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Trees are temporarily transformed into artful abstractions following winter snowstorms. Take a walk, and take delight in this fleeting visual gift.
The terrific-ness of trees
To me, trees are truly miraculous. As a child, I spent happy hours climbing into their arms, resting there, held in their embrace and swaying ever so slightly when the wind joined in, enhancing my … more
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A muskrat enjoys dinner at sunset on an ice shelf at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. Muskrats are herbivores and usually have no problem in finding enough food during the winter months in or near the water.
Winter wildlife viewing opportunities
Winter is the time to see eagles in or around the region. Not only are there lots of migrant eagles from Canada wintering here, but the ice formation on area waterways from cold weather forces the … more
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This adult eagle, seen on the Delaware near the Lackawaxen River confluence, is either a resident eagle or a migrant from Canada. This area stays somewhat ice-free during the winter and attracts eagles to congregate there. Areas such as these are targeted during the mid-winter bald eagle survey.
Mid-winter eagle survey
The first part of January is the time for the annual mid-winter bald eagle survey. The survey is coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Most … more
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One of the projects funded by Pennsylvania’s Environmental Stewardship Fund resulted in a study of the impact of non-point-source pollution on water quality. The study utilized hands-on testing and sampling that compared the pristine Lake Lacawac at Lacawac Sanctuary with the massive man-made Lake Wallenpaupack, pictured here.
Celebrating conservation
It’s exciting to note that as we enter 2020, we celebrate 20 years since Pennsylvania’s Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF)—also known as Growing Greener—was established to … more
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Eastern hemlock saplings are flexible and can collect enough snow and ice to bend over double. Hemlocks get stouter as they grow, but a tree more apt to cause problems with power lines is the white birch; they can get tall enough and retain enough flexibility to interfere with power lines.
December roars in
The first day of December started out well enough; it was overcast with no precipitation at 7 a.m., with a temperature of 21 degrees in Shohola, PA. At about 8 a.m., the first hint on what was to … more
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As eagle populations rise in the Upper Delaware River region, it is increasingly likely to encounter this magnificent raptor during the Christmas Bird Count. Visit www.delawarehighlands.org/eagles/wintering-eagles to learn more about local viewing opportunities during the winter months.
Counting birds for Christmas
For 119 years, the National Audubon Society has led an important initiative known as the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)—an early winter bird census that has resulted in the establishment of a … more
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This female turkey is showing off its blue-green and orange plumage. The banding of the primary and secondary flight feathers is visible on the tips of the wings. Turkey wing feathers found on the ground are most frequently misidentified as hawk feathers.
River talk
By now, most readers have finished their Thanksgiving leftovers from the holiday dinner they likely shared with family and friends last week. A whole turkey provides enough leftovers for several … more
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Splash! The kingfisher dives into the water, nabbing a meal with a swift snap of its sturdy beak.
King of the fishers
You might be paddling down the Delaware River, or walking along the shoreline of a local lake when you hear it—the distinctive chittering cries of a belted kingfisher. The loud rattle-like … more
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Express your gratitude for our mighty and majestic Delaware River by taking and posting pictures on Thanksgiving Day and using #Grateful4theDelaware to proclaim your appreciation. Visit www.4states1source.org to learn more about the Delaware River Watershed Initiative’s work to protect the rivers and streams that provide drinking water for more than 15 million people across four states.
Falling for fall
With October in the rearview mirror and Thanksgiving looming on the horizon, signs of the season’s shift toward winter are all around. Take some time to tune in to the passing peculiarities and … more
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Red-tailed hawks are probably the raptor you’re most likely to see in the region. They can be seen along highways perched on trees, looking for prey in the form of squirrels or other rodents. Some of these, mainly from the north, are seen migrating through the area in late October and into November. However, many in our region stay in the area all year round.
River talk
When fall arrives, it signals the time for some bird species to migrate to warmer climes. We have all seen and heard large skeins of Canada geese flying southbound during this time of year. Other … more
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A bookworm in the best sense, Jenna Wayne Mauder loves books so much that she started a free book swap eight years ago to re-home unwanted books to fellow book-lovers in the Upper Delaware River region. The popular community event received an environmental award from the Northeast PA Environmental Partners on October 24.
Unabashed bookworms
I suspect that readers of community newspapers like The River Reporter tend to be devotees of the written word, especially those who purchase subscriptions and enjoy the experience of ink on paper. … more
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Worker bees are seen here in a section of the hive. It was about 45 degrees when this image was taken, so they were not very active. The female worker bees do most of the hive upkeep like gathering honey, feeding larval bees and constructing new honeycombs. The queen may be in that cluster, surrounded by workers in the upper part of the hive. There are also drone bees: male bees whose sole purpose is to mate with the queen. After mating, she deposits an egg in each of the designated combs.
The bees' knees
Honey bees are an essential part of the environment. They pollinate wild plants and cultivated plants alike. Our bountiful harvest in the late summer wouldn’t be so bountiful without bees to … more
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The Eastern Newt, shown here in its terrestrial stage as a red eft, is harmless and should not be harvested for adding to bubbling cauldrons.
Forest frights
Halloween will soon be here, with witches, werewolves, monsters, ghosts, ghouls and goblins beginning to appear around our homes and neighborhoods. As the colorful foliage begins to fall, our … more
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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.
Monarch fly-in
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
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“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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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