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Science

Study: Climate Change Has Altered Human-Raptor Relationships

March 25, 2023 by Editorial Staff 1 Comment

Bald Eagle on a dairy farm by Michelle LancasterBald Eagles and dairy farmers exist in a mutually beneficial relationship in parts of northwestern Washington State. According to a new study, this “win-win” relationship has been a more recent development, driven by the impact of climate change on eagles’ traditional winter diet of salmon carcasses, as well as by increased eagle abundance following decades of conservation efforts. The research is published in the journal Ecosphere. [Read more…] about Study: Climate Change Has Altered Human-Raptor Relationships

Filed Under: Food, Nature Tagged With: Bald Eagles, birds, Climate Change, Dairy, local farms, raptors, Salmon, Science, Wildlife

How Animals Stay Warm In Winter

March 18, 2023 by Guest Contributor 2 Comments

red fox in its winter coat courtesy Wikimedia user Lvaughn7To survive the cold of winter, some animals take advantage of protected habitats, such as wooded areas or under a blanket of insulating snow. Ruffed grouse, for example, fly into piles of loose snow and create roosting cavities to rest in when not foraging. Mice and other small mammals remain active in tunnels under the snow. [Read more…] about How Animals Stay Warm In Winter

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: birds, coyotes, dogs, fox, Science, small mammals, snow, waterfowl, weather, whitetail deer, Wildlife, winter, wolves

Whitetail Antler Sheds & Deer Health

March 18, 2023 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

antler shed courtesy DECThroughout the winter months, whitetail bucks cast off or “shed” their antlers in response to dropping testosterone levels associated with increasing daylight. Many outdoor enthusiasts search for these shed antlers as collectibles, use them to build lamps or furniture, and determine which bucks made it through the hunting season. [Read more…] about Whitetail Antler Sheds & Deer Health

Filed Under: Nature, Recreation Tagged With: conservation, hunting, Science, whitetail deer, Wildlife

NYS Department of State Partners With Universities On Climate Issues

February 17, 2023 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

New York Department of StateNew York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez has announced the launch of the University Partnerships for Innovative Climate Solutions Initiative at the New York Department of State (DOS).

As part of this initiative, DOS is partnering with seven universities from across the State to engage graduate and undergraduate students in DOS programs and projects that focus on climate change and climate justice. [Read more…] about NYS Department of State Partners With Universities On Climate Issues

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: Bard College, Climate Change, Education, Environmental Justice, NYS Department of State, Rochester Institute of Technology, Science, SUNY Albany, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY ESF, SUNY Stony Brook, Syracuse University

There’s More To Animal Fur Than Meets The Eye

February 11, 2023 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

red fox in its winter coat courtesy Wikimedia user Lvaughn7 A flash of orange streaks across the meadow – a red fox, like a starburst in the snow. Its fur shimmers in the early morning light, and I, bundled in my winter layers and still shivering cold, envy the fox’s luxurious coat. [Read more…] about There’s More To Animal Fur Than Meets The Eye

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: cats, dogs, fox, nature, pets, Science, small mammals, whitetail deer, Wildlife, winter

Adirondack Moose Research Project Continues

February 10, 2023 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Moose cow, male, and calf spotted January 8, 2023 during a scouting mission for DEC Moose Research projectThe second year of a moose research project in the Adirondack region is underway. This year, 19 moose were fitted with GPS collars as part of a multi-year project assessing moose health and population. [Read more…] about Adirondack Moose Research Project Continues

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Nature Tagged With: Adirondacks, Cornell University, DEC, moose, Science, SUNY ESF, Wildlife

Hibernation: How It Works

February 4, 2023 by Guest Contributor 1 Comment

Black bear mother and cubs denning courtesy National Park Service Mammals and birds are endotherms, which means they generate their own body heat through relatively high metabolic rates. That high metabolism requires energy, which these animals garner from food. We typically think of endotherms as warm-blooded; however, some of them are not warm all of the time.

Most active birds and mammals maintain relatively high and stable body temperatures – often around 100 degrees. But they also lose heat to the surrounding environment, especially during the cold winter months. [Read more…] about Hibernation: How It Works

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: black bears, nature, Science, small mammals, Wildlife, winter

Reindeer Lichen: Fungus and Algae Living Together

December 10, 2022 by Guest Contributor 1 Comment

Cladonia rangiferina reindeer lichenOne of the primary winter foods for reindeer is reindeer lichen, also known as reindeer moss. These are puffy, many-branched, pale green or grayish-white lichens up to 4½ inches tall, spongy to the touch when damp.

Multiple species of reindeer lichen cover extensive areas of ground in the Arctic tundra and Canadian boreal forest and also grow on mountain summits and at other sites throughout the Northeast. [Read more…] about Reindeer Lichen: Fungus and Algae Living Together

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Nature Tagged With: alpine ecology, boreal ecology, botany, Christmas, High Peaks, lichen, Science

Meltdown: A History of Glacier Science

December 9, 2022 by Bob Cudmore Leave a Comment

The Historians LogoFormed over hundreds-even millions-of years ago, glaciers support a vast network of life. Yet, climate change is causing them to melt at an unprecedented rate. If we don’t change course, their disappearance will change the world as we know it.

This week on The Historians Podcast, environmental educator discusses her book Meltdown: Discover Earth’s Irreplaceable Glaciers And Learn What You Can Do To Save Them (Workman Publishing Co, 2022). [Read more…] about Meltdown: A History of Glacier Science

Filed Under: Books, History, Nature Tagged With: Climate Change, nature, Podcasts, Science, Science History

Coordination of Many Legged Locomotion

December 2, 2022 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

Adult Anadenobolus monilicornis courtesy Wikimedia user Totodu74Grinning and giggling, my one-year-old son ran across the living room, only to trip over his own feet and faceplant on the carpet. Sometimes, two legs can be too many to coordinate. How, then, do invertebrates walk with six, eight, or hundreds of legs?

In some ways, walking for insects, arachnids, and myriapods (a group that includes millipedes and centipedes) isn’t that different than it is for us. [Read more…] about Coordination of Many Legged Locomotion

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: insects, nature, Science, Wildlife

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