Green Lakes State Park’s outstanding features are its two glacial lakes, each nearly 200 feet deep. These blue-green lakes are surrounded by old-growth forest of enormous hemlocks and tulip trees. [Read more…] about Watchable Wildlife: Green Lakes State Park in Onondaga County
birding
Shelter for the Birds: A Primer
Come winter, after the bears have retreated to their cold weather dens, many backyard bird enthusiasts hang feeders to attract – and nourish – avian visitors. Birds need more than a supplemental food source, however.
Whether they are roosting, feeding, selecting a nest location, or flying from one grove of trees to another, birds rely on vegetative cover, from the ground level to the treetops. Offering natural sources of cover can help birds evade predators and find protection from inclement weather, as well as provide shelter during migration. [Read more…] about Shelter for the Birds: A Primer
Audubon, Raquette River Brewing Partner With On New Beer
Northern New York Audubon and Raquette River Brewing have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind beer. On December 11, 2021 the brand new Spruce Tip IPA will be launched at Raquette River Brewing’s Tupper Lake property.
The label for the beer can will feature one of the Adirondack region’s most iconic species: the Spruce Grouse. [Read more…] about Audubon, Raquette River Brewing Partner With On New Beer
The Wild Turkey in Winter
There are only a few dozen species of birds capable of surviving the rigors of an Adirondack winter, and of these, the wild turkey is one that is more closely associated with the warmer and less snowy regions of New York than those to the north. [Read more…] about The Wild Turkey in Winter
Utica Marsh Wildlife Area Comments Sought
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a draft Access and Public Use Plan (APUP) for the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The draft plan is available for public comment until December 22nd. [Read more…] about Utica Marsh Wildlife Area Comments Sought
Scientists Identify Link Between Bird Genes & Spatial Memory
For the first time, researchers have shown that there is a genetic component underlying the amazing spatial memories of Mountain Chickadees. These energetic half-ounce birds hide thousands of food items every fall and rely on these hidden stores to get through harsh winters in the mountains of the West.
To find these caches, chickadees use highly specialized spatial memory abilities. Although the genetic basis for spatial memory has been shown for humans and other mammals, direct evidence of that connection has never before been identified in birds. [Read more…] about Scientists Identify Link Between Bird Genes & Spatial Memory
Birders: 35th Season of FeederWatch Begins Nov 13th
The 35th season of Project FeederWatch begins Saturday, November 13th.
FeederWatch data is used to detect shifts in the numbers and distributions of winter birds in the United States and Canada.
At the same time, participants gain new insight into bird activity in their own yard. [Read more…] about Birders: 35th Season of FeederWatch Begins Nov 13th
Access Improvements Made at Ashland Flats Wildlife Area
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently completed several improvement projects at Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in the towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent in Jefferson County, NY.
Improvements at the WMA include an accessible wildlife observation tower, along with a designated accessible parking area, and educational sign. [Read more…] about Access Improvements Made at Ashland Flats Wildlife Area
Birders Accessibility Resources for Birdability Week
Birdability is a nonprofit group that advocates and promotes a welcoming, safe, and inclusive atmosphere in the birding community for people of all abilities. Their vision is “birding truly is for everybody and every body, regardless of disability or other health concerns.” [Read more…] about Birders Accessibility Resources for Birdability Week
NYS Birding Trail Takes Flight In NYC
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the launch of the NYS Birding Trail to highlight world-class birding opportunities across the state. Birding or birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities and requires little to no experience or equipment to get started. [Read more…] about NYS Birding Trail Takes Flight In NYC