Welcome to Rick Marsi Online

For the past three decades, Rick Marsi's name has become synonymous with excellence in the following fields:

Purchase Rick's books and photos, hire him as a speaker for your next meeting or special event, or engage him to lead you on a guided nature walk.

Available for sale here now...

Rick's new book of nature

essays, "Log Cabin Year",

48 Reflections from Our

Seasons Past with illustrations

by Jan Mars

Price reduced to $19.95

Click on the book cover to view sample pages

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

NEW! See my photos of summer butterflies in "Bonus Content" at left.
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View my log of August nature sightings by clicking "diary" at left. 
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Photos from mid-August...

By this time of year, many birds have stopped singing. But not this Black-throated Green Warbler. I found him in a mixed forest rich in hardwoods, pines and hemlocks.


If you're wondering what warblers like the Black-thoated Greens eat, here's your answer: caterpillars.


Ten years ago, you couldn't find a Giant Swallowtail in the Northeast. They were southern butterflies, below the Mason-Dixon line. Not anymore. Warmer seasons have allowed them to expand as far north as my upstate New York back yard.


Classic pose for an adult Red-tailed Hawk: Perched on a pole, overlooking a road, hoping to spy a small rodent feeding in short grass below.


This summer I have seen dozens of White Admiral butterflies doing what these are doing: extracting salts and minerals from dirt and gravel roads.


Ruffed Grouse like dirt roads for another reason: dusting. They'll plop down in the dirt and ruffle their feathers around, hoping to dislodge parasites.


It's been a good summer here for Monarch butterflies. I've seen many, sipping nectar from a variety of flowers. Now they seem especially drawn to thistle, shown here, and red clover. Soon they'll lay their eggs on stalks of milkweed.

Photos by Rick Marsi

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