Migrating Glossy Ibises over NY Harbor

I had my first sight of migrating Glossy Ibises over the weekend. On a walk around Sandy Hook this past Saturday, located less than 20 miles downstream from New York City, I spotted a flock of large birds in the distance. Perhaps up to 20 birds. 

At first they looked liked cormorants, big birds with dark feathers, but something just didn't look right to me. The birds were flying in an organized flock. Cormorants normally fly in jumbled waves, much less organized than other migrating birds.

Looking through binoculars I could see the birds were very dark in color. Not much help here. Yet, true identification came when I spotted the bill. It was curved!

Ibises have a characteristic and distinctive curved bill, which they use to forage in shallow water within marshes, ponds, and flooded fields for insects. Put the feather color together with the bowed bill and you have a Glossy Ibis.

Sure enough as the birds approached directly overhead, I could see clearly that it was a flock of Ibises. What a beautiful sight to see so close to the skyline of Manhattan.

Lower New York Bay is full of surprises during migration time. Who would think that ibises could be found here. Yet, these estuarine waters provide a rich area for wading birds like the Glossy Ibis to nest in colonies on abandoned islands found in New York Harbor. Some off the coast of nearby Staten Island.

Off the ibises flew northward, no doubt hastened by the need to reproduce this spring, while I stand in wonder.

Piping Plovers Nest Near New York Harbor

On this chilly weekend with temperatures in the 50s and low 60s, the Piping Plovers decided it was time to start a family. Around the coastal ocean beaches of Sandy Hook, located downstream from New York City,  were several nest sites. In addition, several pairs of plovers were nesting at Breezy Point, located across Lower New York Bay in the borough of Queens. 

Mother plovers were sitting on and incubating what will hopefully be the next generation. There might be 4 eggs, sometimes 2 to 3, but rarely 5. The eggs are under the loving protection and feathers of mom. Incubation will average 26 to 28 days.  

(The National Park Service at Gateway will put a nesting cage over each active Piping Plover nest to provide some degree of protection from hungry predators. String fences and signs are there to keep people away.)

It all starts with the nest. Piping Plovers over the last several days were busy finding good nest sites located on the open sandy dune area some distance away from the water, often with a good amount of shells strewn about and clumps of grasses growing nearby. The nest itself is just a shallow scrape in the sand that is loosely lined with tiny shells and pebbles. 

Now the waiting period will begin to see how many plovers will have successful nests. Unfortunately, it will not be easy for the parents to protect their eggs. There are many threats.

The eggs are easy targets for opportunistic predators such as foxes, gulls and crows, who will eat anything they can find. In addition, the plovers nest at a time of frequent southwesterly winds and fierce spring storms that create high waves, so birds that build their nests too close to the high-tide line risk losing their eggs in the rough surf. What's more, since humans are viewed by the birds as predators, human activity around the nesting area can place so much stress on a bird that it will stop feeding. The resulting loss of energy reserves can jeopardize its survival. This is not a good thing when your nest is in close proximity to a highly urban region.

When people visit a beach this spring or summer, they need to respect all areas fenced or posted for protection of wildlife, and people shouldn't approach or linger near Piping Plovers or their nests. Also, people must properly throw away their trash (better yet, practice carry in and carry out). Please don't leave or bury trash or food scraps on beaches. Garbage attracts predators which may prey upon Piping Plover chicks or eggs.

The plovers are off to a good start this year, let's do all we can to make sure that each Piping Plover family is healthy and happy throughout this breeding season along the edge of New York Harbor.  

Horseshoe Crabs Emerge

A day after brisk northerly winds battered the coast around Lower New York Bay, I came across my first live Horseshoe Crab sighting of the year. It was a good-sized, male horseshoe crab found right at the high tide line as I walked near the tip of Sandy Hook early this morning. 

Scattered about the beach were numerous empty shells of deceased crabs. This was the only live crab I spotted. It must have been kicked ashore by the heavy surf. Its shell was well populated with barnacles.

Feeling a bit sorry for the ol' boy, I picked up the Horseshoe Crab by its shell and carried the crab over to bay side beach. Then I aimed him in the right direction. If all goes well, he will back beginning next weekend. This is when the Horseshoe Crab mating season begins for another year during full and new moon evening in May and June.

As spring arrives, adult Horseshoe Crabs will converge along sandy beaches throughout Lower New York Bay to mate, as they have been doing here for at least thousands of years. Horseshoe crabs are often called “living fossils,” because they have been around for approximately 450 million years.

Horseshoe Crabs are an important part of our marine ecosystem. Their eggs are a vital food source for many species of migratory shorebirds, such as the Red Knot, a tiny shorebird that winters in Chile and nests in the arctic. Many migratory shorebirds will time their stopover to rest and feed in Lower New York Bay while Horseshoe Crabs are spawning. This would mean that rather than hop scotch their way up the coast, hungry migratory shorebirds will fly thousands of miles with very few stopovers just to take advantage of fatty and energy rich crab eggs, which makes the time they spend in Lower New York Bay even more important to the survival of migratory birds and Horseshoe Crabs.

Horseshoe crabs are important to humans as well. In the biomedical industry, Horseshoe crab blood helps save human lives. Pharmaceutical companies use Horseshoe crab blood to make sure that intravenous drugs and vaccine injections are bacteria-free. Also, research into Horseshoe crab eyes has given scientists a greater knowledge of the functioning of human eyes.

I told you that Horseshoe crabs are important animals. Let's hope the little fellow I found today knows this and will be back to start another generation of crabs in the bay next weekend.

Osprey Cam

Want to watch some live Fish hawk action at a nest this breeding season? Then check out  the website below to one of the best live action wildlife cameras in the northeast:

http://friendsofislandbeach.org/ospreycam/

It is a live stream of an active Osprey nest at nearby Island Beach State Park, located along the Jersey Shore in Ocean County, NJ. The camera is operated by Friends of Island Beach State Park, Inc.

No doubt this bird camera is a great educational tool. It's a wonderful, close-up view into the intimate lives of an Osprey family that you wouldn't get to see normally.

Check out the thrills and drama now. Last time I checked, Mother Osprey was incubating three eggs while winds were gusting up to 35 mph, and she was also dealing with a balloon blowing in the wind that was caught on the edge of the nest I can watch this stuff all day.

10 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors

By Mary Mazzoni
From Earth911.com
http://earth911.com/news/2011/09/16/10-ways-to-enjoy-the-outdoors/

It’s that time of year again. The days are getting milder, the breeze is warming and the sun is setting just a little later every day. Check out these 10 ways to commune with Mother Nature, and get outside to enjoy the better weather.

1. Hang out in the garden

Most of the fruits and vegetables in your garden will soon be ripe for the picking. But even if your crop isn’t quite ready yet, try spending a few minutes in the garden each day. Check the health of your plants and simply enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Staying updated on the daily progress of your fruits and veggies is also a great outdoor activity to share with the family, and it builds anticipation. So, when it is harvest time, those tomatoes, apples and other garden delights will taste even better.

2. Teach the kids an outdoor game

If you grew up tossing bean bags and horseshoes around in the backyard, why not pull the kids away from the video game console and show them how to really enjoy a lazy fall afternoon?
Set up a makeshift version of your favorite game outdoors using items you already have at home, and split the family up into teams to get the competitive juices flowing. Who knows? Your kids may even ask you to play again next weekend.

3. Run an errand on foot

If you live in a rural area or suburb and are used to driving everywhere, it can be easy to fall into the routine of driving to destinations that are only a short walk away. But using your car for short trips increases your carbon footprint and can rob you of a perfect opportunity to get outdoors.
The next time you need to run an errand that’s less than a mile from your house, try leaving the car at home and heading out on foot. A nice walk gives you a boost of energy and makes you feel at one with nature (even if you’re only headed to the post office).

4. Pack a picnic

For many of us, an outdoor lunch usually means dining al fresco at one of our favorite restaurants. But preparing food yourself dramatically shrinks the footprint of your meal. And as long as you’re planning an eco-conscious lunch, why not go a step further and enjoy it outdoors?
Check out some of our favorite lunch recipes and zero-waste ways to pack them, and head to a nearby park for a fun afternoon picnic. There’s no better way to commune with nature than sitting in the grass (as long as you don’t mind picking a few stray pieces out of your sandwich).

5. Explore an undiscovered park

Taking a day trip close to home is a great way to cut down on carbon emissions and still enjoy a break from your usual routine. Each state has an extensive system of state parks, and you could discover an unexplored destination with just a few clicks on the Web.
Visit your state’s conservation or environmental protection department Web site to browse state parks in your area. If you aren’t sure where to look, a simple search with your state name and the words “state parks” will point you in the right direction.

6. Break out the bikes

Whether you’re a seasoned biker or haven’t hopped on a bicycle since grade school, a trip to a local bike trail is a great way to enjoy all the scenery your neighborhood has to offer. Check out your locality’s Web site to find some uncharted bike paths near you, and start soaking up views you may have missed while whizzing by in the car.
If you don’t have a bike, you can usually find a bike shop where you can rent one for the day for less than five bucks. You may even enjoy the experience so much that you decide to invest in one of your own.

7. Plan an outdoor barbecue

The days of grilling outdoors with friends are surely numbered. So, why not plan one last soiree to cap off the season? Check out our tips for an exciting (and eco-friendly) outdoor blowout, and ask all your friends to bring something to lift some of the party-hosting stress.
If you have a small backyard or are just wary of having a bunch of people at your house, utilize the barbecue pits at your local park. The larger space will allow you to freely invite all your friends, neighbors and co-workers to your fiesta, and the park atmosphere will make you feel all the more connected to the great outdoors.

8. Make a difference

Nothing beats spending time outside and making a difference for the planet. Bring your love for nature and your desire to help together by participating in a local cleanup.
Visit your local parks or streets department’s Web site to find an upcoming park, river or beach cleanup near you. Spending the day at a cleanup is a great way to meet eco-minded people in your area, help keep your neighborhood beautiful and enjoy a day of outdoor fun.

9. Learn a new skill

Experiencing something new is a great way to make memories. The next time you’re facing a boring afternoon, learn a new skill outdoors and start bonding with your family and friends.
Browse the Web to find a nearby destination that give lessons in something you’ve never tried before, such as horseback riding, rock climbing or surfing. And check out sites like Living Social to get coupons and discounts for lessons near you. If you’re feeling more adventurous, nothing will appease your inner thrill-seeker like a bungee jumping or ziplining excursion.

10. Take a hike

Hiking may seem a little rustic for the not-so-outdoorsy among us. But nothing beats the satisfaction of reaching the summit and checking out the beautiful scenery at the end of your trek.
Each state offers miles of hiking trails and dozens of breathtaking views to enjoy if you’re willing to get your walking shoes on. If you’re a hiking novice, find a local trail and start with short excursions to get your feet wet. And don’t forget the reusable water bottles to keep you and your family hydrated!

Flowering Beach Plums

Every spring, without fail, the Beach Plum bloom. This year at Sandy Hook, there it was. A bit early, but the Beach Plums were in full flower. Clusters of silky white flowers that created a showy display for butterflies, bees, and people.

The Beach Plum is a common low spreading shrub within the maritime forest that is occasionally found along the more wild portions of coastal Lower New York Bay, such as Sandy Hook, Great Kills, Breezy Point, or Jamaica Bay. This time of year, it is easily identified by its mass of wonderful white flowers that often bloom in late April and May. 

 

The flowers, however, bear a message. Wait until fall. The second act begins. The shrub will produce edible fruit. The plant will actually produce small plums, hence its name, which may be red to dark purple in color.

Depending on local weather conditions throughout spring and summer, which vary from year to year, the fruit may be tasty and sweet, or tart, or even tasteless. Yet, a bit of sugar makes everything taste good, no? 

Historically, the Beach Plum was an important source of vitamin C for coastal Native American people in the Northeast. They could have eaten the plums fresh or dried them for winter use.  During  colonial times, early Europeans also would have collected the wild fruit to make preserves and jelly. Even today, a few local residents around Lower New York Bay will still pick wild plums to make jams and jellies, though not necessarily to eat. They will sell their goods at local markets.  A bit of traditional coastal commerce still going on not far from the global markets at Wall Street. 

Enjoy the flowers now, but come fall, if you decide to pick a number of wild plums, please don't forget to leave some for the wildlife. They need to eat too!

The Plight of the Pale Shorebird with Orange Legs

Be careful where you walk now on the beach. There is something moving quickly back and forth that is the color of sand. It roams along the edge of a number of ocean-side beaches near Lower New York Bay. It is a little pale shorebird with orange legs, but also a yellowish bill with a black tip, and a single black neck band, and a narrow black band across its forehead. 

 

I am talking about Piping Plovers. They are a small plover weighing just a few ounces and only about five and half inches in length. It's a small, sandy-colored bird that can easily be overlooked as it blends in so well with the pale surroundings of the open, sandy habitat on outer beaches where it feeds and nests.

There are certainly many people who are unfamiliar with this characteristic shorebird. Out of sight is truly out of mind. 

Yet, we need to learn to share the beach with nesting Piping Plovers, and we need to do it soon. The bird is listed as endangered in both  New York State and New Jersey, and is listed as threatened by US Fish and Wildlife.  

 Piping Plovers were once a common shorebird along the Atlantic Coast and Great Lakes during much of the 19th century, but nearly disappeared due to excessive hunting for the millinery trade. Following passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, numbers recovered to a 20th Century peak which occurred during the 1940s. Soon after population began to decline again due to recreational use of beaches and the increase in residential and commercial development.

(A Sanderling running behind an adult Piping Plover along the edge of the beach)

Now the little Piping Plover is having a hard time trying to raise a family along the beach. Commercial, residential, and recreational development have decreased the amount of coastal habitat available for piping plovers to nest and feed. Pets, especially dogs, may harass the birds. Developments near beaches provide food that attracts increased numbers of predators such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Domestic and feral cats are also very efficient predators of plover eggs and chicks. Increased sea level rise also contributes to the decline of Piping Plovers from higher than normal storm tides that may inundate or flood nests, or drown chicks.

At Sandy Hook last year, as reported by the Monmouth County Audubon Society, there were 49 nesting pairs of Piping Plovers. This was four more pairs than in 2010. The pairs laid a total of 225 eggs, an increase from the 175 eggs laid in 2010. All sounds good, right? Yet, in spite of this early achievement, only 152 eggs hatched and only 50 percent of the hatchlings actually fledged for a total of 77 fledglings. By the end of the breeding season in August, this number represented a lower figure than in 2010, which had 79 birds fledged. 

 

Recent surveys have estimated the Atlantic Coast populationof Piping Plovers at approximately 800 breeding pairs, about 200 of which nest in New York State. For a small bird, its problems are many.

What can you do to help protect the Piping Plover. According to the National Park Service:

• ·         Respect all areas fenced or posted for protection of wildlife.

• ·         Do not approach or linger near Piping Plovers or their nests.

• ·         If pets are permitted on beaches used by plovers, keep your pets leashed. Keep cats indoors.

• ·         Don't leave or bury trash or food scraps on beaches. Garbage attracts predators which may prey upon piping plover eggs or chicks.

Everyone can help by at least being alert while walking on the beach this spring and summer, and respecting the plover’s nesting area. In the end, sharing the beach with little birds doesn’t seem too much to ask to ensure that an endangered species continues to exist near Lower New York Bay.

Earth Day, Then and Now: Water

From Earth911.com

Early protections were installed with the passing of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1948, but Congress’s complete rewrite and passing of the modern Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1972 was a game-changer. The CWA established a new national goal “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.”

The CWA’s scope was broad-reaching – aiming to raise the standard of water quality in public drinking systems, fishing spots, recreation areas and wetlands. It limited who could dump what into the nation’s waterways. It protected wetlands by requiring the country’s first ‘dredge and fill’ permits.

In the 40 years since its inception, certain aspects of the Clean Water Act have been modified, bolstered and debated – but, according to the EPA, the Act’s original provisions and institutions “still make up the bulk of the framework for protecting and restoring” the nation’s waterways today.

Read More at  http://earth911.com/news/2012/04/15/earth-day-history-water/?utm_source=Earth911.com+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=43714bd316-_38_Earth_Week_Campaign4_19_2012&utm_medium=email

The Osprey Breeding Season has Begun

Okay, I will admit that more people welcome the return of the baseball season this time of year than the arrival of the Osprey breeding season, but I am not sure why. You don't need an expensive ticket to view the action at a local Osprey nest and it occurs rain or shine. 

Just look for a large nest of sticks constructed at the top of a dead tree or on an artificial nesting platform or other structures, like a cell phone tower or buoy, in or near a large body of water and this will be the best place to watch out the Osprey breeding season from April through September.

Along the shores of Lower New York Bay and within it vast tidal wetlands, over 50 Ospreys, otherwise known as Fish Hawks, have gathered on their breeding grounds to raise a family. The female lays one to four eggs, but usually three. 

(Male on top of female trying to mate)

 

Soon after St. Patrick's Day, the first Ospreys arrived to our urban tidal waters to ready their nests. These large gawky birds were tired and weary from the long flight back from their tropical wintering locations. While we don't necessarily think of Osprey's has having a long, intense winged migration, they are certainly capable of it. For example, a 2008 study by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology revealed that during 13 days in a fall migration period, an Osprey flew over 2,700 miles from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to French Guiana, South America to spend the winter. Ospreys have been known to fly long distances to locate the perfect place to endure. 

In March and early April around Lower New York Bay, the Ospreys will reunite with their partners, usually at the same nest site they have used year after year. An Osprey's nest can often become quite large (up to 10 feet high) as more branches, sticks, and other nesting material is added before the beginning of each breeding season. Some Osprey pairs have been together for years, others for life. Ospreys are generally monogamous. Birds three years or older usually mate for life.

Now mating Ospreys will busy themselves day and night around the bay for the next 6 to 7 weeks during the incubation period of their fragile cream-colored spotted eggs. The adult birds have turned into parents and will spend time to make sure everything is just right for the hatching of their babies. 

Once hatched, nearly 2-ounce helpless chicks that can barely call for food will need to be taken care of. Incredibly, with a plentiful supply of fish, these tiny balls of feathers will become as tall as their parents in just eight weeks.

The life of a baby Osprey, however, is more complex than that and is not always pleasant. Osprey eggs do not hatch all at once. Rather, the first chick emerges up to five days before the last one. The older hatchling dominates its younger siblings, and can monopolize the food brought by the parents. If food is abundant, chicks share meals in relative harmony; but in times of scarcity, younger ones may starve to death. It is survival of the fittest being played out every year downstream from Lower Manhattan.

Fortunately, the story of Ospreys in Lower New York Bay is one of general splendor and hope. The population is increasing and after decades of being an endangered species due largely to pollution and habitat loss, this Fish hawk is now a common sight around local waters. 

Although the Osprey is still listed as a threatened species in New Jersey and a species of special concern in New York State, if the human residents of the bay continue to take strong measures to restore and preserve our waterways and aquatic habitats, then the Osprey will remain a beautiful symbol of Lower New York Bay and its breeding season will persist as an important seasonal show for generations of people to enjoy. Just don't forget to bring a bag of crackerjacks or peanuts, and maybe some sushi for the Ospreys!