Friday's Foto

The Black Skimmer is one of three species of tern-like birds in the skimmer family. It can be seen around NYC's coastline in the summer. Characterized by a lower mandible which is longer than the upper mandible, they forage by flying low over the water with their lower bill skimming through the surface, snapping shut on any prey they encounter. A large breeding flock found annually at Breezy Point, in Queens, heads south in the late-fall. Over the years I've noticed many birds flying low over the Brooklyn Cyclone's stadium at night, presumably to feed in the adjacent Coney Island Creek or Gravesend Bay. I hope they can dodge fly balls.

Treehugger Tuesday

Using information compiled mainly from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Marine Conservation Society, FishWatch, and the Greenpeace Red List, "Which Fish" is a simple, easy to read website which helps one decides which fish are safe and responsible to consume.

Upcoming Nature trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of July 30th - July 31st, 2011:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Macy's Fishing Clinics
Saturdays in July and August, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Learn how to fish at Prospect Park!

Sunday, July 31, 2011
Discover Tour
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Early Shorebirds at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Trip Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: early Shorebirds and waterfowl; butterflies, wildflowers
Registrar: Peter Dorosh, Email Prosbird [AT] aol.com or TEXT Message 347-622-3559
Registration period: July 18th- July 28th
Note: High Tide is 9:36 am when the freshwater ponds are most productive

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, July 30, 2011, 8:00am – 9:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers. With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Urban Park Rangers. Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Sunday, July 31, 2011, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Sunset Eco-Cruises to Harbor Heron Islands
Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. Experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on islands around the harbor. Register with New York Water Taxi online by clicking here, or by phone at 212-742-1969. Limited to 100. $35 for adults, $25 for children under 12.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, July 30, 2011, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Page Avenue Beach
We’ll begin with a look at the local geology then move to examining the flotsam and jetsam accumulated at the high tide lines to see what nature's debris has to tell us. As the water recedes with the tide we'll move into the intertidal zone to find out what sorts of living things survive in this challenging environment. A variety of crabs, snails, clams, oysters, shrimp, worms and small fish are likely to be discovered. It's going to be muddy so dress appropriately. Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of Page Avenue below Hylan Blvd.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Basic Canoeing
11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: The Harlem Meer, outside of Lasker Pool (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Basic Canoeing
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Birding
8:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Advanced Canoeing
11:30 a.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Cost: Free ...Read more

Friday's Foto

Sorry about the lack of postings lately. Between work, the recent heatwave and entertaining our 11 year old niece who is staying with us for 2 week, there hasn't been much time (or desire) for birds or butterflies. This photo says it all ... if you can get to the beach tomorrow, do it because it will be another scorcher in NYC. My favorite is Jacob Riis Park. Check out my endorsement in the summer issue of "New York Magazine". I'm on the third page of the article.

Treehugger Tuesday

The following story was recently broadcast on National Public Radio:

Mapping (Almost) Every Tree in Central Park
by Margot Adler

There are more than 20,000 trees in New York City's Central Park and an author and birdwatcher have mapped almost every one of them.

Edward Barnard and Ken Chaya's map, "Central Park Entire," took them two and a half years to finish. Chaya walked thousands of miles in the park, mapping every tree and dirt trail.

Click here to listen to the entire story.

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of July 23rd - July 24th, 2011:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Macy's Fishing Clinics
Saturdays in July and August, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Learn how to fish at Prospect Park!

Sunday, July 24, 2011
Discover Tour
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Friday EVENING June 24th, 2011
Prospect Park's Bats and evening denizens
Meet 7:30 PM at the 9th St (Lafayette) Prospect Park entrance
Trip Leader: Paul Keim
Focus: Bats galore and birds of the evening.
http://www.batcon.org/

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, July 23, 2011, 8:00am – 9:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers. With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Urban Park Rangers. Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Saturday, July 23, 2011, 9am – 2pm
Explore the Mysteries of the Meadowlands by Canoe, Secaucus, NJ
Guide: Mike Newhouse With NJ Meadowlands Commission Come explore the Meadowlands' Mill Creek Marsh, a 225-acre restored wetland off the Hackensack River. See this rich tidal ecosystem up close by canoe, and observe the first wave of shorebirds stopping by on their way south. We'll also find resident egrets, night-herons, and belted kingfishers--along with blue and fiddler crabs and diamondback terrapins. Then, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch in this expansive preserved space, with the NYC skyline as a backdrop. Bring sunscreen, lunch, water, and binoculars. Transport by passenger van provided. Limited to 12. $65 Click here to register!

Sunday, July 24, 2011, 9:30am – 11:30am
Inwood Hill Park: Birding Along the Hudson
Guide: Gabriel Willow With Wave Hill Explore the Hudson River’s avian ecology starting at the tip of Manhattan and migrating north. Ideal for ages 10 and up. Registration recommended: online, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. All necessary information, including meeting location details, will be included in your registration confirmation email from Wave Hill. Severe weather cancels (For weather-related updates, call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8am the day of the walk). $10 for Wave Hill or NYC Audubon members/$18 non-members. (Members of other host organizations also enjoy member prices when walks take place at their location.)

Sunday, July 24, 2011, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Sunset Eco-Cruises to Harbor Heron Islands
Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. Experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on islands around the harbor. Register with New York Water Taxi online by clicking here, or by phone at 212-742-1969. Limited to 100. $35 for adults, $25 for children under 12.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 23, 2011

Advanced Canoeing
11:00 a.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: Fort Totten Park, Queens
Cost: Free

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Van Cortlandt Park Bike Tour
11:00 a.m.
Are you staycationing in New York City this summer? A cycling tour of one of New York...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Basic Canoeing
11:00 a.m.; 2:00 p.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Basic Canoeing
11:00 a.m.; 2:00 p.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free ...Read more

Friday's Foto

Late-June through mid-July is generally a slow time for birds. Conversely, it is a very good time for spotting butterflies. I spotted this tiny hairstreak butterfly feeding on butterfly weed in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery. I'm still not 100% certain of its identity but am fairly confident it is an Edward's Hairstreak. If you know where to look, Green-Wood Cemetery is a good place for butterfly watching. I'll post a map with locations in the near future.

Treehugger Tuesday

The Summer is here and people like me spend lots of time at the shore. In recogition of that annual "migration" radio show host Leonard Lopate's dedicated an entire episode of "Please Explain" to our friends the jellyfish. Check it out:

June Birds

During the month of June the northbound migration of birds usually comes to an end, so it was no surprise that I only added one new species for the borough of Brooklyn for 2011. I took a day trip with Heydi to the breeding grounds of some of the Atlantic Flyway's migrants just a short drive north of NYC. There we found a few more new species for the state.

My final Brooklyn bird for June was unexpected and I didn't even have my bins with me. While enjoying the sunset and a glass of wine on Friday the 10th, I heard the unmistakable "peent" call of a Common Nighthawk nearby. Neither a hawk nor common, this relative of the Whip-poor-will used to nest in Brooklyn. With falcon-like wings they swoop and dive for insects usually at dusk. The individual I heard was hunting for insects in the sky over Prospect Park's Long Meadow.

Sterling Forest State Park is about 50 miles north of Prospect Park, Brooklyn (as the crow flies) and a great place to look for breeding songbirds. It is the newest  park in the state system. One of those birds that we were hoping to locate there is the Golden-winged Warbler. This neotropic songbird has been in decline throughout most of its range and, in fact, it has been many years since I've spotted one in NYC. I haven't birded in Sterling Forest in several years and had to dig through my notes to remember all the best birding hotspots.

Sterling Forest didn't disappoint and we quickly located Golden-winged Warblers on territory. Other breeding warblers seen or heard were Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat and Hooded Warbler. In all, we tallied 59 species of birds during our hikes around Sterling Forest. In addition to the Golden-winged Warbler, we spotted three other year birds - Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpecker and Broad-winged Hawk.

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New York State total: 226
Kings County total: 214

222) Golden-winged Warbler (Sterling Forest--Ironwood Drive and environs, 06/05/11)
223) Wild Turkey (Sterling Forest--Ironwood Drive and environs, 06/05/11)
224) Pileated Woodpecker (Sterling Lake Loop Trail, 06/05/11)
225) Broad-winged Hawk (Sterling Lake Loop Trail, 06/05/11)
226) Common Nighthawk (Prospect Park--Long Meadow, 06/10/11)

Below is a short slideshow of some Sterling Forest images:

...Read more

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of July 16th - July 17th, 2011:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Macy's Fishing Clinics
Saturdays in July and August, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Learn how to fish at Prospect Park!

Sunday, July 17, 2011
Discover Tour
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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Linnaean Society of New York
Friday, July 15, 2011
Prospect Park Bat Walk
Leader: Paul Keim
No registration. Meet at 9th St. & Prospect Park West (near F Train station at 7th Avenue & 9th St.) at
7:45 p.m. NOTE EVENING START. Public transportation.

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, July 16, 2011, 8:00am – 9:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers. With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Urban Park Rangers. Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Saturday, July 16, 2011, 10:00am – 11:15am
City of Water Day eco-cruise
Guide: Don Riepe With Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance Meet at Circle Line Cruises, at Pier 83 in Manhattan (12th Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets). As part of City of Water Day, a celebration of the waterways and harbors of New York City, NYC Audubon is offering a special eco-cruise past Hoffman and Swinburne Islands exploring the natural history of the area. The tour leaves from Pier 83 in Manhattan and ends at Governor's Island. Limited to 150. Free; registration required. Click here to learn more.

Sunday, July 17, 2011, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Sunset Eco-Cruises to Harbor Heron Islands
Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. Experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on islands around the harbor. Register with New York Water Taxi online by clicking here, or by phone at 212-742-1969. Limited to 100. $35 for adults, $25 for children under 12.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Forest Restoration Workshop at Egbertville Ravine
Meet at the side of Meisner Ave. (toward the Eger Home) close to the intersection of Meisner and Rockland. We will follow the White Trail south to Nevada Avenue and uproot Multi-flora Rose, Oriental Bittersweet and; perhaps, Garlic-Mustard. If you don't have your own, Protectors will supply gloves, loppers and pruners (& refreshments). After a two hour work session (our 181st workshop), we will take a short walk over nearby trails.
For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036 or Chuck Perry at (718) 667-1393 for more information.

Sunday, July 17, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Clay Pit Pond Park
This ecological wonderland hosts a variety of habitats. And among the woodlands and native flowers we will search for dozens of butterflies utilizing the park’s flowers, trees and shrubs. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot.
For more information call Cliff Hagen at (718) 313-8591.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Basic Canoeing
11:00 a.m.; 3:00 p.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: The Harlem Meer, outside of Lasker Pool (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Basic Canoeing
12:00 p.m.
Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The...
Location: Van Cortlandt South and Major Deegan Expressway (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Seining the Shores
2:00 p.m.
We connect children with nature to encourage active exploration of the natural world....
Location: South Beach, Staten Island
Cost: Free ...Read more

Friday's Foto

Throughout NYC's five boroughs, juvenile Red-tailed Hawks have left their nests and are exploring their territory. Some are starting to learn to hunt. This very young hawk in Green-Wood Cemetery is easily differentiated from the adults by his buffy breast and long, banded tail.