Helping people enjoy the natural world around them
No secret here -- I can wax poetic about city life and I'm particularly eager to talk about nature in my fair city. Sure, those big national parks are great but where else can you see endangered bird species AND catch a Broadway play all in one day?
Read MoreIt was the best of times, it was the worst of times... No -- wrong story! This is A Tale of Two Seals, not Cities, which is only about the best of times!
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 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 MoreCloudy 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 MoreDon'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!
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