The Golden-tailed Sapphire‘s shining feathers, long bill, and tiny feet make it easy to recognize as a hummingbird. But what really makes a hummingbird a hummingbird? [Read more…] about What Makes a Hummingbird a Hummingbird?
birding
Comments Sought on Collins Landing, Point Peninsula WMA Plans
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released draft Access and Public Use Plans for Collins Landing and Point Peninsula Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in Jefferson County for public review and comment. [Read more…] about Comments Sought on Collins Landing, Point Peninsula WMA Plans
Watchable Wildlife: Braddock Bay (Monroe County)
Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area is an expanse of grasslands, marshes, and open water, just west of Rochester on the south shore of Lake Ontario. [Read more…] about Watchable Wildlife: Braddock Bay (Monroe County)
Help Monitor Alpine Birds in the Catskills and Adirondacks
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the field season for Mountain Birdwatch is underway for the month of June, and is seeking volunteers. This project, headed up by Jason Hill with Vermont Center for Ecostudies, is carried out on mountaintops across the northeast and involves point count surveys for 10 target alpine bird species. [Read more…] about Help Monitor Alpine Birds in the Catskills and Adirondacks
Bird Rescues & Wildlife Rehabilitators
This is the time of year when my yard feels bursting with life, as the neighborhood welcomes eastern phoebes, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and broad-winged hawks back from their long migrations. At the Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, where I work, “baby bird season” is also underway. [Read more…] about Bird Rescues & Wildlife Rehabilitators
Chestnut-Sided Warblers
While planting the vegetable garden last May, I heard a repeated bird song emanating from the adjacent raspberry patch: “Pleased, pleased, pleased to MEETCHA.” Finally, the small songster perched near the tip of a raspberry cane, its tail cocked. The bird’s yellow crown, black mask, olive back with black streaks, and white breast with rusty side patches were clearly visible – the striking markings of a male chestnut-sided warbler. (Breeding females are similarly-colored but lack the black eye mask.) [Read more…] about Chestnut-Sided Warblers
Watchable Wildlife: Brooklyn’s Prospect Park
One of the largest parks in Brooklyn, Prospect Park, offers the chance to see just about any bird that travels through New York City. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Prospect Park is ideal for birding, with more than 250 species spotted each year, including migrating songbirds in spring and fall, and a large diversity of waterfowl and resident birds throughout the year. [Read more…] about Watchable Wildlife: Brooklyn’s Prospect Park
World Migratory Bird Day Is Saturday
World Migratory Bird Day is officially celebrated on the second Saturday in May (May 13th in 2023) as migratory birds journey to nesting sites and on the second Saturday in October (October 14th in 2023) as they return to wintering areas. [Read more…] about World Migratory Bird Day Is Saturday
Woodpecker Guides Post-Fire Forest Management
What’s good for the Black-backed Woodpecker is good for restoration of burned California forests. The birds’ unique relationship with fire underpins the latest research into improved post-fire management. A study published in Ecological Applications describes a new tool that factors how fires burn into forest management decisions and turns science into action for wildlife conservation. [Read more…] about Woodpecker Guides Post-Fire Forest Management
Watch the Skies for Spring Bird Migrations
Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. This gives you a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds. [Read more…] about Watch the Skies for Spring Bird Migrations