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The rewards of dining outside are many: healthy doses of sunshine and fresh air, as well as immersing in the inspiring natural beauty of pristine scenes like this one in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

Outdoor dining

These days, there seems to be a “National Day” for just about everything, ranging from the righteous to the ridiculous. Many serve as motivators to celebrate something worthwhile, such as … more

By SANDY LONG | 8/5/20

A larval Galerucella is present on a purple loosestrife plant and appears to be in one of the last instars before becoming an adult. The larvae of the Galerucella also feed on loosestrife. The damage done to a purple loosestrife plant by Galerucella resembles shotgun pellet holes.

August showers bring loosestrife flowers

As August arrives, you may have noticed some purple flowers starting to pop out from road-sides, or perhaps along your favorite fishing lake or pond. You may even spot a few in a field by your home. … more

By Scott Rando | 7/29/20

Macro photography can deepen your awareness of the natural world’s intricacies, mysteries and charms. This delightfully adorable caterpillar found its way onto my hand, where it became the subject of my photographic interest. Its cheerful demeanor reminded me of a cartoon character. The Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Summer 2020 Contest includes a category for macro photography and a new youth category for photographers under 18 years of age. Learn more at www.delawarehighlands.org/photo-contest.

Shutterbug alert!

Are you (like me) one of those folks who find themselves traipsing around the Upper Delaware River region, capturing its countless natural charms with a digital imaging device? Have you discovered … more

By SANDY LONG | 7/22/20

This is a large, dark-phase or melanistic hog-nosed snake that has mimicked a cobra hood by flattening the skin of its neck to make its head appear larger. The upturned snout is also visible, which is its namesake. They can emit a hissing sound to discourage predators; listen at www.riverreporter.com/river-talk.

Hognose heaven

There are about 20 or so species of snake that inhabit the region, depending on the habitat. Two, the timber rattlesnake and the Northern copperhead, are venomous, but you usually have to go out of … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 7/15/20

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

Watch your step!

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

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Currently viewing stories posted within the past year.
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