Thump. Thud. Something was hitting our window! It was a bright red cardinal flying at his reflected image in the glass – which he perceived to be an intruder in his territory. The bird kept it up for an hour, until I covered the window. On other occasions that spring, this cardinal attacked his reflection at a different window and in the car’s side mirror. [Read more…] about Singing Cardinals Defend Territories
nature
Covid-19 Impacting Maple Sugaring Season
As I start to write this, it’s raining and 50°F outside. Several days of above freezing nighttime temperatures are in the forecast, as well. It appears that the maple sugaring season is quickly coming to an end. Most of the producers that I’ve talked with are saying it’s been an average to good season. [Read more…] about Covid-19 Impacting Maple Sugaring Season
Invasive Species Awareness Week June 7-13
The State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets have announced that New York State’s seventh annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) will be held June 7-13. [Read more…] about Invasive Species Awareness Week June 7-13
Remembering Elk, Once A Northeast Native
Hundreds of years ago, haunting bugle-like calls echoed through these hills and valleys. The sounds were made by bull elk to attract mates and fend off rivals.
Elk in the Northeast? Yes, elk were once the most widely distributed of North American hoofed mammals. Millions roamed over much of the U.S. and Canada. Adaptable to a variety of habitats, elk were found in the Adirondacks, and in most ecosystems except the tundra, deserts, and the Gulf Coast. [Read more…] about Remembering Elk, Once A Northeast Native
Watch Out for Amphibians Crossing the Road
With the arrival of spring temperatures, amphibians have begun their annual migrations to woodland pools to breed. Often, they must cross roads to reach these pools.
In most of New York, this migration usually occurs on rainy nights in late March and early April, when the night air temperature is above 40F. When these conditions exist there can be explosive, “big night” migrations, with hundreds of amphibians on the move. [Read more…] about Watch Out for Amphibians Crossing the Road
State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
NYS DEC and State Parks are encouraging New Yorkers to engage in responsible recreation by recreating locally, practicing physical distancing, and using common sense to protect themselves and others.
Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, fish, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State facilities are closed, most trails, parks, grounds, and forests are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. [Read more…] about State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
Environmental Conservation Police Reports
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Environmental Conservation Police Officers in New York State. [Read more…] about Environmental Conservation Police Reports
Fox Calls: Yips, Shrieks, and Yaps
Sometimes it pays to be an insomniac. One frigid winter night, I climbed out of my restless bed and slipped outside to stand under a sky littered with stars and take in the complete silence of darkness. Suddenly, a ruckus broke out along the edge of the pond near my home. A series of high-pitched yips echoed from the shore. A wild yapping answered from closer to my own yard. [Read more…] about Fox Calls: Yips, Shrieks, and Yaps
Lake Champlain Sea Grant Hosting ‘Zoom A Scientist’
Over the next few weeks, the Lake Champlain Sea Grant team will be hosting “Zoom a Scientist,” an interactive webinar series focused on watershed and aquatic science.
Every Tuesday and Friday from noon until 1 pm scientists will lead viewers through the Lake Champlain watershed and share their research. [Read more…] about Lake Champlain Sea Grant Hosting ‘Zoom A Scientist’
Conservation Minute: The Art of Nature Journaling
There are numerous physical and mental benefits of exploring and connecting with nature. Often though, we are so eager to get on the trail and reach a destination, that we miss the details along the path – and the details can often make the journey more meaningful.
One way to help slow your pace and deepen your connection with nature is to start a journal. Nature journaling requires you to take pause, observe the wildlife, plants, or scenery around you, and record what you see through a combination of notes and sketches. [Read more…] about Conservation Minute: The Art of Nature Journaling