Have you spotted some of spring’s first wildflowers in the forest? This is the time when the famously fleeting flowers called spring ephemerals bloom – but only for a brief period of time. [Read more…] about Ephemeral Wildflowers: Brief Beauties of the Forest Floor
nature
Be Alert for Turtles Crossing the Road
Native turtles are on the move in May and June seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when they are struck by vehicles as they migrate to their nesting areas. [Read more…] about Be Alert for Turtles Crossing the Road
The Horaltic Pose: Sunbathing Birds
One cold spring morning, a turkey vulture soared across the sky and landed high in a tree behind my house. I soon noticed another vulture, most likely its mate, in a nearby oak.
This one was perched with its back to the sun and its gigantic wings outspread. It remained in place, giving me a good look at its impressive wingspan – nearly 6 feet – and the light filtering through its long, silvery wingtips, or “fingers.” [Read more…] about The Horaltic Pose: Sunbathing Birds
May is American Wetlands Month
New York State is home to over two million acres of freshwater wetlands. Freshwater wetlands are lands typically covered with water, are very wet, but are not connected to the ocean or estuary.
Freshwater wetlands have many different names including bogs, swamps, marshes, vernal pools, potholes, and fens. May is American Wetlands Month. [Read more…] about May is American Wetlands Month
Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the grand opening of the Central-Finger Lakes segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.
The Central-Finger Lakes segment includes 54 locations throughout 15 counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. [Read more…] about Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens
Spring Chores: Sanitize Your Bird Feeder
DEC recommends cleaning your bird feeders at this time of year.
Two diseases are commonly spread at bird feeders are Salmonellosis, which affects common redpolls, pine siskins, and other songbirds; and, Finch conjunctivitis which primarily infects house finches and American goldfinches. [Read more…] about Spring Chores: Sanitize Your Bird Feeder
Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area Comments Sought
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a draft Access and Public Use Plan (APUP) for the Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for public review and comment.
Ashland Flats WMA contains 2,028 acres of primarily open meadows, and second-growth and young forests in Jefferson County east of Lake Ontario. [Read more…] about Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area Comments Sought
New Whelk Regulations Effective May 11
Effective May 11th, 2022, the minimum size limit for whelk (sea snails) is 5½ inches shell length or 2¼ inches shell height for all marine waters of New York State except Long Island Sound Region (LIS). [Read more…] about New Whelk Regulations Effective May 11
Global Bird Populations Steadily Declining
Staggering declines in bird populations are taking place around the world. So concludes a study from scientists at multiple institutions, recently published in the journal Annual Review of Environment and Resources.
Loss and degradation of natural habitats and direct over-exploitation of many species are cited as the key threats to avian biodiversity. Climate change is identified as an emerging driver of bird population declines. [Read more…] about Global Bird Populations Steadily Declining
Striped Maple: Food & Shelter in the Forest Understory
Beneath the forest canopy, or overstory, of towering trees is a second layer of vegetation known as the understory. It is composed of shrubs, saplings, and understory trees that grow in the dappled shade of the overstory.
One understory specialist is striped maple, a small tree that seldom grows more than 20 feet high and 8 inches in circumference. Despite its moderate stature, striped maple plays an important ecological role in the forest, providing shelter and food for a variety of wildlife. [Read more…] about Striped Maple: Food & Shelter in the Forest Understory