Tuesday, February 28, 2017
A Beaver Has Been Busy!
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region:
A beaver (Castor canadensis) has been gnawing on this very large and old cottonwood tree (Populus deltoides). Beaver do not typically chew all the way through the trunks of large trees, but rather weaken them and wait for the wind or other forces to do the rest of the work. Here on the prairies of the Kulm Wetland Management District in North Dakota, trees can be few and far between. Once a tree like this falls, the beaver has access to the smaller, tender branches which it chews off and carries away to build a lodge or store for food through the winter.
Photo Credit: Krista Lundgren/USFWS
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A beaver (Castor canadensis) has been gnawing on this very large and old cottonwood tree (Populus deltoides). Beaver do not typically chew all the way through the trunks of large trees, but rather weaken them and wait for the wind or other forces to do the rest of the work. Here on the prairies of the Kulm Wetland Management District in North Dakota, trees can be few and far between. Once a tree like this falls, the beaver has access to the smaller, tender branches which it chews off and carries away to build a lodge or store for food through the winter.
Photo Credit: Krista Lundgren/USFWS
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Protected Nautilus
From NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research:
Last dive of the #Okeanos 2017 American Samoa expedition, coming up in a few hours! Today's dive will take us to the site of a protected Nautili population in the Taena Bank area, at depths between 300 and 400 meters, near the harbor of Pago Pago, American Samoa. No guarantees that we'll see a nautilus, but just in case, brush up on what a nautilus actually is with this info from theNational Ocean Service: http://
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Last dive of the #Okeanos 2017 American Samoa expedition, coming up in a few hours! Today's dive will take us to the site of a protected Nautili population in the Taena Bank area, at depths between 300 and 400 meters, near the harbor of Pago Pago, American Samoa. No guarantees that we'll see a nautilus, but just in case, brush up on what a nautilus actually is with this info from theNational Ocean Service: http://
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The Greater Banded Hornet
From USFWS Pacific Region:
When it comes to disposition, the greater banded hornet makes other wasps seem like gentle butterflies and their stings feel like a pat on the back. It’s a mean one alright, and folks beyond the wasp’s native range of Southeast Asia are being painfully acquainted.
With two populations recently discovered on Guam, the greater banded hornet is a new invasive species to be reckoned with. These large, quarter-sized wasps are very aggressive with a particularly painful sting. They can be identified by a distinct,bright yellow band around the abdomen. Because invasive species out-compete their native counterparts and destroy native plants and habitat, the greater banded hornet stings in more ways than one.
So that’s another villain in our National Invasive Species Awareness Week campaign. #NISAW
Photo credit: Chris Jacobs
With two populations recently discovered on Guam, the greater banded hornet is a new invasive species to be reckoned with. These large, quarter-sized wasps are very aggressive with a particularly painful sting. They can be identified by a distinct,bright yellow band around the abdomen. Because invasive species out-compete their native counterparts and destroy native plants and habitat, the greater banded hornet stings in more ways than one.
So that’s another villain in our National Invasive Species Awareness Week campaign. #NISAW
Photo credit: Chris Jacobs
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Detecting Invasive Species with Float Planes
From USFWS Alaska Fisheries and Habitat:
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Float planes...a common mode of transportation in our largely roadless state! As invasive species increasingly threaten Alaska's wild lands and waters, pilots/passengers can help detect and prevent their spread. If you plan to fly this summer, here's how to help:
1. Be our eyes on the ground. Report invasive species sightings to 877-INVASIV (a GPS location and photo/sample are extremely helpful)!
2. Prevent the spread of invasive aquatic hitchhikers like Elodea by removing all visible plant fragments before take off, not taxing through heavy plant growth, and raising/lowering rudders to free plant fragments over the water you just left or dry land.
Photo of float plane en route to Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge by USFWS/Lisa Hupp #NISAW
— with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Alaska and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1. Be our eyes on the ground. Report invasive species sightings to 877-INVASIV (a GPS location and photo/sample are extremely helpful)!
2. Prevent the spread of invasive aquatic hitchhikers like Elodea by removing all visible plant fragments before take off, not taxing through heavy plant growth, and raising/lowering rudders to free plant fragments over the water you just left or dry land.
Photo of float plane en route to Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge by USFWS/Lisa Hupp #NISAW
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Estuary Education Resources Available
From NOAA Digital Coast:
Photos, videos, tutorials, and more! #Estuary education resources for #teachers http://go.usa.gov/x9Sr7 #EstuaryLove
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Photos, videos, tutorials, and more! #Estuary education resources for #teachers http://go.usa.gov/x9Sr7 #EstuaryLove
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The Invasive Chinese Tallow Tree
From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region:
Since its introduction in the 1700s, the invasive Chinese tallow tree has significantly altered the composition of Texas coastal prairies and forests due to its ability to rapidly out-compete native species. It invades disturbed soils, including those that have been cultivated, and quickly grows to dense stands that shade out other vegetation. For neotropical migratory birds, waterbirds and even grassland birds, this #invasivespecies is replacing healthy habitat with poor-quality, low nutrient habitat. #nisaw
You can do your part to stop the spread of this invasive species by opting to plant native trees on your property instead of exotic, ornamental trees like the Chinese tallow. If you live in Texas, this helpful guide can help you choose a native tree:http://bit.ly/2lTslso
Learn more about the Chinese tallow from the USDA’s National Invasive Species Information Center: http://bit.ly/2lTurbP
U.S. Department of Agriculture Texas A&M Forest Service National Invasive Species Awareness Week
Photo credit: Cheryl McCormick/University of Florida/Bugwood.org
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Since its introduction in the 1700s, the invasive Chinese tallow tree has significantly altered the composition of Texas coastal prairies and forests due to its ability to rapidly out-compete native species. It invades disturbed soils, including those that have been cultivated, and quickly grows to dense stands that shade out other vegetation. For neotropical migratory birds, waterbirds and even grassland birds, this #invasivespecies is replacing healthy habitat with poor-quality, low nutrient habitat. #nisaw
You can do your part to stop the spread of this invasive species by opting to plant native trees on your property instead of exotic, ornamental trees like the Chinese tallow. If you live in Texas, this helpful guide can help you choose a native tree:http://bit.ly/2lTslso
Learn more about the Chinese tallow from the USDA’s National Invasive Species Information Center: http://bit.ly/2lTurbP
U.S. Department of Agriculture Texas A&M Forest Service National Invasive Species Awareness Week
Photo credit: Cheryl McCormick/University of Florida/Bugwood.org
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The WOTUS Rule
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
This afternoon 600 people listened to Administrator Pruitt announce that President Trump has signed an executive order to reconsider the Waters of the U.S. Rule.
This afternoon 600 people listened to Administrator Pruitt announce that President Trump has signed an executive order to reconsider the Waters of the U.S. Rule.
Snow Geese and Ross's Geese
From Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge:
#USFWS #Goose #Geese
Close-up view of snow geese on the refuge. Also, in this photo are quite a few Ross's geese.
Jessica Bolser/USFWS
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#USFWS #Goose #Geese
Close-up view of snow geese on the refuge. Also, in this photo are quite a few Ross's geese.
Jessica Bolser/USFWS
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Estuary Love Remaining
From NOAA Digital Coast:
#Estuary
Oh Deer! February is over and we still have so much #EstuaryLove to share. Thank goodness #estuaries are around all year!
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#Estuary
Oh Deer! February is over and we still have so much #EstuaryLove to share. Thank goodness #estuaries are around all year!
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Outdoor Fest.For the Birds – Unique Outdoor Guided Birding Adventures
From Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex:
#Bird #USFWS
Do you love birds? Don't miss these opportunities at the upcoming Outdoor Fest.For the Birds – Unique Outdoor Guided Birding Adventures in the four Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Saturday, March 11: 7:30am-9:00 am. In Key Largo at Crocodile Lake NWR – A behind the scenes walk into the refuge with experienced birder Trevor Watts. Meander the tropical hardwood hammock towards the edge of a mangrove forest to witness avian diversity during the spring migration. Cost=FREE (wear light long pants and shirt, bring bug spray).
Wednesday, March 15: 10:00am-12:00pm Boca Grande Island, Key West National Wildlife Refuge. This one is a little quirky; it is a “bring your own boat” adventure that meets out at the island itself. Refuge biologist Kate Watts will introduce you to the incredible birding, butterfly and wildlife species that make this island home or just migrate through. Email Katherine_watts@fws.gov to register. Limited to 15 people, Cost=FREE
Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17: 8:00am-11:00am. A three-hour tour of the Backcountry islands and shallow waters of Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Relax and enjoy the trip on a large catamaran boat (with restroom). Join Refuge biologist Kate Watts, Park Ranger Kristie, and ecotour guide Bill Keogh for an amazing journey into this area considered by most to be a national treasure. Cost=$30
Saturday, March 18th: 7:30am-10:30am. Join refuge biologist Kate Watts and several of our experienced volunteers for a land-based birding walk in National Key Deer Refuge. You’ll never know what you’ll see during the spring migration season. Beginners and experts welcome. Cost=FREE
These events and dozen’s more are part of the 2nd annual Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Outdoor Fest that runs from March 11-18, 2017. Space is limited, so registration is required. For a complete list of events and to register visitwww.fws.gov/refuge/
Photo: Kristie Killam
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#Bird #USFWS
Do you love birds? Don't miss these opportunities at the upcoming Outdoor Fest.For the Birds – Unique Outdoor Guided Birding Adventures in the four Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Saturday, March 11: 7:30am-9:00 am. In Key Largo at Crocodile Lake NWR – A behind the scenes walk into the refuge with experienced birder Trevor Watts. Meander the tropical hardwood hammock towards the edge of a mangrove forest to witness avian diversity during the spring migration. Cost=FREE (wear light long pants and shirt, bring bug spray).
Wednesday, March 15: 10:00am-12:00pm Boca Grande Island, Key West National Wildlife Refuge. This one is a little quirky; it is a “bring your own boat” adventure that meets out at the island itself. Refuge biologist Kate Watts will introduce you to the incredible birding, butterfly and wildlife species that make this island home or just migrate through. Email Katherine_watts@fws.gov to register. Limited to 15 people, Cost=FREE
Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17: 8:00am-11:00am. A three-hour tour of the Backcountry islands and shallow waters of Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Relax and enjoy the trip on a large catamaran boat (with restroom). Join Refuge biologist Kate Watts, Park Ranger Kristie, and ecotour guide Bill Keogh for an amazing journey into this area considered by most to be a national treasure. Cost=$30
Saturday, March 18th: 7:30am-10:30am. Join refuge biologist Kate Watts and several of our experienced volunteers for a land-based birding walk in National Key Deer Refuge. You’ll never know what you’ll see during the spring migration season. Beginners and experts welcome. Cost=FREE
These events and dozen’s more are part of the 2nd annual Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Outdoor Fest that runs from March 11-18, 2017. Space is limited, so registration is required. For a complete list of events and to register visitwww.fws.gov/refuge/
Photo: Kristie Killam
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Questions About Lionfish
Got questions on lionfish? Join us March 3 at 1:00 pm ET for a Reddit Ask Us Anything: https://go.usa.gov/xXqNS @reddit_AMA pic.twitter.com/ifKIdiKrjl
Nature Walks at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
From Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex:
Join renowned naturalist Susan Kolterman on March 13th, 9 am and March 14th, 9 am for one of her wild nature walks at the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge! Susan will trek through the forest in search of rare plants, butterflies, and birds. Susan has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to our unique Keys habitats and the animals that live in them. This a limited opportunity to see areas that are usually closed to the public.
This walk is one of dozens of events in the second annual Outdoor Fest which is a mostly free wildlife festival that occurs from Saturday, March 11th through Saturday, March 18th, brought to you by the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex, FAVOR (Friends And Volunteers Of Refuges – Florida Keys) and the Monroe County Tourism Development Council.
To register for this free event and many others, please visit www.favorfloridakeys.org/
Photo: Susan Kolterman
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Join renowned naturalist Susan Kolterman on March 13th, 9 am and March 14th, 9 am for one of her wild nature walks at the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge! Susan will trek through the forest in search of rare plants, butterflies, and birds. Susan has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to our unique Keys habitats and the animals that live in them. This a limited opportunity to see areas that are usually closed to the public.
This walk is one of dozens of events in the second annual Outdoor Fest which is a mostly free wildlife festival that occurs from Saturday, March 11th through Saturday, March 18th, brought to you by the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex, FAVOR (Friends And Volunteers Of Refuges – Florida Keys) and the Monroe County Tourism Development Council.
To register for this free event and many others, please visit www.favorfloridakeys.org/
Photo: Susan Kolterman
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Learning in the National Estuarine Research Reserves
From NOAA Digital Coast:
There’s so much to learn about in our National Estuarine Research Reserves. Drop by a visitor center. #EstuaryLove
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There’s so much to learn about in our National Estuarine Research Reserves. Drop by a visitor center. #EstuaryLove
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Invasive Asian Carp
From USFWS Fisheries:
We're working to monitor and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Learn more about Asian carp at http://bit.ly/2acJOXD and http://bit.ly/1yXxDlC#NISAW2017
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We're working to monitor and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Learn more about Asian carp at http://bit.ly/2acJOXD and http://bit.ly/1yXxDlC#NISAW2017
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Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator)
From Necedah National Wildlife Refuge:
#USFWS
Did you know that Necedah NWR has not been the only refuge to help bring back the trumpeter swan? In 1932, with fewer than 70 trumpeters in existence world wide, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was established near Yellowstone National Park.
Photo: Trumpeter swans by Katie Goodwin/USFWS
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#USFWS
Did you know that Necedah NWR has not been the only refuge to help bring back the trumpeter swan? In 1932, with fewer than 70 trumpeters in existence world wide, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was established near Yellowstone National Park.
Photo: Trumpeter swans by Katie Goodwin/USFWS
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American Badger (Taxidea taxus)
From Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge:
A badger may change den sites every day (except when young are around).
American Badger photo credit: Goyette/USFWS
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A badger may change den sites every day (except when young are around).
American Badger photo credit: Goyette/USFWS
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The Value of Wildlife Crossings
From USFWS South Florida:
Wildlife trail cams are boss!
The Florida Dept. of Transportation got these shots of a Florida panther using a newly constructed wildlife pathway along the Miller Canal under Alligator Alley (I-75) on January 26. Wildlife crossings in areas such as this have proven to help reduce the number of highway and road related mortalities of Florida panthers and other wildlife. Kudos to the FDOT for their wonderful efforts to protect and recover the Florida panther!
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Wildlife trail cams are boss!
The Florida Dept. of Transportation got these shots of a Florida panther using a newly constructed wildlife pathway along the Miller Canal under Alligator Alley (I-75) on January 26. Wildlife crossings in areas such as this have proven to help reduce the number of highway and road related mortalities of Florida panthers and other wildlife. Kudos to the FDOT for their wonderful efforts to protect and recover the Florida panther!
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Upside down nuthatch on peanut feeder
From Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge:
February is National Bird Feeding Month! Come check out acrobatic nuthatches at our feeders.
Photo: Upside down nuthatch on peanut feeder courtesy of David Cooper.
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February is National Bird Feeding Month! Come check out acrobatic nuthatches at our feeders.
Photo: Upside down nuthatch on peanut feeder courtesy of David Cooper.
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Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region:
#USFWS
Big Horn sheep out for a little stroll. Photo Credit: Dave Fitzpatrick / USFWS
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#USFWS
Big Horn sheep out for a little stroll. Photo Credit: Dave Fitzpatrick / USFWS
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Monday, February 27, 2017
That's a Big Fish!
From Matt Dixon -> Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC)
The boys had a great time on Lake Texoma on Saturday. 7 ft long, 200 pounds! Freed to live another day!!
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The boys had a great time on Lake Texoma on Saturday. 7 ft long, 200 pounds! Freed to live another day!!
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Estuary Workshops
From NOAA Digital Coast:
Teachers, get ready to get muddy! #Estuary workshops will be kicking off soon! http://go.usa.gov/x9u3k #EstuaryLove
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Teachers, get ready to get muddy! #Estuary workshops will be kicking off soon! http://go.usa.gov/x9u3k #EstuaryLove
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Visualizing Natural Coastal Protection, Blue Carbon, Restoration and other Ecosystem Services
From NOAA Digital Coast:
Visualize natural coastal protection, #bluecarbon, restoration and other #ecosystemservices! http://go.usa.gov/x97bm
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Visualize natural coastal protection, #bluecarbon, restoration and other #ecosystemservices! http://go.usa.gov/x97bm
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The Invasive Lionfish
From National Ocean Service:
Interested in Lionfish? This invasive fish with a voracious appetite is a serious threat to coral reefs in the southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Join us on March 3, 2017 @1:00pm ET for our Reddit Science "Ask Us Anything" and chat with three scientists on what they know about lionfish and what NOAA is doing to address this threat.
Keep checking in for more details! http://
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Interested in Lionfish? This invasive fish with a voracious appetite is a serious threat to coral reefs in the southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Join us on March 3, 2017 @1:00pm ET for our Reddit Science "Ask Us Anything" and chat with three scientists on what they know about lionfish and what NOAA is doing to address this threat.
Keep checking in for more details! http://
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Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
From Necedah National Wildlife Refuge:
Mark your phenology journals central Wisconsin! Red-winged blackbird at Necedah NWR 2-27-17
Photo: RWBB courtesy of Marie Pierce
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Mark your phenology journals central Wisconsin! Red-winged blackbird at Necedah NWR 2-27-17
Photo: RWBB courtesy of Marie Pierce
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Making Sure Fish Have Passage Through Hydropower Dams
How do we make sure fish have enough passage to get by hydropower dams? Read our latest habitat story http://go.usa.gov/x9h52 pic.twitter.com/i1kQOfAUtt
Featured | Learning the secret life of flying squirrels
Featured | Learning the secret life of flying squirrels: Flying squirrels have inhabited southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains for thousands of years, but most people have never seen one. Now, a group of 50 citizen scientists, supported by a number of organizations, are trying to change that.
80th Anniversary of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge
From Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge:
#USFWS #Ducks
Today is our 80th anniversary! Franklin D. Roosevelt established Swan Lake in 1937 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Learn more: http://go.usa.gov/x9hKM
Photo: Mallards by USFWS.
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#USFWS #Ducks
Today is our 80th anniversary! Franklin D. Roosevelt established Swan Lake in 1937 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Learn more: http://go.usa.gov/x9hKM
Photo: Mallards by USFWS.
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White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
From Necedah National Wildlife Refuge:
#Bird #USFWS
Have you ever watched white-breasted nuthatches cache their food? Cornell points out that in order to keep a stashed seed’s location secret a female nuthatch will try to deceive other birds. She will fly away from a seed source in an opposite direction of the cache location!
Photo: White-breasted nuthatch by Katie Goodwin/USFWS
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#Bird #USFWS
Have you ever watched white-breasted nuthatches cache their food? Cornell points out that in order to keep a stashed seed’s location secret a female nuthatch will try to deceive other birds. She will fly away from a seed source in an opposite direction of the cache location!
Photo: White-breasted nuthatch by Katie Goodwin/USFWS
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Something Marvelous in all Things of Nature
From the U.S. Forest Service:
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” - Aristotle #MondayMotivation
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“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” - Aristotle #MondayMotivation
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The Adaptable Red Fox
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region:
The red fox is adaptable, living in forests, mountains, prairies and even housing developments! Their highly varied diet ensures they can always find something to eat.
Photo: Red fox by Kristine Sowl/USFWS.
Tags,
Vulpes vulpes,
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The red fox is adaptable, living in forests, mountains, prairies and even housing developments! Their highly varied diet ensures they can always find something to eat.
Photo: Red fox by Kristine Sowl/USFWS.
Tags,
Vulpes vulpes,
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National Invasive Species Awareness Week
Today is the start of #NationalInvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek. Take some time this week to learn about these species: https://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/invasivespecies/ … pic.twitter.com/wbEBhnzf1L
Mating Season for Mink
From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:
#USFWS
According to the Wisconsin phenology calendar, mink begin mating this week. They will have a litter of 3 to 6 kits in April or May. The young are born hairless but in about 25 days their eyes are open and they will have hair. Shortly after that, they are weaned from their mother but will stay close until fall. Mink photo by Tom Koerner/USFWS
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#USFWS
According to the Wisconsin phenology calendar, mink begin mating this week. They will have a litter of 3 to 6 kits in April or May. The young are born hairless but in about 25 days their eyes are open and they will have hair. Shortly after that, they are weaned from their mother but will stay close until fall. Mink photo by Tom Koerner/USFWS
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Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
From USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System:
Yenori Alvarez of Lehigh Senior High School in Florida won second place for this fabulous photo of an anhinga in the Ding Darling Wildlife Society’s Theodore Cross High School photography contest. See more winning photos from students:http://bit.ly/2kQBYLj
Learn more about the nonprofit Ding Darling Wildlife Society (https://
Here’s how you can find a nonprofit Friends organization near you (https://www.fws.gov/
Yenori Alvarez of Lehigh Senior High School in Florida won second place for this fabulous photo of an anhinga in the Ding Darling Wildlife Society’s Theodore Cross High School photography contest. See more winning photos from students:http://bit.ly/2kQBYLj
Learn more about the nonprofit Ding Darling Wildlife Society (https://
Here’s how you can find a nonprofit Friends organization near you (https://www.fws.gov/
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