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small mammals

Deadwood: The Importance of Standing Dead Trees

January 28, 2023 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

standing dead tree by Katherine YardSome of the most important trees in your woodlot are the ones that are no longer alive. Large, standing dead or dying trees — called snags — are an important component of healthy forests and a critical habitat feature for wildlife.

They provide places for many birds and mammals to forage, den, nest, perch, and roost. Snags are particularly important for cavity nesting birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees; for bats that roost within cavities, crevices, and flaky bark; and for countless species that rely on the abundant insects, fungi, and lichens as a food source. [Read more…] about Deadwood: The Importance of Standing Dead Trees

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: birds, Forestry, fungi, insects, lichen, small mammals, trees, Wildlife

Squirrel Talk: Gray Squirrel Communication

November 26, 2022 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

eastern gray squirrel courtesy Wikimedia user MarshBunnyEven if you’ve never ventured further into the forest than an urban park or a college campus, you’re probably familiar with Sciurus carolinensis, the eastern gray squirrel. While it’s easy to identify gray squirrels by sight, however, recognizing the various sounds they make is more complicated.

Their vocalizations – squeaks, moans, buzzes, barks, and clucks – can sound like noises made by cats, chickens, jays, catbirds, even ducks. [Read more…] about Squirrel Talk: Gray Squirrel Communication

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: nature, small mammals, squirrels, trees, Wildlife

The Trouble with Rodenticides

November 5, 2022 by Guest Contributor 1 Comment

Wildlife eating rodenticide from a bait station intended for rats courtesy Wikimedia user Andrew KvalheimLast autumn, around the same time I was laying the winter quilt on our bed, my cat became very interested in the space beneath the kitchen sink. Unsurprisingly, a mouse was huddled down there, seeking shelter in the warmth. Though I was sympathetic, and all wildlife is welcome in our yard, I’d prefer they remain outside the house. What to do? [Read more…] about The Trouble with Rodenticides

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: birds, owls, pesticides, raptors, small mammals, Wildlife

Help Protect New York’s Bat Populations During Bat Week

October 22, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

northern long-eared bat courtesy DECBat Week is an internationally recognized celebration of the important role bats play in our environment. It is a great time to appreciate New York’s nine bat species. Bat Week is observed October 24th through 31st. [Read more…] about Help Protect New York’s Bat Populations During Bat Week

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: bats, nature, small mammals, Wildlife

The Ecology of Adirondack Wildfires

August 18, 2022 by Tom Kalinowski 1 Comment

fire just south of Pottersville in April 2012There are several natural disasters that can alter the ecological make-up of an area. Widespread tree disease, severe winds, and intense ice storms can all seriously damage or destroy the dominant members of a forest community.

However, the most catastrophic force of nature is fire, as a major blaze can significantly impact more than just the composition of trees that cover a given location. [Read more…] about The Ecology of Adirondack Wildfires

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Nature Tagged With: Adirondacks, amphibians, Environmental History, Fires, Forestry, nature, small mammals, trees, wildfires, Wildlife

Microbial Ecology: Mind Control, Fecal Transplants & Zombie Laternflies

August 13, 2022 by Paul Hetzler Leave a Comment

Lifecycle of Toxoplasma gondii courtesy CDCIf you believe we’re the master of our actions, think again. Better yet, have a fungus, bacterium, or protozoan tell you what to think. Jedi mind tricks are nothing compared to what microbes can do to animals, human and otherwise. [Read more…] about Microbial Ecology: Mind Control, Fecal Transplants & Zombie Laternflies

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: insects, nature, pets, Public Health, Science, small mammals, Spotted Lanternfly, Wildlife

Wild Blueberries: A Primer

August 6, 2022 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

lowbush blueberry courtesy Wikimedia user Fungus GUy Among summer’s many sweet offerings are wild berries. And among these, blueberries are my favorite. Years ago, I took to carrying large, empty yogurt containers in my car – and smaller vessels in my backpack – so I would have something to fill should I pass a good berry patch. My children became used to my meandering travels along back roads and woods trails as I foraged opportunistically. [Read more…] about Wild Blueberries: A Primer

Filed Under: Food, Nature Tagged With: birds, Fruit, gardening, Native Plants, nature, small mammals, wild food, Wildlife

Southern Bog Lemmings

June 18, 2022 by Guest Contributor 2 Comments

Synaptomys cooperi courtesy Wikimedia user PaulT If you’ve never seen – or heard of – the southern bog lemming, you’re not alone. Although this small mammal scurries through our landscape year-round, it is elusive by nature.

So elusive, in fact, that the southern bog lemming (Synaptomys cooperi) is listed as a species of greatest conservation need in the northeastern states – mainly because scientists struggle to find and track these rodents. [Read more…] about Southern Bog Lemmings

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: nature, small mammals, wetlands, Wildlife

International Bat Appreciation Day is Sunday

April 16, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

bat courtesy Al HicksInternational Bat Day is a great time to appreciate New York’s nine bat species.

When spring temperatures become warm enough, bats will leave their hibernation sites and may be seen flying in search of insects. Unfortunately, many species of bats, including little brown bats, have faced severe population declines due to White-nose Syndrome. [Read more…] about International Bat Appreciation Day is Sunday

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: bats, DEC, nature, small mammals, Wildlife

Bobcat Caches: Fascinating and Occasionally Grisly

March 25, 2022 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

bobcat courtesy Wikimedia user Bill W Ca On a cold November 2020 day, my daughter Lucy and I detected a strange floral scent in our woods. I challenged her to find its source, and promised a reward of chocolate cake.

After some sniffing, she led the way several feet upslope, stopping at a rotting log which bridged the air between two boulders. [Read more…] about Bobcat Caches: Fascinating and Occasionally Grisly

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: Bobcats, nature, small mammals, Wildlife

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