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This southward-bound monarch can only fly 12 to 15 mph, but in two months, it can be down to its wintering grounds in Mexico. A butterfly has been tracked flying over 285 miles in a single day, though it may have been helped by a tailwind. Migrating monarchs are frequently seen 100 feet or more above the ground, likely helped by thermals and ridge lift.

A fly-in might be considered a gathering for pilots that takes place at a given airfield. The focus of the meeting might be a small gathering for breakfast at the airport diner, or perhaps a … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 10/9/19

“Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation—or anywhere in the world,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Combined with the state’s outstanding waterways, travelers are in for a real treat while touring the region.

The forest AND the trees

Following my last column about fall webworms and eastern tent caterpillars, I decided to share something more pleasing to the eye, and to the spirit, therefore this paean to the restorative nature of … more

By SANDY LONG | 10/2/19

Neonate timber rattlers measure about one-foot long at birth. This female measured 29.8 cm and weighed 30 grams (as compared to one kilogram for the average female adult). The single rattle on its tail, resembling a button, is incapable of making any noise. This individual was one in a litter found in early September.

Some late season newborns

When we think of young animals making their first appearance in the wild, the season of spring comes into mind. Animals born during spring’s improving weather have several months of warm … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 9/25/19

The larval stage of the fall webworm can be observed throughout the Upper Delaware River region at this time of year. Fall webworms build their filmy nests at the tips of tree branches. The large messy nests typically contain an assortment of bristly caterpillars, their droppings and partially eaten leaves.

Wondering about those webs?

If you’ve been traveling around the Upper Delaware River region lately, you may have begun to wonder whether these early autumn days have taken a decided turn toward the time when ghouls and … more

By SANDY LONG | 9/18/19 | 1 comment

Even as caterpillars, the Luna moth is very prominent. This caterpillar is large—about three inches for this individual—and the orange-brown body contrasts with its green head. The caterpillar of this species appears in August and overwinters, undergoing metamorphosis and emerging as a moth in late spring of the following year.

Late summer bug walk

Late August and early September elicit a variety of insect life, aside from the usual pesky biting types. During this time of year, seasonal insects are likely to be mature, as it is late in their … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 9/12/19

Mark your calendars for the interesting discussion and meditative experience, “Seeing the Forest Through the Trees,” featuring local authors, John Harvey and Doug Bill, on September 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, PA.

Attentive appreciation

Devoted readers of “River Talk”—please consider this your cordial invitation to join me and two wonderful local authors, Doug Bill and John Harvey, for an event that is sure to … more

By SANDY LONG | 9/4/19

Three female timber rattlesnakes nestle at a gestation basking site. There are two black-phase snakes and, on the right, a yellow phase. The milky appearance of the eyes on two of the snakes indicate they are ready to shed. Basking is a thermoregulatory strategy snakes use to control their body temperature. If they get too warm during a hot day, they will retreat under a ledge or other shady spot.

The ‘buzz’ about rattlesnakes

A few weeks ago, there was news of a couple rattlesnake sightings at various locations in Pike County, PA. It spurred one of the local news channels to present a short informational segment on … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 8/28/19

This adult female mallard duck was rescued after being hit by a vehicle and suffered a broken wing. I took her to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center (PWERC) in Stroudsburg, PA, a non-profit providing care to injured and orphaned wildlife since 1983. PWREC takes in more than 2,400 animals annually, such as bears, fawns, raccoons, raptors, songbirds, foxes and more. Please consider supporting their important work. Visit www.poconowildlife.com/wp to learn more.

Empathy and action

Imagine, for a few moments, that you are a female mallard duck. You have been struck by a vehicle and are wobbling around Route 6 in Hawley, PA in front of Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. A tractor … more

By SANDY LONG | 8/21/19

The red milkweed beetle is host-specific to milkweed. With their bright-red color interspersed with black spots, they are pretty obvious. The adults feed on leaf foliage while the larvae feed on roots. This species has a scientific name of Tetraopes tetrophthalmus; both the genus and species name translate to “four eyes.” The antenna socket bisects each compound eye, causing this beetle to have four compound eyes.

Milkweed visitors

So far this summer, I’ve seen a fair number of monarch butterflies as well as some caterpillars of the same species. These numbers are certainly an improvement from a few summers ago when only … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 8/14/19

Walking stick insects are known as phasmatodeans or ghost insects due to their highly effective natural camouflage that makes it difficult for predators to detect them. Resembling small twigs, this animal is herbivorous and blends easily into its leafy food sources.

Interesting insects

I happened to catch part of an interview on NPR recently with author Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, whose newly-released book, “Buzz, Sting, Bite: Why We Need Insects,” is stirring up a swarm of … more

By SANDY LONG | 8/7/19

The northern red salamander, a member of the Pseudotiton ruber, is a striking red color with small black spots covering a large part of the body. This species can be found in cool streams and shaded areas surrounding these habitats. This species is present in the region, but not seen as often as the other salamanders mentioned in this column.

Salamanders keeping their cool

The middle of July saw a warm spell, with temperatures getting into the 90s accompanied by high humidity that made it feel even hotter. The wildlife felt it too and hunkered down; deer spent a lot of … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 7/31/19

This female Promethea silkmoth displays her bright reddish wings with tan borders and well-delineated cell spots. Males have blackish wings with tan borders and pink shading near eyespots on the forewing tips.

Striking silk moths

The past two weeks have produced encounters with two beautiful female silk moths, both members of the family Saturniidae, which contains approximately 1,300 species. That beauty will be brief, as … more

By SANDY LONG | 7/24/19

This monarch butterfly, in flight, is probably looking for a milkweed plant. This is the time of year when female monarchs deposit their eggs on the bottom side of milkweed leaves. The hatching monarch caterpillars will only eat milkweed. They may also be on other plants to take nectar.

Colorful flyers of summer

One thing about looking for a particular plant or animal along a trail or stream is you are likely to see everything but the target species. It’s kind of like looking for a lost set of keys … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 7/17/19

The eagles celebrate the fourth

As you read this, we are celebrating our nation’s Independence Day, and no doubt, there are ongoing fireworks displays, picnics, or other outdoor events to celebrate the occasion. The holiday … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 7/8/19

A panoramic view of the Delaware Water Gap and Pennsylvania’s Mount Minsi. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area incorporates 40 miles of the Middle Delaware National and Scenic Recreation River and offers more than a hundred miles of hiking trails, 28 miles of the Appalachian Trail, a state forest and state wildlife management areas.

Photographer captures water gap beauty

Established in 1965, the park preserves historical sites predating English settlement in the New World as well as evidence of Native American activity that occurred there 13,000 years ago. more

By SANDY LONG | 7/3/19

TRR photos by Scott Rando An eagle is a majestic study of flight, capable of efficient soaring and fast and nimble flight for catching prey, defending nesting territory, or stealing the occasional fish from an osprey. A breeding pair will stay together for life, so long as both are healthy.

The eagle or the turkey

In determining our national symbol, there was some rumored debate among our founding fathers. After the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin was purported to have been involved in the … more

SCOTT RANDO | 6/19/19

The remains of a raccoon along the Delaware River.

Expressions of impermanence

The natural world offers endless expressions of wonder, many of which we share here with TRR readers. Learning about the lives of the flora and fauna we coexist with in the Upper Delaware River … more

SANDY LONG | 6/12/19

TRR photos by Scott Rando Northern watersnakes are commonly seen around lakes and ponds as they bask in the sun and hunt for frogs, toads and smaller fish. This species has a brighter pattern when young, which gets dark when older. This individual was close to a yard long.

Snakes alive

Warmer days came with the month of May—so has something else. The timber rattlesnake is considered a pit viper; it has small pits forward of the eyes, which are used to detect body heat from … more

SCOTT RANDO | 6/5/19

TRR photos by Sandy Long Ticks like this American dog tick move relatively slowly, and if not embedded, can be easily removed. They cannot jump up from the ground or leap down from a higher perch, but instead gain access to potential hosts by crawling up grasses and shrubbery to wait patiently for an animal or human to brush past.&nbsp;

Tick travails

I embrace the belief that every life form exists for a reason, even if I’m unable to discern what that is. When it comes to ticks, however (and probably also mosquitos), it is challenging to … more

SANDY LONG | 5/29/19

TRR photos by Scott Rando Fawns begin to appear this time of year. It takes several hours after they are born for them to be able to walk. If you find them alone and lying down, as this one is, leave it be. The mother might be nearby waiting for you to leave so she can attend to her fawn.

Babes in the woods

With spring in full bloom, fields and forests are alive with life. Plants are flowering and bees, butterflies and other pollinators are gathering nectar. Birds have started their breeding, and, in … more

SCOTT RANDO | 5/22/19

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Currently viewing stories posted within the past year.
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