Their Habits, Personality & Favorite Foods If you’ve ever heard a loud, raspy call echoing across your yard in the Finger Lakes, chances are a blue jay was nearby. They’re bright.They’re bold.They’re opinionated. And they’re one of the most fascinating birds you’ll see year-round in Upstate New York. Let’s talk about their habits — and what they really love to eat. 🧠 Blue Jay Personality: Smart & Strategic Blue jays are members of the corvid family — which means they’re rela

Smart Backyard Feeding in the Finger Lakes If you live in the Finger Lakes, you already know: Where there are birds…There are raccoons. Raccoons are intelligent, determined, and surprisingly athletic. And once they discover your feeder, they don’t forget it. The good news? You can absolutely enjoy backyard birds without turning your yard into a midnight raccoon buffet. Here’s how. 🌙 Why Raccoons Love Bird Feeders Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores. That means: Seeds Suet

How to Attract Bright Yellow Finches to Your Upstate NY Yard If you’ve ever seen a flash of bright yellow bouncing across your yard in summer, you’ve probably spotted an American Goldfinch. In Upstate New York — especially throughout the Finger Lakes — goldfinches are one of the most cheerful backyard visitors. They’re small, social, and absolutely love one thing above all: Thistle seed. Here’s what you need to know to attract and support them. 🐦 Meet the American Goldfinch

They don’t call it the "Grand Canyon of the East"  for nothing. With massive waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, scenic overlooks, and more foliage than a Bob Ross painting, Letchworth State Park  is a dream for landscape photographers—especially those with decent leg strength and a high tolerance for mist on their lenses. I’ve shot Letchworth in all seasons, all weather, and yes, once while being chased by a very ambitious chipmunk. If you're ready to tackle one of New York’s most