As summer ticks towards autumn, the flow of birds heading south for the winter grows in volume until it becomes a rushing torrent of migrants in September and into October. Millions of birds – hundreds of millions, in fact – will pass through the Northeast’s airspace during this time, as species that bred up north head to warmer locations. But this southbound river of migrating birds all began with a few drops as far back as early July, when a handful of shorebirds from northern arctic and subarctic regions started heading south. [Read more…] about Encountering Solitary Sandpipers On Their Way South
Shorebirds
Watching Migrating Birds This Spring: A Primer
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 provides a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds. Here’s a few resources to get you started: [Read more…] about Watching Migrating Birds This Spring: A Primer
Stay Alert for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Since it was first introduced into New York State in January 2022, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been documented in captive birds in multiple counties and detected in free-ranging wild birds and mammals throughout the state.
Wild bird mortalities from HPAI increase in late fall and peak over the winter months, then typically decrease in the late spring and summer months. At this point, it is widespread in wild birds and even suspected to be present in counties where it has not yet been detected. [Read more…] about Stay Alert for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Fall Bird Migration is Underway
Each fall, migrating birds can be seen flying south to their wintering grounds.
This is the ideal time of year for New York residents and visitors to head to Bird Conservation Areas across the state for great bird watching opportunities. [Read more…] about Fall Bird Migration is Underway
Exploring Shrub Swamps
A yellowthroat warbler sang, “witchety, witchety, witch,” as I carefully made my way through the tangle of an alder swamp one afternoon not long ago.
I looked about, hoping to catch a glimpse of its yellow breast and black mask. I could hear the twangs of green frogs calling in the distance. A dragonfly zoomed past me, then flew back and landed on my shoulder. [Read more…] about Exploring Shrub Swamps
Report Suspected Cases of Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched an online platform for the public to report suspected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds. The platform was designed as part of an ongoing effort to monitor HPAI in New York. [Read more…] about Report Suspected Cases of Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: A Hidden Gem in Western New York
Nestled between Rochester and Buffalo, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (INWR) stands as one of the best-kept secrets of Western New York. This serene haven, spanning over 10,000 acres, is a testament to the timeless beauty and quiet reverence of nature.
My visits to the refuge, accompanied by my wife, have left us in awe of its tranquil atmosphere. There is something magical about the place — a sense of wildness that feels both untamed and peaceful; as if nature itself is speaking in whispers. [Read more…] about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: A Hidden Gem in Western New York
Fall Bird Migration is Underway: Here’s Where To Watch
Each fall, migrating birds can be seen flying south to their wintering grounds. This is the ideal time of year for New York residents and visitors to head to Bird Conservation Areas across the state for great bird watching opportunities. With birds on the move, your favorite birding site can change within a few days with different species traveling through. [Read more…] about Fall Bird Migration is Underway: Here’s Where To Watch
Help Protect the Endangered Piping Plover
The piping plover, a small shorebird, is an endangered species that nests on Long Island‘s beaches. They typically arrive in early spring to breed, selecting sandy beaches and dunes as their nesting habitat. These areas provide camouflage for their eggs and chicks. Their nesting season coincides with the busiest time for beachgoers, presenting a challenge for their conservation. [Read more…] about Help Protect the Endangered Piping Plover
National Wildlife Refuges in New York State: A Guide
The National Wildlife Refuge System began on March 14, 1904, when President Theodore Roosevelt established the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Since then the system has expanded to include more than 570 different refuges. There are 13 National Wildlife Refuges in New York State: two in Western New York, two in the Lower Hudson Valley/Catskills region, and nine on Long Island. [Read more…] about National Wildlife Refuges in New York State: A Guide
Cranberry Bogs of Long Island: Some History & Natural History
Nearly everyone has enjoyed the several products derived from the fruit of the cranberry, but few people are familiar with the ecology of this interesting plant or the role it has played in many local economies and histories.
Today the cranberry industry is an important. part of the agricultural economy only in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. But many other parts of the country were at one time involved in cranberry production. [Read more…] about Cranberry Bogs of Long Island: Some History & Natural History
12 New Locations to New York State Birding Trail
Twelve new locations have been added to the New York State Birding Trail. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 344 and provide a wide variety of quality birding experiences for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background. [Read more…] about 12 New Locations to New York State Birding Trail
Dire News From 2022 State of the Birds Report
A newly released State of the Birds Report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire. Long-term trends of waterfowl show strong increases where investments in wetland conservation have improved conditions for birds and people. But data show birds in the United States are declining overall in every other habitat — forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans. [Read more…] about Dire News From 2022 State of the Birds Report
NYS ‘Lights Out’ Initiative Launched to Protect Migrating Birds
New York State agencies have announced two initiatives designed to protect and foster increased appreciation for birds – a new ‘Lights Out’ initiative to help protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies, and the launch of the Capital Region segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the State’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.
State buildings participating in Lights Out will keep non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully, both in the Capital Region and throughout New York. [Read more…] about NYS ‘Lights Out’ Initiative Launched to Protect Migrating Birds
Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area
Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent, in Jefferson County. The 2,028-acre property includes large grassland fields, wetland impoundments, shrublands, and forested wetlands. [Read more…] about Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area
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
Motus Wildlife Tracking Stations Installed in Wildlife Management Areas
Just in time for fall migration, all five Motus receiver stations on the Perch River, Upper and Lower Lakes, Three Rivers, Rome, and Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are up and running.
In August and September, the Northeast Motus Collaboration worked with DEC to install the stations, which join a growing network of Motus receiver stations that will help researchers better understand bird, bat, and insect movements and migration by remotely tracking tagged individuals as they move across the landscape. [Read more…] about Motus Wildlife Tracking Stations Installed in Wildlife Management Areas
Tracking Animal Movement and Migration with Motus
The Northeast Motus Collaboration recently installed a Motus Wildlife Tracking Station on Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Located on the edge of Lake Ontario, this station is the first of five that are being installed on WMAs in New York this summer to track wildlife movement. [Read more…] about Tracking Animal Movement and Migration with Motus