Since 2-25 Winter Stonefly naiads have been leaving the water. Once the naiads shed their "skin" the adult flies (pictured) walk over the snow and ice and climb on streamside weeds and brush. This is their brief terrestrial mating season, the only time they are not in the water!
These synchronous winter stonefly emergings provide food for migrating birds caught by late season stormes. Phoebes, robins, bluebirds and song sparrows will feed on them.
Even crows find these tiny insects irresistible.
John
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