Helping people enjoy the natural world around them
What a relief that I actually like the smell of bug repellent! A few days ago, I was nearly bathing in it while enjoying an outback safari-like experience complete with incessant mosquitoes. As I now liberally apply no-itch sprays, I still wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.
Read MoreHooray to terrific pal/workmate Regina who shall hereafter be named "Eagle Eyes" for spotting an injured American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)! Not much bigger than my pet cockatiels, this small falcon had an injured wing and was hiding in the arborvitae hedge at Queens Botanical Garden. With the help of ever-willing hubby, we were able to capture this charmer who rather quickly settled onto the pillow inside a large plastic box. About an hour later, we dropped him (her?) off at a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for further care.
Read MoreHurricane Irene is now past and as I sit in my apartment, I'm wondering how things look about 12 miles away in the Arverne section of the Rockaways.
Just a few days ago, I stopped by to visit the peeps once again but the tide was still a bit high and they had not yet arrived. The surf was a little rough (early signs of the hurricane, perhaps?) and I was intrigued by the large numbers of shells and remnants of crabs.
Read MoreSo goes the saying (though probably only known by bug enthusiasts!), but as I walked along the paths at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's East Pond, I wondered about the female cicadas' point of view. The males' songs were deafening!
Read MoreThrilled 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 MoreHarry 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 MoreFor 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 MoreLast 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 MoreLearn more about the Children's Garden program at Queens Botanical Garden from Rebecca Wolf.
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