[nysbirds-l] Ruff
As of 2:28 pm, remains in pools on Field 7, Herkscher State Park. I am switching all email from hm...@nyc.rr.com to my hdmaas...@gmail.com ,NUSBII Please send all emails to this address going forward. Thank you! -Harrya& to ds -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release
Rob, you have a fair point. Funding has always been an issue and obviously continues to be a concern. Note that funding for later phases, such as the blinds, etc., have no funding source at all at this point. NYCA will critique the entire proposal. We are going to ask if hard copies are available. If not, I am sure we will make some copies but printing a document of that size is not an inepensive endeavor. More later. - Original Message - From: Rob Bate To: Harry Maas Cc: nysbirds-l Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2015 9:11 AM Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release Harry Just a few note. On p.26 it appears that $1.2 - 1.5 million comes from the highway fund and only $45K - $378K (depending on water source) comes from the Hurricane Sandy funds. This is a bit troubling in that much of our discussions and questions centered on the availability of Sandy money and its expiration. Is NYCA and staff prepared to critique the entire document? I don't think it would entail the same effort taken in regard to the Gateway General Management Plan. It is a 200 page document and it would be good to have hard copies if they are available. Are NYCA going to secure these if they're available or should we reach out individually. Rob On Tue, Oct 6, 2015 at 8:41 AM, Harry Maas wrote: The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the West Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site referenced below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in obtaining this result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West Pond, the NYC Audubon Society and ther other organizations who participated in this long-running process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled, fresh water will be returned and in the future additional trails, boardwalks, blinds, etc., will be provided. From: "Yun, Daphne" Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM Subject: West Pond EA Public Release To: Cc: Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay Unit, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This project would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to coastal storms and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive conditions along the West Pond loop trail that support a diversity of Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and enhanced visitor experience. The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative. The NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary and secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the loop trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with the initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and secondary breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible installation of a supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or municipal water) to provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West Pond loop trail. Future phases of work would include upland habitat restoration at Terrapin Point, shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to increase resiliency against potential future storm damage, and installation of other visitor amenities, such as boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing blinds, and educational signage. The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the success of this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more about the project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your comments. Open House: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard Broad Channel, Queens, New York The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 30 days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015. Please go to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment electronically. You are also welcome to mail comments directly to: Office of the Superintendent Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305 Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration. For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this project, please go to: http://www.nps.gov/gate. Daphne Yun Acting Public Affairs Officer Gateway National Recreation Area
[nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release
The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the West Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site referenced below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in obtaining this result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West Pond, the NYC Audubon Society and ther other organizations who participated in this long-running process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled, fresh water will be returned and in the future additional trails, boardwalks, blinds, etc., will be provided. From: "Yun, Daphne" Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM Subject: West Pond EA Public Release To: Cc: Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay Unit, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This project would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to coastal storms and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive conditions along the West Pond loop trail that support a diversity of Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and enhanced visitor experience. The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative. The NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary and secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the loop trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with the initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and secondary breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible installation of a supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or municipal water) to provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West Pond loop trail. Future phases of work would include upland habitat restoration at Terrapin Point, shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to increase resiliency against potential future storm damage, and installation of other visitor amenities, such as boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing blinds, and educational signage. The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the success of this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more about the project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your comments. Open House: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard Broad Channel, Queens, New York The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 30 days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015. Please go to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment electronically. You are also welcome to mail comments directly to: Office of the Superintendent Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305 Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration. For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this project, please go to: http://www.nps.gov/gate. Daphne Yun Acting Public Affairs Officer Gateway National Recreation Area 718-354-4602 917-282-9393 Follow us on Twitter @GatewayNPS Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GatewayNPS This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to westpond-and-gateway+unsubscr...@nycaudubon.org. This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to westpond-and-gateway+unsubscr...@nycaudubon.org. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] East Pond Draining Quicker...
Hi again, all, NYC Audubon met today with NPS officials. NPS anticipates responding to all who have emailed them with regard to the East Pond a statement as to where things stand and, hopefully, why. When received, I will repost the NPS response to both nysbird-l and ebirdnyc. Briefly, NPS believes the pond is now draining much better and faster, the result of the "declogging" I described in my previous post and temporary repair of the pipe, about 6 feet of which had collapsed, near the intake on the pond. NPS feels the entire pipe was be replaced or competely repaired but that this will be done at a later time. NPS also discussed some other issues relating to drainage problem, such as the high water level of the pond this summer, disturbances to the floor of the pond caused by Sandy and subsequent restoration efforts of the railroad bridge. NPS also feels, depending on future rainfall, that shoreline will be exposed in the coming weeks, hopefully to the extent of other years. So we wait to hear further. In any event, it is what it is. I will allow them to explain hopefully more fully. Harry Maas --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] East Pond Draining Quicker...
To all, Don Riepe learned very recently from the acting refuge manager that the pipe was draining slowly, probably as a result of a clog and perhaps a hole and there were no plans for an immediate repair. Don then visited the pipe/valve yesterday and found that water was coming out fairly well as NPS apparently had taken some action and jammed it open a bit more with PVC pipes. NPS believes it is lowering the pond by about 1/4 inch per day. The guage was at 1.5 and needs to go down to at least 1.1, with each .1 being an inch. Don thinks that if NPS's assessment is correct, and we do not get significant rainfall, mudflats should appear by the week of August 3. NYC Audubon has been monitoring this situation closely and has tried to contact appropriate NPS personell, with no response as of this morning. NYC Audubon is physically stopping by the Staten Island headquarters of Gateway today and hopefully we will have more information then. Whatever we learn, I will pass along. Harry Maas - Original Message - From: birdingd...@gmail.com To: nysbirds-l Cc: Nyc ebirds Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2015 11:09 AM Subject: [nysbirds-l] East Pond Draining Quicker... I have not verified this as yet but I just got a text from a source in NPS, that the East Pond is draining quicker TODAY. Apparently, a "clog" was cleared. More on that as I will head out there sometime soon to get a pond readout. I just wanted to put this out there and thank everyone who took the time out to call and write. Best, 風 Swift as the wind 林 Quiet as the forest 火 Conquer like the fire 山 Steady as the mountain Sun Tzu The Art of War (\__/) (= '.'=) (") _ (") Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! Andrew Baksh www.birdingdude.blogspot.com -- NYSbirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! -- --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Fw: Central Park
Lloyd Spitalnik and I (and Jeff Kimball later told us he had seen it as well) found a Laughing Gull on the Reservoir with the gull flock about 2 pm. The Common Loon continued on the western side of the Reservoir, moving considerable distances with each dive. Also on the Reservoir were several Ruddy Ducks, a few Northern Shovelers, 8+ Buffleheads and 4-5 Hooded Mergansers (only the southern part of the Reservoir was searched). No sign of the pair of Red-breasted Mergansers seen yesterday and in previous days. Other birds of note were two continuing Pine Warblers northeast of the Great Lawn (same spot as yesterday's reports), one Palm Warbler with the Pines, 6+ Eastern Phoebes, continuing Northern Flickers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, one Ruby-crowned Kinglet, one Hermit Thrush, one Brown Creeper, several Fox Sparrows at the feeders, one Chipping Sparrow in full breeding plumage actually on one of the feeders and the usual suspects. All sightings were in the Ramble. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jean Bourque
On behalf of NYC Audubon, I sadly share with all of you the news that Jean Borque, a long-time tireless and dedicated defender of wildlife and its habitat in New York City, has passed away. She was a leading advocate for conservation in the city and was particularly instrumental in the protection of the grasslands at Floyd Bennett Field, in forming the native plant Garden at Marine Park/Garritsen Creek and many other endeavors. Together with her husband Ron, with whom she constituted a formidable team, she is responsible for many of the efforts over the years designed to protect birds and other wildlife in New York City, particularly in Brooklyn. A long-time supporter of NYC Audubon and our programs, we thank her and are so very apprciative for all the contributions she has made to our organization and, more importantly, to the natural history and the outdoors in New York City. A person with her commitment, her dynamic nature and her unflagging willingness to go the extra mile on behalf of the birds and other wildlife of this city cannot be replaced. She will be missed. Harry Maas President, NYC Audubon -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] Red-necked Grebe
Peter, How much breeding plumage? I saw the bird yesterday with binocs, quite far away, late in the day with bad light and light rain and I could not discern any breeding plumage, just shades of white and gray. Best, Harry - Original Message - From: "Peter Post" To: Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2014 2:27 PM Subject: [nysbirds-l] Red-necked Grebe Central Park Reservoir. Different bird than last Sunday. This one is in breeding plumage. Peter Post Sent from my iPhone -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ -- -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Northern Pintail
The Northern Pintail seen earlier today at the Pool in Central Park's north end continues, as of 3 pm, together with at least ten Wood Ducks of both sexes, a pair of Buffleheads and the usual motley assortment of Mallards. Harry Maas -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] West Pond and Gateway General Management Plan
New York Birders, I know that many of you are concerned with the damage done to the West Pond of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge by Hurricane Sandy, and that you may be wondering what decision-makers at Gateway National Recreation Area are planning to do about the situation. As President of New York City Audubon, which has been actively involved with Gateway regarding planning for the refuge, I thought it advisable to inform the New York area birding community of Gateway's current position and of NYC Audubon's efforts regarding any planned restoration. In October 2012, the storm surge from hurricane Sandy breached the East and West Ponds of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, allowing water from the bay to flow freely and turning both ponds into lagoons. While the East Pond was quickly repaired by the Transit Authority as part of its efforts to restore train service to the Rockaways, the West Pond has remained breached. I know many of you are concerned with the damage done to the West Pond and wonder what decision-makers at Gateway National Recreation Area are planning to do about the situation--and what you can do to ensure that their response adequately addresses the needs of birds and birders. Gateway is considering a number of alternatives, including doing nothing and allowing nature to take its course. The Draft General Management Plan for Gateway National Recreation Area calls for “leaving West Pond breached until a study is completed under a more regional effort to reestablish freshwater wetlands.” This study will begin soon, likely early October, pending the hiring of an outside consultant. NYC Audubon has been involved in the ongoing discussions with Gateway’s management about the pond and is in the process of drafting our own recommendations. Our initial proposal to Gateway, presented in June at the Jamaica Bay Task Force Meeting, was intended as a starting point for discussion and to indicate to Gateway that we are very interested in what plan is adopted and that we intend to stay fully involved with the Gateway planners as the process move forward. NYC Audubon recommends that the National Park Service design the restoration of the West and East Ponds to maximize habitat for the species of greatest conservation need in Jamaica Bay, while building long-term resiliency to climate change and sea-level rise as well as improving wildlife protection and opportunities for public viewing. You can see more details about our current vision for the West Pond at www.nycaudubon.org/jamaica-bay-west-pond-restoration. While we are still assembling the research and analysis that will support our proposal and plan, we also welcome input from our members, the birding community at large, and conservation professionals. Our proposal is not written in stone. However, at this point in time, we would be opposed to doing nothing and letting nature "do its thing." We realize that our proposal would change the nature of the West Pond, but believe, again contingent upon the results of our scientific studies, that it is possible to provide more and better habitat for a wider variety of species, particularly ones that have been identified as priority species for the New York area. It is vitally important that the New York birding community make itself heard on this issue, and I would encourage each of you to do so. If you are not a member of NYC Audubon, I would encourage you to become one. First, it would provide you with an organization directly involved in the planning process and second, through our website, our monthly electronic newsletter, The eGret, and our quarterly newsletter, The Urban Audubon, you will have sources you can use to be updated on what is happening. Please visit our website, www.nycaudubon.org/ for more information. Second, you should visit our website at www.nycaudubon.org/gateway-gmp for directions and advice about commenting on the draft General Management plan. We need many more people to object to the chosen alternative, which emphasizes recreation over nature. Third, write to our senators and congressional delegation to insist that dollars allocated for the restoration of the wildlife refuge be spent on the ponds. As president of NYC Audubon, I hope you will share your concerns and thoughts about the future of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with me, and I hope that this information will encourage you to take action today. Harry Maas, President, New York City Audubon New York City Get a signature like this. CLICK HERE. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) htt
[nysbirds-l] Varied Thrush on December 2
Having survived yesterday's monsoon, the Varied Thrush continued this morning in the Maintenance Field in New York's Central Park, frequenting both the slope immediately east of the men's bathroom and along the western edge of the Field. Harry Maas -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Birding Central Park on August 27, 2010
Today I birded the Ramble, including the Maintenance Field, from 8:30 am to noon, and must remark that my experiences there were completely different from those reported by others. Having learned of the report that 18 Warbler species had been found in the Park prior to 10 am, I expected to see many Warbler species even though I was not birding the North End. In those 3 1/2 hours, birding all of the Ramble plus (or including the Maintenance Field) and the surrounding areas, I was able to identify only six (6) species of Warbler, namely Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart (many immatures), Ovenbird, Northern Parula and Chestnut-sided Warbler. I spoke with at least a half dozen other regular Central Park birders, who were able to add Blue-winged, Common Yellowthroat, Canada, Nashville and Magnolia, for a grand total of ELEVEN (11) Warbler species (with a possible one or two others) by a half dozen veteran Central Park birders. Obviously the Warblers must have vacated the Park early. I birded the Maintenance Field from 8:30 to 8:45 (immediately following the time period another birder reported at least a dozen Warbler species), and, together with an excellent British birder and another Central Park veteran, we located NO (0) Warbler species. Amazing how fast this previous flock must have moved on. Every other birder I talked to remarked how slow it was and how the Ramble had produced only a few small pockets of activity. Guess birding really is a question of timing or coincidence -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --