Eye on the Sky: Derby Hill Hawk Migration (3/25/10 - 3/31/10)

Throughout the year, the eastern shore of Lake Ontario is a great destination for bird watching enthusiasts, due to its combination of unique habitat and positioning along major migratory routes for many species. Spring is a particularly exciting time to watch the skies along the shore, as this time of year brings the return of the raptors. Starting in March and continuing through May, a wide variety of birds of prey, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks and many others, can be seen making their way north along the eastern shore. When conditions are right, thousands of raptors can pass overhead in a single day. One of the best sites to view this spring migration is the Onondaga Audubon Association's Derby Hill Bird Observatory, located just south of the Salmon River near Mexico, New York.

A view from the bluff overlooking Lake Ontario at Derby Hill. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

When conditions are right, numerous birdwatchers will converge upon Derby Hill to observe the spring hawk migration. I, Steward Greg Chapman, visited Derby Hill on March 27th, a sunny but cold Saturday morning, and joined a group of about ten birdwatchers keeping their eyes on the skies. It didn't take long before an impressive variety of birds were spotted--sometimes solitary, sometimes in groups--making their way overhead. Many were relatively common species seen this time of year such as Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks, which were seen in abundance, and several Bald Eagles were seen as well. Several less common species were also sighted during my brief visit, including a Northern Goshawk and an early Osprey--the second sighted this year (although these will become more common as the season progresses). What was really exciting for me, however, was a visit from a Golden Eagle, who came close enough for me to get a great look at through my binoculars. This was my first time seeing this large bird whose numbers have been increasing in recent years.

Jason Mauro of Syracuse, NY and Counter Seth Cutright (in red) look for hawks at Derby Hill Bird Observatory in Mexico, NY. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

Derby Hill has been an important hawk-watching site for over 40 years--its elevated position along Lake Ontario's southeastern shore makes it the perfect spot to observe high-flying raptors heading north. These birds will not cross Lake Ontario during their migration, because they depend on currents of heated air rising off land heated by the sun, known as "thermals." Riding these thermals allows raptors to conserve energy during their long flight north. Derby Hill is one of a number of sites that keeps careful track of how many hawks are sighted each year--since 1979, a full-time counter has been employed by the Onondaga Audubon Society each spring to observe and tally the returning raptors. This spring, visitors to Derby Hill are likely to meet Seth Cutright, a Wisconsin native who is serving as this year's counter. The data he collects is entered into a database maintained by the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA). The counts can be found online, with both monthly summaries for this year as well as daily reports, by clicking here.

Paul M. Roberts, in the foreground, Counter Seth Cutright, in red and other birdwatchers position themselves for the best view of migrating raptors. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

The Derby Hill Bird Observatory is free and open to the public, and is located at 36 Grand View Ave in Mexico, NY. Directions can be found here. If you come, be sure to bring your binoculars. A helpful guide illustrating some of the important features of the many raptors that may be seen, as well as silhouettes that will help identify hawks flying high over head, is provided online by HMANA and can be found here. The number and variety of birds seen each day is dependent on a number of conditions; although some raptors will likely be seen most days throughout April that are free of rain and unusually cold weather, in general the best days to come are on warm, partly cloudy days with wind coming from the south. Mid to late April is truly the peak of the spring hawk migration season; some days may see thousands of raptors passing overhead, including many Broad-winged Hawks that often arrive in great numbers. For more information about Derby Hill and the spring hawk migration, visit the Derby Hill Bird Observatory website at http://www.derbyhill.org/.

Step Into Spring! (3/18/10 - 3/24/10)

The Step Into Spring Fair at Jefferson Community College on March 24th drew in students and local community members who wanted to learn about recreational opportunities within Jefferson and Oswego Counties. Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Coordinator Mary Penney, and I, Steward Liz Wolff, spoke to dozens of visitors about the various wildlife management areas that are free to visit in both counties and also about recreation along the Salmon River. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of people who had visited the Eastern Lake Ontario Dunes or Salmon River previously. Some people, however, were unfamiliar with those resource areas, and so we offered them maps, educational materials and suggestions about what locations they might like best.

Steward Liz Wolff welcomes visitors to the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program display at the Step Into Spring Fair at Jefferson Community College. The display includes photos from past educational programs and recreational opportunities at the Eastern Lake Ontario Dunes and on the Salmon River. Photo: Mary Penney, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

The event was also a great place to meet other local groups who promote stewardship. We met with leaders of both Boy and Girl Scout organizations who wanted to know how their young people could become involved with volunteering in partnership with the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program (ELODSRSHP). Potential volunteer opportunities include invasive species removal and organized beach cleanups--two areas where the more enthusiastic volunteers who pitch in, the better the result! We also made another exciting connection with Fort Drum Community Outreach Educator, John Pike. John was interested developing a relationship between the ELODSRSHP and the Fort Drum community so that the stewards could educate soldiers and their families about fun and proper usage of local resource areas.

Fort Drum Community Outreach Educators John Pike and Nancy Fitting provided visitors with information and guides to local recreation. Photo: Liz Wolff, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

The Wild Center at Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks was another presenter at the fair. The Wild Center is a museum including live animals and exhibits that change daily. Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County also had a display; they have a program specifically dedicated to Agriculture and Natural Resources in Jefferson County. There is a multitude of fun and educational outdoor programs and activities in Oswego, Jefferson and other counties across New York State. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events section of this blog to find out what's happening next!

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County--one of the many vibrant and educational displays at the Step Into Spring Fair at Jefferson Community College. Photo: Liz Wolff, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

A Great Time to be Outdoors! (3/11/10 - 3/17/10)

With the blanket of snow on the ground rapidly disappearing, one last winter event took place on Saturday, March 6th at Winona Forest in Mannsville, NY. Steward Greg Chapman attended The Tug Hill Tourathon, an annual cross country ski race hosted by the Winona Forest Recreation Association. One hundred seventy five participants competed over three distances (12.5km, 25km, and 37.5km) during the one-day event. Full results can be found here, and more information about Winona State Forest and the Winona Forest Recreation Association can be found here.

A pack of cross country skiers race at the Tug Hill Tourathon hosted by the Winona Forest Recreation Association. Several events take place at Winona Forest each winter. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

Left to right: Brooke and Ted Orosz of New York City, and Mark Plaat of Albany participated in the Tug Hill Tourathon. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

One winter recreation activity that continues despite the melting snow is fishing along the Salmon River. Steward Greg Chapman reports that although water levels have risen recently due to snow melt and releases from the reservoir, many determined anglers are still sticking around to take advantage of the great steelhead fishing.

A train passes over-head as an angler tries his luck at the Schoeller fishing access location. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

As the weeks progress, there will likely be more traffic on the Salmon River as we head into the prime of steelhead spawning season. Steelhead, unlike Pacific salmon, usually do not die after the spawning process, meaning that they can spawn multiple times during their life-span.

Capturing Clues of a Waning Winter (3/4/10 - 3/10/10)

With the exception of the sound of waves crashing against ice along the coast, the drumming of woodpeckers as they drill into trees, and the occasional hum of snowmobiles off in the distance, the eastern shore of Lake Ontario is quiet in winter. Recently, I, Steward Liz Wolff, took a trip to Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to check for signs of human recreation and to capture images of the winter landscape. Though my snowshoe tracks were the only ones around, I did see plenty of animal tracks in the snow, some of which may have belonged to the skunk I could smell lingering in the area. The most incredible sights and sounds, however, were along the cobble shoreline of Deer Creek Marsh WMA. Ice buildup on the water's edge created huge mounds--mounds that were quickly melting as the sun beat down, ushering in early signs of spring.

Top: Ice and snow build up on the shore of Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Bottom: North facing view of Deer Creek. Photos: Liz Wolff, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

Steward Greg Chapman has been enjoying the sun and warmer temperatures along the Salmon River Corridor. At the Salmon River Falls Unique Area, Greg noticed that the ice sheet which once covered most of the falls has melted allowing the water to cascade into the gorge once again. On a much smaller scale, Greg was fascinated by the sheer quantity of stoneflies emerging along the Salmon River. Close inspection of the snow, rocks, and bridges around the river revealed at first a few, then dozens, then hundreds of these small flies. Anglers wishing to "match the hatch" (a popular artificial bait selection strategy for catching trout) took note of these emerging adult insects, as well as their immature aquatic nymphs. These nymphs can be found by looking under river rocks this time of year.

Warmer temperatures have begun to melt the ice, allowing water to flow over the Salmon River Falls. Photo: Liz Wolff, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

Stoneflies are an important source of food for larger inhabitants of the river, including steelhead and brown trout. However, the flies are also an indicator of the river's water quality. Stoneflies in general are sensitive to pollution, and their presence is a sign of clean, unpolluted water. The Salmon River, whose waters flow from a 285-square mile drainage basin consisting largely of undeveloped, forested Tug Hill Plateau lands, is considered a high-quality cold water fishery. Therefore, the abundance of these stoneflies along the river is to be expected as an indicator of the river's continued health and cleanliness!

This is a stonefly, which belongs to the scientific Order Plecoptera. All stoneflies belong to this order. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

It's that time of year: Steward Recruitment! (2/25/10 - 3/3/10)

Only a few short months remain before a new group of stewards will begin patrolling the Eastern Lake Ontario Dunes and Salmon River Corridor. Over the last several weeks, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program Coordinator Mary Penney and I, Steward Liz Wolff, attended local college career fairs to recruit potential steward candidates.

On January 28th we visited Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) and spoke to interested students about what it means to be a steward. From public education in the natural resource areas to blogging about our experiences, we detailed the range of tasks that make being a steward an educational and rewarding experience. The FLCC career fair was also a great place to debut the new stewardship display. Complete with updated photos of both the Salmon River and Eastern Lake Ontario Dune sites, the display board visually summarizes the stewards' main activities and objectives.

Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program Coordinator Mary Penney and I had another opportunity to recruit on February 24th at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). The Ninth Annual Environmental Career Fair drew in hundreds of students looking for jobs and internships. We talked to many eager students who signed up to receive
updates about the recruiting process. To our delight, we even met ESF graduate student, Matt Brincka who is a New York Sea Grant Scholar working for Diane Kuehn and Valerie A. Luzadis from ESF's Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management. Matt is currently investigating Constraints and Motivations Related to Bass Fishing along the Lake Ontario Coast. The goal of the study is to promote a strong and sustainable Lake Ontario resident bass fishing population. The request for proposals (RFP) for the next round of New York Sea Grant project funding is due 3/05/2010. To learn more about this study visit
http://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/Images/Uploads/PDFs/omnibusresearch0910-projects.pdf .

ESF graduate student and New York Sea Grant Scholar Matt Brincka and New York Sea Grant's Mary Penney discuss the progress of the research project that Matt's working on. Photo: Liz Wolff, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

Though the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat program is reaching the end of its contract cycle, potential stewards are still encouraged to apply. Multiple grant proposals were submitted and, pending funding, a new group of stewards will begin work in May. If you are a college student, recently graduated, or a graduate student interested in applying, please visit www.nysgdunes.org and click on the job descriptions to learn about the application procedure. Interviews begin in March so don't delay, apply now!

Mush! ( 2/18/10 - 2/24/10)

When you think of sled dog racing, maybe the first thing that comes to mind is the famous Iditarod in Alaska. The Iditarod, a grueling course 1,150 miles in length, takes ten or more days to complete. Upstate New York offers mushing opportunities of its own. Though not as epic in length or famous as the Iditarod, local races are a chance to watch or participate in this great winter sporting event.

On Saturday February 20th, Steward Greg Chapman and I, Steward Liz Wolff, headed for the Tug Hill region to attend the Mannsville Quest Sled Dog Competition held in Winona State Forest. The 10,000 acre forest, as part of the Tug Hill, averages nearly 300 inches of snow per year, making it an ideal spot for winter recreation.

Top: A team comes through the chute at the conclusion of the race, but the dogs just want to keep on racing! Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program. Bottom: Members of a team from Canada rest up before their big race! Photo: Liz Wolff, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

This year's sled dog races, organized by the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club, ran throughout the day on Saturday February 20th, and Sunday February 21st. Teams of four and six Nordic pure breeds competed in mid-distance races, while "fun" races in the afternoon were open to all breeds. Each competing team raced anywhere from 2.3 to 15.5 miles through pristine snow-covered woodlands.

During the event, we spoke to participants who graciously answered our questions about their fascinating sport. We learned that the most intelligent dog is chosen to be the leader, and that sometimes the dogs wear booties to prevent snow and ice build-up which can cause injury to their paws. We also took the time to survey visitors and participants about sled dog racing and other winter recreation they take advantage of in the area. We use the data collected in the surveys to try and better suit the needs of future visitors.

Sean Samolis of Syracuse, NY introduces the stewards to a member of his racing team. Photo: Greg Chapman, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Salmon River Stewardship and Habitat Program

Aside from sled dog racing, Winona State Forest is a fine location for cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Next Saturday, March 6th, check out the 30th Annual Classical Cross Country Ski Race beginning at 9:00 AM at Winona State Forest. For more information on the race and registration, visit http://www.winonaforest.com/skiers.html.