LOCALadk Magazine

Fall 2017 LOCALadk Magazine 3 LOCALadk Start Birding with I BIRD NY A message from the Department of Environmental Conservation Looking for a new outdoor activity that motivates your body and stimulates your mind? Tr y birding! New York State's I BIRD NY makes it easy to begin birding. This initiative encourages our community to get out into our state's increasingly accessible natural areas. I BIRD NY pro- motes low-cost opportunities to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature. Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recre- ational activities. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experience level; plus, it's a great way to get outdoors. You can bird watch anytime of the year. You can do it by yourself or in groups. It is a great family activity and a wonderful way to introduce children and others to the natural world. How do you get started? Well just look around you whenev- er you are outdoors. Birds can be found ever ywhere, you just need to look for them. Look in your yard and you will likely see the American robin. Walk down the street of most com- munities and you will encounter European starlings, house sparrows, and rock pigeons. The I BIRD NY webpage (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/109900. html) provides information on where and how to bird watch, including upcoming bird walks and additional resources. I BIRD NY also provides: ∙ A new I BIRD NY kids' booklet available at DEC Environ- mental Education Centers and official I BIRD NY bird walks and other events. ∙ I BIRD NY walks hosted throughout the year by DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preser vation. ∙ Improved signage, slated to come to priority Bird Con- ser vation Areas near urban and suburban areas to better identif y the opportunities for the public to bird watch. There are 59 Bird Conser vation Areas across the state. The Adirondacks are a great place to begin birding. The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb, and the Visitor's Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths have great trail systems through a variety of bird hab- itats. They, and other great locations, also provide guided field trips for birders of all skill levels. The Adirondacks provide unique birding opportunities with more than 200 species of birds breeding here, some of which are found in few other places in the lower 48. Most people know the common loon, an iconic Adirondack species, but there are many other rare species that draw birders from all over the world. They come hoping to see these species, and add them to their life list. This region is the southern limit of the range of many bo- real species, such as the black-backed woodpecker (shown below) and the Canada, or gray, jay. The high altitude alpine summits are home to Bicknell's thrush, and the olive-sided flycatchers and Lincoln sparrows may be seen in the bogs. Brightly colored warblers are a sight to behold and the ethereal songs of the thrushes heighten the experience of an Adirondack forest. Of course, there are more ubiquitous species as well, such as the friendly black-capped chickadees who are present in ever y season. Join the fun! Get out and tr y bird watching today. It's easy to get started. Anne Brewer Larry Master

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