Be a 'Snow Birder' This Winter  While the chilliest months of the year may seem like the hardest time to venture outdoors, it can be a great time to go birding. Layer up and head out to your backyard, local park, or other public space and observe some of the bird species that you may not normally see during warmer months. Winter raptors (PDF), including snowy owls (PDF), short-eared owls, barn owls, and hawks, migrate south from the Canadian tundra and can be observed near open bodies of water and large grasslands. Some species of woodpeckers may be easier to hear or see in their winter homes. Black-capped chickadees remain in northern climates due to their ability to survive the ultra-cold weather. Winter is also the best time to observe bald eagles!
Use a website like eBird to see what species have been detected near you. The free Merlin Bird ID app can help you identify unfamiliar birds and add even more new species to your lists. If you do brave the cold and snow, properly preparing for winter conditions is essential for a more enjoyable and safe experience. Check out our latest YouTube video on layering for winter, and read up on some of our winter hiking safety tips that can be for any outdoor trip. Stay tuned for future announcements on the New York State Birding Trail to find locations across the state to go birding.
Photo of short-eared owls by Dori Stathopoulos
Get Outdoors and Participate in the 25th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a fun event for bird watchers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts. The 25th annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21, 2022. To help, you will need count birds you see or hear for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you wish) for one or more days of the four-day event. You can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world. For more information visit the GBBC website.
Trail Supporter Patches are Back!  Show your support for New York's outdoor spaces by purchasing a New York State Trail Supporter Patch! The 2022 patches consist of five designs that resemble the international symbols for some of New York State's most popular outdoor recreation activities—cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and biking. Each patch will be available individually for a limited time, or the entire series can be purchased at any time. Get the first design featuring a cross-country skier for yourself or for friends and family who love dashing through the snow!
Purchase a Trail Supporter Patch for $5 (or the full series for $25) at any sporting license sales outlet or online at the DECALS website. The proceeds from patch sales go into the Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation, Trail Maintenance, and Development account to help maintain and enhance DEC's non-motorized recreation trails throughout the state. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment