Treehugger Tuesday

In Celebration of Moths

Sorry, I forgot to tell you, but last week was National Moth Week. The Science Friday website did a podcast in recognition of the event. Listen below:

Shorebirds and Other Coastal Birds

Over the past few weeks I've been focusing my weekend ramblings to coastal beaches and marshes. The South-bound migration has begun for some shorebirds and seabirds, so I've been checking out Coney Island, Dead Horse Bay, Floyd Bennett Field, Gerritsen Creek, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Plum Beach. Many species of shorebirds and terns are long-distance migrants, so it isn't unusual to see mixed flocks of these birds in July along the coast, especially at the refuge. The refuge's West Pond was breached during Hurricane Sandy and is now a tidal saltwater cove rather than a freshwater pond. To access the Western side of the "pond" it is now necessary to walk counter-clockwise through the gardens towards Pumpkin Patch Marsh.

A couple of visits to Plum Beach weren't very productive, although it was great getting there at first light and listening to all the terns, Laughing Gulls, Willets, Killdeer and some grousing Clapper Rails. This spot is also very good for finding marsh sparrows, in particular, Saltmarsh and Seaside Sparrows. To observe shorebirds here, it is best to visit at low-tide, when the flats are exposed for foraging birds. If low-tide is late in the morning (or the afternoon), human activity chases the birds away. On my last two early morning visits, there wasn't much shorebird activity yet. I did manage to find a Seaside Sparrow at the marsh side of the dunes here.

Calvert Vaux Park, Coney Island Creek Park and Coney Island were also regular spots on my agenda as I searched for shorebirds, terns, gulls and any unusual coastal birds. I had hoped that large areas of open grass at Calvert Vaux Park would attract some "grasspipers". Grasspipers are, technically, shorebirds, but prefer grassland habitats. Upland Sandpiper and American Golden-Plover are two species in that category that I was optimistic might show up at Calvert Vaux. This park also has the added benefit of being surrounded by water, increasing the possibility of locating some migrating shorebirds or seabirds. The only shorebirds seen in the past couple of weeks were Semipalmated Sandpiper and Spotted Sandpiper. In addition, there were plenty of sleepy Black-crowed and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons hanging around the edges of the coves and on the relics of several sunken wooden barges.

The Northern end of Dead Horse Bay isn't easy to access. One way is to start at Marine Park, walk the entire East shore of Gerritsen Creek and pass through a tunnel under the parkway. The other is to walk from Plum Beach, over the bridge, then down a steep, sandy path to the water. Either way requires a bit of walking, but it brings you to a small, tidal pond in the phragmites opposite the Flatbush Marina. I discovered this spot over the Winter after noticing it on Google Earth's satellite images. It seemed like it could have potential for attracting marsh sparrows, wading birds and shorebirds, especially since there is little or no human disturbance in this area.

On my most recent visit to this area I didn't spot anything unusual, but there was a family of oystercatchers hanging around. Given the lack of humans along this stretch of shore, they most likely nested here.

One odd sighting was of a non-breeding plumage Common Loon. During the Summer months this bird should be in breeding plumage. Other than this delayed molt, the bird seemed healthy and spent most of its time preening close to the shore. At one point it actually rested on the shore. Loons legs are very far back on their body to make it easier to chase fish underwater. The downside is that it makes walking on land nearly impossible, so he never strayed far from the water's edge. Strangely, early August of last year Heydi and I observed another Common Loon in non-breeding plumage at Dead Horse Bay. Maybe it's something in the water.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge really is THE place to go birding around New York in late-July and August. During high-tide, when the bay floods the mudflats (and the bird's feeding grounds), thousands of shorebirds move to the shallow waters and muddy shoreline of the refuge's East Pond. Normally the National Park Service rangers need to open a valve at the Northeast corner of the pond, draining thousands of gallons of water into Grassy Bay and lowering the water level for the birds. This Summer's heatwaves, however, seemed to have lowered the water naturally through evaporation, making the pond's edges passable for birders relatively early in the season - rubber boots are still recommended, though.

Shorebird diversity is still relatively low, with Short-billed Dowitchers and Semipalmated Sandpipers dominating the feeding frenzy. This past Saturday I spent a couple of hours on the East Pond with Bob and Heydi. The highlight was great looks at a Ruff. This rare Eurasian species seems to be showing up at the refuge now every year and this was the second individual in as many weeks. Andrew Baksh wrote about it on his blog, Birding Dude. Perhaps in my lifetime they'll eventually expand their range to include North America...it's a nice dream since they are an incredible looking bird in breeding plumage. After I left on Saturday an American Avocet was discovered on the South Flats of the East Pond. It apparently only stayed for the day as it wasn't relocated on Sunday. One other interesting observation at the refuge was that some of the terns hanging around the pond were very young birds. They appeared to be part of family units and frequently chased the adults, begging for food.

Over the next few weeks I expect to see the number and diversity of birds at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and other coastal areas increase substantially.

Here's my list from the East Pond:

Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Glossy Ibis

Black-bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
American Oystercatcher

Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Sanderling
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Ruff

Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Tern
Forster's Tern
Least Tern
Black Skimmer ...Read more

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of August 3, 2013 - August 4, 2013:

Audubon Nature Center (Prospect Park)
Sunday, August 4, 2013, 8am
Morning Bird Walk: Early Migrants
Free
Meet the amazing birds of Prospect Park on this expert-guided walk. Start your Sunday morning surrounded by nature!

**********

Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, August 3, 2013, 9am – 11am
Canoe 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, August 3, 2013
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, August 3, 2013, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers (first Saturday of the month) With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank learned their craft on Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds, and these walks celebrate the tradition set by them. Participants will look for resident and migrant species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, August 4, 2013
Sunset EcoCruise to the Harbor Heron Islands
Sundays, June 2 through August 11 South Street Seaport, Pier 17 7–8:30pm (Brother Islands; Hoffman and Swinburne Islands) 6-9pm (Jamaica Bay) Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. This summer we will once again be exploring the City's island rookeries with three different itineraries! Depending on which weekend you choose, cruises may visit the fascinating Brother Islands, the large egret and cormorant colonies on Hoffman and Swinburne Islands, or the great expanses of Jamaica Bay. Whichever your destination, you'll experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on these urban island treasures. Specific cruise dates and registration will be available soon.
Limited to 90. Pricing varies by destination.
To learn about specific cruise dates and buy tickets, visit www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/audubon or call 212-742-1969.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!

Birds, Bugs, Bees Tour at Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Learn the secrets of insect-hunting in Brooklyn Bridge Park with Julie Feinstein, author of the Field Guide to Urban Wildlife.
Free!

Plover Appreciation Day at Rockaway Beach (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Discover one of New York City's endangered species -- the Piping Plover! There will be games, crafts, and giveaways!
Free! ...Read more

Friday's Foto

It's shorebird season and around NYC there is no better place to observe this diverse group of birds than Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Currently, the most common species feeding in the shallow waters of the East Pond is the Short-billed Dowitcher. Nesting in bogs and wet meadows of the boreal forests of northern Canada and Alaska, this large shorebird winters along the coasts of California and Virginia, southward along the Gulf Coast and as far south as Brazil. Their characteristic up-down jabbing motion while feeding is commonly referred to as the "sewing machine" behavior.

Smartphone Apps

I've just updated the "Books & Media" page to include smartphone apps. The new section in the contents to the right is now called "Books, Media & Apps". Below is the list of apps that I think are really helpful when in the field. The descriptions are from the manufacturers webpages. Note that I've focused on iPhone apps, however, many of them also exist for the Android operating system. Let me know if you have any recommendations that aren't included on the list.

Smartphone Apps

Bird Field Guides

Audubon Birds
The award-winning Audubon Birds field guide with 820 species, gallery view for easy search, Find Birds powered by eBird, and NatureShare - a new community where birders can observe, identify, and share their observations and photos.

iBird Pro Guide to Birds
iBird Pro Guide to Birds is designed to satisfy the demanding needs of advanced birders and professional naturalists. It offers comprehensive identification, behavior, habitat and ecology information, twice as many search attributes as iBird Plus Guide to Birds, hand-drawn illustrations, professional photographs, range maps, and playable calls for 926 North American and Hawaiian bird species.

National Geographic Birds: Field Guide to North America
National Geographic presents an innovative, beautiful, and interactive field guide to the birds of North America with a new offering for iPhone/iPod touch. Whether you are new to bird-watching or already an expert, this completely updated and redesigned app makes spotting, identifying, and understanding birds easier than ever before. From its detailed illustrations to its easy-to-use interface, this is the one-stop resource you need to identify and track every bird you see.

Peterson Birds of North America
The official Peterson app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Peterson Birds gives you illustrations, birds songs, range maps, and nest photos for over 800 species of North American birds on your on your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. More detail than any other mobile bird guide, with information from 8 Peterson Field Guide books, including the best-selling guide to birds in print, Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America.

Peterson Birds Pocket Edition - A Field Guide to Birds of North America
For nature lovers on a budget, Peterson Birds Pocket Edition packs in a lot of detail for a small price. With over 800 species of North American birds from the best-selling book, Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America, the app features Roger Tory Peterson's breathtakingly beautiful illustrations, range maps, species details, bird songs, and more. Now you can carry the full content of Peterson's field guide to birds of North America book in your pocket, wherever you go.

The Sibley eGuide to the Birds of North America
The most popular printed field guide to North American birds is now available in its entirety on the iPhone and iPad! We have taken the simplicity and ease-of-use that you have enjoyed on your iPhone/iPod Touch and expanded and redesigned the layout (not simply “stretching” it) to take full advantage of the larger screen area of the iPad while still being the same app that runs on the iPhone/iPod Touch.


Bird Songs

BirdTunes
BirdTunes provides bird enthusiasts with rapid, uncluttered access to a comprehensive collection of North American bird songs and calls.

The BirdTunes sound collection offers:

•Encyclopedic coverage, including over 2400 tracks for 674 species—over 10 hours of high fidelity sound.

**If you use BirdTunes (or any song playback) in the field, please do so responsibly. We recommend the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics, particularly section 1(b), for guidance.


Botany Field Guides

Landscaper's Companion - Plant and Gardening Reference Guide
The most comprehensive plant guide on iPhone! Enjoyed by thousands of gardeners and landscape professionals world-wide, Landscaper's Companion is the #1 reference guide to all plants including trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials. Containing information on over 26,000 plants and 21,000 pictures, Landscaper's Companion makes an excellent resource for the casual gardener, professional landscaper, aspiring botanist, or anyone looking for a simple, easy to use plant guide.

MyNature Trees of North America
MyNature Trees of North America is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch. We are pleased to offer one of the first comprehensive field guides to Tree identification available with smart-phone technology. You will be able to identify over 190 trees with leaves or needles from Maine to California as well the Canadian Provinces with a touch the screen all in the palm of your hand.


Insects

Audubon Butterflies - A Field Guide to North American Butterflies
Audubon Butterflies features 627 butterflies of the U.S. and Canada. This guide contains in-depth, authoritative information based on the National Audubon Society’s "Field Guides to Butterflies," with updates by Rick Cech, a natural history author and one of the world's leading butterfly experts.

Audubon Insects and Spiders – A Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders
The indispensable reference for over 500 insects and spiders. Featuring comprehensive photos and in-depth descriptions. Audubon Insects and Spiders is your introduction to the most common species of insects and spiders in North America. Created in affiliation with the National Audubon Society, this app features in-depth information on 509 species with high-quality photos.


Learning

birdJam HeadsUp Warblers
Truly designed as a “field tool” for identifying North American warblers, HeadsUp Warblers provides exactly what you need in the field:

1. What does the bird look like?
2. What does the bird sound like?
3. Should it be here at this time of year?

These key elements are cleverly organized to allow fast comparison of species by sight, sound or range map. You quickly select species by glancing at photographs arranged by similarity. Or select birds by tapping a sound characteristic such as “buzzy” or “ascending.”

birdJam HeadsUp Sparrows

iKnowBirdSongs
Be a birder who can Identify birds by their songs. This app will teach you to recognize up to 371 species by their calls. It's an electronic flip card game with real calls and songs of North American birds. Includes 371 species of North American song birds each with high quality songs from Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.

Larkwire Birdsong Basics: Land Birds of North America
A complete, game-based learning system for mastering bird sounds—designed for both beginners and advanced birders.


Logging

BirdsEye BirdLog -- North America
BirdLog is the first and only mobile data app for quickly and easily recording and submitting your sightings directly into eBird from the field! Forget about notebooks, pencils and sitting at your computer. Transform your bird sightings into eBird submissions to build your own lists while sharing your sightings and supporting conservation.

Birdwatcher's Diary
Birdwatcher's Diary™ is the perfect field companion for birders in any part of the world! In seconds you can record the birds you see or hear with time and exact location automatically recorded, and add additional field notes. From the field you can upload your sightings, complete with a map showing the location of each sighting, to eBird, Facebook, Twitter, a birding listserv, Dropbox, or email it to yourself or others. Birdwatcher's Diary is designed to be useful for your "big day" efforts, Christmas Bird Counts, and for your everyday birding outings alike. Fast and easy to use yet packed with advanced features, Birdwatcher's Diary will enrich your birding experience.


Misc.

Bird Codes
Are you looking for a way to speed up your field notes so you can focus on actually looking at birds? Do you see birders using codes for birds on listservs and want to look them up? Do you want to enter your eBird checklists faster? Alpha codes are four letter abbreviations assigned to bird species as a quick way to refer to them...

Moon Phase
Moon is a perfect resource to help you learn about the moon. Moon constantly updates a panel of information that tells you everything you want to know about the moon.

Tide Table
'Tide Table' displays tide prediction information for your current location and for selected locations on your mobile device. Tide prediction information is obtained from the public Tides and Currents web site maintained by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tide predictions are not to be used for navigation.


Weather

AccuWeather - Weather for Life
Voted “Best iPhone App” by the 2012 Mobie awards, AccuWeather for iPhone now has popular features from our AccuWeather for iPad app, current conditions that refresh every five minutes, and more! Users tell us it is their “Go-to weather app.” From what to wear to how to travel, they say they, “Can’t live without it,” and it is, “Better than any other.”

Weather Underground
"The bar, as far as weather related apps are concerned, has been raised." –TapCentral.com, December 2011 The Internet's first ever weather site, Weather Underground has built a reputation for providing the most reliable and in-depth weather data for locations across the world. With our unique network of 30,000+ neighborhood weather stations our app provides the most localized weather information available. ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

The Sign

Brooklyn resident quietly displays her disapproval of the Keystone XL pipeline:

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of July 27, 2013 - July 28, 2013:

Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, July 27, 2013, 9am – 11am
Canoe Gowanus Canal (Pamela S)
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, July 27, 2013
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, July 27, 2013, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers (first Saturday of the month) With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank learned their craft on Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds, and these walks celebrate the tradition set by them. Participants will look for resident and migrant species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, July 28, 2013
Sunset EcoCruise to the Harbor Heron Islands
Sundays, June 2 through August 11 South Street Seaport, Pier 17 7–8:30pm (Brother Islands; Hoffman and Swinburne Islands) 6-9pm (Jamaica Bay) Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. This summer we will once again be exploring the City's island rookeries with three different itineraries! Depending on which weekend you choose, cruises may visit the fascinating Brother Islands, the large egret and cormorant colonies on Hoffman and Swinburne Islands, or the great expanses of Jamaica Bay. Whichever your destination, you'll experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on these urban island treasures. Specific cruise dates and registration will be available soon.
Limited to 90. Pricing varies by destination.
To learn about specific cruise dates and buy tickets, visit www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/audubon or call 212-742-1969.

**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, July 27, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
10-Mile Greenbelt Circular Hike
Join us for our first summer 10-mile walk of the Greenbelt. We will walk 10 moderate miles, although it may be shortened if there is an ozone alert day. Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center on Rockland Avenue at Brielle Avenue. Bring lunch and ample beverage.
For more details call Dominick Durso at 917-478-7607.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!

Birding at Bloomingdale Park Playground (in Bloomingdale Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we encourage you to bring binoculars and field guides, or ask a…
Free!

NYC Audubon Shorebird and Butterfly Hike at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (in Jamaica Bay Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Hike East Pond to view migrating shorebirds and butterflies.
Free! ...Read more

Blog Layout Change

As of today, I've removed the sidebar sections of recommended reading/media and added a dedicated page for "Books and Media". If you have any birding or nature publications you'd like me to add to the list, just drop me a note through the comments section. Note that some of the publications may seem outdated, but the material within is timeless. Over the weekend I'll also be adding recommended smartphone apps to that section.

Friday's Foto

Feeding primarily on crustaceans, this Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was seen at Brooklyn's Plum Beach, where fiddler crabs are abundant. New York City and Long Island are at the Northern-most edge of this specie's breeding range. The first nesting Yellow-crowned Night-Herons in New York State were reported in Massapequa, Nassau County in 1938 by naturalist and photographer Allan D. Cruickshank.Though this specie's conservation status is listed as "Least Concern", its reliance on coastal wetland habitats make it vulnerable in many populated areas, such as New York.

Treehugger Tuesday

Pollution of the world's oceans by plastic debris has spawned a new ecosystem - "The Plastisphere".

The following press release is from the website of the American Chemical Society:

Discovery of the ‘Plastisphere’ — a new marine ecological community

“Life in the ‘Plastisphere’: Microbial Communities on Plastic Marine Debris

The masses of plastic debris that float over large areas of the world's oceans have become new ecological communities that scientists have named the "Plastisphere." Their report in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology suggests that these novel habitats in the North Atlantic Ocean may harbor potential disease-causing microbes.

Erik Zettler of the Sea Education Association, Tracy Mincer of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Linda Amaral-Zettler of the Marine Biological Laboratory explain that plastic has become the No. 1 form of ocean debris, causing serious concerns about its impact on the health of ocean communities. The damaging effects that plastic in the oceans have on fish, birds and other seafaring animals have previously been described in detail by other researchers. But scientists had yet to explore what plastic does to some of the smallest ocean inhabitants. Zettler, Mincer and Amaral-Zettler decided to find out.

They discovered that tiny organisms from algae to bacteria thrive on plastic debris, transforming it into rich “microbial reefs” that are distinct from communities in surrounding water. Though some inhabitants may be degrading the plastic, it still provides a relatively stable home for microbes. Apparently a good home for its little residents, plastic debris might pose a health risk for invertebrates, fish or possibly humans. The Plastisphere harbors a group of bacteria called Vibrio. Some Vibrio species can cause illnesses, such as cholera, when they come in contact with humans.

**********

Read more at New Scientist ...Read more

Friday's Foto (Belated)

Chipping Sparrows migrate through New York City in extremely large numbers. Several years ago Doug Gochfeld, Marge Raymond and myself observed a single flock in Green-Wood Cemetery that we estimated at around 20,000 individuals. During the breeding season they are relatively scarce in Brooklyn, with Green-Wood Cemetery being the best place to find them as they nest in conifers (Green-Wood has many healthy evergreens). This prematurely fledged youngster was in danger of getting stepped on or run over by a lawn mover. I picked up the feisty little sparrow and placed it on a high, flat-topped tombstone where the parents immediately attended to it.

Clapper Rail Calls

Early yesterday morning I tweeted from Plum Beach in Brooklyn that Clapper Rails were calling. This secretive marsh bird is always heard more than seen, so I thought it would be helpful to embed an audio files to give you an idea what to listen for if you visit Plum Beach this summer:

Listen to the Clapper Rail

June Birds

June is a very slow month for birds around Brooklyn and NYC. More specifically, for new birds. The birds that breed in our local parks and backyards are very active raising their offspring and coastal areas are noisy with nesting terns and gulls. It is rarely a time for observing new species. In Brooklyn I found a Cattle Egret early in the month and at the end of the month heard the bubbly, happy song of my first Marsh Wren of the year. Add to that the Black Vulture, Mississippi Kite and Blue Grosbeak I saw on Staten Island and I finished the month of June with 224 species for the year (218 in Brooklyn). During the month of July we'll be seeing an increase in shorebird diversity and abundance as birds begin their South-bound, "Fall" migration.


A pair of Black-crowned Night Herons out for a stroll in the North 40 at Floyd Bennett.

**********

NYS Total: 224
Kings Total: 218
Added in June: 2

217) Cattle Egret (Gerritsen Creek, 06/04/13)
218) Marsh Wren (Gerritsen Creek, 06/29/13)

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of July 20, 2013 - July 21, 2013:

Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Rusty Harold
Focus: Breeding birds, waterbirds, shorebirds
Car fee: $30.00 (or car rental)
Registrar: Rusty Harold, preferable by email elharo [AT] macfaq.com
If necessary call 718-636-6010
Registration period: July 9th - July 20th
Note: Pre-dawn departure.

Site Profile: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/wallkillriver/

**********

Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, July 20, 2013, 9am – 11am
Owen (6) canoes
Canoe tour, narrated by founding member, Owen Foote may have space availble for a walk-up, first come, first served

Saturday, July 20, 2013
City of Water Governor's Isle Trip (membership required)
Open to members of Gowanus Dredgers 501(c)3, for experienced canoeist, this is a roundtrip voyage to / from Governors Island - reservation required.

Sunday, July 21, 2013, 8am – 11am
City of Water Governor's Isle Trip (membership required)
Open to members of Gowanus Dredgers 501(c)3, for experienced canoeist, this is a roundtrip voyage to / from Governors Island - reservation required.

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, July 20, 2013
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, July 20, 2013, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers (first Saturday of the month) With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank learned their craft on Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds, and these walks celebrate the tradition set by them. Participants will look for resident and migrant species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturday, July 20, 2013, 10am – 11am
City of Water Day on Governor's Island
With Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance. Guide: Gabriel Willow 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 Governor’s Island. Find more info about City of Water Day and ferries to Governor’s Island at www.nycaudubon.org.
Registration required. Limited to 150. Free
Click here to reserve your seat!

Sunday, July 21, 2013
Sunset EcoCruise to the Harbor Heron Islands
Sundays, June 2 through August 11 South Street Seaport, Pier 17 7–8:30pm (Brother Islands; Hoffman and Swinburne Islands) 6-9pm (Jamaica Bay) Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. This summer we will once again be exploring the City's island rookeries with three different itineraries! Depending on which weekend you choose, cruises may visit the fascinating Brother Islands, the large egret and cormorant colonies on Hoffman and Swinburne Islands, or the great expanses of Jamaica Bay. Whichever your destination, you'll experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on these urban island treasures. Specific cruise dates and registration will be available soon.
Limited to 90. Pricing varies by destination.
To learn about specific cruise dates and buy tickets, visit www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/audubon or call 212-742-1969.

**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, July 20, 2013, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LaTourette multi-purpose path (the bike path)
Meet at the bike path entrance on the Old Mill Road next to St. Andrews Church (the old one). We will walk along the path toward its T-junction cutting invasive vines that strangle saplings along the trail. If you don’t have your own, Protectors will supply gloves and pruners (& refreshments). After a two hour work session (our 204th monthly workshop), we will take a short walk over nearby trails.
For more details call Don Recklies at 718-768-9036 or Chuck Perry at 718-667-1393.

Saturday, July 20, 2013, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Huguenot Ponds Walk
Kingdom Pond Park, Arbutus Woods, Bunker Pond and the Huguenot Pond Park are small parks in the lower Huguenot area. Though trailing arbutus is long gone, the area still is home to a number of flowering plants and animal species. Meet along Kingdom Avenue, parallel to Huguenot Avenue above Hylan Boulevard, near the intersection of Jansen Street.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!

New York City’s Threatened and Endangered Shore Birds at Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.
Did you know that the Urban Park Rangers manage an endangered species nesting area here in NYC? Learn all about our efforts to conserve the Piping Plover and other rare…
Free!

Sunday, July 21, 2013
Birding at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free! ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

Overfishing Our Planet's Oceans

From "The Black Fish", an international marine conservation organization:

Losing Nemo

Most people are aware that the oceans aren't doing so well, but what is going on exactly?

'Losing Nemo' is a six-minute, 3D-animated film about the state of the oceans.

The film is the result of months of work by a group of creatives from around the world. They worked on it in between projects that pay the rent. It is our message to the world that we are serious about applying our art to contribute to a better world.

Full list of credits: mrleetv.tumblr.com/theblackfishfilm
The Black Fish: theblackfish.org/film
Mister Lee: mrlee.tv

Losing Nemo from mrlee.tv on Vimeo.

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of July 13, 2013 - July 14, 2013:

Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, June 13, 2013, 1pm – 5pm
Canoe Gowanus Canal
Where: 164 2nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues
http://www.gowanuscana​l.org

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, July 13, 2013
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, July 13, 2013, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers (first Saturday of the month) With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank learned their craft on Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds, and these walks celebrate the tradition set by them. Participants will look for resident and migrant species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturday, July 13, 2013, 9am – 2pm
Birding and Biking: Jamaica Bay
Rescheduled from June 8th 2013 Guide: Gabriel Willow Meet at Grand Army Plaza. Bike your way through Brooklyn neighborhoods and along scenic greenways to Jamaica Bay, to look for migrant shorebirds as well as breeding egrets, oystercatchers, and more.
This is a 1-mile trip; return by subway from Broad Channel. Bring binoculars, water, lunch, and your bicycle.
Limited to 15. $30 Click here to register.

Sunday, July 14, 2013
Sunset EcoCruise to the Harbor Heron Islands
Sundays, June 2 through August 11 South Street Seaport, Pier 17 7–8:30pm (Brother Islands; Hoffman and Swinburne Islands) 6-9pm (Jamaica Bay) Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. This summer we will once again be exploring the City's island rookeries with three different itineraries! Depending on which weekend you choose, cruises may visit the fascinating Brother Islands, the large egret and cormorant colonies on Hoffman and Swinburne Islands, or the great expanses of Jamaica Bay. Whichever your destination, you'll experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on these urban island treasures. Specific cruise dates and registration will be available soon.
Limited to 90. Pricing varies by destination.
To learn about specific cruise dates and buy tickets, visit www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/audubon or call 212-742-1969.

Sunday, July 14, 2013, 9:30am – 11:30am
Birding at Wave Hill
Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center. Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and behavior on these walks along the gardens and woodlands of Wave Hill. Advanced registration is recommended, either online, at the Perkins Visitor Center, or by calling 718-549-3200 x305. (Walks run rain or shine, except for severe weather conditions; call the number above at x245 by 8am the day of the walk for updates.) Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission

**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, July 13, 2013, 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Long Pond Park
During a 1.5 mile hike through the woodlands of Long Pond Park, we will look for evidence of the geologic history and human influence on the park as well as observe wildlife of the park. Reptiles such as painted turtles and garter snakes and amphibians, including Fowler’s toads and bull frogs are often observed here. Meet at Public School 6, on Page Avenue and Academy Avenue, three blocks northwest of Hylan Boulevard.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

Sunday, July 14, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Inner Harbor
NRPA, the Natural Resources Protective Association will meet at the corner of Goodall Street and Tennyson Drive for an extended visit to Crescent Beach (north and south), Seaside Nature Park, and the tidal marsh property adjacent to Great Kills Park located at the corner of Fairlawn Avenue and Mansion Avenue.
For more information call Jim Scarcella at 718-873-4291. Bring a water bottle and snack.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!

New York City’s Threatened and Endangered Shore Birds at Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.
Did you know that the Urban Park Rangers manage an endangered species nesting area here in NYC? Learn all about our efforts to conserve the Piping Plover and other rare…
Free!

Rockspot Bike Tour at Beach 59th Street and Rockaway Boulevard, Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join us for biking and birding along Jamaica bay with Don Riepe of the American Littoral Society. The tour will make various stops along the Jamaica Bay shoreline to explore the natural wildlife and ecology of the area.
Free! ...Read more

Friday's Foto

Tree Swallow nestboxes ring the path surrounding Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's West Pond. These acrobatic insectivores are also know to eat plant food to help them survive cold snaps. Their wintering grounds are as far as southern Central America.

Treehugger Tuesday

President Obama's Plan to Fight Climate Change:

(See full sized graphic here)

...Read more

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of July 6, 2013 - July 7, 2013:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Morning Bird Walk: Taking Wing
Free
Meet the amazing local birds raising families in Prospect Park on this expert-guided walk. Start your Sunday morning surrounded by nature!

**********

Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, June 6, 2013, 1pm – 5pm
Canoe Gowanus Canal
Where: 164 2nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues
http://www.gowanuscana​l.org

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, July 6, 2013
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, July 6, 2013, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers (first Saturday of the month) With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank learned their craft on Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds, and these walks celebrate the tradition set by them. Participants will look for resident and migrant species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunset EcoCruise to the Harbor Heron Islands
Sundays, June 2 through August 11 South Street Seaport, Pier 17 7–8:30pm (Brother Islands; Hoffman and Swinburne Islands) 6-9pm (Jamaica Bay) Guide: Gabriel Willow With New York Water Taxi Meet at South Street Seaport's Pier 17. This summer we will once again be exploring the City's island rookeries with three different itineraries! Depending on which weekend you choose, cruises may visit the fascinating Brother Islands, the large egret and cormorant colonies on Hoffman and Swinburne Islands, or the great expanses of Jamaica Bay. Whichever your destination, you'll experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons, egrets, and ibis nesting on these urban island treasures. Specific cruise dates and registration will be available soon. Limited to 90.
Pricing varies by destination.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or the Urban Park Rangers.
Free! ...Read more