November 16th, 2011

Yesterday was just a spectacular day on many levels. Classes from Lackner Woods P.S. were out studying the habitats on the property. Besides the beautiful weather, the day was made even more special by all of the sightings and sounds we experienced.

Just before the arrival of the bus I was treated to a fly-over of a large flock of 175-200 Pine Siskins! And while mentioning this to the class upon disembarking the bus, smaller flocks of 25 began flying over us – perfect timing.

It was a wonderful example of a species that is required to travel some distance to fulfill its need for food, and meet its habitat requirements – a message not lost on the students.

Today, we again had several smaller flocks, including a mixed flock of Pine Siskins and at least one American Goldfinch, flying around as we toured the property.

We also found some of the last adult dragonflies of the year, Yellow-legged Meadowhawks and Cherry-faced Meadowhawks, actively flying about and incredibly, a male and female flying in tandem – a strategy that ensures the eggs HE fertilized get deposited.

It was a day of mixed seasons, it seemed. The winter finches had begun to arrive in large numbers, yet the late-summer dragonflies were still participating in the perpetuation of their species! There does not seem to be a shortage of sightings lately. The more time you spend outside, the more likely it is you will see things…