Quiet Waters, but Questions Surface
Thrilled to be back on the American Princess yesterday for another whale and dolphin cruise, and the afternoon was proof positive that it doesn't matter if nothing's jumping - it's simply fun to be on a boat on a lovely day!
Read MoreGone Fluking
Harry promised sleep of the gods. This was my first thought when the alarm woke me at an obscene time last Saturday morning. An avid fisherman, our pal Harry said the waking up part was terrible, but come nightfall I could expect a glorious slumber.
Read MoreThar She Blows!
For a city that has everything, I'm still amazed that New York City can also include whales to its long list. That's what lured us back to the good folks at American Princess Cruises in the Rockaways. I first wrote about them after a delightful seal cruise back in February and was excited to see what warmer waters had to offer. Last Friday was glorious weather and great bird sightings began while still at the dock.
Read MoreIt's Baby Time at Rockaway Beach
Last time it was arguing Piping Plovers -- this time cranky American Oystercatchers!
After spending a morning looking for terrapins without luck, I ventured back to the Arverne Piping Plover Nesting Area with higher hopes. I wasn't disappointed. Immediately I heard -- then saw -- an incredible display between three oystercatchers, and soon realized the possible reason for the scuffle: appears that a breeding couple were protecting their fledgling. Never saw a young oystercatcher and it was quite a treat!
Read MoreRockaway Beach, Revisited
Cloudy skies couldn't keep us away from the possibility of seeing newly hatched chicks from the Piping Plovers, Least Terns and American Oystercatchers enjoying the fenced off sanctuary of the Arverne Piping Plover Nesting Area.
Read MoreBirds at Rock Rock Rockaway Beach!
Don't think these guys could complain about the slow ride and disco soundtrack on the bus down to Rockaway Beach as the Ramones might -- having arrived from winter grounds, these soft white sand beaches fit the bill for mating, nesting, and related fun!
Read MoreBirding from my Aparment Window
New York City's nature diversity now appears to be common knowledge for many people. Between beaches, grasslands, forests, meadows, salt marshes, and glacial ponds, we have it all!
What I'm amazed by is the amount of bird life I've seen and heard just from my apartment window.
Read MoreBirds Have Voted: Black-oil Sunflower Seed Wins!
This weekend while visiting lovely friends (and incredible cooks!) Jody and Joe at their home near Danbury, Connecticut, I experienced proof positive of one bird-feeding tactic: birds love black-oil sunflower seed.
Read MoreMother's Day Nature Safari
Appropriate that this Mother’s Day weekend, I found myself taking in an Annapolis nature safari with mom, the person responsible for instilling an appreciation of the outdoors since I was a very small child.
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