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A close-up of a milksnake found in Pike county reveals round pupils that all non-venomous snakes (in our region) share. Milksnakes have smooth (non-keeled) scales. A “Y” shaped marking is on top of the head, behind the eyes, of this individual.

With the arrival of fall, one does not hear as many animals calling as in the spring and summer (although I’ve been hearing a lot of Carolina wrens and some red-shouldered hawks). The frogs and … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 10/21/20

White Deer Lake is one of six glacial lakes located within the Pike County, PA portion of the Delaware State Forest. At 49 acres and a depth of approximately 18 feet, the lake provides excellent opportunities for peaceful paddling or rowing, as well as warm-water fishing for bass and pan fish.

A perfect paddle

A recent event held near my home in Pike County included an evening of amplified music and a fireworks display. Despite being located several miles away, the sounds emanated through the forest, … more

By SANDY LONG | 10/14/20

This is a pair of mantises found in Shohola on September 18. The male is to the left and on top of the female. This pair was coupled for at least 20 minutes. Female mantids are slightly larger than the males and display a distended abdomen due to its egg mass during late summer.

Mating mantises

Although it is starting to get cooler, late summer and early fall is a good time to find assorted insects. Many insects that don’t overwinter in their larval state are near full size and ready … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 10/7/20

The simple act of taking a walk through the forest or along a sparkling waterway like this one in Pike County, PA can reduce anxiety and restore a sense of peace and perspective. Take a dog along and be inspired by its highly engaged sensory appreciation of the experience.

Peace and place

The River Reporter has invited readers to join its Monthly Conversation Experience by reflecting on the following prompt: In this time of upheaval, where do you find refuge and renewal? It will come … more

By SANDY LONG | 9/30/20

Our player for this sequence has just dropped a small chunk of wood. Whether it was an accidental drop, perhaps changing feet for a grip, or deliberate is hard to say. The young hawk has its eye on it.

Sky play

Some species of birds have started their migrations south. In fact, some species, such as the wood thrush, have started several weeks ago. Near the end of August, some raptors have started to … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 9/23/20

Most slugs are hermaphrodites with both female and male reproductive organs. Mating involves finding partners and engaging in “elaborate courtship rituals,” as described on Wikipedia. “Once a slug has located a mate, they encircle each other and sperm is exchanged through their protruded genitalia.”

Slug love

Many of the species of wildlife we are fortunate to co-exist with in the Upper Delaware River region are beautiful, awe-inspiring or just plain interesting. From the majesty of the black bears and … more

By SANDY LONG | 9/16/20

This litter of neonates was spotted on August 30 along with one other group of neonates and some adults. A communal gestation site may have a “pile” of up to a dozen or so gravid females. Neonate timber rattlers are about a foot long at birth and weigh about an ounce. There are three neonates in this frame.

The babes of fall

With fall just around the corner, most animals are preparing for the long cold season ahead. A few early broad-winged hawks have started their migration south, bears are eating as much food as they … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 9/9/20

This chicken of the woods mushroom was in prime condition for harvest and consumption—firm and colorful flesh that is springy, but not tough.

Chickens and trumpets

While rambling along a country road recently, a flash of bright orange emanating from the dark forest floor caught my eye. The source of the vibrant color turned out to be a chicken of the woods … more

By SANDY LONG | 9/2/20

This is a monarch caterpillar found early in the five-minute milkweed survey. Monarch caterpillars are in their later instars during mid-August, making them large and easy to spot. Monarch caterpillars will only feed on milkweed. When looking for this species, look for eaten leaves that may indicate which plants to check. You may also find another milkweed muncher, the milkweed tussock caterpillar.

Five minutes in a milkweed patch

About a week ago, I was getting ready to start the day on an ongoing research project, and temperature and relative humidity are required to be taken and recorded at the start. It takes a few minutes … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 8/26/20

I experience the natural world as a portal to deeper understanding of the self. I exist within it, and it exists within me.

Writing ‘River Talk’

What do snakes, insects and mushrooms have in common? For starters, each shares habitat with us here in the Upper Delaware River region and are active at this time of year, making it more likely we … more

By SANDY LONG | 8/19/20

Shown is a pair of red-eared sliders found in a lake in Pike County last year. The largest is close to a foot long and likely was released many years ago. The red markings fade with age but are still faintly visible behind the eye. The carapace, or upper shell, is rough appearing in sunlight and may display vertical yellow lines.

Unwanted turtles

Back in the days when the Baby Boomer generation were kids, it seemed like every pet store had “baby turtles” for sale. Our parents brought home a couple as they were seemingly easy to … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 8/12/20

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

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Currently viewing stories posted within the past year.
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