#institutewoods — Public Fediverse posts

Tree Swallow

A quiet pause with a Tree Swallow in the Institute Woods.

https://islandinthenet.com/tree-swallow-2/

Looking Up for Wood Ducks

A spring morning search for Wood Ducks in Princeton’s Institute Woods turns into a lesson about looking up—and knowing your lens limits.

https://islandinthenet.com/wood-duck/

I wrapped up my early morning adventure in Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. It was almost 10 AM so it was no longer early. I started walking back toward the trail entrance that would take me back to IInstitute Woods but didn’t get very excited when I saw the Eastern Cottontail hopping in the grass at the side of the gravel road. I love the way the light flowed across the body. He must have noticed me because he stood still and his ears perked up. I wanted several seconds for the rabbit to calm down. He went back to eating.

https://islandinthenet.com/eastern-cottontail-sylvilagus-floridanus/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #EasternCottontail #InstituteWoods #Rabbit #SylvilagusFloridanus #WorldSeriesOfBirding

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

Spotted a new bird, later identified as a Northern Mockingbird, on the grassy field near Institute Woods after a productive photography outing.

https://islandinthenet.com/northern-mockingbird-mimus-polyglottos/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #InstituteWoods #MimusPolyglottos #Nature #NorthernMockingbird #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)

I discovered a Red-eyed Vireo during an early morning visit to Institute Woods, where sunlight finally broke through the overcast sky.

https://islandinthenet.com/red-eyed-vireo-vireo-olivaceus-2/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #InstituteWoods #Nature #RedEyedVireo #VireoOlivaceus #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)

The weather in the mornings and evenings, overcast with a ray of sunshine in the sky, has made finding and photographing birds in this area challenging. The light in Institute Woods is so dim, that the auto-focus struggles. It is challenging to operate and use manual focusing with a 1.65 kg (3.54 lb) lens strapped to a 539 g (1.19lb) camera body.

[caption id="attachment_113562" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) · 14 May 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=113561

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

After photographing a Northern Mockingbird, I spotted a Common Yellowthroat in the hedgerow near Institute Woods.

https://islandinthenet.com/common-yellowthroat-geothlypis-trichas/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CommonYellowthroat #GeothlypisTrichas #InstituteWoods #Nature #Warbler #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

It was another overcast and foggy morning but I awoke early and rushed over to Institute Woods hoping that I would find warblers. I walked around for several minutes listening to birds sing from the trees. I started to think that perhaps I was hallucinating the bird song but Merlin ID confirmed what I could not see. The birds were present but I didn’t see them.

The Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) is a migratory songbird commonly found in Institute Woods, Princeton, New Jersey. It is [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112828

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)

I think this is the first time I have photographed a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea). I was standing on the southern side of the marsh at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge when I saw movement in the trees. It took some patience but eventually, the bird landed a bit lower.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) is a small, active songbird. It has a striking appearance with predominantly blue-grey plumage, a white underbelly, and a long, thin tail. The wings often show [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112966

The World Series of Birding on 19 of May was a magical day for birth photography. The annual competitive birding event challenges birders to identify species. By the end of the day, I had identified 11 different bird species. That’s not a lot for many birders, but it was a lot for me. After weeks of challenging weather, I finally had a day that provided ample opportunity for bird photography. It was a sunny day and it seemed like all the wildlife had decided to show up.

On the trail to Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge, Merlin ID heard an Eastern Wood-Pewee in the trees. I waited - waiting is something I do a lot when I go out for bird photography - and after several minutes, I saw the Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) in the branches. This individual was cooperative, posing on the branch just where I wanted it.

After arriving at the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge I realised that I was not the only one out in Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. There were groups of birders and bird photographers walking about. It felt good to be surrounded by people who shared my interest in bird photography. For about four hours I walked around Institute Woods toward Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge.

I walked around slowly from one area to the next. I found male and female House Finches in a tree, a female Purple Martin foraging for sticks for her nest, a Mourning Dove sunning on a branch, and an American bullfrog entertaining a small group of birders.

https://islandinthenet.com/eastern-wood-pewee-contopus-virens-2/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #ContopusVirens #EasternWoodPewee #InstituteWoods #WildlifePhotography #WorldSeriesOfBirding

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)

Their quick movements and high-pitched calls make Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) challenging yet rewarding subjects for photography.

https://islandinthenet.com/blue-gray-gnatcatcher-polioptila-caerulea/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #BlueGrayGnatcatcher #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #Nature #PolioptilaCaerulea #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Most of my Blue Jay sightings have been at the bird feeder in my backyard. The Blue Jay in the wild has been too quick moving and often hides out in the thicket making photography challenging. I was out in Institute Woods walking around for almost an hour. Finally opportunity and prepared combined and I got this shot. [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=113393

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Sometimes I have confused a House Finch for a Northern Cardinal in flight.

https://islandinthenet.com/house-finch-haemorhous-mexicanus/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #Finch #HaemorhousMexicanus #HouseFinch #InstituteWoods #Nature #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) are a common sight at bird feeders but I’ve only seen them in the wild a few times. These small, chunky sparrows have distinctive black and white stripes on their heads, a white throat, and a splash of yellow between their eyes and beaks. Their plumage includes warm brown tones on their wings and back, contrasting with a clean grey underbelly. [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=113388

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small passerine bird native to North America. It belongs to the family Fringillidae, commonly known as finches. The House Finch typically measures around 12.5 to 15 centimetres in length and weighs between 16 to 27 grams. It has a stout bill, short wings, and a notched tail. I like the mixture of red and brown feathers.

While I never see them at my bird feeders, House Finches are primarily seed-eaters, consuming a variety of seeds, grains, and [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112597

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

I was out in Institute Woods walking around for almost an hour. Finally opportunity and prepared combined and I got this shot.

https://islandinthenet.com/blue-jay-cyanocitta-cristata-2/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #BlueJay #CyanocittaCristata #InstituteWoods #Nature #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

I don’t see Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) quite as often as I see the flamboyant red-coloured males.

https://islandinthenet.com/female-northern-cardinal-cardinalis-cardinalis-2/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CardinalisCardinalis #Female #InstituteWoods #Nature #NorthernCardinal #PrincetonTownship #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) at Institute Woods

White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) are a common sight at bird feeders but I’ve only seen them in the wild a few times. These small, chunky sparrows have distinctive black and white stripes on their heads, a white throat, and a splash of yellow between their eyes and beaks. Their plumage includes warm brown tones on their wings and back, contrasting with a clean grey underbelly.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

[...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112488

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

While walking back to the car from my daily adventure in Institute Woods, I heard the distinctive "conk-la-ree" songs male Red-winged Blackbirds produce and looked up. The males use this call to establish territories and communicate with other birds. It took a few seconds to find the bird in the tree. Maybe it’s just my…

https://islandinthenet.com/red-winged-blackbird-agelaius-phoeniceus/

#AgelaiusPhoeniceus #BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #Nature #RedWingedBlackbird #Spring #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

While walking on the blue trail in Institute Wood, Bhavna spotted the Red-eared Slider sunning on a dead tree branch. She was so excited to see three turtles in a row. The Red-eared Slider was identified on iNaturalist with the help of amateur naturalist John Keisers and The Wandering Piney.

The Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans) is a freshwater turtle species native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its distinctive red patch behind each eye, which gives it its name. These turtles have a smooth, olive to brownish-green carapace with yellow stripes or markings. Their plastron (underside) is typically yellow with dark spots.

Red-eared Sliders are omnivorous, consuming a variety of aquatic plants, algae, small fish, insects, and crustaceans. They are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time basking on logs or rocks near water bodies. As ectothermic reptiles, they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.

These turtles are commonly kept as pets but can become invasive species when released into non-native habitats. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes, where they play a role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey.

https://islandinthenet.com/red-eared-slider-trachemys-scripta-ssp-elegans/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #RedEaredSlider #TrachemysScripta #Turtle #WildlifePhotography

Turtle identification is challenging. I had thought, based on photographs I saw online after searching "turtles New Jersey", that this individual was a Painted Turtle. I uploaded the photo to iNaturalist where amateur naturalists, John Keisers, suggested that this was a Northern Red-bellied Cooter.

The Northern Red-bellied Cooter (Deirochelys reticularia) is a freshwater turtle species native to North America. It belongs to the Emydidae family and is characterised by its medium to large size, domed carapace, and distinctive red markings on its plastron. This species typically inhabits slow-moving or still bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers with soft bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation.

Northern Red-bellied Cooters are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter, aquatic vegetation, insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish. They are known to bask on logs or rocks near the water's edge to regulate their body temperature. Breeding season for this species occurs in late spring and early summer, with females laying eggs in sandy or soft soil near the water. Northern Red-bellied Cooters play a role in aquatic ecosystems as both consumers and prey for other predators in their habitat.

https://islandinthenet.com/northern-red-bellied-cooter-deirochelys-reticularia/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #NorthernRedBelliedCooter #PrincetonTownship #PseudemysRubriventris #RiverSEdgeTrail #Spring #StonyBrook #WalkingTrail

https://islandinthenet.com/swinging-bridge-over-stony-brook-via-founders-walk/

#StonyBrook #princetonnj #institutewoods

Bhavna and I have not visited the swinging bridge over the Stony Brook since November 2017.

The swinging bridge in Institute Woods, Princeton, spans the Stony Brook, allowing visitors walking the trails around Institute Woods to cross over to access the wooded areas that are sandwiched between Stony Brook and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. It is constructed using sturdy materials to ensure safety during crossings. The bridge adds convenience for visitors exploring the wooded trails and natural surroundings of Institute Woods. Its design blends with the environment, providing a seamless transition across the water.

Overall, the swinging bridge serves as a functional and practical element within Institute Woods, enhancing accessibility and facilitating movement for those enjoying the outdoor experiences the area has to offer, but it is a destination in itself. We were not the only ones seeking the Swinging Bridge.

Despite what others have stated on social media, the Swinging Bridge very easy to find. Take the Trolley Track Trail from either the western trail head near Clarke House Museum or eastern trail head near Crossroads Nursery School. When you get to Founders' Walk walk south until you arrive at the Swinging Bridge. The swinging bridge is clearly marked on Google Maps and Apple Maps, so you can just use those apps to help you walk the trails.

The swinging motion of the bridge is minimal, offering stability while crossing but some walkers (like the person above) are not confident.

https://islandinthenet.com/swinging-bridge-over-stony-brook-via-founders-walk/

#Bhavna #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #FoundersWalkTrail #InstituteWoods #Spring #StonyBrook #SwingingBridge #WalkingTrail

Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The female Northern Cardinal often sings while sitting on the nest.

https://islandinthenet.com/female-northern-cardinal-cardinalis-cardinalis/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CardinalisCardinalis #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #Female #InstituteWoods #Nature #NorthernCardinal #Spring #TrolleyTrackTrail #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

I am always on a hunt for Warblers. I just love their song and their festive colours. I expect that soon Institute Woods will be filled with them. If I can find them.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata), commonly known as the Myrtle Warbler, is a small songbird found across North America. It belongs to the family Parulidae and is known for its distinctive yellow patches on the rump and sides. The Myrtle Warbler has two main subspecies: the eastern "Myrtle" and the western "Audubon's."

The Myrtle Warbler primarily inhabits coniferous or mixed forests during the breeding season, nesting in trees and foraging for insects and berries. During migration and winter, it can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, shrubby areas, fields, parks, and residential areas. Its diet consists of insects, spiders, fruits, and berries. The species exhibits typical warbler behaviours such as flitting between branches, sallying out to catch insects, and making distinctive calls. Its breeding range extends from Alaska to Newfoundland in the north and from Canada to the Gulf Coast in the south.

https://islandinthenet.com/myrtle-yellow-rumped-warbler-setophaga-coronata/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #Myrtle #PrincetonTownship #SetophagaCoronata #Spring #TrolleyTrackTrail #Warbler #YellowRumpedWarbler

Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensi)

After watching and photographing the antics of the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis, I returned to Trolley Track Trail and headed west.

I noticed that the further I walked from the Pipeline trail the less I heard bird song. I paused when I arrived at Founders' Walk. Except for the wind in the trees, it was silent. I would have sat at the bench and relaxed a bit but I was still on a hunt for warblers.

I decided to return to Trolley Track Trail for one last chance to find [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/eastern-gray-squirrel-sciurus-carolinensi/

White-throated Sparrow at Institute Woods

https://islandinthenet.com/white-throated-sparrow-zonotrichia-albicollis-3/