Photos / Sounds
What
Groundhog (Marmota monax)Observer
ben41Description
This woodchuck was foraging near Shippee earlier in the evening. It seemed generally unconcerned about my presence.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)Observer
ben41Description
A pair of doves was feeding alongside the red winged blackbirds I saw. They also seemed unconcerned about feeding territory
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)Observer
ben41Description
Several makes and females were feeding together on the South Campus quad. It was interesting that away from the lakeshore, the males fed in close proximity, unconcerned with territory.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)Observer
ben41Description
A mother and four ducklings were swimming near the dam at Mirror Lake. The mother made short, high-pitched quacks as she kept watch over the ducklings, who were feeding in some algae.
Photos / Sounds
What
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)Observer
ben41Description
This doe was near D-Lot on Wednesday. She seemed unconcerned with the cars driving by, and I watched her from my car for several minutes. She casually grazed, scratched, and walked around the patch of grass for several minutes. As with my previous observation, I was surprised that she was alone.
Photos / Sounds
What
Horseshoe Crabs (Family Limulidae)Observer
ben41Place
Missing LocationDescription
Last night in Rhode Island, we counted over 100 crabs coming ashore to mate. We found many more males than females, and the males were mostly smaller (18-23cm wide) than the females (22-25cm wide). Many males tried to push others off the females, while the females lay half buried in the sand laying eggs.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)Observer
ben41Description
These two ducks walked along Mirror Lake by the dam today. The larger one (presumably the mother) quacked at me when I walked by
Photos / Sounds
What
Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma disstria)Observer
ben41Description
This caterpillar remained motionless in a groove in the bark of a maple tree by the Parade Field.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)Observer
ben41Description
A mother phoebe visited her nest many times today at the Burlington State Fish Hatchery. Several chicks were inside, sitting still. When we investigated the nest, the mother flew between perches on nearby fish ponds
Photos / Sounds
What
Harvestmen (Order Opiliones)Observer
ben41Description
This "daddy long legs" arachnid crawled on my hand at the Burlington State Fish Hatchery. I had to coax it off my arm
Photos / Sounds
What
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)Observer
ben41Description
Three starlings were feeding by South Campus. It's interesting that they bob their heads while walking
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata)Observer
ben41Description
We saw a larva on the western side of one of the Discovery Drive wildlife underpasses. It was swimming in a shallow pool, and took shelter under a large rock.
Photos / Sounds
What
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)Observer
ben41Description
This deer was grazing by 195, near Horsebarn Hill. I was surprised, since this doe seemed to be alone. She would graze for a few seconds, look up, walk a few steps, and repeat.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)Observer
ben41Description
The hawk was being mobbed by several red-winged blackbirds in the marsh at the HEEP.
Photos / Sounds
What
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica)Observer
ben41Description
Three pigeons were feeding on other animals' seeds at the Beardsley Zoo. One would remain alert while the other two fed.
Photos / Sounds
What
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)Observer
ben41Description
Many sparrows were feeding by the picnic tables at the Beardsley Zoo today. One male hopped close to our table many times, and several others gathered under another table to feed on leftovers. They appeared to follow a pecking order, as certain individuals gave way to others.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens)Observer
ben41Description
Several bees were gathering nectar from flowers on campus.
Photos / Sounds
What
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)Observer
ben41Description
Around a dozen geese were flocking at a golf course. At any given time, one to three individuals were alert while the others were split between feeding and resting.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Sunfishes (Genus Lepomis)Observer
ben41Description
Over a dozen bluegill were stationary in a group in Swan Lake. When disturbed by a turtle, they briefly dispersed before returning to being stationary.
Photos / Sounds
What
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)Observer
ben41Description
A flock of pigeons was mobbing a predatory bird (not sure which species) near Storrs Center yesterday. Most of the flock flew close together, turning in the same direction. A few would dart out at a time and 'charge' the predator.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)Observer
ben41Description
One squirrel chased the other around the waste bins several times, pausing briefly to look alert before resuming. Is this courtship behavior?
Photos / Sounds
What
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)Observer
ben41Description
This robin was feeding by mirror lake. It alternated between quickly dipping its head down, running a few steps, then standing alert.
Photos / Sounds
What
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)Observer
ben41Description
This heron was standing in the reeds in Mirror Lake, watching the water. It seemed to be watching the water for fish.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)Observer
ben41Description
A pair of mourning doves were perched near the top of a tree by Mirror Lake. They kept an eye on me but didn't move.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)Observer
ben41Description
This snake was basking on the concrete dam below Mirror Lake, partially touching the water. When disturbed, it slid into a crack between the concrete slabs and submerged itself.
Photos / Sounds
What
Swallows and Martins (Family Hirundinidae)Observer
ben41Description
Two swallows were flying over mirror lake, in a somewhat circular pattern. I noticed that they flew by quick bursts of flapping followed by a few seconds of gliding. They seemed to be calling as well.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)Observer
ben41Description
This squirrel was digging for buried food by McMahon. Like other rodents, it stood up and froze when it saw me.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)Observer
ben41Description
There were male blackbirds perched on reeds and trees all around Mirror Lake, all approximately 15-20m apart. They all gave long, shrill calls, presumably to defend their territories. When I approached one, he gave some shorter chirps and flew away.
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata)Observer
ben41Description
While herping today I saw several mothers under rocks in streams, brooding over their egg clutches
Photos / Sounds
What
Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)Observer
ben41Description
This adult was concealed under vegetation on a stream bank. When it saw me it urinated, then jumped into the center of the stream and remained still
