Rusty Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird is one of North America’s most rapidly declining species. The population has plunged an estimated 85-99 percent over the past forty years and scientists are completely puzzled as to what is the cause. They are relatively uncommon denizens of wooded swamps, breeding in the boreal forest and wintering in the eastern U.S.
Photo credit to Chris Neff and photo was taken in Mendham at undisclosed location for animal protection reason, but keep an eye out for them on YOUR property/neighborhood.
Ring-necked Duck
The ring-necked ducks are winter visitors to our local ponds and rivers. They are normally very skittish and prefer quiet ponds or lakes where they can feed on aquatic plants and socialize with other ring-necked ducks.
Photo credit to Chris Neff and photo was taken in Mendham at undisclosed location for animal protection reason, but keep an eye out for them on YOUR property/neighborhood.
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies typically live from 2 to 6 weeks except for the last generation of the year, which can live up to 8 to 9 months. Millions of monarchs migrate to California and Mexico for the winter.
Photo credit to Marta Longo and photo was taken on Corey Lane
Barred Owl
The Barred Owl (the Hoot Owl) is a large species of owl standing 16 to 23 inches tall with a 38 to 45 inch wingspan. They nest only once per year and lay on average two to three eggs per nesting.
Photo credit to Chris Neff and photo was taken in Mendham at undisclosed location for animal protection reason, but keep an eye out for them on YOUR property/neighborhood.
Eastern Blue Jay
This king-of-the-bird-feeder is related to crows and ravens. Very smart and adaptable, these loud jays live in family groups and the young adults stick around to help their parents raise the next year's clutch. They do great imitations of a scream of a red shouldered hawk, perhaps to scare off other birds that may be enjoying a meal that they want!
Photo credit to Marta Longo and photo was taken on Corey Lane
Eastern Screech Owl (gray morph)
The eastern screech owl is a common owl but not commonly seen because they are extremely elusive. They like to hide inside of tree cavities and will occasionally pop out to grab some rays. These are small owls about the size of a robin. This particular owl is classified as a gray morph due to the gray color, the more common screech owl is the red morph and it is reddish in color
Photo credit to Chris Neff and photo was taken in Mendham at undisclosed location for animal protection reason, but keep an eye out for them on YOUR property/neighborhood.
Echinacea
Commonly called coneflowers. Found only in eastern and central North America growing naturally in dry prairies and open wooded areas.
Photo credit to Marta Longo and photo was taken on Corey Lane
