Watch the Skies for Spring Bird Migrations  Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. This gives you a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds.
Grab your binoculars and check out one of these hot spots: - Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne counties – a stopover for many species of ducks who are headed farther north. You can see shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds at this WMA.
- Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, Cayuga and Seneca counties – an endless list of birds can be seen here.
- Braddock Bay WMA, Monroe County – find waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.
- Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Genesee and Orleans counties – see many species of waterfowl.
- Derby Hill Bird Observatory, Oswego County – known for migrating hawks.
- Bashakill WMA, Orange County – view hawks, marshbirds, and waterfowl.
- Central Park, NYC – see warblers, in addition to many other species.
It's impossible to list all the great bird-viewing locations, but look for an Important Bird Area or Bird Conservation Area near you. Check out the BirdCast website for maps of bird migration forecasts, local alerts, and migration activity in real-time!
Bears Already?  It's not too early for New York homeowners to think about bear-proofing their properties. While most of our bears are still in their dens, they will soon venture out with the warmer days and begin searching for food, usually beginning in mid-March.
With the abundant natural food sources available last year, many bears went into dens in good shape and well-prepared for the long winter. That being said, male black bears will typically lose between 15 and 30 percent of their body weight, while reproductive sows can lose up to 40 percent. Because of this, bears emerging from their dens are hungry and looking for an easy meal. While ample natural spring foods are available, like skunk cabbage, grasses and other vegetation, some bears will seek out bird feeders or unsecured garbage. Folks who feed birds in bear country should take down bird feeders by April 1 but begin emptying feeders and cleaning up dropped seeds around mid-March. It's also a good time to make sure garbage cans are secured and stored in a sturdy building. Bears are opportunistic feeders and will remember where they find easy food, then return to that location frequently. By removing bear attractants, you're helping to keep both people and bears safe. Do your part and encourage your neighbors to do the same! Learn more about how to reduce human/bear conflicts.
Atlantic Striped Bass Draft Amendment 7 Public Comment Period  DEC is seeking public input on the development of Draft Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass (PDF) through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).
The Draft Amendment proposes new options to the FMP to help rebuild the stock and significantly update the management program. DEC encourages New Yorkers to review proposed changes, participate through in-person or virtual webinar events, and provide comments to ASMFC by April 15, 2022. DEC is hosting two public hearings in New York's Marine and Coastal District to solicit New Yorkers' input on the development of the Draft Amendment. DEC encourages fishing clubs and organizations to send key representatives to provide public comments. Hearings are scheduled: - Wednesday, March 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
DEC Division of Marine Resources, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park - Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
DEC Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz. In addition, audio from the hearings will be livestreamed and participants can listen to the hearings via links available on DEC's website. Those joining the livestream will be limited to listening only and are encouraged to submit written comments to ASMFC. Public written comments will be accepted until April 15, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and should be sent to Emilie Franke, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax); or comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Draft Amendment 7). ASMFC is hosting additional virtual webinar hearings during March for the public to review the proposed options and provide comments. A recording of the hearing presentation is available on ASMFC's YouTube page. For more information, visit ASMFC's website. Photo credit: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. |
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