Spring is Almost Here!

Here in upstate New York we have had a fairly mild winter. Christmas day was 70 degrees Fahrenheit and there will only a handful of cold snaps. Even so, I am happy that spring is almost here because that means most of the wildlife will be returning!

So without anymore delay here is some information on a very common waterfowl, the Mallard. 

On one of my walks last week I saw this Mallard Anas Platyrhynchos pair in a nearby small pond.

2016: Mallard Pair - Cobleskill NY

Mallards are probably the most iconic duck when it comes to ducks in North America. If you mention the word duck the image of this bird will probably come first to mind...maybe after the cute yellow duck image.

Mallards belong to the group of ducks called "dabbling ducks". Dabbling ducks forage for plant material in the water dipping in or under the water to retrieve their food. The types of plants that Mallards tend to feed on consist of  bulrush species, willow species, and duckweed species according to the book; Food Habits of the Mallard Duck in the United States by Waldo Lee McAtee.

When it comes to breeding mallards tend to be monogamous however male and female will sometimes go for other mates. Once a pair is established the pair will nest on the ground. The female is the only one to take care of the eggs and hatch-lings. The male is only there to protect the female from other male mallards.

These birds are very abundant and they are under least concern when it comes to conservation. Numbers cycle from 5 to 11 million. 

I hope you enjoyed this little information bit on the Mallard. Here are some other images of mallards that I took in years past.

2014: Mallard Pair - Amsterdam NY

2014: Mallard Pair - Amsterdam NY

2014: Female Mallard - Amsterdam NY

Sources: Google Scholar, https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=GHJCAQAAMAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA2&dq=mallard+food+&ots=ODGD2Lc5Lg&sig=kKS7NqNnrjo59zrgEXP-K2sl2zc#v=onepage&q=mallard%20food&f=false
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard/lifehistory

Fowler Toads from Lake Erie Saved!!

I posted previously that in Ontario a development company wanted to construct condos on the dunes of Lake Erie which is the habitat of the endangered Fowler Toad. Well great news!! The construction plans have been cancelled and the dunes will continue to keep it's natural beauty! Thank you to all who supported the fight against the building of these condos and keeping the environment natural for these little amphibians that don't have a voice! 

(c) SAVE THE FROGS!

New Species of Porcupine Discovered!

In April of this year a new species of porcupine (Coendou baturitensis) was discovered in the forests of Brazil. This tree dwelling mammal has an interesting feature for a porcupine which is a prehensile tail. The porcupine averages in length between 0.7 to 1 meters and weighs between 3 to 5 kilograms. They also have a really big nose that makes them look really cute! Check out more of the article  >> here << .

(c) Hugo Fernandes Ferreira

Frog Christmas Decorations

Need some cool ideas for Christmas decorations, how about some frog decorations! And why don't you support some amphibian conservation this holiday season as well. >> www.savethefrogs.com <<

(c) Leah Klehn

Learn About the Endangered Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog!

Check out SAVE THE FROGS! informational video on the Endangered Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog and what threats are opposing them! >> SAVE THE FROGS! <<

(c) SAVE THE FROGS

Check Out My Wildlife-Awareness FB Page

Contains news, animal profiles, animal videos and more! >> Wildlife Awareness << 

(c) Leah Klehn

Cool Wildlife Site - WWF WildFINDER

I stumbled across this cool website while looking for some cool animal sites. The World Wildlife Fund has this awesome interactive site which has animal profiles on animals throughout all the regions of the world. 

Snap shot of WWF WildFINDER website

>> WildFINDER <<

Iranian Cheetah

I tend to know a lot of obscure animals, so I figured I knew a great majority about cheetahs. But this is the first time I have ever heard about Iranian or Asiatic cheetahs. There are estimated to be only 70 to 110 individuals remaining in the wild. Check out the current project that is being done on these cheetahs to better understand how to conserve them. >> panthera.org << 

(c) Panthera and other joining groups

Old Staten Island Dump blossoming into NYC's Largest Solar Facility

2,200 acres of the former Staten Island dump will be converted into a solar facility surrounded by parks, delineated wetlands, trails, and other wildlife areas! The project is said to start in 2015. This is an awesome example how once a societies dump can turn into a eco-friendly system. More projects like this should be implemented across the globe. Check out the article >> here << 

(c) James Corner - Field Operations

Proposed Listing of Northern Long-Eared Bat as Endangered Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has extended the public comment period until January 2nd. If this is the first time hearing news of the listing of the Northern Long-Eared Bat check out the proposal >> here << . Comments can also be submitted from this site. Bats are suffering from a fungus called white-nosed syndrome so in my opinion it would be wise for the USFWS to list them as endangered.  

(c) Leah Klehn (just ignore the happy halloween)

Some other endangered animal proposals that I found interesting.  
>> Canada Lynx <<
>> 5 species of Sturgeon <<

A Save The Frogs Office for Ghana!

Save the Frogs! has been working with Ghana in establishing amphibian conservation in the area, however all current organization for this small chapter has been done in crowded internet cafes and university computer labs. Please help them raise $2,000 for equipment and furnishings for Ghana's new office! >> Click here to see the blog <<

(c) Save the Frogs!

Videos on the 5 creatures IUCN Currently Changed Status On

Check it out!

Graph (c) IUCN Red List

Sea-Saw Effect on Animal Conservation Status

Where Leatherback Sea Turtles have moved to vulnerable the Okapi has joined to the threatened species. 
 >> IUCN <<

Okapi (c) Charles Miller

Leatherback Sea Turtle (c) Guy Marcovaldi

A Baby Black Rhino was Born This Week

Earlier this week a Black Rhino was born in Kenya, this is big news for Rhino populations are declining at alarming rates. This is great news for conservation! >> http://www.savetherhino.org/latest_news/news/872_black_rhino_calf_born_at_borana <<

Photography rights belong to savetherhino.org

Art Commissions

Taking commissions. Take a look at my deviantART page! http://leahck.deviantart.com/journal/Commission-Information-Page-221794096

Trip to Belize!

Help me go on a once in a life time experience! I have an opportunity to go to Belize but I need your help. Donations would be helpful, and it's for a great cause to help the Earth's wonderful creatures and to spread the word on conservation. On the right hand side there is a widget where you can donate. 

The 3 tops donators will receive an artwork by me as a token of thanks. 

Leah