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This eastern American toad cools off in the damp, shallow cavity it excavated in the crawlspace beneath our house.

The flagstone walkway surrounding our house is a favored place for the eastern American toads (Bufo americanus) that share our forested yard. At this time of year, knobby toads of various sizes and … more

By SANDY LONG | 7/8/20

This fledgling eagle is one of many in the upper Delaware region right now. Though it is as large as an adult, it has a lot of things to learn with the couple of short months it will be accompanied by its parents. The parents will allow the young to steal food from them at first; stealing is a valuable skill for a young eagle.

Junior flyers in the air (and on the ground)

If you have been listening in the woods, or even in your backyard, you have probably been listening to a lot of singing—bird songs, to be exact. Spring is the time of courtship for most species … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 7/1/20

The dandelion-like flowers of rattlesnake weed emerge atop leafless stalks. This native woodland flower is thought to thrive in areas preferred by rattlesnakes.

Blooming about

As we bid farewell to spring’s abundant charms, a fresh wave of flowering plants drenches our senses with the arrival of summer. Take every opportunity to explore what is happening in nature … more

By SANDY LONG | 6/24/20

This five-lined skink shows the hallmark bright blue tail seen on younger individuals. The lines are also very distinct on younger animals. Five-lined skinks are insect eaters, preying on things they can grab such as crickets and grasshoppers.

Leaping lizards!

On a July day in 2017, I was walking on a trail in state game lands in northern Pike County when I spotted movement on the trunk of a fallen tree. It moved quickly and in short spurts; the movement … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 6/17/20

It is said that the early bird gets the worm, and here is ample proof! Local photographer David B. Soete recently captured this American robin with an abundant breakfast in its beak. Robins are one of the earliest birds to be encountered in the Upper Delaware River region in spring, brightening the local landscape with their cheerful song and orange breast. Keep in mind that robins forage heavily on lawns and are vulnerable to pesticides applied to such areas.

Birds and butterflies

Despite a slow beginning beset by fits and starts, spring is finally in full swing throughout the Upper Delaware River region. The bounty of birds and butterflies all about is a welcome boost to … more

By SANDY LONG | 6/10/20

This black-phase male rattlesnake is just over a yard long as seen during late May. Note that the eye color is dark in a black-phase animal. The yellow-phase rattlesnakes have a lighter iris color. (A zoom lens was used to take this image.)

S is for spring—and snakes

By now, most people have seen at least one or more species of reptile or amphibian—maybe a painted turtle or green frog. This time of year, there are places where you have to watch your step to … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 6/3/20

Rose-breasted grosbeaks are distinguished by triangular patches of color on their breast. Males are easily identified by the distinctive red triangle flanked by white and topped with a black throat and head.

Two timely arrivals

Right around this time every year, hummingbirds return to the Upper Delaware River region. Local folks began reporting sightings via social media during the first week of May. In my Pike County … more

By SANDY LONG | 5/26/20

This is the six-spotted green tiger beetle, as seen in Glen Spey, NY. Two of the six spots can be seen on this individual. This insect’s long legs enable it to move and change direction quickly on the ground. Also, notice the large mandibles shaped like sickles. These traits make tiger beetles formidable insect predators.

Springtime predator: the tiger beetle

I remember walking down an access road on state game lands a few years ago. It was a nice day around this time of year. The birds were actively calling; some of them could be seen as the leaves had … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 5/20/20 | 1 comment

The hermit thrush is a round-bodied brownish bird with a notably reddish tail and thin white eye-ring. Its throat is mottled with spots that fade to smudges on its pale underside.

Backyard birding

Being largely housebound due to self-quarantining can have its benefits. In this case, I had the unexpected opportunity to observe migrating birds I might have missed had I not been sheltering in … more

By SANDY LONG | 5/13/20

Green frogs are probably the most commonly seen frog around waterways, from lakes to water-filled potholes in seldom-used dirt roads. They emerge from hibernation after the spring peepers and wood frogs. You will start hearing their “gulping“breeding calls from May into the summer. They can be mistaken for small bullfrogs, but the dorsolateral ridges of a green frog run from behind their eyes down to their hind leg; on bullfrogs, they curl around the eardrum and stop.

Walk in the wetlands

So far this spring, I’ve taken several hikes on public lands to do a little winding down but also to find more species for the PA Reptile and Amphibian Survey (PARS), a project that has been … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 5/5/20

Regional waterways are awash with the flow of spring thaw, providing an exhilarating sense of cleansing and renewal. Seek out waterfalls, rivers, streams and wetlands for a healthy dose of that energizing force.

Emerging energies

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to govern our lives, the toll on our physical and mental well-being can be substantial. Adhering to the restrictions that will keep all of us safer is admittedly … more

By SANDY LONG | 4/28/20

The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in the region. Like other woodpeckers, the male has more red than the female (the male has red cheek stripes—the female has black stripes). In flight, they display white underwing sections. Their call is loud and described as whinnying. The drum is a gradually fading roll that lasts about three seconds, gradually diminishing in volume through the drum.

Woodpeckers knocking on the door

It is the spring season and nature is waking up. In the morning, birds are calling, both the newly arrived migrants and the full-time residents. Breeding season is near. There is another sound in the … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 4/21/20

The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day occurs on Wednesday, April 22. The first Earth Day in 1970 led to the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States, including the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts. Organizers are calling for global support of the 2020 theme—Climate Action. Celebrate your local waterways, wetlands and other natural resources with actions that support their well-being.

A golden celebration

Turning 50 is a milestone—whether a birthday, a wedding anniversary or an event—and a golden opportunity to celebrate. Wednesday, April 22 marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, and the … more

By SANDY LONG | 4/14/20

Kayaking is a great way to practice social distancing while enjoying what nature has to offer. It is spring; birds and frogs will be calling. Look for some spring migrants and listen for the spring peepers near the wetlands.

Outdoor activity amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected, in some way, virtually every person in the region. An event like this is unprecedented in the modern history of our country. Anyone reading this … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 4/8/20

The balm of birds

My frail bird-loving mother has come to nest with me for the time being—that as-yet-undefined span of days we will share as we shelter together away from most human contact in hopes of avoiding … more

By SANDY LONG | 4/1/20

This spotted salamander was under a log not too far from a vernal pond. It is probably waiting for a warm, damp evening to make its way to the pond to breed. I did not disturb this individual, but I estimated it to be close to five inches long.

The unseen salamanders of spring

If you have walked past a small pond within the last few days, chances are you have heard the first wood frogs quacking away as they strive to attract a mate and breed. Soon after, spring peepers … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 3/25/20

Restore your sense of hope by watching for expressions of the natural cycle of life, as evidenced by these egg masses deposited by wood frogs recently in the Upper Delaware River region.

Combatting coronavirus—naturally

Are you overwhelmed with anxiety over the insidious creep of the new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19? Does it seem like everywhere you turn you are being told to wash your hands, practice social … more

By SANDY LONG | 3/18/20

Most bears seen are around 200 pounds, with females topping out at 300-400 pounds and males being much larger. The PA state record for largest bear is 879 pounds. The bear here was seen in the wild in Blooming Grove Township. The weight was estimated between 350 and 400 pounds.

The return of the bears

There are not too many people thinking about bears at the moment as they have been largely absent over the course of the winter. The gestating females in their dens gave birth to cubs during the … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 3/11/20

Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Amanda Subjin and Hawley, PA business owner Grant Genzlinger discuss the history of the recently completed Hawley Trail in preparation for a guided walk on Saturday, April 18. Visit www.bit.ly/hawleyearthweek to learn more.

Trail talk

Have you heard about the new trail initiatives transpiring in Wayne County, PA? Would you enjoy the opportunity to trek from Honesdale to Hawley by land or by water? Considerable progress has been … more

By SANDY LONG | 3/4/20

Hooded mergansers are named for the feather ridge at the crown of the head that can be raised, making its head look bigger than it actually is. Like the common merganser, this species is also a diving duck that feeds on small fish. This male shows black and white plumage that is very distinctive. Its yellow eyes put it up in the top five in the “Duck Beauty Contest.”

Winter has been just ducky

This probably happens to most of us in the outdoors at some time or another: We rig our lines for largemouth bass and end up hooking into a musky. Maybe we go looking for a peregrine falcon that has … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 2/26/20

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Currently viewing stories posted within the past year.
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