Bird Watchers Behaving Badly: New York DEC

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has received complaints of people trespassing on private property or congregating unsafely on roads to observe winter raptors. The first practice is illegal and the second is dangerous. And there's another life-threatening behavior winter birders need to avoid: getting too close, forcing the birds to use up energy reserves getting away.

The DEC encourages all wildlife enthusiasts to do so in a manner that is legal, safe, and does not harm wildlife, Commissioner Basil Seggos announced Wednesday.

“Bird and wildlife watching is a popular and economically important year-round activity, and we encourage all New Yorkers and visitors alike to responsibly and safely enjoy observing our state’s birds and other wildlife,” Seggos said. “Winter is a great time to get out and watch birds, but it is also a crucial period of survival for birds. During the winter months songbirds flock to feeders, waterfowl and eagles congregate at waters not covered in ice, and hawks and owls from Canada are easily observed roosting in large open grasslands, and by following our tips for safely watching birds and other wildlife, everyone can ensure the health of these species.”

Here's a great way to see and learn about lots of winter raptors: EagleFest. This year, the event is poised to be an even bigger celebration than ever before. It's Saturday. To purchase tickets, visit teatown.org/eaglefest

Winter provides a rare opportunity for bird and wildlife watchers to view snowy owls, short-eared owls, rough-legged hawks, and other birds of prey. Known as winter raptors, these birds spend much of the year in the Canadian tundra breeding, raising young, and hunting, but migrate to New York in the winter. Birders are excited to view these visitors that can be easily seen roosting and soaring in or near open fields.

And of course the Hudson Valley is a prime spot for spotting bald eagles, according to the DEC. In recent winters, more than 100 wintering eagles have been counted along the lower Hudson.

The DEC lists popular spots for viewing eagles along the Hudson River:

• Norrie Point State Park, Hyde Park
• Constitution Island from North Dock, West Point
• Route 6/202 overlook above Iona Island
• Riverfront Park, Peekskill
• Charles Point/China Pier, Peekskill
• Verplanck waterfront
• George's Island Park parking area, Montrose
• Also, Metro-North and Amtrak commuters have an excellent vantage point from the river side of any train between Albany and Croton-on-Hudson.

Most birders, recognizing winter raptors’ critical needs, observe the birds from a distance. Unfortunately, in their enthusiasm to observe and photograph the birds up close, some birders may approach the birds and flush them – cause them to fly. If done repeatedly during the winter months, the birds can lose energy reserves that can impact their ability to return to the tundra in the spring to breed and in some cases result in death.

Populations of prey species are lower during the winter and harder to locate under snow. Raptors, like other wildlife, need more energy to stay warm. During the winter these birds roost (rest) for long periods of time to conserve energy.

“We are fortunate to have rare and beautiful birds spending time in New York during the winter, including the vulnerable Snowy Owl. We hope that birders and photographers will do their part to ensure the safety and success of these species,” says Jillian Liner, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon New York. “Put the birds first and give them space. Flushing a bird from where it was perched causes them to waste critical energy which can have detrimental consequences. If you are patient, you will get the look and photo you are hoping for.”

DEC encourages wildlife watchers to observe birds in a safe and legal manner:

• Do not enter private property without permission of the landowner;
• Park cars well to the side of the road, completely out of travel lanes; and
• Stay off the road while observing birds and pay attention to traffic, not the birds, when crossing roads.

For more tips on how people can observe wildlife in a legal, safe manner that does not harm or harass wildlife, visit DEC’s website (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112582.html).

SEE:

EagleFest 2018 Returns With Dar Williams...And Eagles

PHOTO/ DEC