Saturday, June 30, 2007

Chautauqua Lake Wildlife

Chautauqua Lake area animals
By Dick Miga

 OBSERVER Photo by Justin Goetz

The common gackle.
6/30/2007 - Each year, our family enjoys a summer respite at the We-Wan-Chu cottages on Chautauqua Lake. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings serve to bring family and friends together once a year for relaxation, education and just plain old-fashioned fun.



In addition to reminiscing, meeting old friends and a time for peace and quiet, I also look forward to the plentiful wildlife found in the habitat. Chautauqua Lake, a glacial-formed lake, serves as a source of energy and education for many of its residents and visitors.

While relaxing on the deck of the cabin, an unusual sighting took place. Overhead, a large flight of bats flew by. We were all taken aback by the experience, with little time for any direct recognition or photography. My experience with such a spectacle led me to search my database for possible identification.

Based on the size of the animals, my best guess is that this was a flight of one of nine species of such animals (bats) found in New York. One of those bat species, the Indiana bat, is endangered, and I immediately ruled that species out. Another bat, the small-footed bat, is listed as a species of special concern and, therefore, also taken off the list. The other seven bat species are unprotected and are reported from different areas of the state. Based on area, I am suspecting this flight was probably that of little brown bats. I stand to be corrected.

Other wildlife found in that area include the common widespread American robin and the common grackle. Sometimes this bird is confused with our American crow due to its size. Also, a small snapping turtle was found and is being held by Dalton Furman.

The experience of the outdoors, coupled with the chance for family and friends to spend quality time together, is a rewarding occasion. As we watch our children grow and take their places in the world, be it nearby or in some far-off location, it is always a welcome opportunity to get together in a habitat that we enjoy. I was pleased that my daughter, Janis, was able to find time to attend with her son, Rob.

I want to remind many of you who submit article ideas and photographs to put your names on the back of such submissions. It is very frustrating to get an excellent picture of a nature setting or plant and animal and not know who submitted it. I like to give proper credit. By placing identification on the back of the photo along with where or when the picture was taken will take care of that problem. Thank you.

Get outdoors, put up a feeder, take a picture of a plant or animal. You will get a good feeling from it.
 
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living Visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com


 

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