-0a21-436b-86ad-108d62bb03c5/Gray-headed+swamphen-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Gray-headed swamphen - Lake Apopka - 2/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5640f38b-2043-4a15-b0e1-d57cd5f30741/Purple+gallinule-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Purple gallinule - Lake Apopka - 2/22/26. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f5028294-f5d2-4989-a0c1-c9277fba1dc0/Black-bellied+whistlig+ducks-Lake+Apopka-2-22-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Lake Apopka - Make it stand out Black-bellied whistling ducks - Lake Apopka - 2/22/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/orlando-wetlands monthly 0.5 2026-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/af5c8f20-e54d-400c-bbaf-cb719dd39e18/Great+blue+heron+and+chicks-Orlando+Wetlands-2-20-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Orlando Wetlands - Make it stand out Great blue heron on the nest with a pair of newborns - Orlando Wetlands - 2/20/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fcc98d60-a11d-4b5c-8183-26eed39cdf4c/Gator+with+snake-Orlando+Wetlands-2-20-26-2+copy.jpeg February 2026 - Orlando Wetlands - Make it stand out Gator with snake - Orlando Wetlands - 2/20/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4a34494f-8845-4b59-9807-a1bd4d7d183b/Incoming+Wood+stork-Orlando+Wetlands-2-20-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Orlando Wetlands - Make it stand out Wood stork landing - Orlando Wetlands - 2/20/26 1/12000 sec, f/8, ISO 400 Z 100-400 with Z 1..4X https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fb73370c-e851-4c95-bff6-60fe8fedf962/Roseate+spoonbill-Orlando+Wetlands-2-20-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Orlando Wetlands - Make it stand out Roseate Spoonbill at the same settings as the previous shot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0ad909f4-c9be-41a3-ac82-35702769aae2/Anhinga-Orlando+Wetlands-2-20-26-1+copy.jpeg February 2026 - Orlando Wetlands - Make it stand out Anhinga - Orlando Wetlands - 2/20/26 Nikon Z8 with 100-400 mm lens at 340mm 1/1250 sec, f/9, ISO 720 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/great-backyard-birdcount-ii monthly 0.5 2026-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f4a86149-ea84-4fb8-a289-bbeef9742e4d/Osprey-Marine+Discovery+Ctr-NSB-2-13-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count - II - Make it stand out Osprey - Marine Discovery Center (MDC) - 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fa5dc870-ace1-451c-82b7-14eadaa24a65/White+ibis-Marine+Discovery+Ctr-NSB-2-13-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count - II - Make it stand out White ibis - MDC - 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d06d76fa-73ca-4bd5-9599-b85cd661fd05/Great+blue+heron-Riverbreeze+Park-1-26-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count - II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ccce92de-d78c-463e-9780-b8119d17a2e1/Eastern+phoebe-Marine+Discovery+Ctr-NSB-2-13-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count - II - Make it stand out Eastern phoebe - MDC - 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3439d5e2-891d-4576-8ed9-6aa7d77a8ec9/Red-belied+woodpecker-MDC-2-14-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count - II - Make it stand out Red-bellied woodpecker - MDC 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f187f82a-da06-4f38-9440-f1d487c00aa0/Loggerhead+shrike-Marine+Discovery+Ctr-NSB-2-13-26-3.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count - II - Make it stand out Loggerhead shrike - MDC - 2/14/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/great-backyard-bird-count monthly 0.5 2026-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7036a0f2-f92c-4a84-9511-1d9ff5124680/From+Turtle+Mound-2-13-26-1+copy.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out Our “Backyard” from Turtle Mound - 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d126014d-923f-4c86-80ac-775e628b75a6/Sandwich+terns-NSB-2-13-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out Sandwich terns - New Smyrna Beach - 2/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3adac5cd-f217-4e8a-80cd-e6b7bfcffeee/Northern+gannet-NSB-2-13-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out A young Northern gannet over New Smyrna Beach - 2/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fbc941c3-7722-40f1-9ed0-e6d647b9328d/Brown+pelican%2C+Snowy+egret%2C+Ruddy+turnstone-NSB-2-13-26-1.jpeg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e45ebec3-08ca-463d-9d6f-c298a1096130/Green+anole-Turtle+Mound-2-14-26.jpeg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out Green anole - Turtle Mound - 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/32dd80b0-9f3e-49b7-9a2a-2798027bee17/Kestrel-Turtle+Mound+Canaveral+NS-2-13-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out Kestrel found between Turtle Mound and the Visitors Center - Canaveral National Seashore - 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6a9f66cc-4d17-4a98-b7c2-5fd802ed1d36/Gopher+tortoise-Canaveral+NS-2-13-26-1.jpeg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out Gopher tortoise - Canaveral NS - 2/14/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f5563bf0-b585-4bb9-9ea6-b8f69dca4b1c/Gulf+fritillary-Lot+5-Canaveral+NS-2-13-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Great Backyard Bird Count -I - Make it stand out Gulf fritillary - Lot 5 Canaveral National Seashore - 2/14/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/ponce-inlet monthly 0.5 2026-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7622fb02-73da-48e3-85ce-ad326d8906d0/Ponce+Inlet+Jetty-2-10-26-1+copy.jpeg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Jetty at Ponce Inlet Park - 2/10/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/81aeecd6-630a-4e0c-a577-565f46375c56/Palm+warbler-Ponce+Inlet+Park-2-10-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Palm warbler - Ponce Inlet Park - 2/10/26 Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 @ 400mm 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 720 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/38c16176-2f35-4bba-90c1-b4baa8795307/Prairie+warbler-Ponce+Inlet+Park-2-10-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Prairie warbler - Ponce Inlet Park - 2/10/26 Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 @220mm, 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a78fbf44-51c2-41b5-9f96-0755c0b5dafe/Bonaparte%27s+gull-Ponce+Inlet+Park-2-10-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Bonaparte’s gull - Ponce Inlet Park - 2/101.26 Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 @ 300mm, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 360 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4c3ec933-976f-427a-ab46-5068e5ea7104/Forster%27s+tern-Ponce+Inlet+Jetty-1-12-19-2.jpg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Forster’s tern - Ponce Inlet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c5ed8156-9849-4179-bf83-0f5be84c110d/Green+sea+turtle-Ponce+Inlet+Park-2-10-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Green Sea turtle - Ponce Inlet - 2/10/26 Nikon Z8 with 400mm lens 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 260 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/90a2532e-c438-4f21-894f-fcf9400d12cf/Purple+sandpiper-Ponce+Inlet+Park-2-10-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Purple sandpiper - Ponce Inlet Park - 2/10/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a3e4aacf-a79e-4aaa-a05d-c861e964ed08/Closeup+Ponce+Inlet+Jetty-2-10-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Ponce Inlet - Make it stand out Purple sandpiper closeup - Ponce Inlet Jetty - 2/10/26 Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 @400 1/1600 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/black-point-picks monthly 0.5 2026-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ba6243f2-2ba5-4457-890b-adccae89ac45/Adult+and+eaglet-Volco+Road-2-9-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Adult eagle and chick - Volvo Road - 2/9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/46bbc35e-5bea-4c3d-8309-af00c9f68ea7/Wilson%27s+snipe-Black+Point+Drive-2-9-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Wilson’s snipe - Black Point Drive - 2/9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8a5f8e67-df24-47e6-a98d-a27c59b005dc/Wilson%27s+snipe-Black+Point+Drive-2-9-26-3.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Wilson’s snipe - Black Point Drive - 2/9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/57ee58ba-aa1b-4596-b81e-de0a7ae2219c/Long-billed+dowitcher-Black+Point+Drive-2-9-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Long-billed dowitchers - Black Point Drive - 2/9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/da142c31-c251-4e52-8b2d-90f146671d8c/Least+sandpipers-Black+Point+Drive-2-9-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Least sandpipers in flight - Black Point Drive - 2/9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bf7d68ab-5bbd-4f92-997c-a682b75ecc6d/Tricolored+heron-Black+Point+Drive-2-9-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Tricolored heron - Black Point Drive - 2/9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d8ba8ad7-5088-48fb-a261-25190c0c653e/Mottled+duck-Black+Point+Drive-2-9-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Mottled duck - Black Point Drive - 2/9/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d6c72fb9-d29f-440e-956a-fed2bd7eed6e/Black-crowned+night-heron-Black+Point+Drive-2-9-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Black Point Picks - Make it stand out Black-crowned night-heron with an Atlantic needlefish - Black Point Drive - 2/9/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/quick-circuit monthly 0.5 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a29eb256-281b-402b-904e-2783dda309a6/Tricolored+heron-Indian+River-Shiloh+Marsh+Road-2-7-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Tricolored heron-Indian River-Shiloh Marsh-2/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b120f0cb-8e97-4e13-a360-3d4639a9e93c/Striped+burrfish-Indian+River-Shiloh+Marsh+Road-2-7-26-1+copy.jpeg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Striped burrfish - Indian River - 2/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d1e4297d-10a8-4fe6-897c-4e88db986f27/Bald+eagle+pair-Kennedy+Pkwy-2-7-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Bald eagle pair - Kennedy Pkwy Nest - 2/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e07e235f-a3ee-4d3c-9d10-dad5fe531c37/Bald+eagle+with+chick-Kennedy+Pkwy-2-7-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Eagle with chick - Kennedy Pkwy MINWR - 2/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b3ce85b3-9b72-4da6-91ab-8cc19a7d2115/Great+horned+owl-Birs+Cove+Road-2-7-26-2.jpg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Great horned owl - Bairs Cove Road - 2/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3b82bd5a-ab54-491e-affd-325a1c2f860f/Bonaparte%27s+gull-Riverbreeze+Park-2-7-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Bonaparte’s gull - Riverbreeze Park - 2/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1c4c2adf-d4dc-4a56-b61f-98708bc32db2/Yellow-crowned+night-heron-Riverbreeze+Park-2-7-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Yellow-crowned night-heron - Riverbreeze Park - 2/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a293d6b7-c9f1-4f22-96ab-b305ec681286/Black+vulture-Riverbreeze+Park-2-7-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Quick circuit… - Make it stand out Black vulture - Riverbreeze Park - 2/7/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/a-day-on-the-st-johns-river monthly 0.5 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f69d580b-7c35-4151-bdae-9914e2fd7e1f/St.+John%27s+River-3-114-18.jpg February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/757deca0-127e-49ff-aa6c-cd1fc7ac21e4/American+bittern-St+Johns+Rive February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out American Bittern - St. John’s River 2/4/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6f9a0055-28c1-4b59-a9f2-d212779be461/Americn+bittern-St+Johns+River-2-4-26-2.jpg February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out American bittern - St. John’s River - 2/4/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/eb796b4b-5d43-463e-80cd-20d0b5104c5f/Snail+kite-St+Johns+River-2-4-26-8.jpg February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out Snail kite - St. John’s River - 2/4/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cbfabd12-8bb2-4fa6-a3d2-b30c3968976a/Snail+kite-St+Johns+River-2-4-26-7.jpg February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out Snail kite - St. John’s River - 2/4/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5e874eb1-7f47-4b67-9005-ab52d7892114/Limpkin-St+Johns+Rive February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out Limpkin - St. John’s River - 2/4/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c2322347-2758-4398-81ab-bcaa79ecf663/Limpkin+chick-St+Johns+River-2-4-26-1.jpg February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out Limpkin chick - St. John’s River - 2//4/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/06dfff76-91d1-4d0c-82fc-8de656905308/Purple+gallinule-St+Johns+River-2-4-26-1.jpg February 2026 - A Day on the St. John’s River - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/february-2026/smyrna-dunes-jetty monthly 0.5 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/16a9d04e-07c5-401e-a157-6bfa6047fdaf/Ruddy+turnstone-Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-2-3-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Smyrna Dunes Jetty - Make it stand out Ruddy turnstone - Smyrna Dunes Jetty - 2/3/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0ee2e64a-5542-42cf-b32c-c5b45da873c8/Forster%27s+tern-Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-2-3-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Smyrna Dunes Jetty - Make it stand out Forster’s tern - Smyrna Dunes Jetty -2/3/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/25a97069-2318-4f63-a3db-c8a0affb5c9d/Bonaparte%27s+gull-Smyrna+Dunes+Jetty-2-3-26-1.jpg February 2026 - Smyrna Dunes Jetty - Make it stand out Bonaparte’s gull - Smyrna Dunes Jetty - 2/3/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/april-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/may-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/june-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/new-blog daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/august-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/september-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/october-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/november-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/december-2026 daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026 daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/christmas-in-florida monthly 0.5 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c328cb16-a277-486b-a038-0ee622ad3384/Purple+gallinule-Orlando+Wetlands-3-31-26-3.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Purple gallinule - Orlando Wetlands - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/2c5b2979-f762-4e67-80dc-579a5b144b5e/Red-bellied+woodpecker-Tosohatchee+WMA-3-31-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Red-bellied woodpecker - Tosohatchee WMA - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/11eb1ee9-a4ab-41d3-b3b1-630b58a0c98f/Red-headed+woodpecker-Tosohatchee+WMA-3-31-26-3.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Red-headed woodpecker - Tosohatchee WMA - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d6098814-71d5-4d60-a99a-8629f185135c/Brown-headed+nuthatch-Tosohatchee+WMA-3-31-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Brown-headed nuthatch - Tosohatchee WMA - 3/31/2//6 Nikon Z8 with 100 - 400 mm and Z 1.4 telex tender https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/be5c1e42-0a17-44ab-a8d3-69500dd7dcbd/White-eyed+vireo-Tosohatchee+WMA-3-31-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ White-eyed vireo - Tosohatchee WMA - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/17c0fdf5-6077-4568-b4fb-9d7a9d63c5e2/Limpkin-Orlando+Wetlands-3-31-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Limpkin - Orlando Wetlands - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/196127ba-f447-462b-a016-50ef9d6978ad/Purple+gallinule-Orlando+Wetlands-3-31-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Purple gallinule - Orlando Wetlands - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b5bf130f-cb25-4315-b093-c3a781d31a8f/Spoonbill+family-Orlando+Wetlands-3-31-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Roseate spoonbill family - Orlando Wetlands - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a9c360b6-0817-4e65-a415-17d902c079d8/Young+spoonbill-Orlando+Wetlands-3-31-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Spoonbill fly-by - Orlando Wetlands - 3/31/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/15bded20-c144-4bec-afd8-f38d8b60addf/Red-shouldered+hawk-Orlando+Wetlands-3-31-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Christmas in Florida - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/east-winds monthly 0.5 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/be116121-8a43-406c-9458-4ee30479eb26/Magnificient+frigatebird-Parking+Lot+4+Canaveral+NS-3-29-26-3.jpg March 2026 - East winds - Make it stand out Magnificent frigatebird - Lot 4 Canaveral NS - 3/29/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c579eaf3-ce04-445d-b8a2-56c4d1052210/Magnificient+frigatebird-Parking+Lot+4+Canaveral+NS-3-29-26-1.jpg March 2026 - East winds - Make it stand out Magnificent frigatebird - Lot 4 Canaveral NS - 3/29/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/50328bf6-96fd-4aa7-8fb8-04799f84ba57/Wilet+in+surf-Parking+Lot+4+Canaveral+NS-3-29-26-1.jpg March 2026 - East winds - Make it stand out Heavy surf keeps this Willet moving - Lot 4 CNS - 3/29/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/01d931b6-2351-4252-b071-484fc668ce93/Common+loon-Parking+Lot+5+Canaveral+NS-3-29-26-3.jpg March 2026 - East winds - Make it stand out Common loon - Lot 5 CNS - 3/29/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/019c7cec-fd27-4700-b9be-c5c48cb294c4/Greater+scaup-Parking+Lot+5+Canaveral+NS-3-29-26-3.jpg March 2026 - East winds - Make it stand out Greater scaup - Lot 5 Canaveral Nat Seashore - 3/29/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/gvcyss2lb4fca379aatkzutbpkg4ap monthly 0.5 2026-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/162b4aac-ad63-4856-9e5f-5c93858aae5c/Eagle+fledgling-Volco+Road-3-27-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out Volco Rd Bald Eagle fledgling at nest - 3/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/577186d7-0e57-4036-a83b-8478ff03d912/Eagle+triplets-WSEG+Nest-3-27-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out Rare eagle triplets - Kennedy Parkway - 3-27-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/36e53a4c-9d95-46ec-a996-daeb6af70d2a/Owlets-Bairs+Cove+Road-3-27-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out Bairs Cove Road Owlets - 3/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/11cea8d1-b142-4232-b0a3-c42b4b8502fa/Great+horned+Owl-Bairs+Cove+Road-3-27-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out Mom is perched nearby keeping a wary eye on her young. 3/26/27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e8219050-b936-436f-91f8-a7acba259687/Flamingos-Haulover+Canal-3-27-26-4.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out American flamingos - Haulover Canal Rd - 3/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/47b54e4a-9e49-4d76-9a4b-e3e1bbd8a61e/White+pelicans-Haulover+Canal-3-27-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out White pelicans - Haulover Canal Road/Indian River - 3/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b7eeb69d-24bb-43de-ab17-e5727ab3a6ff/Painted+bunting+fem-MINWR+VC-3-27-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ A bright green female Painted bunting stares back at me as I photograph her…. MINWR Visitors’ Center - 3/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/816c5019-efd6-4882-8f83-150b837d85a0/Painted+bunting+male-MINWR+VC-3-27-26-3.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ The brilliantly adorned male Painted bunting - MINWR Visitors’ Center - 3/27/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/877305f6-22b1-4be3-9ae2-0506ccb8f722/Bald+eagle+fledgling-Ranken+Dr-3-27-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Beautiful birds…. - Make it stand out Ranken Road fledgling - 3/27/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/sugar-mill-gardens monthly 0.5 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b7f27d73-5241-4aaf-9556-db369d1d0799/Azalea-Sugar+Mill+Gardens+Dunlawton-3-24-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Sugar Mill Gardens - Make it stand out Azalea - Sugar Mill Gardens -3/24/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e4203f9b-f1dd-453d-a816-5074654154a6/Cape+May+Warbler-Sugar+Mill+Gardens+Dunlawton-3-24-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Sugar Mill Gardens - Make it stand out Cape May warbler - Sugar Mill Gardens - 3/24/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/63797106-2b69-49e7-bf0c-2684d805fc9c/Carolina+wren-Sugar+Mill+Gardens+Dunlawton-3-24-26-3.jpg March 2026 - Sugar Mill Gardens - Make it stand out Carolina wren - Sugar Mill Gardens - 3/24/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/25a19b9c-e8ec-492c-8222-06115a1fc1e7/Hermit+thrush-Sugar+Mill+Gardens+Dunlawton-3-24-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Sugar Mill Gardens - Make it stand out Hermit thrush - Sugar Mill Gardens - 3/24/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f585cdff-3ba8-4e53-838e-83ba28951bbe/Red-bellied+woodpecker-Sugar+Mill+Gardens+Dunlawton-3-24-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Sugar Mill Gardens - Make it stand out Red-bellied woodpecker - Sugar Mill Gardens - 3/24/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dd3a4559-8233-40f6-8a8f-e934a24e50bd/Tufted+titmouse-Sugar+Mill+Gardens+Dunlawton-3-24-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Sugar Mill Gardens - Make it stand out Tufted titmouse - Sugar Mill Gardens - 3/24/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ac91d8fe-a3ad-4dce-9f3e-9aea1eeda0be/Swallow-tailed+kite-Sugar+Mill+Gardens+Dunlawton-3-24-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Sugar Mill Gardens - Make it stand out Swallow-tailed kite - Sugar i’ll Gardens - 3/24/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/going-going monthly 0.5 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0cb6c370-0fc7-4c85-9165-178924a6e08c/Empty+nest-Volco+Road-3-22-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out Gone! Empty nest on Volco Rd - 3-22-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/35255012-558f-4e9e-929d-17383b664fe0/Lone+eagle+on+Landis-3-22-26-1.jpeg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out Lone adult Bald eagle (upper left) over nest on Landis Street in NSB - 3/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/37999343-15ae-4e8e-9a48-a2a716f79327/three+eaglets-WSEG+Nest-3-22-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out Three eaglet on the nest on Kennedy Pkwy - MINWR - 3/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b3d98433-61e3-4e85-ab4e-0498c146ff70/Adult+with+three+eaglets-WSEG+Nest-3-22-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out Adult returns with food - WSEG nest - 3/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6584090e-2d7c-473b-b8ab-ef130e8ecf1d/Three+eaglets-WSEG+Nest-3-22-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out Young eagle stretches its wings over the WSEG nest - 33/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/74affee1-237f-4f5f-8a97-a842f3baca8e/Great+horned+owl+chicks-Bairs+Cove-3-22-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out Great Horned Owl chicks - Bairs Cove Rd - 3/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f0f1ae03-99bd-45e2-a245-b62414fc3647/Great+horned+owl+with+chick-Bairs+Cove-3-22-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out An adult returns to care for her young - 3/22/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c881816b-5385-469f-a05a-4d8442cdefc4/Falcon+9+Rocket-Bairs+Cove+Rd-3-22-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Going, going…… - Make it stand out Falcon 9 Rocket blasts off into space - 3/22/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/birdies-and-eagles monthly 0.5 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e7aeccfa-6073-40a8-9396-db0a55b60ceb/Bald+eagle+0n+%232+tee-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Bald eagle on #2 Tee box - Hidden Lakes GC - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d26287da-82cc-412d-8cea-783c3e1ade4e/Egyptian+goose-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Adult Egyptian goose - Hidden Lakes Golf Course - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/5990c3bf-803d-485a-b14c-0293f844dc28/Egyptian+geese+with+young-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Egyptian goose family - Hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dce6054b-5e37-45ad-943a-7106f9aaf79c/Sandhill+crane-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out A lone sandhill crane - Hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c3617195-4d33-497f-af59-b58f5bbd6982/Red-shouldered+hawk-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Red-shouldered hawk - Hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/6a316b10-1a22-4e17-aa89-79ac70d53f83/Eastern+bluebird-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Eastern bluebird - Hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/1195fe57-65ce-4fba-95a3-58eb2560747b/Snowy+egret-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Snowy egret - Hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/fa7b2578-7a0e-4bea-a1be-8c3b017f19c8/Mottled+duck-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Mottled duck - hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3efe1c0b-9f1e-4bcd-ab92-0ddba7d36355/Double+crested+cormorants-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out DC cormorant - Hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/adf922bb-64c0-4bc4-a802-10f909a3417a/Great+blue+heron-Hidden+Lakes-3-19-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Birdies and Eagles…. - Make it stand out Great blue heron - Hidden Lakes - 3/19/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/ready-to-fly monthly 0.5 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f1aeec35-41ee-463f-bb4a-e5f9a833cddc/Eaglets-Volco+Road-3-16-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Ready to fly! - Make it stand out Eaglet on nest at Volco Road, Edgewater, FL 3/16/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/58510075-f000-489c-80c6-e570fa727b04/Eaglets-Volco+Road-3-16-26-3.jpeg March 2026 - Ready to fly! - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ A juvenile eagle practicing take offs and landings - Volco Road - 3/16/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8cd7a6ef-2d11-42ee-ace0-9636055d6406/Eaglets-Volco+Road-3-16-26-4.jpg March 2026 - Ready to fly! - Make it stand out ‍ ‍ Adult returning to the nest - Volco Road nest - 3/16/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/3f1e5e72-9b0a-4afe-b04c-7b6c3a9baae7/Eaglets-Volco+Road-3-16-26-6.jpg March 2026 - Ready to fly! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b7074207-7325-44e3-b590-9c4db9530912/Eaglet-Ranken+Road-3-16-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Ready to fly! - Make it stand out A rain-drenched eaglet out of the nest on Ranken Road - 3/16/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/natures-nursery monthly 0.5 2026-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9f1a2c9b-0d6c-4971-88b2-80fd48c93418/Great+blue+heron+silhouette-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Heron chicks silhouette - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/894a4f8d-8259-42b4-9042-17474fb71fa1/Vermillion+flycatcher-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Female Vermillion flycatcher - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/9f9ab418-88c8-4cd5-9cfa-0cd26c3b9221/GBHE+with+nesting+matl-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Great blue heron with nesting material - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/92e97d31-2ad2-471f-9656-314b04cd6e88/Great+blue+heron+chicks-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Two young Great blue heron chicks awaiting lunch - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dcbddad5-3e4c-4d86-b697-b75e81514e71/Black-crowned+night-heronj-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Black-crowned night-heron in the same palm as the nest - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/bfbbdb99-1cce-468a-bcdc-d365ac44a46d/Black-crowned+night-heron+with+chick-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out BCNH on nest with one chick visible - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ac18d8b6-d9a1-4356-af8a-37fb3d682e3a/Roseate+spoonbill-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Roseate spoonbill - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a2aa1ebc-d8f5-4528-bfdf-eca01f090d47/Roseate+spoonbill+with+chick-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Brand new chick! - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7f7dbc11-d11d-4691-ba80-2713564b004c/Roseate+spoonbill+chicks-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Rambunctious “teen” spoonbill chicks - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/f9a69d83-d836-42ee-8952-a3d0049600b2/Sandhill+crane-Orlando+Wetlands-3-13-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Nature’s Nursery - Make it stand out Sandhill crane calling to its mate - Orlando Wetlands - 3/13/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/merritt-island-nwr monthly 0.5 2026-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c7ae388a-1c9c-4338-acef-c27f163d3fa2/Great+horned+owl-Bairs+Cove+Rd-3-7-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Merritt Island NWR - Make it stand out Ceci’s shot of the Great horned owl at Bairs Cove Road - Nikon Zfc with 50 - 250 mm lens at 250mm 1/250 sec, f/5, ISO 560 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/ef032c45-1ec7-4993-83da-1c2a7b6a708d/Owlet-Bairs+Cove+Road-3-7-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Merritt Island NWR - Make it stand out Owlet - Bairs Cove Road - 3/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/94bcfe74-af2f-4b5d-bf78-39eb22c89a5c/Reddish+egret-Black+Point+Drive-3-7-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Merritt Island NWR - Make it stand out Reddish egret - Black Point Drive - 3/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/cc503fec-61b0-4d78-a5ab-d171df291f48/Greater+yellowlegs-+Black+Point+Drive-3-7-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Merritt Island NWR - Make it stand out Greater yellowlegs - Black Point Drive - 3/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/a521272e-f01b-4fc9-91d8-b665822a49ca/Blue-winged+teal-+Black+Point+Drive-3-7-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Merritt Island NWR - Make it stand out Blue-winged teal - Black Point Drive - 3/7/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8795abf1-d688-47c8-b6fa-6ee043f410a9/Wild+hog+sow-+Black+Point+Drive-3-7-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Merritt Island NWR - Make it stand out Feral pig sow - Black Point Drive - 3/7/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/blood-moon-2026 monthly 0.5 2026-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b129cb05-0809-4219-9614-30db95921a3b/Blood+moon+composite-SBC+Deck-3-3-26-9.jpg March 2026 - Blood Moon 2026 - Make it stand out Blood Moon Composite - 3/3/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/850e669b-0c81-4f24-9a23-b64511c8dcb2/Super+%2522Blood+Moon%2522-9-27-15.jpg March 2026 - Blood Moon 2026 - Make it stand out “Super Blood Moon” from 2015 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/new-arrivals monthly 0.5 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/0ea69ab4-1e7c-412d-9e37-eee395581b79/American+wigeons-Black+Point+Drive-3-1-26-1.jpg March 2026 - New Arrivals & Departures - Make it stand out Wigeons - Black Point Drive - 3/1/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/d571f5a9-ab3a-48a1-9dd8-b9d525a1981c/Northern+pintail+pair-Black+Point+Drive-3-1-26-1.jpg March 2026 - New Arrivals & Departures - Make it stand out Pintail pair - Black Point Drive - 3/1/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/14cd4a9b-7ca8-42d6-a6ac-40fd61804e51/White+pelicans-Black+Point+Drive-3-1-26-1.jpg March 2026 - New Arrivals & Departures - Make it stand out White pelicans - Black Point Drive - 3/1/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8b906d54-fb27-438a-b660-43614715e467/Black+skimmer-Black+Point+Drive-3-1-26-1.jpg March 2026 - New Arrivals & Departures - Make it stand out Black skimmer - Black Point Drive - 3/1/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b71f5894-8cce-4073-a413-dd0ea3a13a70/Greater+yellowlegs-Black+Point+Drive-3-1-26-1.jpg March 2026 - New Arrivals & Departures - Make it stand out Greater yellowlegs - Black Point Drive - 3/1/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/march-2026/back-on-the-river monthly 0.5 2026-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/8254e1e7-fffe-4a5d-a086-1f1b7596ed69/St+Johns+River+DeBary-2-28-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Back on the River - Make it stand out St. John’s River - 2/28/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/e3b8bdb2-bc6a-4a32-9a08-06beb9f3eb2f/DCmCormorant+with+catfish-St+Johns+River+DeBary-2-28-26-2.jpg March 2026 - Back on the River - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant with catfish - St. John’s River - 2/28/26 Nikon Z8 with Z100-400 lens at 400mm 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 640 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/b90d5684-ca7c-45cd-94c9-634ed7079780/Limpkin-St+Johns+River+DeBary-2-28-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Back on the River - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/7ef6ea08-4526-46da-9569-9f332eab0899/Snail+kite-St+Johns+River+DeBary-2-28-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Back on the River - Make it stand out Banded Snail kite - St. John’s River - 2//28/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/4a823878-2a55-4402-b31d-514bacb12c9c/Barred+owl-St+Johns+River+DeBary-2-28-26-1.jpg March 2026 - Back on the River - Make it stand out Our accommodating Barred owl - St. John’s River - 2/28/26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/dfafa516-f256-4fcb-982d-f1ebf05bf34a/Snail+kite+-+St+Johns+River+DeBary-2-28-26-3.jpg March 2026 - Back on the River - Make it stand out Snail kite - St. John’s River - 2/28/26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/home daily 1.0 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/643991fc-48e1-4033-ab1d-a46e3257f1f3/Northern+harrier-Blue+Heron+Preserve-1-30-24-1.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/c7d94713-1d64-401f-8723-91f4c575921c/Me.jpg https://www.natdigital2025.com/projects daily 0.75 2025-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/624b3c6d69f8ea5ba4177856/1649097856648-KPHW6ZA2QUMH6D6WCRL2/20140302_trade+151_0677.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/624b3c6d69f8ea5ba4177856/1649097856654-R9NLROIHO9VT8W7NIO99/Aro+Ha_0073.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/624b3c6d69f8ea5ba4177856/1649097856659-T0RN0JF7IZCOVW1JPKXV/20140228_Trade+151_0067+%281%29.jpg https://www.natdigital2025.com/introduction daily 0.75 2025-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6744d2da6ebc88536e25db2c/87c800a7-e7ba-4568-88a4-c9d3a28d1294/Golden+eagle+over+Bear+Mt.jpg https://www.natdigital2025.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-03-26 https://www.natdigital2025.com/donate daily 0.75 2024-12-28 https://www.natdigital2025.com/take-action daily 0.75 2025-05-13