As if today’s war on science wasn’t bad enough, it seems researchers have been courting further bad press by admitting they’ve spent countless hours on lunacy studies. To clarify, this research is on lunar effects on our behavior and sleep – I don’t know of any work being done to analyze sheer foolishness and irrational acts, the other kind of lunacy. Given the events that dominated the news this January, though, maybe that would be a fair line of inquiry. [Read more…] about The Science of Lunar Lunacy
Nature
Tire Tracks Lead to Coyote Poachers
According to a press release issued by DEC, on February 28th, a 15-year-old girl in the town of Lisbon was home alone when she noticed two trucks pull into her driveway. Unknown men exited the truck wearing camouflage and knocked on the door. At the same time, the teen heard sounds of dogs fighting in her backyard. [Read more…] about Tire Tracks Lead to Coyote Poachers
Ed Zahniser: Woodpecker Wake-up Calls
One morning early, as I slept in our mountain cabin Mateskared, a woodpecker landed on the cabin’s wood siding. Its profound rapid-fire pecking jerked me out of sound sleep.
Did we have robo-termites?
Not in the Adirondacks. [Read more…] about Ed Zahniser: Woodpecker Wake-up Calls
Finger Lakes Being Considered For National Heritage Area Status
The National Park Service has announced it is seeking public input on a study to determine the feasibility of designating the Finger Lakes region of New York as a National Heritage Area. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Being Considered For National Heritage Area Status
Grants Available for Hudson River Estuary Communities
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that $750,000 in new competitive grant funding is now available to help communities in the Hudson River Estuary watershed increase resiliency to flooding, protect water quality, fish, and wildlife habitat, and improve recreational access and education for all, including people with disabilities and New Yorkers living in environmental justice communities.
The grants are administered by DEC’s Hudson River Estuary program. [Read more…] about Grants Available for Hudson River Estuary Communities
Some Woodpeckers Imitate a Neighbor’s Plumage
In the first global test of the idea, scientists have found evidence that some woodpeckers can evolve to look like another species of woodpecker in the same neighborhood. The researchers say that this “plumage mimicry” isn’t a fluke – it happens among pairs of distantly related woodpeckers all over the world. [Read more…] about Some Woodpeckers Imitate a Neighbor’s Plumage
Land Preservation to Help Protect Long Island Aquifer
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Peconic Land Trust (PLT), and town of Brookhaven have announced the acquisition of a parcel of land in the hamlet of Moriches that will help protect Long Island’s groundwater, the sole drinking water source for millions of residents. [Read more…] about Land Preservation to Help Protect Long Island Aquifer
How Wildlife Adapts To New York Winters
The winter season presents a series of challenges for wildlife, such as food shortages, colder temperatures and large snowfalls. Fortunately, native wildlife has developed unique physiological and behavioral traits to help them survive and thrive in New York’s cold winter climate. [Read more…] about How Wildlife Adapts To New York Winters
Downy or Hairy Woodpecker?
“That’s a downy. No wait, it’s a hairy – definitely a hairy. Well, hang on…maybe it is a downy.” I admit it: I’ve had this happen to me more than once. [Read more…] about Downy or Hairy Woodpecker?
Boat Stewards Sought for 2021 Boating Season
New York State’s Watercraft Inspection Steward Programs are now recruiting boat stewards for the 2021 season. [Read more…] about Boat Stewards Sought for 2021 Boating Season