Shari Romar Thesis - NYC Nature News Website

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Thesis for Applied Professional Project: NYCNatureNews.com

Shari Romar

Green Mountain CollegeMaster of Science in Environmental Studies

Submitted: May 1, 2009

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Abstract

NYCNatureNews.com ( www.nycnaturenews.com ) focuses on nature of New York

City, specifically Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island (also referred to as

the five boroughs). The website features articles on various animals, insects and plants, places

to go, people working to preserve the areas environment, volunteer opportunities, as well as a

comprehensive calendar of events. Information will be updated and expanded on a quarterly

basis.

IntroductionWith approximately 5,573 high-rise buildings (Emporis), 50 Broadway theaters

(Playbill, Listings/Tickets: Broadway, 2007), 18,696 restaurants (NYC & Company, NYC

Statistics/Eating Out), and an untold amount of retail space, it may not come as a surprise that

New York Citys 8,214,426 residents (Emporis) and 43.8 million visitors (NYC & Company,

NYC Statistics/Total Visitors to NYC ) have many things on their mind besides nature

appreciation. Indeed, in such a man-made environment, it can seem as though nature is

nonexistent. Yet such a notion is ill-conceived; on the contrary, New York City boasts 578

miles of waterfront (Mittelbach & Crewdsen, 1997, p. 11), over 29,000 acres of land managed

by the Parks Department alone (New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, para. 1),

a national park, and remarkable biodiversity with species counts of 330 birds (resident and

migrating), 30 mammals, 32 reptiles/amphibians, and over 200 fish (Mittelbach and Crewdsen,

1997, p. 61).

Unfortunately, many residents (and presumably many more tourists) do not realize this

wealth of local nature that awaits. Nevertheless, several environmental organizations exist in

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Critters fact sheets on native birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and

insects, usually focused at the species level, and including suggested viewing times and

locations.

Plants fact sheets on native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, as well as mosses and

fungi, usually focused at the species level, and including suggested viewing times and

locations, when possible.

Places information on preserves and parks with general information on landscape,

hours, transportation, maps and related information, broken into two sub-sections of

Local Places (accessible by mass transit within the five boroughs), and Farther

Afield (day-long or nearby overnight trips).

People features on the people helping to protect these natural areas and animals, both

professionals and volunteers.

Get Busy broken down into two sections: volunteer opportunities with local

environmental non-profit organizations, and calendar of event listings of programs

offered by local groups. Data will be listed in chronological order initially, though a

future goal is to create a database searchable by date, sponsoring organization, and

location.

More Info provides further information found through outside sources like websites,

magazines and books, as well as all citations in fact sheets.

About Us brief details of the website concept, contact information, an opportunity to

sign up for the email list, and requests/suggestions for content.

While a print version by the same title was initially considered, a website offers many

advantages. Costs are greatly reduced since printing is not involved, plus the Internet offers

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fluidity unmatched by print media, allowing for more frequent calendar updates, and changes

when required. Finally, the Internet offers a wider distribution than any magazine stand could

offer (see Examination of Need and Target Markets, pages 6-8; and Marketing, Promotion,

Benchmarks and Budget, pages 14-15.)

Examination of Need and Target Markets

In his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit

Disorder , Richard Louv puts forth compelling reasons to involve children in more outdoor

play. Though his thoughts are targeted to children, much of what he opines can beextrapolated and applied to broader audiences, particularly those in metropolitan areas like

New York City.

For instance, on several occasions he notes an intangible, far-away quality in todays

perceptions of nature. For some young people, nature is so abstract the ozone layer, a

faraway rain forest that exists beyond the senses. For others, nature is simply background, a

disposable consumer item. (p. 68-69). Furthermore, in talking with an educator, Louv says,

Children learn about the rain forest, but usually not about their own regions forests, or, as

Sobel puts it, even just the meadow outside the classroom. (p. 135).

With an entire chapter dedicated to urban wilderness, Louv further demonstrates the

need and opportunities to connect with urban nature. In fact, he states that nature may be

what is lacking in the busy lives of families: Parents already feel besieged by the difficulty of

balancing work and family life. Understandably, they may resist the idea of adding any to-dos

to their long list of chores. So here is another way of viewing the challenge: nature as an

antidote. Stress reduction, greater physical health, a deeper sense of spirit, more creativity, a

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sense of play, even a safer life -- these are the rewards that await a family when it invites more

nature into childrens lives. (p. 163).

With his theories in mind, NYCNatureNews.com is well positioned to connect urban

residents adults and children alike to the nature within the five boroughs. Through

informal interviews with a number of city residents, it is indeed apparent that many know little

about the environment existing, quite literally, in their own backyards and instead picture

nature as a phenomena found in distant and less-populated areas. Even amongst enthusiasts,

not all realize the wealth and diversity offered within city borders. Zoe, a newcomer to the

city who was spending a January afternoon on her first trip to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge,was not aware of all other locations where she could photograph trees, and how many were

accessible by public transportation.

From a different perspective, New York City is already viewed as a major tourist

destination, with 46 million spending $28.85 billion in 2007 (NYC & Company). According

to data from a United States Department of Agriculture survey, activities showing the greatest

growth include wildlife viewing, visiting nature centers, viewing/photographing fish, day

hiking and viewing birds (United States Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, University of Georgia, and University of Tennessee, 2005). Wouldnt it be

interesting to offer tourists an opportunity to combine the typical sightseeing destinations with

outdoor recreation?

With such considerations in mind, three target markets become clear:

City residents with limited nature knowledge can utilize NYCNatureNews.com

as a gateway to learning about their bioregion. These users may be adults,

families or educators.

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City residents already participating in nature-related activities, and interested in

expanding their knowledge of the area.

Visitors to New York seeking other tourism and outdoor recreation

opportunities.

By reaching these target audiences, the citys non-profit environmental organizations

can benefit by expanding their reach and promoting their mission in a cost-effective manner.

Though Louv may find the idea shameful owing to its focus on technology, the Internet

provides a useful platform to transmit the content of NYCNatureNews.com. The numbers are

staggering: the internet penetrates 73.6% of the North American population (Internet World

Stats, 2008) and a 2000 report cites that nearly 2/3 of 8 to 12 year olds access internet

(DiCamillo & Schaefer, 2000), a number one can only imagine has grown over the last nine

years.

Besides its widespread presence in our lives, the Internet is also a cost-effective and

dynamic medium. New research and information is easily updated, websites offer

collaborative opportunities, and the content is relatively portable when compared with

volumes of books and other publications (Gosline, 2001).

Site Design and Content Considerations

The key to reaching the target markets listed above is to provide relevant content in an

easy-to-read format without becoming too technical or too simplistic. Design must be easy tonavigate, taking into account variable bandwidths. To protect the content, copyright

information appears on each web page. The Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative 3.0

United States License from Creative Commons allows NYCNatureNews.coms content to be

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shared for non-commercial purposes, unaltered from its original form, and accompanied by

attribution.

Design:

According to Beaird, There are two main standpoints from which most people

determine whether a website is good or bad. Theres a strict usability standpoint, which

focuses on the functionality, the effective presentation of information, and efficiency. Then

theres the purely aesthetic perspective, which is all about presentation, hot animations, and

sexy graphics. (p. 4). He further notes that while good design is important, users are drawn to

the content. Additionally, a design needs to provide easy navigation and a consistentappearance to all pages (Beaird, 2007).

With such thoughts in mind, the graphical interface of NYCNatureNews.com seeks to

focus on its content and usability to reach its three target audiences. Though incorporating

color and images within its pages, the design is more focused on functionality, readability, and

ease of navigation than incorporating Beairds sexy graphics.

All pages follow the style set forth in the home page to provide a consistent look and

brand image for NYCNatureNews.com. Black text and a white background were chosen to

improve readability (Hall and Hanna, 2004), and since white offers a clean, light appearance

(Beaird, 2007). The masthead, NYCNatureNews.com, appears at the top of each page

followed by a series of small navigation buttons directly below. An analogous color scheme

was utilized for both these components: the mastheads green is commonly associated with

nature, freshness and hope, while the navigation buttons blue is symbolically tied to water and

sky, plus offers a sense of calm (Beaird, 2007).

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For improved download speed across various bandwidths and browsers, both masthead

and navigation buttons appear in the graphic interchange format (GIF), which is most suitable

for these simple images. Conversely, full color photographs used on the web pages appear in

the more appropriate Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format, saved in the lowest file

size possible (72 dpi) to maximize image appearance, while minimizing download time

(Lynch and Horton, 2002). Furthermore, to provide a consistent appearance on pages,

photographs all appear in landscape layout (as opposed to portrait), with widths set to 3.5.

Like the images and color scheme, typesetting considerations also focus on readability.

The mastheads serif font conveys a traditional style, while all other type appears in san-serif that is more contemporary and easier to read on a computer screen (Beaird, 2007.)

Furthermore, all headlines and text are left justified, and paragraphs are separated by an extra

line rather than an indentation; both characteristics make for a more balanced, readable web

page with suitable white space (Lynch and Horton, 2002.)

Content:

Although Beaird notes that all pages must have a consistent style throughout the

website (2007), in terms of content, a web page must be able to function independently since

users may access it in a variety of ways, and not necessarily through the home page (Lynch

and Horton, 2002). With that in mind, the content of each page within NYCNatureNews.com

not only ties in with the rest of the site thanks to use of consistent graphics, but each page is

able to stand alone.

Following the considerations recommended by Lynch and Horton (2002), writing must

be concise as text is often skimmed and not read word for word. Thus, each web page begins

with a Headline to announce the content (i.e. the web fact sheet on the piping plover begins

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with the headline Piping Plover, Charadrius melodus ) followed by The Basics -- quick,

bulleted points to provide information about a species or location. Users then can read more

information in the section entitled The Details and learn of additional sources in

References at the bottom of the page. These citations are not formatted in the traditional

academic style, but presented in a more user-friendly manner with titles listed first, followed

by author(s), publication date and company, or a link in the case of websites.

As stated by Lynch and Horton (2002) a website should seek to cultivate a unique

voice to distinguish itself from other sites. With this in mind, NYCNatureNews.com

maintains a fun, enthusiastic, and engaging tone in order to inspire nature appreciationamongst its three target audiences. For example, the heading Critters was chosen for its

folksy tone as well as ease in encompassing animal species (including insects). Furthermore,

to appeal to a non-scientific audience, the web pages limit the use of jargon (or provides

definitions).

Home page copy offers a warm welcome to users, providing brief seasonal information

and will include highlights of recent updates, while main pages of each section offer additional

introductions to the subject matter. Fact sheets begin with the aforementioned fundamentals

(found under The Basics), most useful for those just learning about the citys nature, tourists,

or users simply requiring a quick synopsis as stated in the above paragraph. In the case of

species, this includes information on appearance, viewing times and locations, while Places

provides directions. After such preliminaries, the content moves into finer points under The

Details; in the case of a bird species, this may include courtship behaviors, nesting habits, egg

and chick numbers, and migration patterns, while a Place could include suggested trails,

topography, history, in addition to safety precautions and an accuracy disclaimer. Such

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features help the more experienced city naturalist or tourist, while still offering the novice

additional information.

Finally, in order to create a sense of community, each web page closes with an email

address ( [email protected] ) so users can provide feedback. To this end,

NYCNatureNews.com also recognizes the opportunity to partner with local non-profit

organizations and build a community focused on furthering the citys conservation efforts.

Such an association may be as simple as the organization sending field trip details for the

Calendar of Events page on a regular basis, or the relationship may deepen to shared content

and marketing/promotion efforts.

Technical Specifications

Content for NYCNatureNews.com is composed in Word on a Gateway laptop and

transferred to a Dell desktop once finalized. Web pages are then created with Adobe

Dreamweaver, an HTML editing program; photos and other images are created and formatted

in Adobe Photoshop. Afterwards, pages are uploaded through Smart FTP.

The NYCNatureNews.com URL purchase and hosting service is provided through

GoDaddy.com and is valid through October 2011. The current contract allows for 10

gigabytes of storage space, and 300 gigabytes of transfer space. If required, additional storage

space can be acquired for a fee. GoDaddy.coms platform is a Windows server.

A multi-tiered backup system exists in case of malfunction. Copies of all content are

stored on both the Gateway laptop and Dell desktop, and both computers are backed up daily

onto a remote Mirra server.

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Competition

Noting that many websites focus on specific conservation issues, Bradford (2003)

suggests Exploring ecology-related educational resources on the Internet is like vacationing

in a city known for its excellent restaurants: There is something for every palate, but with so

many options, it can be overwhelming. (p. 552).

Indeed, the comparison is accurate. Nearly every organization hosts a website as part

of their communication strategy, often including news and programs/events such as clean-ups,

family outings, nature walks, and fundraisers. But in most cases, these websites only promote

the organizations events, or is focused only on one area of interest (i.e. New York CityAudubon concentrates on birds, the New York Turtle and Tortoise Societys interest is in

herpetology). Many groups also seek to promote wilderness appreciation, but the nature of

their mission makes them more focused on advocacy issues. Finally, several of these websites

are geared to enthusiasts, and generally dont target a lay audience that may be unaware of the

flora and fauna in the five boroughs.

Interestingly enough, a 2000 article indicated that no wildlife agency or organization

website was listed in the top 100 sites for children or top 100 of all websites (DiCamillo &

Schaefer). A more recent check on February 19, 2009 shows that little has changed. Only one

wildlife-related website featuring animal sounds was listed on The Ultimate Top 100 Kids

Sites ( http://www.ultimate-top100.com ); the Web 100 website ( http://www.web100.com/web-

100) only lists National Geographic.

Clearly NYCNatureNews.com fills a void by providing information geared to both a

lay audience and enthusiasts, and a one-stop shop providing users with information on a

variety of plant and animal species, and promoting events offered by a range of organizations.

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Marketing, Promotion, Benchmarks and Budget

In order to generate interest and traffic when the site launches in Spring 2009, an

integrated marketing plan is in place. Due to budget limitations, the strategy cannot be

expansive but will instead be a targeted direct marketing effort through emails, promotional

postcards, and partnership opportunities. A summary of actions includes:

Create email database with addresses of associates to be sent an email alert toannounce launch and new content quarterly.

Request inclusion on promotional materials for organizations listed in Get busy

pages. Request associate email addresses from individuals featured in People section in

order to expand NYCNatureNews.coms email database.

Create and print postcards to distribute to local preserves and similar locations.

Offer link on About us page with opportunity to sign up for email list to benotified about new content and events as indicated above.

Additionally, each web page contains meta-tags in order to optimize search engine

results.

Success measurements are not unlike benchmarks of a commercial website, though the

current emphasis is on outreach, not gathering profits. As with any site, regular traffic is the

gauge of success; to achieve this goal, new content updated quarterly and a current calendar of

events is critical. Usage statistics, provided by Google Analytics, will be measured and

monitored on a monthly basis, and content adjusted as needed. In particular, the following

data is useful to analyze:

Number of unique visitors

Number of repeat visitors

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Time spent on site

Number of pages viewed (Hughes, 2001)

Furthermore, in order to gauge users opinions and experiences of the site, email

surveys will be distributed on the 6 th, 12 th, and 18 th month of operation. Similarly,

organizations will be asked to track new visitors and volunteers generated by the site.

Although not considered a requirement for project success, the goal is that through

solid content, planning, and repeat visitors, the site becomes popular enough to attract

commercial sponsors in order to offset expenses.

Itemized approximate two-year operating costs for NYCNatureNews.com are as

follows:

Two-Year Budget

Item

EstimatedCost for

TwoYears

URL Registration $12Webhosting $77Office Supplies $500Computer Supplies $1,000Postcard Printing $200

TOTAL $1,789

Time for maintenance, writing and uploading additional content, and responding to

queries is currently estimated at 7-10 hours per week. The thesis author shall act as

webmaster, managing such tasks in her spare time; as NYCNatureNews.com grows and seeks

advertisers, the webmaster will draw a small salary in order to dedicate more hours (at this

early stage without advertising, it is difficult to assign an hourly labor rate).

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Conclusion

While a thesis ends on a designated date, NYCNatureNews.com is not static. Instead,

NYCNatureNews.com looks forward to adding more content and images, as well as evaluating

user feedback in order to build the best community resource for the citys residents, tourists,

and non-profit organizations. Long-term plans include:

Additional fact sheets for all species categories

Photographs on all fact sheets

Interviews for the People section Regular updates to the Calendar of Events and Volunteer pages

Development of database for Calendar of Events, searchable by month, location,

and sponsoring organization

Certainly the success of this venture is measured by site traffic statistics, but the

broader goal is to link New York Citys nature to the three target markets through an

interactive, regularly updated information source. By engaging residents and tourists,

NYCNatureNews.com can highlight the wealth of biodiversity in one of the worlds most

populated cities, and by extension, show that urban nature weaves together vibrant, living

ecosystems that deserve attention and preservation. Furthermore, with 80% of the countrys

residents living in urban areas (NationMaster.com), such preserves are more accessible than

distant locales.

Armed with a better understanding of the nature just beyond their door,

NYCNatureNews.com hopes to inspire its users to become more actively involved by

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volunteering, attending an event or field trip, or simply keeping an eye out for trash while on

their own nature walk.

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Appendix A -- Site Map

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Appendix B -- Content

Home page

Welcome!Spring, 2009

The air is getting warmer, the sun shining longerno two ways about it spring has

sprung!

So too has NYC Nature News! Welcome to the first edition. We aim to be your one-

stop shop for nature information around the five boroughs and beyond.

Click around our pages to find out about the diverse species (both animals ( link ) and

plants ( link ) that call NYC home and places ( link ) to see them. Plus, check out the calendar

(link ) for upcoming events, and organizations that would welcome volunteers ( link ). Soon

well also introduce you to some of the great people ( link ) helping nature in our area.

Check back often as well regularly add to and expand our content!

Have any thoughts? Want to recommend a place or person to feature? We want to

make this your favorite local site, so dont hesitate to contact us at [email protected] !

Thanks and talk to you soon.

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Screen shot of home page:

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Critters web page

It may be hard to believe sometimes, but within New York Citys heavily developed

landscape, there still exists remarkable species diversity with 330 resident and migrating birds,

30 mammals, 32 reptiles/amphibians, 200 fish ( Wild New York by Margaret Mittelbach and

Michael Crewdson) and untold number of insects.

Heres where to find the low-down on the creatures that fly, swim, crawl, and creep

across the city!

Birds

Fish and aquatics Insects and similar critters

Mammals

Reptiles/amphibians

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Screen shot of Critters page:

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Birds web page

The pigeon may be a familiar bird but New York has hundreds more that live here

year-round, or pass through en route to their breeding or wintering grounds. Learn about some

of these species by clicking on the fact sheets below:

American robin

Bald eagle

Great egret

Mallard duck

Piping plover

Tree swallow

Screen shot of Birds page:

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Fish and aquatics web page

They may go unnoticed under the water, but make no mistake New York Citys

waterways are full of a wide variety of fish! Learn more about them here.

Atlantic menhaden

Horseshoe crab

Killifish

Screen shot of Fish and aquatics page :

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Insects and similar critters web page

Though they may make people squeamish, insects are a fascinating group of critters,

often beautiful to look at, and also beneficial (after all, we need bees for honey). While spiders

and others are not technically insects, most tend to lump them all together so well do the

same. Click below to learn more about these important species:

Eastern tent caterpillar

Lightning bug

Monarch butterfly

Screen shot of Insects and similar critters page:

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Mammals web page

Found both on land and in the water, New York Citys mammals go beyond just

humans! Learn about this diverse group by clicking on the fact sheets below:

Harbor seals

Little brown bat

Virginia opossum

Screen shot of Mammals page:

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Reptiles and amphibians web page

Besides the urban legend of alligators in its sewers, New York City is home for several

species of reptiles and amphibians. Learn about them below:

Common snapping turtle

Diamondback terrapin

Spring peepers

Screen shot of Reptiles and amphibians page :

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Bird web fact sheets:

American robin, Turdus migratorius

The Basics:

Size: 10 long with 17 wingspan.

Color: brownish back, red or orange breast, white feathers at rump and yellow bill.

Habitat: forests, woods, parks and yards.

When and where to observe: may be seen year-round in parks, golf courses, and

residential properties.

The Details:

As one of our most familiar birds, this member of the thrush family graces everyones

lives with its good looks and flute-like melodies. Commonly considered a sign of spring and a

regular summer resident, the American robin actually is with us throughout the year, and can

be seen gathering in large winter flocks.

Their familiar physical features are a grayish black, red or orange breast, long legs and

a rather long tail, slender yellow bill, white feathers at the rump, and measuring 10 long with

a 17 wingspan. Just as familiar are the birds foraging habits. With their head cocked

towards the ground, they are not listening for worms but actually looking at them, along with

snails and insects. Adults also eat fruit, and have a particular fondness for eastern red cedar

cones.

As a habitat generalist and adaptable to human-altered environments, American robins

are found in a wide range of habitats tundra, forests, woods, parks, gardens and golf courses.

Males sing to defend territory and attract females with courtship displays that include

spread wings and tail feathers, inflated throats, and shaking. Upon mating, both build nests of

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twigs and grass in a mud cup in shrubs, sometimes on the ground and commonly seen on

structures. Traditionally thought to be monogamous, this is now in question.

Females lay roughly four, 1 long eggs in pale blue, and incubate them for 12-14 days.

Young chicks are altricial, meaning they depend on the parents for warmth and to provide

insects to eat. After 14-16 days, they are able to fly keep an eye out for the fledglings with

subtle brown and black spots on their red breasts, and remaining tufts of down on their

feathers, giving them a somewhat unkempt appearance.

The workload of raising two or even three broods in a season is split between the sexes

with the male caring for the first nest as the female incubates the second. They are busy,dedicated parents and good at defending their nests and chicks! Nevertheless, the open nest

attracts predators like squirrels, skunks, raccoons, snakes, blue jays and crows.

Perhaps strange for us to consider today, this common backyard bird was once hunted

for food and the use of DDT in the 1950s further threatened the species. Though pesticide use

still is a concern and should be avoided, clearly the American robin has rebounded to grace our

parks and yards.

References:

All About Birds: American Robin by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, accessed on

1/16/09 at:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Robin.html

The Birders Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds by Paul R. Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye, published in 1988 by Simon

and Schuster.

The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley, published 2000 by Chanticleer Press.

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The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior edited by Chris Elphick, John B. Dunning,

Jr., and David Allen Sibley, published 2001 by Chanticleer Press.

Sample Birds web fact sheet (American robin):

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Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus

The Basics:

Size: 31 long with 80 wingspan.

Color: white head and tail, black or brown body, with a yellow bill, legs and talons

(clawed feet); immature with mottled blackish and gray feathers.

Habitat: coasts, rivers, and large lakes in open areas.

When and where to observe: best in the winter, especially along the Hudson River near

Croton-on-Hudson.

The Details:

We couldnt believe it. Soaring low along Cross Bay Boulevard was the largest bird

weve seen in some time. Too big to be a vulture or an osprey and with the wrong coloring

it was an immature bald eagle! Though one had not been reported in the area that day,

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge ( link ) staff confirmed that from time to time, our national bird

stops over for a visit.

The bald eagle, at least in its adult plumage, is perhaps the most recognized and easily

identifiable bird even for non-birders, with its strongly hooked yellow bill, white head and tail

contrasting with black or brown feathers on the body, plus yellow legs and talons (clawed

feet). Adults measure 28-38 long, with an impressive 80 wingspan. Our national emblem

since 1782, we have become familiar with this species since childhood, and over the last

several decades learned about its struggle to survive.

Breeding along coasts, rivers, and large lakes in open areas, monogamous pairs use tall

trees as the foundation to support their large nests created with sticks, vegetation and various

other materials. Here they raise one brood each year consisting of 1-3 bluish white eggs,

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measuring about 3 long, which both males and females incubate for 34-36 days. Chicks

called eaglets are somewhat dependent on their parents for food and warmth, but are able to fly

in 70-98 days. While parents coloring is striking, immature bald eagles are far more subdued

with mottled blackish and gray feathers, yellow talons and dark bills.

Though their diet is primarily fish, bald eagles eat small mammals, waterfowl, seabirds

and carrion. Their winter range extends southward into Mexico, but they are frequently seen

along the Hudson River at the same time of year. Watch for these large birds with their

characteristic stiff, shallow and weak, chirping whistles at various spots along the Hudson

check out the New York State Department of Environmental Conservations helpful web pagelisted in References (Georges Island Park ( link ) on a cold winter day has often been very

productive!).

Being at the top of the food chain, bald eagles were hard hit by the use of pesticides

like DDT from the 1940s through the 1960s, which killed birds and thinned eggshells. But

thanks to the elimination of this pesticide and legal protections, our national symbol was

removed from the Endangered Species List in 1997.

References:

All About Birds: Bald Eagle by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, accessed on 2/16/09 at

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle_dtl.html .

Bald Eagle Soars Off Endangered Species List by the United States Department of the

Interior, June 28, 2007, accessed on 2/16/09 at:http://www.doi.gov/news/07_News_Releases/070628.html .

Bald Eagles of the Hudson River by the New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation, accessed on 2/16/09 at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9382.html .

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http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle_dtl.htmlhttp://www.doi.gov/news/07_News_Releases/070628.htmlhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9382.htmlhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9382.htmlhttp://www.doi.gov/news/07_News_Releases/070628.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle_dtl.html


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The Birders Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

by Paul R. Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye, published in 1988 by Simon

and Schuster.




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Great egret, Ardea alba

The Basics:

Size: 39 long, 51 wingspan.

Color: white feathers, black legs, yellow bill.

Habitat: wetlands like tidal creeks, marshes, swamps, streams, and rivers.

Where and when to observe: spring through summer in appropriate habitat.

The Details:

The great egret is a stately, spectacular white wading bird measuring 39 long, with

broad wings that reach to a 51 wingspan, black legs and a thin, yellow bill. Its long neck

takes on a deep curve when in flight, a posture also seen when on land when the neck is not

outstretched to its full -- and impressive -- length. Despite such good looks, their voice is

hardly as melodious as one might hope, more like a series of deep, gravelly croaks.

Frequently seen in our area along wetlands like tidal creeks, marshes, swamps, streams,

and rivers, great egrets quietly stalk their prey in the water. Standing motionless, the head

suddenly juts forward into the water nabbing fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds or

even small mammals.

Great egrets gather in loose flocks, wintering from New Jersey southward to Central

and South America. They are regular visitors to New York City from spring through fall.

Arrival of spring also marks the breeding season. Egrets are communal nesters, and

build loosely constructed twig nests in trees and shrubs. The monogamous pair incubates one

brood of 1-6 light blue or bluish green eggs for 23-26 days. The semiprecocial chicks are still

dependent on parents for food and warmth, but fledge in 42-49 days.

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The great egrets beauty was nearly its demise. The birds were nearly hunted to

extinction in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries as plume hunters collected the stunning

feathers for fashionable hats. But the species plight thankfully did not go unnoticed and

became the impetus behind the conservation movement that, along with many other

achievements, led to the establishment of the National Audubon Society, which uses the great

egret as its symbol.

Though populations began to rebound by the mid-20 th century, great egrets were again

at risk from the pesticide DDT. Today, with plume hunters and DDT no longer an issue,

populations are stable once again. Nevertheless, great egrets, like so many other species,depend on our quickly disappearing wetlands for food, shelter and a place to raise their young.

Lets work together to protect this vital habitat so that we can admire this majestic bird for

years to come!

References:

All About Birds: Great Egret by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology accessed on 1/16/09

at: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Egret.html


by Paul R. Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye, published 1988 by Simon and

Schuster.


Jr., and David Allen Sibley, published 2001 by Chanticleer Press. The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley, published 2000 by Chanticleer Press.

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http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Egret.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Egret.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Egret.html


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Mallard duck, Anas platyrhynchos

The Basics:


Color: males in breeding plumage have bright green head, chestnut chest, white neck

bank, and yellow bill; females are brown with dark eye stripe, orange bill; both have a

broad blue wing stripe bordered by white.

Habitat: shallow ponds, lakes, marshlands, flooded field.

Where and when to observe: year-round in nearly every park with just a small amount

of water.

The Details:

A familiar favorite at local duck ponds everywhere, the mallard is probably one of the

first birds we can recall as children. Certainly I was captivated at a very early age by their

tame nature, charming waddle, laugh-like quacking, and colorful feathers!

Our largest of the dabbling ducks at 23 long with a 35 wingspan, they also might be

the most widespread, found in nearly any wet habitat shallow ponds, lakes, marshlands, even

flooded fields from a city park to the tundra.

In the familiar breeding plumage, males sport a yellow bill, bright green head and

chestnut chest, separated by a white neckband, and curly tail feathers. Females are muted with

brown feathers, a darker stripe around the eye, and an orange bill with a touch of black in its

center. Most visible in flight, the wings of both males and females have a broad blue stripe

called a speculum bordered by white.

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They feed on vegetation just below the waters surface by upending themselves with

tails in the air, but mallards also forage in fields and add insects, aquatic invertebrates and

grain to their diets.

Spring brings the enjoyable sight of ducklings under the protective watch of the female

who raises them on her own. After mating, she builds a nest on the ground around dense

vegetation, though some occasionally choose odd spots like building roofs as evidenced by

periodic new stories. She lays one brood consisting of 7-10 buff, greenish or grayish eggs

measuring 2 long. Eggs are incubated for approximately 28 days. Ducklings are precocial

able to feed and keep themselves warm and fledge in 42-60 days.Though predators exist, particularly nest raiders like skunks, mallard populations look

stable. They live year-round in our region and are regular residents of nearly every pond or

wetland.

Tempting as it may be, when paying the ducks a visit at the local pond, dont offer

them bread which is not a nutritious food source, and may create other problems like attracting

nuisance animals like rats. Instead, just relax and spend the time admiring these lovely ducks,

while reminiscing about childhood visits with these feathered charmers!

References:

All About Birds: Mallard by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, accessed on 1/16/09 at:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mallard_dtl.html .

The Birders Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds by Paul R. Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye, Simon and Schuster, 1988.

The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley, Chanticleer Press, 2000.

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What do I feed ducks? by Ducks Unlimited, accessed on 2/20/09 at:

http://www.ducks.org/faq.aspx?faqCategoryID=1&faqID=92 .

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Piping plover, Charadrius melodus

The Basics:


Color: Buff, sandy color with a black stripe on forehead and black collar band; orange

legs and bill tipped in black.

Habitat: Sandy beaches along the ocean (though there is also a population along the

Great Lakes).

When and where to observe: Breeding from March to September along the Atlantic

Coast from Newfoundland to North Carolina; see them in the Rockaways ( link ) in

Queens, New Jersey and Long Island beaches like Jones Beach State Park ( link ).

The Details:

It is difficult to imagine that this stocky, adorable shorebird nearly became extinct from

game hunting. It is just as challenging to comprehend the reasons many people loathe this bird

today, when others consider it a charming little spirit of the sands as naturalist C.H. Rogers

wrote in 1921. To understand these reasons, it is best to first understand the bird.

At 7 long with a 19 wingspan, the piping plover can be seen along area beaches

such as the Arverne Shorebird Nesting Area ( link ) in the Rockaways, as well as the Long

Island and New Jersey shorelines. Their buff, sandy coloring makes them a little difficult to

spot, but watch for the dark breast band, black line across the forehead, an orange bill tipped in

black, and orange legs. Males and females look similar, but female coloring is a little subtler.

Sometimes they are easier to see as they run short distances on the sand, then stop

suddenly as if to think of their next move, and then run off again while feeding on marine

worms, crustaceans, and insects found in the sand.

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Piping plovers begin to arrive in March to secure a breeding territory and find a mate.

Males lead the courtship with calls of peep or poeeep while circling the female with

spread wings and stamping feet. Not just limited to the land, males add fancy aerial moves by

flying in circles or figure eights. Field guides indicate piping plovers make other calls in a soft

whistle sounding like peep, peeto, or peep-lo.

Once formed, the mating pairs are monogamous. Nests are simple, inconspicuous (and

extremely vulnerable) scrapes in sand above the tide line, often lined with stones and shells for

camouflage. The 3-5 eggs are equally well concealed with buff coloring and brown or black

flecks. After both parents incubate the eggs for 25-31 days, the chicks emerge.While adults are considered charming to all people who enjoy birds, their offspring are

even more so, often compared to cotton balls with legs! Chicks are precocial meaning that

they can feed themselves and can fly in 20-32 days. Juvenile coloring resembles that of

adult non-breeding plumage, which lacks the dark stripes on the head and collar and the orange

bill.

Tending to be somewhat shy, non-confrontational birds, parents have a unique and

rather valiant way of defending their chicks. If a predator comes too close, the chicks remain

motionless while the parent flutters about on the sand as if they have a broken wing, hoping to

lure the predator away from the nest.

As summer ends, so too does our visit from the piping plover as they depart by mid-

September for their winter range in North Carolina south to Florida and into parts of the

Caribbean.

Despite breeding in our area, it may be difficult to see piping plovers for reasons

beyond their excellent camouflage. Though commercial hunting nearly caused their

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extinction in the 19 th century, their populations began to increase once they received legal

protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Today however, they are a species in

trouble for a number of reasons.

As beaches become more developed for human uses, piping plovers (and many other

species) lose habitat to feed, nest, and raise young. They also now face more predators than in

years past. Raccoons are frequent nest raiders, and even house pets like dogs and cats kill

plovers and their chicks.

With such inconspicuous nests in the sand, unsuspecting beach strollers -- as well as

vehicles -- frequently crush both nests and chicks. To protect plovers, authorities installfencing and may close portions of beaches in the summer. Sadly, these actions do not sit well

with some people who have come to loathe the bird, instead of enjoying the privilege of seeing

an endangered species and taking pride in helping in its survival.

As if all this is not enough, even the weather has an impact on a piping plovers life

since nests can be destroyed by high tides brought in by storms.

But the situation is not hopeless! Many people, charmed by this little bird and its

plight have taken action to protect their habitat by volunteering ( link ) with local nature groups.

Most of all, piping plovers benefit when we simply appreciate them and work to help

others do the same. During the lazy summer beach days, be sure to plan a beach stroll to visit

the piping plovers, but keep in mind the conservation issues that affect their survival. When

walking on the beach, keep close watch where you step and leave pets at home. Follow rules

posted on fencing installed to protect nests, and keep a good distance away so the birds are not

disturbed -- and so your attention does not lure predators. And always leave the beach clean.

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Lets do whatever we can as New Yorkers to help along this endearing species by

making it feel at home along our beaches!

References:

The Atlantic coast piping plover by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,

August 2007, accessed on 12/15/2008 at:

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pipingplover/pdf/plover.pdf .

Audubon Watchlist: Piping Plover by Audubon accessed on 12/15/2008 at:

http://www.audubon2.org/watchlist/viewSpecies.jsp?id=160 .



Schuster.

Local Area Hot Spots: Arverne Piping Plover Nesting Area by the Brooklyn Bird Club,

accessed on 12/15/2008 at: http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/arverne.htm .

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http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pipingplover/pdf/plover.pdfhttp://www.audubon2.org/watchlist/viewSpecies.jsp?id=160http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/arverne.htmhttp://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/arverne.htmhttp://www.audubon2.org/watchlist/viewSpecies.jsp?id=160http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pipingplover/pdf/plover.pdf


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Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor

The Basics:

Size: stocky, 5 long, 12-14 wingspan.

Color: males with blue-green iridescent plumage on the back, white feathers on the

chest and belly; females and chicks with brownish black on the back and white feathers

underside.

Habitat: open areas and woodland edges frequently near water; nest in tree cavities and

nest boxes.

When and where to observe: throughout the area in appropriate habitat from spring

through late summer. West Pond trail in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge ( link ) is a

particularly good location.

The Details:

Tree swallows are like miniature dive bombers buzzing about, narrowly missing trees

and birdwatchers heads, deftly landing on nest boxes. Of all the birds, I think they make

flight look the most fun.

But its not all fun and games for the tree swallow -- no, that flight is focused around

food and courtship. During summer months, these stocky, pint-sized birds, measuring 5

long with a 14 catch insects on the fly at low altitudes, making it easy to watch their flight.

Come winter, their diet switches to waxy berries found in southern areas.

In courtship, males display moves that would make stunt pilots envious, just to attract

the attention of females. Making them even more eye-catching is the males stunning, blue-

green, iridescent plumage on their backs, set against white feathers on the chest and belly.

(Females have the same white undersides, but are brownish black on the back.) The only

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visual characteristic of this bird that could be considered plain is their tail, which lacks the

forked outline seen on other swallow species.

Tree swallows are found in the New York City region from spring to early fall, where

they breed in open areas or woodland edges, frequently near water, sometimes forming loose

nesting colonies. Tree cavities are the traditional nest choice, but they readily take to nest

boxes.

Both males and females raise one brood of 4-6 white eggs. They are usually

monogamous but occasionally mate with others if ample food is available. Females incubate

eggs for 13-16 days. Chicks are altricial, dependent on parents for food and warmth. In 16-24 days, chicks fledge and take on coloring similar to adult females.

Watching tree swallows dive through the air with their clear, high twit-weet calls in

spring is just as much fun as watching them form large flocks in late summer, changing their

tune to tzeev hisses as they prepare to migrate south as far as Central America.

Populations are stable though tree swallows still fall victim of the usual foe: habitat

destruction. Help offset such loss by erecting nest boxes ( link ) with appropriately sized holes

to deter house sparrows from taking over the new home.

Though you can watch these stunt pilots at several locations in the region, put the West

Pond trail at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge ( link ) at the top of the list for a great aeronautics

show!

References :

All About Birds: Tree Swallow by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, accessed on 1/16/09

at: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow_dtl.html

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http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow_dtl.html


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Schuster.




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Fish and aquatics web fact sheets:

Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus

The Basics:

Size: 12-18 long.

Color: blue to green on top, silvery sides, black spot behind gills, yellowish fins.

Habitat: Estuaries and deeper waters.

When and where to observe: Might see a school passing through in deeper waters in

spring, or spawning in estuaries.

The Details:

Also called bunker, these herring move into New York Harbor in such huge schools

that the whole group can weigh several tons!

Atlantic menhaden are one of our waters most common fish. They measure 12-18

long, have large, toothless jaws, a deeply forked tail, and somewhat small yellowish fins.

Coloring ranges from blue to green on top, with silvery sides, and a black spot behind the gills.

They feed along the Atlantic coast, consuming microscopic plants and crustaceans by

filtering them through their mouth to the gills (remember they lack teeth!).

Though they can spawn (reproduce) throughout the year in estuaries, spring and fall are

most productive times.

Besides being a food source for other species like bluefish and striped bass, Atlantic

menhaden serve another important service their food filtering system keeps our waters

healthy!

Unfortunately, menhaden have several other uses and are frequently used in various

products like fertilizers, so overfishing is a distinct concern. Though we may not see them

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often unless were lucky enough to see a school of them in the harbor its important to

remember that even those more unfamiliar critters serve an important role for our city.

References:

Brevoortia tyrannus by Animal Diversity Web/University of Michigan Museum of

Zoology, accessed on April 1, 2009 at:

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Brevoortia_tyrannus.

html.

Menhaden by Gulf of Maine Research Institute, accessed on April 1, 2009 at:

http://www.gma.org/fogm/Brevoortia_tyrannus.htm . Net Losses: Declaring War on the Menhaden by H. Bruce Franklin, Mother Jones ,

March/April 2006, accessed on April 1, 2009 at:

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2006/03/net-losses-declaring-war-

menhaden .

Wild New York: A Guide to the Wildlife, Wild Places and Natural Phenomena of New

York City by Margaret Mittelbach and Michael Crewdson, 1997, Three Rivers Press.

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http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Brevoortia_tyrannus.htmlhttp://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Brevoortia_tyrannus.htmlhttp://www.gma.org/fogm/Brevoortia_tyrannus.htmhttp://www.motherjones.com/environment/2006/03/net-losses-declaring-war-menhadenhttp://www.motherjones.com/environment/2006/03/net-losses-declaring-war-menhadenhttp://www.motherjones.com/environment/2006/03/net-losses-declaring-war-menhadenhttp://www.motherjones.com/environment/2006/03/net-losses-declaring-war-menhadenhttp://www.gma.org/fogm/Brevoortia_tyrannus.htmhttp://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Brevoortia_tyrannus.htmlhttp://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Brevoortia_tyrannus.html


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Sample Fish and aquatics web fact sheet (Atlantic menhaden):

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Horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus

The Basics:

Size: up to 20 long and 10 wide; females are larger than males.

Color: Brown carapace (outer shell).

Habitat: Salt waters and beaches.

Where and when to observe: May and June around area beaches like Jamaica Bay

(link ), Marine Park and Plumb Beach.

The Details:

They may look a little scary but theres no reason to fear this fascinating creature that

dates back 310 million years and is considered a living fossil.

Named for the shape of its brown carapace (protective outer shell), the horseshoe crab

is actually related to spiders! The carapace measures up to 20 long and 10 wide; females are

larger than males. They have 10 eyes but the most noticeable are on the carapaces sides. Six

pairs of jointed legs help them move along and the long, pointed tail isnt for defense but

instead used as a helpful lever if the crab is overturned.

Horseshoe crabs are found along the bottom of the coastal shelf to the tide line, up to

75 feet deep, where they scavenge for mollusks, marine worms, algae, and dead fish.

Come May and June during the highest tides provided by full and new moons, females

crawl onto beaches with males not far behind. Females lay up to 300 olive green eggs, which

are fertilized by males before the tide takes the adults back to the water.

Two weeks later, coinciding with the next high tide, hatchling crabs emerge and are

swept into the ocean with the tide.

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Horseshoe crab eggs are a vital food source for migrating shorebirds. However, their

populations appear to be declining thanks to such issues as overharvesting for fishing and

habitat loss.

But you can help horseshoe crabs! First, dont be frightened by their imposing

appearance, but rather observe and learn about these fascinating living fossils. Great places to

visit them include Marine Park, Plumb Beach and Jamaica Bay ( link ). If you see one

overturned, give it a helping hand by turning it right side up. Many organizations like the

American Littoral Society ( link ) offer horseshoe crab walks in May and June.

References: Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City by Leslie Day, published 2007 by

Johns Hopkins University Press.

The Horseshoe Crab by the Ecological Research and Development Group accessed

April 1, 2009 at: http://horseshoecrab.org/ .



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Killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus

The Basics:

Size: less than 5 long.

Color: males dark green or steel blue above with yellow and white spots, light bellies,

and silvery bars on sides (color intensifies in breeding season); females are olive green.

Habitat: Spartina salt marshes.

When and where to observe: most likely to see from spring to fall in salt marshes like

Idlewild Preserve and Marine Park.

The Details:

Just like its hometown, the killifish is a tough New Yorker. Also called the common

mummichog, this fish withstands polluted waters, but also low oxygen levels, high salinity,

and temperature shifts. Not bad for a critter less than 5 long!

Found along the Atlantic coast to the Gulf of Mexico, killifish are omnivores, eating

plants, animals, and even dead fish. They help terrestrial New Yorkers by consuming huge

amounts of mosquito larvae.

Males are dark green or steel blue with a yellow and white spotting pattern above,

while their bellies are white, pale yellow or orange. Silvery bars decorate their sides. Colorful

as this may already sound, their color intensifies in breeding season. Females are always in

olive green with lighter undersides.

Besides the vibrant colors in breeding season, males fight with each other as they vie

for the attention of females. Killifish spawn (reproduce) up to eight times between spring and

fall. Females may lay over 400 pale yellow eggs in a few inches of water in shady spots, and

eggs hatch in 9-18 days, depending on temperatures.

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Young killifish coloring varies from pale to dark with dark bars on the sides that

disappear as they mature.

As cooler temperatures begin in fall and winter, most killifish burrow into the mud up

to 6-8 deep. Their burrowing technique also helps them if they become stranded in tiny pools

of evaporating water.

Visit these tough little fish in the Spartina salt marshes all around New York like those

found at Idlewild Preserve or Marine Parks Salt Marsh Environmental Center.

References:

Common mummichog by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, accessed on April 1,2009 at: http://www.gma.org/fogm/Fundulus_heteroclitus.htm .



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Insects and similar critters web fact sheets:

Eastern tent caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum

The Basics:

Size: caterpillars 2-2 long when mature; moths with 2-2 wingspans.

Color: caterpillars are black with white stripe on back and series of blue dots on sides;

moths reddish-brown.

Habitat: frequently found on cherry and apple trees around the region.

Where and when to observe: caterpillars active in spring on host plants.

The Details:

On spring days as leaves begin to unfurl, many of our citys tree branches sport large,

strange webs thanks to the work of a rather messy little insect, the eastern tent caterpillar.

Soon after hatching, the larvae (caterpillars) begin to eat leaves and construct these silk

tents, which may eventually cover the entire plant! And because they feed in groups, the

hungry insects might devour all a trees leaves. But the feeding frenzy is certainly not one-

sided as the caterpillars make a nice meal for birds.

The tents provide caterpillars with protection at night and from bad weather, and

though rather unattractive, the young insect is anything but. Caterpillars are black with a

white stripe running along the back, and a series of blue dots on the sides. When mature in 4-6

weeks, they measure 2-2 long.

Larvae settle down on trees, fences, and similar structures to spin yellowish-white

cocoons where they will rest and change shape to become moths. This adult form emerges in

late June to early July and unlike the caterpillars, adults are comparatively bland in color --

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reddish brown bodies and wings with a white stripe along the forewing. Wingspans are 2-2

long.

After mating, females lay up to 300 black eggs, clustered together. Since one of their

favorite foods are cherry and apple trees, the 1 long egg clusters encircle a twig so the

caterpillars dont have far to travel when they hatch the following spring.

References:

Eastern Tent Caterpillar/The Interactive Plant Manager by New York State Integrated

Pest Management Program, accessed on April 3, 2009 at:

http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/ornamentals/Eastern_tent_caterpillar.asp . Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City by Leslie Day, published 2007 by


Sample Insects and similar critters web fact sheet (Eastern tent caterpillar):

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Lightning bug, Photinus pyralis

The Basics:

Size: Adults approximately long.

Color: Pronotum (cover protecting head) is reddish with yellow edges and black dot in

center; elytra (wing covers) are black with yellow edges.

Habitat: Grassy areas like fields and lawns.

Where and when to observe: Watch for them in nearly every park during summer, soon

after sunset.

The Details:

Call them what you will light bugs, lightning bugs, fireflies there is one thing we

can agree on: these ubiquitous summer insects remind us of the balmy nights of summer when

school books were exchanged for more leisurely pursuits.

While nearly 200 species exist, the lightening bug most New Yorkers are familiar with

is Photinus pyralis.

Adults measure about long. What is commonly considered the head is actually a

protective cover called the pronotum, a reddish shield with yellow edges and a black dot in the

center. Wing covers, called elytra, are black and lined in yellow.

The greenish-yellow light show is produced by an enzyme chemical reaction in the end

of the abdomen, and the resulting illumination is called bioluminescence. Males fly about and

flash roughly every five seconds to signal a nearby flightless female on the ground who flashes

back every two seconds.

After mating, females lay eggs in or on the soil that hatch four weeks later. Immature

lightning bugs are called larvae and they burrow into the soil to feed on other insects. They

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Monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus

The Basics:

Size: caterpillars grow to 2 long; butterflies with 3 -4 wingspans.

Color: caterpillars with black, white, and yellow stripes; butterflies have orange and

black wings with white dots and black bodies with white dots.

Habitat: fields with milkweed plants (for caterpillars) and other wildflowers like

goldenrods.

Where and when to observe: found from mid-June through fall especially around

coastal areas such as Riis Park, Breezy Point, Fort Tilden, Great Kills, and Jones Beach

(link ).

The Details:

Quick think of a butterfly!

I could be wrong, but Id bet the first one that came to mind has orange and black

wings with white dots, and a black body also decorated with white dots, right?

The word butterfly usually conjures an immediate thought of one specific species

the monarch. And theres good reason as they are not only beautiful, but also a fascinating

insect with a 2,000 mile migration to its winter home in Mexico.

Found flying in our region from summer through fall as they journey south, the

monarch begins life as a tiny egg laid on the leaf of a milkweed plant. Three to five days later,

a caterpillar emerges. It has black, white, and yellow bands along its body and gets to work

devouring the milkweed leaves its sole food source. Plus, since milkweed has a chemical

that makes the caterpillar distasteful, it is protected from predators.

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A young caterpillar is just 1/8 long but in 2-3 weeks it measures about 2 long and is

ready for the next stage in life. The caterpillar spins itself into a cocoon called a chrysalis,

where it transforms into the adult butterfly, emerging in approximately two weeks.

A newly emerged butterfly remains still at first, working to expand its wings by slowly

pumping liquid into the veins that reach a 3 - 4 wingspan. Soon after, it is off and

fluttering to nearby plants to feed on nectar extracted with its long tongue called a proboscis.

Monarchs begin to fly south in September, with 60 million arriving in Mexico two

months later. Here they spend the winter huddled on fir trees and living off fat reserves.

Activity resumes in March butterflies mate and females lay eggs for the generation thatbegins the trip northward. Two more generations continue the migration, reaching New York

around mid-June. These butterflies lay eggs for the fourth and final generation that repeats the

southbound journey in fall.

Look for monarch butterflies beginning in summer to fall, especially in areas that have

milkweeds or goldenrods. Coastal areas are particularly good such as Riis Park, Fort Tilden,

Breezy Point, Great Kills and Jones Beach ( link ).

References:

Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City by Leslie Day, published 2007 by


Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America by Eric R. Eaton and Kenn

Kaufman, published 2007 by Houghton Mifflin. Wild New York: A Guide to the Wildlife, Wild Places and Natural Phenomena of New


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Mammals web fact sheets:

Harbor seals , Phoca vitulina

The Basics:

Size: males 5-5 feet long, 200-250 pounds; females 4 -5 feet long, 150-200

pounds.

Color: speckled fur with variable color ranging from blue-gray, tan, to nearly black.

Habitat: open waters and rocks or sandbars.

When and where to observe: most likely to spot between November and mid-May at

haul-out sites like Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary in Pelham Bay Park, Wolfs Pond,

Mount Loretto, and Long Island spots like Jones Beach ( link ) and Montauk State Parks.

The Details:

At first glance, the four seals almost looked like people treading water, bobbing up on

the surface in a position called bottling, near a derelict boat by Floyd Bennett Fields ( link )

sea plane ramp. They seemed to look at us just as much as we were looking at them!

According to the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, the harbor

seals scientific name loosely translates to sea calf or sea dog, a rather appropriate

nickname given their dog-like snout. Their fur has a speckled pattern with variable coloring

from blue-gray to tan to almost black, with lighter colored fur on the belly. Males are 5-5

feet long, weighing 200-250 pounds while females are 4 -5 feet and 150-200 pounds. Their

diet consists of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.

Harbor seals are rather long-lived, perhaps up to 25 years old. Not only adept

swimmers, they are able to dive to the remarkable depth of over 1,900 feet and can remain

underwater up to 15 minutes, though the average time is two minutes.

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Though the New England population is increasing currently estimated at 91,000

they do fall victim to oil spills, boats, fishing gear and chemicals.

Summers are spent in the eastern Canada and New England breeding grounds. Males

mature between 4-6 years of age, though females are ready to reproduce earlier. Young seals,

called pups, are born in the spring. They can swim right away, and are nursed by their very

protective mother for 3-6 weeks. Pups weigh 12-20 pounds and measure 2 feet long.

Come winter, the seals move south as far as the Carolinas. Though some scientists

believe they are year-round residents of our waters, the most likely time to see this sociable

species is between November through mid-May. Watch for seals in our salt waters, bottling atthe surface or in small groups hauled out on rocks and sandbars with head and back flippers

raised to a banana position. Though wary of people, they do not appear bothered by us at a

distance and sometimes follow fishing boats to feed on scraps.

Suggested harbor seal viewing spots include the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary in

Pelham Bay Park with a spotting scope at low tide, Wolfs Pond Park, Mount Loretto, and

sometimes extremely cold winters see harbor seals on ice around Riverside Park. Long Island

has several great places for seals like Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge, Jones Beach

State Park ( link ), or Montauk State Park. Plus two Long Island-based organizations, the

Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island ( link ) and the Riverhead Foundation

for Marine Research and Preservation ( link ), offer winter seal walks and boat cruises.

References:



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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, accessed 2/1/09 at:

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/pinnipeds/harborseal.htm .

Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) by the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long

Island, accessed 2/1/09 at: http://www.cresli.org/cresli/seals/hbrseals.html .

Pinnepeds by the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation,

accessed 2/1/09 at:

http://www.riverheadfoundation.org/edu/content.asp?code=pinnipeds .

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http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/pinnipeds/harborseal.htmhttp://www.cresli.org/cresli/seals/hbrseals.htmlhttp://www.riverheadfoundation.org/edu/content.asp?code=pinnipedshttp://www.riverheadfoundation.org/edu/content.asp?code=pinnipedshttp://www.cresli.org/cresli/seals/hbrseals.htmlhttp://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/pinnipeds/harborseal.htm


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Little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus

The Basics:

Size: 4 long, 8-10 wingspan.

Color: glossy brown fur, lighter underside.

Habitat: found throughout the five boroughs.

When and where to observe: various locations; bat houses erected in many city green

spaces like Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge ( link ).

The Details:

It was incredible. Right there, near the Queens Boulevard street lamps on a warm

summer night, a little brown bat went floating by almost like a butterfly. Since that time Ive

kept my eyes open for them, and have seen the bats flicker across the apartment window, or

float above my head on the way home from the subway station.

Our most common bat, this species can be seen around the five boroughs and appears

to tolerate and even embrace human-altered habitats, often finding shelter under building

eaves along with more natural and traditional structures like tree cavities and rock crevices.

Bats are the only mammals capable of flight.

With a span of 8-10, the little brown bats wings are actually extensions of skin, and

they, along with legs, are used in flight. Measuring just 4 long, with elongated fingers and

ears, the bat is covered by glossy, brown fur and lighter, buff fur on its underside.

As nocturnal creatures, they find their way around with echolocation, transmitting

high-pitched sound that bounces off obstacles in their flight path so they can navigate and

locate food in the dark.

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Little brown bats hibernate in large groups beginning in the fall, conserving energy by

lowering their body temperatures to nearly freezing and slowing their metabolism. They

become active again beginning in March through May.

Bats mate in fall and winter. After giving birth, females create maternity colonies

where they nurse the young bats for 18-21 days. Baby bats are called pups, and they hang

onto the mothers fur as she forages for food. After four weeks, pups are independent. Little

brown bats can live for more than 10 years one was recorded at 31!

Bats unfortunately suffer from a bad, and inaccurate, public persona. They rarely

transmit rabies and have absolutely no interest in sucking your blood. On the contrary, theyprefer eating insects and can consume over 50% of their body weight in bugs in a single night,

and 500 mosquitoes in an hour!

Like any other species, little brown bats play another role in the food chain as a meal

for mice, owls, hawks, snakes, raccoons and domestic cats. Though their populations appear

to be secure, they may be plagued with health problems and shorter lives from a build up of

pesticides in their system.

Instead of reaching for chemicals, why not embrace our ecosystem by letting the bats

do the outdoor insect pest control work? Check out their handiwork and their lilting flight

shortly after dusk at one of our great parks. Or even just along Queens Boulevard!

References:

Animal Diversity Web by University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, accessed on

1/16/09 at:

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Myotis_lucifugus.ht

ml.

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Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana

The Basics:

Size: 36 long.

Color: covered with white and gray fur.

Habitat: wooded areas.

Where and when to observe: active at night in spring through fall at various parklands

throughout the five boroughs particularly Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge ( link ), the Cass

Gallagher Nature Trail in Van Cortlandt Park, and the Riverside Park Bird Sanctuary.

The Details:

Perhaps he became startled, but when my brother-in-law a saw a little Virginia

opossum looking in his back porch window, he ran to another room!

Giving him the benefit of the doubt, many people do not look at these unusual

mammals in the most positive light, frequently and inaccurately cited as a rabies carrier. How

unfortunate since this species the only marsupial in North America is not only fascinating,

but also provides important clean-up services for the environment.

With its coarse, salt and pepper fur, white face, long pointed nose and hairless tail and

ears, the Virginia opossum is sometimes mistaken for a rat. But take a closer look and notice

the hind foots thumb and a pouch that holds up to 17 babies. Plus, at up to 36 long, they are

more cat-sized.

Another misconception is the use of the hairless tail. No, it doesnt allow them to hang

upside down but rather helps them keep balance while clinging to branches and carrying

nesting material.

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Females nest in hollow trees, logs or abandoned burrows, lining the space with leaves.

Babies are born in less than two weeks after mating. They are just long and stay in the

mothers pouch where they will nurse for three to four months. After leaving the pouch they

remain with their mother, hanging onto her back as she forages for food. By 100 days old,

they are ready to go out on their own. Females raise 1-3 litters per year.

As a nocturnal omnivore, they eat all kinds of items -- many of which we consider

pests or unwanted like carrion, eggs, slugs, grasshoppers, berries, and grass. Though they do

not hibernate, opossums remain in their dens during winter, leaving only to forage.

Though their populations are stable, and their range appears to be moving northward,Virginia opossums do have predators like hawks, owls, foxes, and coyotes. To deal with such

threats, they play possum by playing dead rolling over, sticking out the tongue and

entering into a trance that actually slows their breathing and heart rate.

Natural predators certainly claim the lives of opossums but automobiles are even more

serious, particularly since they are not quick moving animals and females may be weighed

down with a full pouch. Such threats mean that Virginia opossums live only 1-2 years on

average.

These little animals can be seen in parks and wooded areas around the city, especially

at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge ( link ), the Cass Gallagher Nature Trail in Van Cortlandt Park,

and the Riverside Park Bird Sanctuary.

References:

Didelphis virginiana by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, accessed on 1/16/09

at: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/40502 .

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Opossum Society of the United States, accessed on 1/16/09 at:

http://www.opossumsocietyus.org/ .

Sample Mammals web page fact sheet (Virginia opossum):

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Reptiles and amphibians web fact sheets:

Common snapping turtle , Chelydra serpentina

The Basics:

Size: usually between 8-14 long but may reach 19 and a weight of 50 pounds.

Color: carapace (upper shell) brownish black, becoming olive or tan with age;

plastron (lower shell) cream colored with dark markings; black or gray skin; eyes

black and gold sunburst pattern.

Habitat: freshwater ponds, rivers, lake edges, estuaries and sometimes salt marshes.

When and where to observe: may occasionally see them basking in shallow water, or

females when nesting (NOTE: They are large, can be aggressive and may inflict a

serious bite keep a distance).

The Details:

The snapping turtle is aptly named one would be wise to keep their fingers away

from the massive jaw attached to the long, flexible neck of this animal!

Besides its jaw, the whole turtle is big; in fact, it is one of the worlds largest

freshwater turtles. They may weigh up to 50 pounds but captive ones may be 75 pounds or

more. The carapace (upper shell) ranges between 8-14 long, though 19 has been recorded.

It is brownish black when the turtle is young, becoming olive or tan with age and features

ominous spikes along the back edge. The plastron (lower shell) is cream colored with dark

markings. Skin is blac

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