Spring Peepers calling in November?

It was a roller coaster of a long holiday weekend. On Thanksgiving day with temperatures in the upper 50s to near 60, I spotted about six Harbor Seals in Sandy Hook Bay. Then on Saturday, with temperatures rising into the upper 60s to near 70 degrees, I heard a few Spring Peepers shouting out a mating call on Staten Island. It may be November, but it sure felt like spring.

A Northern Spring Peeper seen recently at Blue Heron State Park in Staten Island, NY

For much of Saturday, southerly winds were pumping up a mild air mass northward helping to raise daytime highs to the mid 60s as far north as southern New England. Around Lower New York Bay, the high temperature climbed all the way up to a balmy 67 degrees.

This soft weather had Cabbage Whites and Sulphurs still active and dozens of Robins singing.  Yet, the biggest surprise for me was hearing a few Spring Peepers calling.  

In late afternoon, nearing sunset from the wetlands at Blue Heron State Park in Staten Island, New York, I heard the unmistakable high pitched whistle of these little amphibians. It was loud and piercing, and  usually given about once per second.

The feeling of spring was so strong that the weather actually fooled a few Spring Peepers to wake up out of hibernation beneath loose bark or logs and to start calling. Spring Peepers are small frogs that are less than 1 ¼ inches long, but with big voices. Normally, when spring arrives in the Northeast, generally around March, Spring Peepers are one of the first frog species to start calling for a mate. One peeper alone sounds like a high-pitched whistle. When many peepers are calling together the sound can be boisterous.

On this late November day, however, the Spring Peepers were not that shrill. Yet, they could be heard in surprising numbers. Five or six as I strolled around the woods, but calling as individuals. 

Ordinarily, the loud, peeping call of Spring Peepers means winter is finally coming to an end. Except that winter didn't even arrive yet. Thanksgiving was just two days ago!

These little eager frogs, might have been sluggish, but they were  certainly taking full advantage of perhaps the last warm spell this season will probably offer.  No doubt in a few weeks there will be ice forming on the water of the wetlands where Spring Peepers were calling. To be sure these warm events don't last for long. Cooler weather will return soon and these ready and willing Spring Peepers can go back to sleep.

Another Boat Scares Away Seals in Sandy Hook Bay

This was not a typical late November day in a number of ways. First, the air temperature reached 62°F! Next, another boat was spotted scaring away seals near the seal's haul out site in Sandy Hook Bay.

While most people were spending a beautiful day after Thanksgiving shopping, with binoculars and camera in hand I was out scanning the edge of the bay for seal activity. Yesterday, I spotted around half-a-dozen Harbor Seals resting on a remote beach in Sandy Hook Bay. Then a boat came too close to the seals and frightened them away. 

Today, I spotted two seals swimming in the water. It was low tide, the sun was out. The seals were about ready to come out of the water to rest on the same remote beach they did yesterday. Then a new boat came along and scared the seals away yet again.

Someone needs to educate boasters on the rules how to operate a boat when there is a seal or any marine mammal nearby.  These rules were set up by the Coast Guard and based around an area called the “caution zone”, which is defined as the area within 150 feet of a marine mammal. All vessels (motorized or not) within the caution zone must:

·         Avoid sudden changes in direction

·         Maintain a constant speed not exceeding 5 knots (8 kph)

·         Leave the caution zone if a marine mammal shows any sign of disturbance

·         Not approach whales, dolphins or seals from directly in front

·         Not approach whales, dolphins or seals from directly behind the animal

·         Not be in the known path of a whale, dolphin or seal

·         Not form a barrier between a marine mammal and its group

·         Not come between a mother and her young.

It is against the law to disturb harbor seals and other marine mammals. Do not harass or scare these animals. As beautiful and cuddly as seals may appear, remember that these are wild animals protected by federal laws and regulations.  Do not disturb seals.  Enjoy them from a safe distance and use a telephoto lens for close-up photography. They are wild and need to be respected.

Seals like to "haul out" on protected beaches, spits, bars, rocks and log rafts to bask in the sun and sleep. At the slightest sign of danger they will slip back into the water where they will swim away, perhaps never to return. Harbor seals often haul out at low tide to digest food, rest, and sleep. Haul out sites are important areas for seals to be safe and to rest and relax.

Please report any violations to the local police, marine police, or park rangers.

Turkey Day with Harbor Seals

Thanksgiving day along Sandy Hook Bay, downstream from New York City. I was enjoying a brisk walk near the edge of Spermaceti Cove. It was an astonishing mild day for late November. High temperatures were near 60 degrees with abundant sunshine. Water temperatures in the bay were a bit cooler, around the mid to upper 40s. What a beautiful turkey day to be outside.

Among the hundred or more Brant swimming in the bay and another hundred or more gulls fixed on the beach were about six or so critters that seemed out of place. Closer examination with binoculars revealed a small gathering of Harbor Seals resting on a low tide beach. This was the first sight of seals this season! 

Although it was a little early to see seals in the estuary, especially with air temperatures so mild, the sight was not surprising. People who reside along Great Bay estuary near Tuckerton, NJ have already reported that Harbor Seals and perhaps some Gray Seals have returned to their haul-out areas in the estuary. It was only a matter of time before seals would be popping up out of the water in sight of Downtown Manhattan.

Among the seals I have recorded in the estuary in the past 10 years have been Gray, Harbor, and Harp seals. The overwhelming majority of seal sightings, however, are Harbor Seals. In fact, there are more Harbor Seals sightings than any other marine mammal in Lower New York Bay. 

Perhaps the sudden gathering of seals means they were following a school of migrating fish from New England that lead them into Sandy Hook Bay.  The seals probably like hauling out and resting here . The spot the seals are using at low tide seems perfect for their needs. It sits adjacent to a deepwater sea channel and within half a mile of the inlet to the open ocean, near migrating fish.

There was also a good chance that this small group of Harbor Seals might have broken off from a larger group due to a shark attack or boat injury. One smaller seals appeared like he got cut up by a shark or perhaps a boat propeller. 

A seal with cut marks on its belly.

Who knows, any number of events might have led these seals to Sandy Hook Bay. It's such a dynamic, wild estuary, anything is possible. Though my guess was the abundance of food.

All looked good for the seals. They had the beach and the bay to themselves to enjoy a nice rest on this Thanksgiving day. That is until a small boat arrived around noon to scare the seals away. It was a family onboard the boat to observe the seals. They rode in too fast and too close to frighten the seals back into the water. 

A boat that got too close to the seals and scared them away.

This was a terrible incident.  When seals haul out to rest and relax, they are extremely vulnerable to disturbance. Harbor Seals leave their haul-out sites when harassed by people, dogs, boats, aircraft or other equipment. Even a temporary disruption stresses the animal by cutting into their time to warm up, rest, and digest their food.

Boaters and kayakers need to observe a safe minimum distance of fifty yards (or 150 feet) away from the seals. Kayakers need to be especially careful because although they are smaller, they have the same profile as a shark and can stress an entire group.

Beach walkers, especially people walking their pet, need to take care NOT to make your presence known — either visually or audibly — when you come across an individual or a group of seals. Seals may flee into the water immediately when they hear or sight a human. This flight disrupts their habits and may endanger their health.

Please maintain a minimum distance of 150 feet from any marine mammal in the water or on the shore to prevent a disturbance.

If you see a seal that you think is in distress, do not touch or approach it. Contact the police or a park ranger and give the seals exact location and a description of the animal. You may also contact directly the Marine MammalStranding Center in NJ at (609) 266-0538 or the Riverhead Foundation for MarineResearch and Preservation in New York City at (631)369.9829

How to Have a More Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Excess is a key element of Thanksgiving for many people. Unfortunately, this often means that people are not being so kind to the environment.

While preparing to heap the tables high with food, here are a few tips to make the holiday a little more eco-friendly: 

Vegan Pumpkin Pie

1.) Buy Local
Buying locally grown produce helps support community farmers and reduces emissions produced by big transport trucks, says David Stephen, Whole Foods team leader.

2) Go Vegan
Skip the turkey this year & go vegan. A vegan Thanksgiving will create a memorable dinner—suitable for any vegetarian guests as well! Create mix-and match menus, from soup to dessert, complete with vegan stuffings and main dishes—all the holiday traditions you adore, updated for a compassionate plant-based feast. For more information, check out VegKitchen
 
3)   Use What You Have!
Before you run to the grocery store for Thanksgiving ingredients, consider using what you have on-hand. Even if it is hard to grow food in November, it is typically easy to grow herbs in a kitchen windowsill. Also, incorporate fruits and vegetables preserved from the summer and fall.


4) Drink locally
If you plan to serve alcoholic drinks, buy local (preferably organic) wine and beer. In addition to supporting a healthier environment by minimizing fossil fuel use associated with shipping, supporting small businesses helps ensure communities thrive economically.

5.) Avoid Paper Plates
Resist the temptation to purchase wasteful holiday-themed paper plates and go for dishwasher-friendly reusables.

6.) Cut Back on Waste
Plan your Thanksgiving meal before rampantly buying ingredients to avoid throwing unused food away. In addition, get the most out of the food you buy. For example, if cooking pumpkins or other winter squash for your meal, roast the seeds they can be eaten as a snack or used as a garnish for soups or stews.

7.) Inflate Your Tires
Maximize your mileage by making sure your tires are inflated properly. "There is actually more oil to save in our tires than there is in the whole Alaskan wildlife refuge — so it has a huge environmental benefit as well as savings to your checkbook," says Dale Bryk of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

8.) Splurge on a Non-Stop Flight
Next time you're pondering whether it's worth spending a little extra to fly nonstop, consider the following: the average domestic flight uses about 100 gallons of gas per passenger. Fewer take-offs and landings mean less environmental damage.

9.) Shop Local on Black Friday!
As the Occupy movement fighting against greed on Wall Street grows in size and action, the American holiday that celebrates consumerism can best be celebrated by going local. Shopping isn't necessarily a bad thing; we should be out there supporting local merchants on main streets that support our local communities, the green stores that bring us healthy food and non-toxic products, the farmers we buy from at the farmers markets. Occupy them instead.

10) Share the love
Give thanks by giving others a reason for Thanksgiving. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, share your bounty (both ingredients and finished dishes) with friends, family and the community.

Climate Change Causing Bizarre Arctic Bird Deaths

Many coastal birds that we see in Lower New York Bay during the winter and during spring/fall migration breed in the Arctic. More proof that everything is connected in the environment. Global Climate Change will have diverse effects on the biodiversity in the bay. We should all be concerned. 

For information on how climate change is causing the deaths of Arctic birds, please read below:
On ways to help lessen the effects of human caused climate change, please click onto this US EPA website.

Dead Eider

David DeFranza
Science / Natural Sciences
April 7, 2010

http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/climate-change-causing-bizarre-arctic-bird-deaths.html


 
Image credit: Daníel Örn/Flickr

In the warming Arctic, birds are being plagued by mosquitoes, confused by fog, and driven into the sea by errant winds. These strange challenges—along with avalanches, landslides, and more—have emerged as results of climate change.Mark Mallory, along with two other scientists from the Canadian Wildlife Service, recently completed a survey that used fieldwork data spanning the last 33 years. The pattern that emerged, Mallory explained, was bizarre. He commented:

We saw birds dying of what at best could be called Gary Larson events...you see a bird for apparently no good reason fly into the cliff and die. You've got to be kidding.

Gary Larson Events

Thick-billed murres nesting on a cliff face. Image credit: cpfair/FlickrMallory described the team's findings as "Gary Larson events" in reference to the tragicomic nature of Larson's The Far Side. A segment of bird deaths in the Arctic, he explained, are strange and, in a way, even comical.
Landslides and avalanches, they report, were among the most common. An entire group of thick-billed murres and black-legged kittiwakes were swept into the ocean when the cliff face they had nested on collapsed. Mallory explained:

An entire cliff face fell away, and we estimate 800 birds were killed in this one event.

An Arctic tern navigates the fog. Image credit: DannoHung/FlickrElsewhere, thick fog confused Northern fulmars, causing them to crash into each other and the land. Others were pushed into the ocean by strong Katabatic winds.
The most extreme death, however, was caused by blood loss after a swarm of mosquitoes attacked a thick-billed murre.

Climate Change Creating New Challenges

These strange deaths, the team reports, can be contributed to the new challenges created by a changing Arctic climate. Mallory commented that a:

Curiously a high proportion of the adult birds we see die tend to be dying [due] to factors related to climate and weather.

He added that though mortality rates from these events are likely to increase as the Arctic warms, his team is not predicting that climate change will completely wipe-out seabirds. To survive, however, the birds will have to find solutions to these strange new challenges—which will only become more common in the near future.
Read more about challenges to nature:6 Ways Humans are Confronting the Challenge of LifeInvasive Weed Threatens to Overrun Nature ReserveMusings on Nature and Man's Place in It (Slideshow)

A Great Cormorant Comes back to the Bay

More and more a variety of winter birds are coming back into Lower New York Bay from their summer breeding grounds up north. By now I have spotted several Snow Buntings at Sandy Hook, a couple sightings of Buffleheads in the bay, rafts of scoters in the sea, and Brant and Dark-eyed Juncos everywhere. All this at the same time the bay still has a mild-mannered look of autumn with recurring temperatures up into the 60s. 

Yet, if it's true that birds are reliable indicators of impending winter, then these recent sightings must be a gentle reminder that while the weather may be mild, winter is not far away.

Perhaps one good sign of impending winter weather is the sight of a Great Cormorant in Sandy Hook Bay. Recently, while driving north along Hartshorne Drive in the Fort Hancock section of Sandy Hook, I was scanning the bay for any early sighting of seals. Instead I spotted one Great Cormorant sitting on a stone bulkhead at the edge of the bay. I stopped the car, got out and began photographing this gorgeous bird before it flew away.

At first I thought the bird was the more familiar Double-crested Cormorant, but this bird seemed much larger by about 5 inches or so. Great cormorants are, on average, a little larger than the more common Double-crested Cormorant. Of course, it also had that unmistakable broad white band of feathers across the throat. The bird, however, didn't have a full white border of feathers around its face, so it might have been a juvenile or an adult in winter plumage.

Nevertheless, the great bird was perched peacefully on the rocks as waves were crashing on it from a breezy bay. Maybe this Great Cormorant was digesting a fresh fishy meal or it could have been tired from its migration. Either way, this cormorant didn't seen too concerned about the water or me as long as I hung about in the distance. 

This was a special treat. Great Cormorants are not normally seen around the bay except in the winter. They breed on rocky cliffs along the coast or barren islands from Newfoundland south into Maine. Every winter, more than a few will show up in Lower New York Bay to rest and forage for fish or an occasional crab.

Days before, a northwest wind had been blowing prior to me spotting this lone Great Cormorant. I am not sure if this bird migrated in a flock, but this current of wind could have been the support it needed to guide the bird to Lower New York Bay from up north.  

In the fall migratory flocks of cormorants are often seen flying over Lower New York Bay, frequently mistaken for Canada Geese. By mid-November, however, many migratory cormorants have passed on. The cormorants you see then on will usually stay for the winter unless the bay freezes over. After that they move farther south to find open water to feed.

Suddenly, my hasty knowledge of cormorants became irrelevant. The bird flew away, not to be seen by me again that day. One of the lessons learned from the pursuit of wildlife in and around the bay is the value of having a camera close at hand. I am certainly glad I had it with me on that day.

UNEXPECTED MARINE CREATURES ARE FOUND IN NEW YORK WATERS

River Project Staff Discover Skittlefish, Harbor School Divers Find Bay Scallops
 

   
Throughout the summer and into the fall, as part of a research project conducted for the National Park Service, NY Harbor School students searched in Jamaica Bay for three of New York Harbor's naturally occurring keystone species -- oysters, eelgrass and bay scallops. They found hermit crabs, blue crabs, lady crabs, horseshoe crabs, flounder, pipefish, whelk, moon snails, striped bass, sea horses, butterflyfish and trunkfish -- but no oysters, eelgrass or bay scallops.

Until November 6, their last day of diving.

Joe Gessert, the school's diving safety officer, and Liv Dillon, lead dive instructor, pick up the story: "Eight hardy students joined two instructors for a survey of the southeastern shore of Floyd Bennett Field," the instructors wrote in a recent email. "On their second dive of the day, at a depth of 16 feet, junior Nathan Ferenczy and senior Ashley Rodriguez each found a live adult bay scallop!"

The discovery of two bay scallops mirrors the unexpected finding of another marine species: two tiny skilletfish (left), never before recorded in these waters, found by River Project staff in the Hudson River.

"We think that it was never recorded before because of its small size, and perhaps because there aren't any oyster reefs around anymore," explains Nina Zain, head of interns for the River Project. "It uses oyster reefs exclusively as breeding grounds and is closely associated with them in the Chesapeake Bay." One of the skilletfish was found inside a shell taken from oyster cages near Pier 40. The River Project is one of many organizations, including the Harbor School, Rocking the Boat and NY/NJ Baykeeper -- tending experimental oyster reefs and oyster cages throughout the New York Harbor Estuary in an effort to restore the once abundant bivalve and improve water quality.

The search by Harbor School students for the keystone species was part of this restoration process. "NPS wants to find out what remnant populations exist in the bay," Mr. Gessert and Ms. Dillon explained. "They hope to use the survivors as the genetic basis for future restoration efforts, as well as establish a baseline of what is in the water."

Both discoveries this year are being taken as evidence of a rallying marine environment. "This gives us hope that we'll have better luck with finding oysters in the spring," Ms. Dillon and Mr. Gessert wrote, "and suggests that the ecosystem is healthier than we know."

Top photo courtesy of the Harbor School.
Bottom photo courtesy of the River Project.
Read a Downtown Express story on the skilletfish discovery here.