In 1844 New York State published a volume on birds in Natural History of New York. Written by James E. DeKay with hand-colored lithographs by John William Hill, it was the State’s first attempt at a comprehensive scientific cataloging of New York’s birds. At the time about 301 species of birds were known to be present in the state.
Sixty years later another effort was made to bring together the State’s bird knowledge. The first of the two-volume of Birds of New York – Water Birds and Game Birds – was published to much acclaim. The book was a collaboration between wildlife artist Louis Agassiz Fuertes and author Elon Howard Eaton. Birds of New York listed an additional 100 species – several of which were then “well known,” but unknown in the 1840s. The book would serve as a model for those that followed.
[Read more…] about Birds of New York: Scientific Cataloging In Historical Context
Mornings are quiet now. Gone is the loud chorus of bird song outside my window that I awoke to in spring and summer. While we brave the cold, snow, and bitter winds of winter by donning extra layers or throwing another log on the fire, most of our summer 
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a virtual public information session on Habitat Management Plans (HMPs) for Fish Creek, Swallow Bluffs, and Collins Landing Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), set for Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 from 1 to 3 pm. 
The Adirondack Land Trust has conserved the last unprotected shoreline on Thirteenth Lake, a headwater of the Upper Hudson River and the largest water body surrounded by the Siamese Ponds Wilderness.
With holiday cheer and gifts galore, many will give or receive new electronic equipment. As you switch out of the old and welcome the new, remember to recycle your old electronics responsibly. 
Right out of college as a Civil Engineer, Frank Tweedy spent four seasons as part of 
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has announced the permanent protection of more than 3,300 acres in the Herkimer County towns of Salisbury and Norway. The tract is comprised of hardwood and softwood forests and significant wetlands within the Mohawk River watershed.
State Parks has released a draft plan on future development of the statewide system of non-motorized multi-use trails, also known as greenway trails. 
Some of the most important trees in your woodlot are the ones that are no longer alive. Large, standing dead or dying trees are an important part of healthy forests and a critical habitat feature for 
First Day Hikes will again be taking place at State parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails and public lands on January 1st, although with some limitations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.