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Spongy moths made their appearance during early May in many areas, and in some areas, there are heavy infestations. Formerly named the gypsy moth, this is a destructive pest that feeds mostly on hardwood trees. The caterpillar here has just hatched a couple of days ago and it is barely two millimeters long. Tiny ants were also on the top rail of the fence, but seemed to ignore the caterpillars.

May has arrived with warmer temperatures and longer days. The trees are sprouting green leaves, and so are a lot of the plants in the garden or out in the field or forest. The hummingbirds have … more

5/14/25

A tan caddis like the species we found in the thousands on the West Branch years ago.

Fishing the Mud Hole with Willie

Looking back, I don’t know where this fishing trip actually began. Whether we left from my home or from our camp at Peaceful Valley, I can’t recall. Nevertheless, we were on our way. … more

5/14/25

Tony Bonavist shares his stories in book form

River Reporter fly fishing writer Tony Bonavist has collected his River Reporter columns into a book, titled “Ramblings of a Catskill Fly Fisher.” A biologist, now retired from the … more

By ANNEMARIE SCHUETZ | 5/14/25

This fawn was found near a house and very close to a road in Shohola, PA during the last week of May. The doe gave birth to the fawn very recently, and the fawn did not have the strength to walk yet. This wasn’t the best choice of resting spots, as the fawn was obvious to passing motorists. This fawn was eventually walking and found with its mother a few hours later.

If you care, leave it there

REGION — With spring in full swing and young animals more visible, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to appreciate wildlife from a … more

5/13/25

The hazards of abandoned monofilament line, lead sinkers and hooks are numerous and place wildlife at considerable risk. Birds, fish and amphibians can be harmed and even perish as a result of human carelessness. Such outcomes are easily avoided with proper disposal.

Something fishy

Something fishy is afoot along waterways in the Upper Delaware River region, where anglers cast their lines and sometimes leave a tangled mass containing sinkers and hooks behind. That … more

By SANDY LONG | 5/7/25

My scamps like digging up ramps for us and the pet goats.

Scamps and ramps

Foraging is a rather romanticized hobby and/or task. On the one hand, there is a fair bit of luck involved, I think, with whether you can find things to forage that are at all desirable or … more

By HUNTER HILL | 5/7/25

Net-winged beetles are named for the ridges of their forewings (elytra). This one was seen just before Easter, and its brilliant color made it stand out when it landed on the road in front of me. Adults are about 2 centimeters long. The color is a form of protection, as the net-winged beetle has chemicals in the pyrazine family, which makes it taste unpleasant to predators. The beetles are active from late spring to mid-summer. Other species of net-winged beetles are banded or have other marks on their elytra.

Another spring flight

This spring, there have been a lot of signs of life around, either seen or heard. People have been noting the time of specific events—for example, when they hear the first spring peeper. … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 4/30/25

Frog frolicking, pond paddling and more at PEEC

DINGMANS FERRY, PA — The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) has announced the following entertaining and educational events: Bird Bonanza on Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to noon. $5 … more

4/30/25

A nice East Branch Brown, landed and released during Hendrickson time.

Hendricksons on the East Branch

When it comes to fly hatches, no aquatic insect receives more attention then the Hendrickson/red quill hatch.There is a reason for all the excitement associated with this mayfly. Although Hendrickson … more

By TONY BONAVIST | 4/30/25

A couple of muskellunge in an aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery. The muskellunge season in New York State now has a specific season-opening date.

Opening day for coolwater fish species

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the fishing season for Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge begins … more

4/29/25

Barbara Yeaman launched a land trust at the age of 70 that today has conserved more than 19,000 acres in the Upper Delaware River region. In addition to her impactful work, Barbara was also a trained clown and puppeteer, here depicted having her face painted at a Delaware Highlands Conservancy Volunteer Picnic. The inspiring and much beloved founder of the conservancy celebrated her 100th birthday in December 2024. Yeaman passed away on April 6, 2025. In honor of her dedication to protecting the lands and waters of the Upper Delaware River region, the conservancy has established the Barbara Yeaman Fund for Land Conservation. Visit www.delawarehighlands.org/conservancy-founder-celebrates-100th-birthday to learn more.

Goodbye, Buttercup

Hope is where we hang our hearts. We might hope a cherished bridge that connected communities on both sides of the magnificent Delaware River could continue its legacy as a crosswalk … more

4/23/25

Pike County Maintenance Staff Member Pat DeFrancesco, left, back row; Pike County Commissioner Matthew Osterberg; volunteer Randy Fuller; ike County Maintenance Supervisor Ed Haberzettl; last year's derby 5-and-under winner Lucas Beers, front row; and Fishing Derby Coordinator Lorraine Lombardo.

Pike Commissioners hold 27th annual fishing derby

MILFORD, PA — Pike County children aged 15 and under will have the opportunity to catch a variety of trout and compete for prizes at the 27th annual Commissioners Fishing Derby on Saturday, … more

4/23/25

Rorick and Walker took to flying kites like a couple of ace pilots.

April gusts

My least favorite element is wind. I believe I’ve expressed that in past columns, but in case you’ve missed my heated disagreement with that particular force of nature, there it is. … more

By HUNTER HILL | 4/23/25

Lights out for migration

REGION — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) today remind New Yorkers to take action to help protect migrating birds as they … more

4/18/25

This is a winter shot of the D&H Canal section at the NY side of the Roebling Bridge. The strip of land between the canal and the river is part of the trail, and it was also used by the mules to pull the boats as well as workers that handled lines and other tasks. The trailhead can be accessed from the parking area next to the toll house (small building at the end of the bridge).

A short hike along the D&H Canal

In the early 1800s, the D&H was built to provide a commercial transportation system from Northeast PA to markets along the Hudson River near and above New York City. Covering over 108 miles, this … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 4/16/25

The negative impact

An internet search determined that the first no-kill trout fishing regulations were put into effect in Michigan in 1972. New York State followed in the early ‘60s, with those same regulations, … more

By TONY BONAVIST | 4/16/25

This black bear triggered a motion light outside our back door in November. It gazed steadily for a few moments before dashing up the hill into the forest...

Watch out for bears!

REGION — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today reminded New Yorkers to remove or secure outdoor food sources that may attract … more

4/14/25

Bats occasionally establish maternity colonies in buildings to gain access to the warmth and darkness of spaces such as attics.

Be a bat buddy

Bats are beautiful. I’m happy to claim this bias, which some might see as batty. The more I’ve learned about these fetching flyers, the more I realize how truly misunderstood they … more

By SANDY LONG | 4/9/25

Small, delicate white flowers are the first sign of a sweet spring treat.

First bloom in a warm room First bloom in a warm room

As I write this, I tense with uncomfortable anticipation of what I hope will be our last snow event of the winter. Has spring sprung yet? I know it’s trying, but it appears it’s a slow … more

By HUNTER HILL | 4/9/25

In mid-March, I saw a bunch of red-spotted newts trying to cross a road to get to a vernal pond to breed. There were about a half-dozen on the road trying to cross, and an equal number that were crushed by vehicles on the road. Certain areas in parks or refuges might have road closures this time of year to cut down on roadkill. This individual and all others on this day were breeding adults. They might resemble the immature “red eft” stage of this species, but this one has a keeled tail, as adults live in the water in warm weather.

Spring signs

Those of you who are hoping for an early spring, contrary to what that meteorologist in Punxsutawney, PA said, may be in luck. Temperatures have been seasonable to above average for the region, with … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 4/2/25

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Currently viewing stories posted within the past 2 years.
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