Coney Island Before and After

I found these screenshots from a Coney Island webcam:

Before Sandy.

After Sandy.

Here's a blog posting by someone who took a walk down the boardwalk after the storm.

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of November 3, 2012 - November 4, 2012:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturdays, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, November 4, 2012, 10 a.m.
Early Morning Bird Walk: Feathered Friends
Free! Meet the amazing birds of Prospect Park on this expert-guided walk. Start your Sunday morning surrounded by nature!

Discover Tour
Sundays, 3 p.m.
Free! Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Joe DiCostanzo
Registrar: Irene Warshauer (iwarshauer@aol.com)
Registration opens Monday 10/22. Ride: $15.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, November 3, 2012
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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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, November 3, 2012, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walk
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 residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Sunday, November 4, 2012, 10am – 11am
Birding for Families
Sundays, September 2-November 25, 10-11am Guides: NYC Audubon Offered by the Central Park Conservancy Meet at the Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues). Bring the kids and visit one of New York City’s richest bird habitats. Learn as a family how to spot and identify our feathered neighbors in their natural surroundings. Binoculars can be borrowed from the Visitor Center. For weather cancellation information, call 212-860-1370.
Limited to 20. Age 5 and up.
Free. Click here to learn more and register

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, November 3, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Field Guide to Medicinal Plants
Join herbalist Gert Coleman for a walk through the paths and gardens at Conference House Park to identify both wild and cultivated medicinal plants. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Hylan Blvd.
For more information call Gert Coleman at 718-356-9235.

Saturday, November 3, 2012, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
South Shore Beach Walk
Be ready to do a lot of walking on sand. We will meet at the Conference House Pavilion at the end of Hylan Blvd and walk the beach to Mount Loretto. Expect to find a variety of seashells and other evidence of marine and inter-tidal life as well as flotsam and jetsam of human activities.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Minitrip - Fort Tilden and Floyd Bennett Field
Leader: Seth Ausubel
Meet at 7:15 a.m. at the small community garden at Ft. Tilden. From the Belt Pkwy take Exit 11S - Flatbush Av south. Go over the Marine Park Bridge (toll) and exit on the right toward Breezy Point. Turn left at the first traffic light a short distance west of the bridge to enter Ft. Tilden. There is a small parking area on the right along the entrance road. The community garden is just to the west. We will be birding in the immediate area for a time so it should be easy for you to find the group if you're a few minutes late. Note that the restrooms at our meeting spot will not be open. The varied habitat often turns up nice finds in the fields, woods, and in the water.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Bird Walks
8:00 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or…
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Birding
8:00 a.m.
We offer birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique…
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Bird Walks at The New York Botanical Garden
11:00 a.m.
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of…
Location: New York Botanical Garden (in Bronx Park), Bronx

Introduction to Birdwatching
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind? Take a tour and learn about the…
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free!

Sunday, November 4, 2012
Discover Tours
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Talk a walk with one of our naturalists to watch for animals, and investigate little-known…
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free! ...Read more

Live Storm Cams

Here are links to a couple of live webcams from NYC:

New York Harbor from the Statue of Liberty

Rockaway Surf Cam

Friday's Foto

The Bicknell's Thrush is a species of highest conservation concern in North America. This is due to their small population, limited breeding and wintering ranges, and vulnerability to deforestation in its winter habitat. Difficult to differentiate from the closely related Gray-cheeked Thrush, they weren't recognized as a distinct species until 1995. This individual responded to recorded bicknell's call, but did not to gray-cheeked calls. Here's a page of multimedia resources for Bicknell's Thrush identification. I have more photos of this individual here.

Treehugger Tuesday

Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D. is an ecologist, author, cancer survivor and internationally recognized authority on the environment links to cancer and human health. Her book, Living Downstream: An Ecologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment presents cancer as a human rights issue. In August of 2012, she made news for her Pledge to Resist Fracking speech and op-ed given during a Don't Frack New York rally in Albany, NY. She is now aiding citizens of Colorado in their fight to stop fracking.

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of October 27, 2012 - October 28, 2012:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturdays, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

**********

Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Prospect Park
Meet 7:30 am at Bartel Pritchard Square park entrance
Note: nearest train is "F" or "G" to Prospect Park /15th St station.
Trip Leader: Jerry Layton

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Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, October 27, 2012, 1pm – 5pm
Sunday, October 28, 2012, 11am – 3pm
Canoe on the Gowanus Canal
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues www.gowanuscana​l.org

**********

Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Geology of Central Park
Leader: Sidney Horenstein
No registration. Meet at 64th St. and Central Park West at 10:00 a.m.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, October 27, 2012
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

**********

New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, October 27, 2012, 7:30am – 10:30am
StarrTrips in Central Park
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings in Central Park, Saturday, August 20 – Saturday, October 29 Join Starr Saphir for bird watching in Central Park. On Mondays and Wednesdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 81st and Central Park West (SE corner). On Tuesdays, meet at 9am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (parkside). On Saturdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (parkside). All Starr Trips are non-smoking. No registration necessary. For more information, call Starr at 917-306-3808. $8 ($4 for full time students)

Saturday, October 27, 2012, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walk
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 residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Sunday, October 28, 2012, 10am – 11am
Birding for Families
Sundays, September 2-November 25, 10-11am Guides: NYC Audubon Offered by the Central Park Conservancy Meet at the Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues). Bring the kids and visit one of New York City’s richest bird habitats. Learn as a family how to spot and identify our feathered neighbors in their natural surroundings. Binoculars can be borrowed from the Visitor Center. For weather cancellation information, call 212-860-1370.
Limited to 20. Age 5 and up.
Free. Click here to learn more and register

**********

North Shore Audubon Society
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Joan Perry - 365-7191
Walks are for beginners and experienced birders alike.
Weather permitting, walks start at 9:30 a.m. unless indicated otherwise. If in doubt, call the trip leader.
Please note: all phone numbers are code 516 unless otherwise shown.
In most cases, your contacts are the trip leaders.
For directions, click sitefinder view.
We encourage carpooling where feasable.

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, October 27, 2012 Minitrip - Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Leader: Ian Resnick Description: Jamaica Bay is world famous, need I say more?
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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Bird Walks
8:00 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or…
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Bird Walks at The New York Botanical Garden
11:00 a.m.
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of…
Location: New York Botanical Garden (in Bronx Park), Bronx

Introduction to Birdwatching
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind? Take a tour and learn about the…
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free! ...Read more

Friday's Foto

Pine Siskins, a relative of the American Goldfinch, are usually found North of NYC in the Winter. During years of food shortages, however, large flocks will move farther South in search of seed crops. This appears to be one of those years. They can sometimes be found mixed in with flocks of goldfinches. Look for them at your thistle feeders this Winter.

A New Bird for Prospect Park

I had a little down time late yesterday afternoon, so decided to take a quick walk around Prospect Park. What began as an uneventful bit of birding ended with a sighting that nearly knocked me off my feet.

My short walk took me through the Ravine, across the Nethermead Meadow, then up to Breeze Hill. I returned via Lookout Hill's Butterfly Meadow, then back through the Ravine. The walk was relatively uneventful. There were a fair number of sparrows on the grass and surrounding berm on Breeze Hill, but nothing out of the ordinary.

I was walking home through the Ravine and had just passed the Fallkill Falls when I spotted Bobbi Manian scanning the small wildflower meadow near the entrance of the Ravine. We compared notes and found that we had seen pretty much the same birds. Both of us were leaving the park and I suggested that we take one last look at the area between the baseball fields. I had seen a lot of birds there when I first started my walk.

A nice mixed flock of sparrows at baseball field 6 held our attention for about 10 or 15 minutes. There were several White-crowned Sparrows in the mix, as well as, a very yellow Palm Warbler. Suddenly, all the birds flushed up into the trees and I looked across the fields expecting to see a Merlin of some other raptor buzzing the field. Instead I saw a medium-sized, bright yellow songbird flying low across the grass. It perched near the top of a leafless elm tree at the edge of the sidewalk behind us. When I focused my bins on the bird I was shocked and probably shouted something not repeatable here...it was a Western Kingbird! This western vagrant was never on my radar for Prospect Park (although, with the area's recent sightings, it probably should have been). Fortunately, Bobbi had her camera with her and she snapped off a few pics. The bird stuck around for about 5 minutes but eventually started flying to tree tops a little farther back until we lost sight of it. The area of Prospect Park where it seemed to be heading is the fenced off Quaker Cemetery, which is off limits to the public. Peter just got off work and joined us as we spent another hour trying to relocate the flycatcher. There is an entrance to the cemetery on Center Drive, but the view is limited from the locked gate. We also checked the trees around the Nethermead Meadow, the Butterfly Meadow on Lookout Hill and the Peninsula Meadow with no luck.

It seems like the normal expected habitat for this bird doesn't always apply when they stray to the East coast as I've seen them at the water's edge in Fort Tilden, the rock garden at The New York Botanic Garden and, now, Prospect Park's ball fields. Hopefully it will stick around Brooklyn.

Here is a link to a map with the location on the ball field noted:

http://goo.gl/maps/MPNa9

I also have a more complete map of the park with all the local names and birding spots noted here:

http://goo.gl/maps/vFSWd

This is the first record of Western Kingbird in Prospect Park. Here is a link to Cornell's eBird website with a map of this year's Western Kingbird sightings around New York State.

...Read more

A Big Flight of Birds

Last Friday evening a cold front moved into the area leading me to believe there would be a good movement of South-bound birds coming through the city. I thought coastal Brooklyn might be the best spot to find a few incoming species. That turned out to be the understatement of the year.

As the sun was coming up Saturday morning, Heydi and I were walking into Calvert Vaux Park in Brooklyn. Birds seemed to be dropping out of the sky everywhere. The walk through a weedy path between 6 Diamonds Park and Calvert Vaux flushed hundreds of Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows. I was overwhelmed by the volume of birds and movement, not knowing where to look first. Calvert Vaux Park is on a relatively small, man-made peninsula that borders Coney Island Creek and juts into Gravesend Bay. Frequently, South-bound birds will pile up there before crossing the water to continue their journey. During the 4 hours we spent there we experienced an incredible, nearly non-stop movement of birds.

I wanted to check out the large, grass soccer fields before any players arrived, hoping to find an Eastern Meadowlark. A vocalizing American Kestrel circled the field before coming to rest atop a tall street light. Feeding primarily on insects, such as crickets, it is a favorite perch for these small, colorful falcons. I've photographed them on these lampposts many times in the past. Walking clockwise around the field, I commented that we were certain to find meadowlarks. No sooner had those words left my mouth that an Eastern Meadowlark flew in and perched atop a planetree. It called a few times before flying down to the grass where it nervously fed for several minutes.

Throughout the morning we found that the most abundant species were Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-throated Sparrows. I'm sure that any estimates we made were extremely low given the impossible task of counting these quick moving, hungry birds. At one point, I lifted my gloved hand to shade my eyes from the low, early morning sun. A Yellow-rumped Warbler, presumably chasing an insect, headed directly towards me and momentarily perched on the edge of my hand. The White-throated Sparrows, which tend to stick to the edges of weedy habitat, were difficult to judge flock size as many birds fed in the dried leaf litter beneath dense plant growth. There were several times when I thought I was seeing a flock of 10 or 20 individuals, until a passing raptor would cause the whole flock to take flight revealing three times the number of birds. We also tallied the highest number of White-crowned Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows that I've ever experienced in a single day in NYC. The highlight of the morning, however, was seeing (and hearing) several good sized flocks of Pine Siskins. I estimate that there were around 200 feeding on thistle and other dried seeds around the peninsula. It was one of the few times since I've been birding that I observed more siskins than the related goldfinches, which are usually common at this time of year. There were also a good number of Purple Finches seen and heard. I spoke with my friend Keir during the morning, who was also birding along the coast at Floyd Bennett Field. He described a similar scenario of birds flying all over the place. He shot a short video of the bird activity along the North 40 trail, which you can see here. One of the reasons the birds were moving so quickly was that there was also a lot of raptors on patrol. A pair of Cooper's Hawks made there presence felt during the late morning with this large, adult bird perching on a telephone pole between two baseball fields.

In the afternoon we birded at Green-Wood Cemetery where we heard only a few siskins. Bird activity at the cemetery was also very good, but not nearly as impressive as at the coast. Both species of kinglets were everywhere with the tiny Golden-crowned Kinglet frequently seen feeding on the ground. I nearly stepped on this individual foraging in the grass next to the Dell Water. It is interesting to note that Hermit Thrushes were abundant at Green-Wood and we also counted probably my single day high for Winter Wrens.

Early in the morning at Calvert Vaux Park we came across this Woolly Bear Caterpillar. Legend has it that the width of the central reddish-brown band is an indicator of the coming Winter's severity. If the band is narrow, it will be a harsh Winter. If the band is wide, like this individual, the season will be mild. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that the bands mean anything of a meteorological nature. In fact, the previous weekend Rich, Heydi and I came across one who was completely black! I don't actually mind the cold, so a normal Winter would be alright by me, although I'm not sure how the Woolly Bears feel about that.

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Location: Dreier-Offerman Park, Kings
Date: Oct 13, 2012 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Species: 56 species

Brant
American Wigeon (5.)
Great Blue Heron
Cooper's Hawk (2.)
Laughing Gull
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker (4.)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4.)
Northern Flicker (10.)
American Kestrel
Eastern Phoebe (7.)
Blue-headed Vireo
Tufted Titmouse (4.)
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush (8.)
Gray Catbird
Palm Warbler (15.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (100.)
Black-throated Green Warbler
Eastern Towhee (2.)
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow (3.)
Savannah Sparrow (15.)
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow (4.)
Swamp Sparrow (20.)
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow (10.)
Dark-eyed Junco
Eastern Meadowlark
Purple Finch (10.)
House Finch (25.)
Pine Siskin (200.)
American Goldfinch

Other common species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose (20.), Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow

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Location: Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings
Date: Oct 13, 2012 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Species: 50 species

Ruddy Duck
Great Blue Heron
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk (2.)
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker (4.)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8.)
Northern Flicker (50.)
American Kestrel
Monk Parakeet (Resident species.)
Eastern Phoebe (13.)
Blue-headed Vireo (2.)
Tufted Titmouse (3.)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2.)
White-breasted Nuthatch (2.)
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Winter Wren (10.)
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush (30.)
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat (5.)
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler (2.)
Palm Warbler (25.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow (2.)
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (15.)
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow (6.)
Dark-eyed Junco
Indigo Bunting
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

Other common species seen (or heard):
Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

"Switch" is a film about energy, its use around the world and how we need to change our methods of generating enough for our growing population. Here is the description from their website:

Energy is the most important issue of our time.

It impacts the economy, the environment, food and water, population, everything. To best understand these issues, we first need to understand energy — and that's the goal of this project.

Then we need to get efficient. Energy efficiency reduces emissions, stabilizes prices, extends supply and saves money. And each one of us can make an impact, starting today.

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of October 20, 2012 - October 21, 2012:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturdays, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, October 21, 2012, 3 p.m.
Discover Tour
Free
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

**********

Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Sparrows of Staten Island and Richmond's mid-autumn delights
Trip Leader: Tom Stephenson
Car Pool Fee: $20.00
Focus: Sparrows, fall passerine migrants, coastal species, seabirds
Registrar: Sandy Paci email sandypaci [AT] earthlink.net or Cell: 917-207-6691
Registration period: October 9th - October 18th

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Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, October 20, 2012, 1pm – 5pm
Sunday, October 21, 2012, 11am – 3pm
Canoe on the Gowanus Canal
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues www.gowanuscana​l.org

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, October 20, 2012
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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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, October 20, 2012, 7:30am – 10:30am
StarrTrips in Central Park
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings in Central Park, Saturday, August 20 – Saturday, October 29 Join Starr Saphir for bird watching in Central Park. On Mondays and Wednesdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 81st and Central Park West (SE corner). On Tuesdays, meet at 9am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (parkside). On Saturdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (parkside). All Starr Trips are non-smoking. No registration necessary. For more information, call Starr at 917-306-3808. $8 ($4 for full time students)

Saturday, October 20, 2012, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walk
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 residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Sunday, October 21, 2012, 9:15am – 4:00pm
Hike to Moses Mountain, the Greenbelt
Guide: Gabriel Willow With NYC Parks and the Greenbelt Conservancy Meet at the Manhattan terminal of the S.I. Ferry and join us as we journey to Moses Mountain, which provides a panoramic view of Staten Island and points beyond. We'll look for migrating hawks, warblers, and other songbirds—with crimson sumac and other autumn foliage as a backdrop. Bring lunch, water, and binoculars.
Transportation on Staten Island provided.
Limited to 18. $30 Click here to register!

Sunday, October 21, 2012, 10am – 11am
Birding for Families
Sundays, September 2-November 25, 10-11am Guides: NYC Audubon Offered by the Central Park Conservancy Meet at the Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues). Bring the kids and visit one of New York City’s richest bird habitats. Learn as a family how to spot and identify our feathered neighbors in their natural surroundings. Binoculars can be borrowed from the Visitor Center. For weather cancellation information, call 212-860-1370.
Limited to 20. Age 5 and up.
Free. Click here to learn more and register

**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, October 20, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
NRPA Shoreline Clean-up
The Natural Resources Protective Association is conducting one of their many clean-ups along the Arthur Kill. Clean-ups involve collecting floatables, discarded cans, bottles and tires that foul our waterways. Tools and gloves are provided. Appropriate shoes a must. Meet at the corner of Bard Avenue and Richmond Terrace.
For more information call Jim Scarcella at 718-873-4291.

Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Forest Restoration Workshop on the Red Dot Trail at High Rock Park
Meet in the Nevada Ave parking lot at High Rock Park. We will descend the Red Dot Trail behind the administration buildings to cut invasive vines and use weed wrenches to remove invasive Devil’s Walking Stick from extension of Altamont Street on the hillside below. After a two-hour work session (our 195 consecutive 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.

Sunday, October 21, 2012, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Best of the Blue Trail
Join Hillel on a level, easy walk of the Blue Trail through High Rock Park to the Overlook and back. Meet at the High Rock Park parking lot at the top of Nevada Avenue. We go in all weather. Bring snacks and beverage and wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Call 718-477-0545 for more information.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, October 20, 2012

Bird Walks
8:00 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or…
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Birding: Raptor Migration
9:00 a.m.
We offer birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique…
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Free!

It's My Park Day at Kissena Corridor Park
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Come join the Queensboro Hill Neighborhood Association on It's My Park Day as they…
Location: Kissena Corridor Park at 56th Avenue (in Kissena Corridor Park), Queens
Free!

Woodland Discovery Day in Central Park
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Get a guided introduction to the newly-opened Woodlands exhibit, then take your family on…
Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan, North Woods (in Central Park), Manhattan
Free!

Bird Walks at The New York Botanical Garden
11:00 a.m.
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of…
Location: New York Botanical Garden (in Bronx Park), Bronx

Birding
11:00 a.m.
We offer birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique…
Location: Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
Free!

Introduction to Birdwatching
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind? Take a tour and learn about the…
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Nature Photography Walk: Leaf Peepers
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore High Rock Park and the Greenbelt for beautiful vistas and fall colors.…
Location: Parking Area (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
Free! ...Read more

Friday's Foto

Birds aren't the only animals migrating right now. I found this Red Admiral perched on a lower rung of the railing at Coney Island's "Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier". The early chill on Monday had this butterfly with badly worn wings waiting for warmer temperatures before continuing its flight south. I carried it to an overgrown field where it had a better chance for food and warmth.

A Rare Sparrow for Brooklyn

I spent Saturday from sunrise until just after 5pm scouring Floyd Bennett Field for birds. Three seasonal specialties I was hoping to find were American Pipit, Dickcissel and Eastern Meadowlark. By the end of the day I experienced a lot of migrating sparrows with one major discovery that was a life bird for me.

I met Heydi on the bus on the way down Flatbush Avenue. Once at Floyd Bennett we walked the runway towards the cricket field with the rising sun at our backs. Savannah Sparrows seemed to be popping out of the weed-covered berms every few feet. As we approached the cricket field small flocks of sparrows continued to drop in after their night's flight. Flocks of robins were also flying in from everywhere. A pair of Black-bellied Plovers sitting in the center of the field spooked and flew off. The pair called back and forth as they headed south towards the bay.

After surveying the weedy edges of the field we headed towards the community garden, following the edge of a dirt berm that parallels the roadway. A juvenile White-crowned Sparrow was among a mixed flock of Savannah Sparrows, Palm Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Eastern Phoebes hawked for insects from perches in ailanthus and sumac trees.

The community garden was active, but mostly with more Palm Warblers and Savannah Sparrows. A nearby mockingbird seemed to have a preference for flycatcher vocalizations and alternately sang excellent impersonations of Eastern Phoebe and Willow Flycatcher.

After an early break for lunch we decided to head back to the cricket field to search the weedy edges for a possible Dickcissel. We also planned on walking the paths of the North Forty. Fellow birder Rich Fried was at the cricket field and joined us for the unexpectedly, mosquito-infested walk along the northern-most environs of Floyd Bennett Field's property. About 1/4 mile into the walk we encountered a fairly large mixed flock of songbirds feeding along the trail. The dominant species was White-throated Sparrow, but there were also Song Sparrows, juncos and Indigo Buntings. There were also several species of warbler, many phoebes and Red-eyed Vireos. At one point a very bright Philadelphia Vireo appeared in the branches above us from within the fast moving, feeding flock. At an intersection in the trail the feeding birds made a right turn and followed the mowed track, looping back towards where we initially encountered them. A moment later I spotted a Dickcissel in a low shrub at the left edge of the trail. While I was trying to describe the location to Rich and Heydi, the bird disappeared into the tangle. Fortunately it popped back out a moment later.

Rich headed back to his car parked near the cricket field while Heydi and I continued through the North Forty. The bird activity started slowing down and the only other excitement along the 1.25 mile trail was a large Eastern Ratsnake that slithered across the path in front of us (it actually startled me).

The campgrounds within the conifers at "Ecology Village" was nearly devoid of birds so we continued our marathon to a small, weedy field adjacent to a baseball field. There were more Savannah Sparrows there and not much else. I thought it might be interesting to bird a narrow stretch of grassy habitat that runs parallel to Jamaica Bay towards the Gil Hodges Bridge. It was low-tide and I thought we might be able to walk the shoreline, pass under the bridge and continue to bird at Dead Horse Bay. About 100 yards into our walk, however, a small, pale-orange bird popped up out of the grass to our left then quickly dropped down out of sight. It had a very weak flight that reminded me of the typical marsh sparrows we see locally on migration - Saltmarsh Sparrow, Nelson's Sparrow and Seaside Sparrow. Its orange coloration had me excited and we "pished", hoping the bird would reveal itself again. It did and my heart raced when I focused in on it. At first we could only see the bird's face and thought it was a Grasshopper Sparrow. It made an unfamiliar twittering sound, then climbed up a little higher in the mugwort-dominated patch. Heydi snapped a few photos and we looked at them in the camera's view finder. After comparing the image to plates in a field guide we were certain that it wasn't a grasshopper, but rather the more rare Le Conte's Sparrow. I took out my phone and sent a text to the "Brooklyn Birds" text alert group. I also made a couple of phone calls to friends who might be able to get there to see this rare Brooklyn visitor. According to my phone log I sent the text at 3:46pm. We stuck around for nearly 2 hours trying to get better looks and more photos. This sparrow of wet grasslands is not well understood due to its very secretive nature. It was relatively late in the day so I didn't expect many birders to be able to get out to Floyd Bennett Field. I knew once the word spread that lots of people would come searching on Sunday. While Heydi and I were walking back to the bus at Flatbush Avenue, Mike, Keir and Chris drove up to us. I gave them updated directions to the bird (it had moved farther West along the trail). That night I learned that they did actually find the bird and Chris was able to take a few photos.

The weather the next day was cold and wet. Having birded for 10+ hours and walked over 10 miles on Saturday I opted to stay home and rest. Heydi went back to help folks try and relocate the sparrow. Unfortunately it was never seen again. I felt bad for the people that missed this beautiful little bird, but took some solace knowing that at least three other people were able to see it. My friend Doug found the previous Le Conte's Sparrow in Brooklyn on 10/8/2008. That bird was seen at Plum Beach, which is just across Plum Channel from where we spotted Saturday's bird. Perhaps they pass through this area every year unnoticed during migration. I'll be sure to check both of these locations every year in early October.

Here are some not-so-great but definitely identifiable photos that Heydi took:





Here are a few more shots taken by Chris Eliot after we left:



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Location: Floyd Bennett Field
Date: Oct 6, 2012 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Number of Species: 60

Ring-necked Pheasant (1.)
Double-crested Cormorant (45.)
Great Egret (1.)
Osprey (5.)
Cooper's Hawk (2.)
Black-bellied Plover (2, Cricket Field.)
Killdeer (1, by puddle across from Community Gardens.)
Great Black-backed Gull
Forster's Tern (100.)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1.)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1.)
Downy Woodpecker (1.)
Northern Flicker (3.)
American Kestrel (2.)
Merlin (2.)
Peregrine Falcon (3.)
Eastern Phoebe (10.)
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (1, bright individual in mixed flock on North Forty trail.)
Red-eyed Vireo (4, in a mixed flock on North Forty trail.)
Tree Swallow (12.)
Black-capped Chickadee (1.)
Tufted Titmouse (2.)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (1.)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1.)
Marsh Wren (1, path at end of Archery Road.)
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1.)
Gray Catbird
Common Yellowthroat (6.)
American Redstart (1.)
Northern Parula (1.)
Magnolia Warbler (2.)
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1.)
Palm Warbler (15.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Eastern Towhee (2.)
Field Sparrow (1.)
Savannah Sparrow (60.)
LE CONTE'S SPARROW (1, appx. 100 yards west of end of Archery Road.)
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (2.)
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow (1.)
Dark-eyed Junco (4.)
Indigo Bunting (4, 1 berm by Cricket Field, others North Forty Trail.)
DICKCISSEL (1, North Forty Trail.)

Other common species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, American Crow, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

"Discovery" has a new series called "Winged Planet" which looks at the lives of birds from an incredible point of view:

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of October 13, 2012 - October 14, 2012:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturdays, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 3 p.m.
Discover Tour
Free
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

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Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, October 13, 2012, 1pm – 5pm
Canoe on the Gowanus Canal
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues www.gowanuscana​l.org

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, October 13, 2012
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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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, October 13, 2012, 7:30am – 10:30am
StarrTrips in Central Park
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings in Central Park, Saturday, August 20 – Saturday, October 29 Join Starr Saphir for bird watching in Central Park. On Mondays and Wednesdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 81st and Central Park West (SE corner). On Tuesdays, meet at 9am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (parkside). On Saturdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (parkside). All Starr Trips are non-smoking. No registration necessary. For more information, call Starr at 917-306-3808. $8 ($4 for full time students)

Saturday, October 13, 2012, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walk
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 residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Saturday, October 13, 2012, 9am – 12pm
Randall's Island Fall Migration Walk
Guides: Gabriel Willow, Victoria Ruzicka With Randall's Island Park Alliance, Inc. Meet on the N.W. corner of 102nd Street and the FDR Drive. We'll walk across the foot bridge to Randall's Island, an under-explored location in the East River that hosts restored freshwater wetlands and salt marsh. We'll look for fall migrants (both waterbirds and land birds) as we explore the results of recent restoration efforts. Two miles of walking and some modest climbs.
Limited to 20. $25
Click here to register!

Saturday, October 13, 2012, 3pm – 6pm
Jamaica Bay Sunset Cruise
Guides: Don Riepe, Mickey Cohen With American Littoral Society Meet at Pier 2 in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Enjoy a 3-hour cruise aboard the 100-foot boat "Golden Sunshine." Visit backwater marshes near JFK Airport and learn about the history and wildlife of the bay. See nesting peregrine falcons, osprey, egrets, shorebirds, and more. Includes refreshments. To register, contact Don Riepe at (718) 318-9344 or donriepe@gmail.com.
Limited to 140. $45

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 10am – 11am
Birding for Families
Sundays, September 2-November 25, 10-11am Guides: NYC Audubon Offered by the Central Park Conservancy Meet at the Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues). Bring the kids and visit one of New York City’s richest bird habitats. Learn as a family how to spot and identify our feathered neighbors in their natural surroundings. Binoculars can be borrowed from the Visitor Center. For weather cancellation information, call 212-860-1370.
Limited to 20. Age 5 and up.
Free. Click here to learn more and register

Sunday, October 14,2012, 9:30am – 11:30am
Birding at Wave Hill
Guide: Gabriel Willow With Wave Hill Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center. Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. Reservations recommended; register online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718-549-3200 x305, or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Severe weather cancels; for updates call 718-549-3200 x245 by 8am the day of the walk. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, October 13, 2012, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Long Pond Park
Evidence of animal life as well as geologic history and human influence will be observed as we take an unhurried stroll on a one-and-a-half-mile walk through Long Pond Park. Meet at PS 6, on Page Avenue and Academy Avenue, about 3 blocks northwest of Hylan Blvd.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Harvesting Local Weeds and Herbs
Join herbalist Gert Coleman for a walk at Conference House Park to learn which weeds and herbs are ready to harvest and how to use them. Focus will be on such plants as evening primrose, artemesia, mugwort, elder, and the herbs in the Colonial Herb Garden. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Hylan Blvd.
For more information call Gert Coleman at 718-356-9235.

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Mt. Loretto Sparrow Workshop
Join naturalist Mike Shanley and learn all about sparrows. This beginners workshop will cover the different species of sparrow on Staten Island, how to identify these “little brown jobs”, and where to find them. We will also learn how important grassland habitat like Mt. Loretto is for sparrows and other field birds. Meet at the Mt. Loretto, DEC parking lot on Hylan Blvd.
For more information call Mike Shanley at 917-753-7155.

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Staten Island Museum
Saturday, October 13, All Day
The Big Sit: A 24-hour Birding Event!
Location: Wolfe's Pond Park
Free
Join the hotshot birders and naturalists, and learn more at the Bird Watcher’s Digest annual event on William T. Davis’ Birthday! For More information call Ed Johnson at 718.483.7110.

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 9:00am - 11:00am
Ecology Walk: Moses Mountain
Location: Moses Mountain
Free
Witness hawk migration in Staten Island skies! Join Nature Section hawk watchers to help count raptors including red-tailed hawk, cooper’s hawks, eagles and more! Meet at Meisner Ave and Rockland Ave.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Big Sit
6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join Staten Island Museum's birders and naturalists as we tally all birds seen or heard…
Location: Wolfe's Pond Park at Norman Place (in Wolfes Pond Park), Staten Island
Free!

Bird Walks
8:00 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or…
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Bird Walks at The New York Botanical Garden
11:00 a.m.
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of…
Location: New York Botanical Garden (in Bronx Park), Bronx

Raptor Migration
11:00 a.m.
We offer birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique…
Location: High Rock Ranger Station (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
Free!

Introduction to Birdwatching
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind? Take a tour and learn about the…
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Birds of Van Cortlandt - Today and Yesterday
9:00 a.m.
Check for migrant and talk birding with John Young. Bring your own binoculars, If you have them.
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Hawk Watch at Moses Mountain
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Witness hawk migration in Staten Island skies! Join Nature Section hawk watchers to help…
Location: Egbertville Ravine, Staten Island
Free!

Birding at Wave Hill
9:30 a.m.
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and…
Location: Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx ...Read more

Friday's Foto

Solar-powered birds? Could this Double-crested Cormorant and Great Blue Heron in Green-Wood Cemetery be the lasted innovation towards a "Greener" country?

September Birds

As the southbound movement of birds intensified, the number of new species for my Brooklyn year list bumped up slightly. During the month of September I added 12 species, one of which should be noted with an asterisk.

The Connecticut Warbler's annual migration pattern is somewhat unusual in that it travels North to its breeding ground along the Mississippi Flyway, then along the Atlantic Flyway as it heads South in the Fall. This skulker of the forest understory is not easily seen and poorly studied. Fortunately one that stopped off in Prospect Park hung around the Peninsula Woods long enough for many people to get good looks at it.

On September 10th I spotted my first Purple Finches of the year, also in Prospect Park. A south-facing section of Lookout Hill near the Maryland Monument has been cleared of invasive trees in recent years. The landscape management crew planted hundreds of native wildflowers in that spot making it a great bird hotspot. During the Fall finches, as well as, several warbler species frequent this spot. It was here that I saw a pair of Purple Finches feeding on the dried flowers of the Wild Lettuce plant. Also along the hillside was a single European Goldfinch. While the Cornell eBird website seems to count it on one's list as a "legitimate" wild species, I suspect that all European Goldfinch around New York are the result of escaped pets, not long distant travelers or nesting birds. They are, without question, a very beautiful bird worthy of "oos" and "aahs", but to most birdwatchers it is like getting excited about sighting someone's lost canary flying around their local park.

My September 15th walk in Prospect Park for the Linnaean Society of New York was very successful. We tallied 16 species of warbler, which included nice looks at a lovely Cape May Warbler. In addition, we spotted 4 species of vireo including one very bright Philadelphia Vireo. There were several species of flycatcher seen throughout the morning, but the highlight was an Olive-sided Flycatcher on Breeze Hill. I had all but given up hope on finding one this year, so it was a nice surprise. Heydi managed to take some photos of it while it hawked for insects from a dead snag at the top of the hill.

Over the past weekend Heydi and I searched for marsh sparrows, more specifically, the Nelson's Sparrow and Seaside Sparrow. The best place in Brooklyn to search for these birds is at Plum Beach. To the North of the dunes there is a tidal saltmarsh habitat. When the tide is high it pushes any birds hiding in the grass closer to shore making finding these secretive individuals a lot easier. Arriving at first light, high-tide was quickly approaching and the path around the marsh was already submerged. Several Savannah Sparrows flushed as we walked towards the East end of the marsh. About 5 minutes later we had both target species in our bins. It was almost too easy.

With only three months left of the year, I don't feel very confident that I'll get anywhere close to last year's 251 final Brooklyn tally, but each day that I head out into the field I'm still excited about seeing something new and interesting.

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NYS total: 236
Kings total: 223

212) Connecticut Warbler (Prospect Park--Peninsula, 09/01/12)
213) Common Nighthawk (Prospect Park--Long Meadow, 09/01/12)
214) Black Tern (Coney Island, 09/03/12)
215) Baird's Sandpiper (Floyd Bennett Field, 09/04/12)
216) Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Floyd Bennett Field, 09/04/12)
217) Purple Finch (Prospect Park, 09/10/12)
218) *European Goldfinch (Prospect Park, 09/10/12)
219) Olive-sided Flycatcher (Prospect Park, 09/15/12)
220) Bobolink (Floyd Bennett Field, 09/17/12)
221) Clay-colored Sparrow (Dreier-Offerman Park, 09/22/12)
222) Nelson's Sparrow (Plumb Beach, 09/29/12)
223) Seaside Sparrow (Plumb Beach, 09/29/12)

*Should not be counted towards total as it is most likely an escaped pet. ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

U.S. Geological Survey report reconfirms EPA tests that Wyoming water was contaminated by fracking.

From Bloomberg News:

Diesel in Water Near Fracking Confirms EPA Tests Wyoming Disputes
By Mark Drajem - Sep 27, 2012

A retest of water in Pavillion, Wyoming, found evidence of many of the same gases and compounds the Environmental Protection Agency used to link contamination there to hydraulic fracturing, the first finding of that kind.

A U.S. Geological Survey report on its water testing of one monitoring well near the rural Wyoming town -- where some residents complain that gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing contaminated their drinking supplies -- identified levels of methane, ethane, diesel compounds and phenol, which the EPA had also identified in its report last year.

The latest data are “generally consistent,” with the agency’s finding, Alisha Johnson, an EPA spokeswoman, said in an e-mail. The USGS said it didn’t interpret the results, which were given to state officials.

The driller, Encana Corp. (ECA), said it’s not responsible for the pollutants in the water.

The EPA’s draft report in December was the first U.S. government finding to link hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and water contamination.

“At a quick glance, these results appear consistent with the earlier EPA study,” Rob Jackson, an environmental scientist at Duke University, said in an e-mail. “The stray gas concentrations are very high, not only for methane but especially for ethane and propane. That combination suggests a fossil-fuel source for the gases.”

The EPA has also retested water in Pavillion, including at homeowners’ wells, and hasn’t released those results. It has briefed the owners.

EPA Recommendations

“The recommendation still stands that we don’t cook or drink our water,” John Fenton, a farmer there, said in an interview, describing a recent conversation he had with EPA officials. The results “are running pretty much the same as they have in the past.”

Encana, based in Calgary, owns 140 natural-gas wells in an area of cattle and hay farms outside of Pavillion, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) northeast of Salt Lake City. The company argued that contaminants found in water wells are naturally occurring, and the two test wells that the EPA drilled in 2010 were improperly constructed.

The U.S. geological agency only tested water from one of the two EPA wells, a decision that bolsters the company’s claims about deficiencies with the monitoring wells, Doug Hock, an Encana spokesman, said in an e-mail.

‘Nothing Surprising’

“From a preliminary examination of the data, there appears to be nothing surprising in these results,” Hock said.

If the EPA data and a final report uphold the initial findings, Encana could be forced to address the homeowners’ water complaints. The company is already making periodic water deliveries to about 20 area households.

“We are now waiting as analysis of this data is done,” Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said in a statement.“It should help inform” the outside review of the EPA study, he said.

Wyoming state officials, including Mead, criticized the EPA’s conclusions, and the process of preparing that 2011 report. After registering those complaints with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, the agency agreed to this retest of the wells, and to call in the USGS to conduct parallel tests.

The wells in Pavillion are different than those in most areas of Pennsylvania, where residents also have complained about tainted water from fracking. These Wyoming gas wells don’t go as deep and the aquifer is closer to the gas-production zone.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, uses millions of gallons of chemically treated water and sand to free oil and natural gas trapped in rock. The technology helped the U.S. cut dependence on imported fuels, lower power bills and cut state unemployment from Pennsylvania to North Dakota.
...Read more