The Mourning Dove is a very common bird across our area and across the continent. You can see Mourning Doves nearly anywhere in Westchester, though they are most commonly seen perching on power lines and exposed branches of trees.
Mourning Doves are frequent singers during morning and late afternoon hours. The song is usually described as coo-OO-ooo-ooo-ooo. Sometimes people confuse the Mourning Dove's song for that of an owl. The easiest way to tell the difference is to remember doves are active during the day and owls are active at night.
As a seed-eating bird, Mourning Doves are easily attracted to bird feeders. They feed from the ground picking up many of the seeds other birds spill from the feeders. They gather and store the seeds in their throat in a special pouch called the crop. When their crop is full, they fly off to a safe place in a tree to begin digesting their meal. Strong stomach muscles and a few small stones inside the stomach aid in crushing the seeds for better digestion. When Mourning Doves are young, their parents feed them a special fluid called crop milk that is produced in the adult's throat. Once large enough, the parents begin to transition the young to a diet of seeds.
There's an audio recording and a lot of other cool information about Mourning Doves on AllAboutBirds.org.
Adam Zorn Naturalist Westmoreland Sanctuary
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that is usually transmitted by the bite of the deer tick. While not all animals that are bitten show signs, some have mild reactions and still others show severe symptoms.
Although other species of animals can be infected with the organism, dogs are often the most symptomatic. They usually present with lameness, either associated with one or more joints or else non-localizable within a limb. Often they also demonstrate lethargy and loss of appetite. Dogs do not commonly develop the rash that is characteristically associated with human cases.
Diagnosis of Lyme disease generally involves measurement of the antibody level in the blood (titer) that is produced by the animal in response to infection.
If detected early, this disease is readily cured with antibiotics. However, if left untreated for a period of time, it can have more serious consequences, though it can still respond to treatment at this stage.
To decrease the chance of your pet’s contracting Lyme disease, the most effective means is tick control, generally with an appropriate collar or spot-on medication. A daily check for ticks, especially around the neck, will facilitate their rapid removal. To remove an attached tick, grasp it at the skin level with tweezers and slowly pull straight up.
Source:North Castle Veterinary Hospital, P.C.
Bear Update
Oct. 20, 2010 Arriving home at night to find a bear rummaging through your garbage is a frightening thought. But unfortunately, the number of local bear encounters is on the rise. Since July, bear sightings have been recorded in North Castle's police blotter, and residents are obviously very concerned. The police have responded to these calls of sightings, but the bear is gone by the time they arrive.
This past week a neighbor reported, "My husband and son encountered the bear eating garbage on our driveway. Thankfully, they noticed it before they got out of the car; otherwise, they would have been a few feet away from the bear, if not face-to-face with it.” Another neighbor reported, "We had another visit from the bear on Saturday night in Windmill. It tore up our garbage container, kids toys etc. The noise the bear made sounded like Godzilla!” Both residents called the local police. North Castle police responded that if residents are concerned, they should contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). One resident told us, "When I called the police, I was told they could do nothing. They said we should make a lot of noise, and the bear would go away." Furthermore, a witness said, "The bear hung out for 15 minutes and was not afraid of people, cars, or half a case of firecrackers lit and thrown in his direction."
Another resident claims, "I called the police Sunday, and they told me to call DEC, as there was very little they could do. The police do not have a bear unit, training or what is needed to respond effectively to the situation. They said if enough people call, hopefully, they will take care of it." Calling DEC wasn't entirely productive for him, he says. “They gave me some story about bears in their natural habitat."
DEC requires a licensed permit to pursue wildlife, and they will not issue a special permit for anyone to pursue the bear. DEC explained that bears are expanding the range of their habitat from Ulster and Sullivan Counties to Westchester County. They feel it doesn't make sense to remove them, because they anticipate more bears will naturally move to our area. They recommend that we get used to the bears’ presence.
DEC set a trap last week near Coman Hill Elementary School, but it proved unsuccessful. In fact, it caused concern and has since been removed. When captured, the plan is to negatively condition the animal's behavior. The idea is to dart and tag it, and record its weight, length and age. Before releasing the bear, they use pepper spray and pellets, in an effort to scare the bear and keep it away from people and their homes. Then the bear is to be released.
Typically, bears are timid, non-aggressive animals that eat plant material. However, during this time of year, bears consume as many calories as possible, before they den from early-to-mid November until March. Certain precautions are recommended to avoid “bear conflicts”, such as removing anything near a house that may attract them. On their website, wwww.dec.ny.gov, they suggest that homeowners reduce potential conflicts by securing garbage in a shed or using bear-proof canisters. In addition, putting the garbage out the morning of pick- up, rather than the night before, is helpful. They also recommend removing bird feeders, thoroughly cleaning outdoor barbecues and avoid feeding animals outside. Finally, they suggest making loud noises, such as using an air horn to frighten the bears. Comments?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation wants to hear from you if you’ve had a bear encounter. Call them at (845) 256-3098.
Photo courtesy North Castle Historical Society
Human Health
"A major benefit of biodiversity is its
direct impact on human health, including the prevalence of Lyme
disease. Research conducted in southeastern New York has revealed that
the diversity of small mammals (e.g., mice, moles, voles, shrews) is
reduced by forest fragmentation. The small mammal that ends up
dominating these isolated fragments—the white-footed mouse—is the
primary carrier of the Lyme bacterium. The risk of Lyme disease is much
lower in intact forest ecosystems where the infection rate is
suppressed by a diversity of small mammals. By maintaining larger
tracts of interconnected forest habitat, we can maintain high
biodiversity levels and simultaneously reduce human health risks (Allan
et al. 2003)." Read further information about Lyme disease.
The Box Turtle Population The fact that
only a single individual box turtle was found in the North Castle
Biodiversity study could be an indication that box turtles numbers in
North Castle are diminishing. The individual observed in the study area
was an adult male of thirty
to forty years and therefore, unfortunately, does not illuminate the
reproductive status of the population. "Additionally, box turtles
are long- lived species, so presence of adults does not necessarily
indicate a healthy, reproducing population. Older individuals can
remain long after the population has ceased to reproduce." If
reproduction is still occurring, the known predators: raccoon, skunk,
and opossum that prey on hatchlings may be so high that no turtle
hatchlings survive to reproductive age. Only if a variety of age
classes is evident does it indicate that the population is
reproducing. Source:Northcastle.org
North Castle Biodiversity Plan by Danielle T. LaBruna, M.A. and Michael W. Klemens, Ph.D.
Metropolitan Conservation Alliance,Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx, New York, Michael W. Klemens, LLC
Home of the Bobcats
They don't call the Byram Hills' sports team Bobcats for nothing. This bobcat was spotted recently roaming outside Swizz Re Headquarters on King Street. He doesn't appear to be looking for insurance.... Just like our young athletes, he looks fit and ready for competition. Let's keep the Bobcat competition on the athletic fields.
Bobcat Integral Piece of our Local Ecosystems Should be Cause for Celebration
The bobcat certainly falls at the top of the list of Westchester's least known animals. One reason is the fact that their presence is relatively new to this area. (This photo was taken looking out from Swiss Re on King Street) Additionally, their habits and behavior make them incredibly elusive and difficult to observe.
They will move about at nearly any time of day, though they are most active during the early morning hours and late afternoon/early evening hours of the day. This is when the majority of their prey species (mice, squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc) are active as well. Typical habitats are forests, successional fields (ie. fields turning back to forest), and wetlands. They are typically solitary with the exception of the breeding season and when females are raising their kittens.
Normally weighing around 20-30 lbs, males and females occupy separate territories for the majority of the year. These territories can be anywhere from 12 to 136 square miles depending on terrain, suitable habitat, and availability of food. It is likely that bobcats in this area are occupying territories on the small end of this range.
Not a whole lot is know about the population levels of bobcats in the state of NY, let alone the Southern Tier and Westchester County. Individuals should be encouraged to report their bobcat sightings to the NYS DEC. Information on how to report sightings can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/30770.html.
Westmoreland Santuary would also like to know about local bobcat sightings, email: westsanc@optonline.net. For the past 4 years we've been recording bobcat sightings from individuals in the area. Keeping track of individual sights may help to shed some light on approximately how many individuals are occupying territories in our local area.
Should the public know that there are bobcats in the area? Yes. Should the public be concerned about the well-being of pets and children? Not really. Their secretive and shy nature creates a highly improbable scenario in which anyone may come into direct contact with one of these animals. In very rare instances, wildlife (bobcats included) may pose a threat to humans when cornered, injured, or ill. These anomalies shouldn't be dismissed but also should not be cause for an unnecessary level of concern.
People should always be diligent as to the whereabouts of their children and pets. Any form of wildlife has the potential to react adversely to people and pets: Bees sting, mosquitoes bite, ticks bite, and birds dive-bomb unwanted visitors near a nest. Mice, chipmunks, and squirrels pose a danger to cats who attempt to secure them as prey. Skunks and raccoons pose a threat to curious dogs. Hawks, fox, coyote, and bobcat have the potential to do harm to livestock like our ducks and chickens or to someone's outdoor cat or small dog when left unsupervised.
Animals need food to survive. When we as humans create favorable conditions or opportunities for wildlife to secure an easy meal, they take advantage. When wild animals take advantage of the easy meals we provide, it often comes to the detriment of the animals and us. This is why people shouldn't feed bears, trash cans should be secured from rummaging raccoons, and small pets (and their food) should be brought in or locked up for the night.
Hopefully people will see the inherent value of our area's wildlife as a benefit and a reason to be proud to live in this part of the state. All of our area's native wildlife, both the familiar and unfamiliar, should be revered and respected for the role they play in keeping ecosystems in balance.
I guess I'm just asking to give the photographed bobcat (and our other wildlife) the benefit of being appreciated and not feared. It's really the only way we'll be able to effectively continue to protect habitats and species now and into the future.
A county legislation bans the sale and use of fertilizers containing phosphorus. The law prohibits applications of lawn fertilizers between Dec. 1st and April 1st. This is intended to minimize nutrient run-off from nitrogen components of fertilizers. Exceptions apply for flower and vegetable gardens, as well as new lawns and lawns deficient of phosphorous.
Bees
Bees Our Friends By Amanda Boyle August 30, 2011
Albert Einstein is credited with having once said that if bees became extinct, the human species would have at most four years to live. Now, it's doubtful that Einstein ever actually said this, but is it true? Keith S. Delaplane, a professor of Entomology at the University of Georgia, wrote that it is not true that human existence relies wholly on bee pollination, but if we "value a diverse food supply with minimized trauma to the environments where it is produced" then it'd be wise for us to keep an eye out for our fuzzy friends. Consider it even a matter of taste: Delaplane cites ice cream, watermelon, almond chocolate bars and coffee as products that depend on bee pollination.
So what should we do? Be aware that the bumble bee is friend, not foe. Try not to freak out when you see one near you, they don't want to sting you anymore than you want to be stung, and possibly even less. A bee's stinger is attached to part of its internal organs, when the stinger leaves a bee after stinging, so does part of its body, and it dies. Bees are docile insects and will only attack if they are provoked, so don't start waving your arms around the bee. If bees make you uncomfortable, it's best to just calmly walk away from the area. However, bees are fascinating creatures to watch, and if you stand quietly as they weave through flowers, they won't mind the audience.
Sources: Delaplane, Keith S. "On Einstein, Bees and Survival" http://www.ent.uga.edu/bees/OnEinsteinBeesandSurvivaloftheHumanRaceHoneyBeeProgramCAESEntomologyUGA.html
Study Sites for Coyote Habitat Research
(Mountain) Lions, Coyotes and Bears, Nearby!
June 13, 2011 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) wants us to share our woods with wild animals, but not our yards and driveways. Its number one recommendation is to put garbage out on the morning of pickup, and not the night before. Bird feeders also shouldn't be left out overnight.
Last October, a bear was trapped in Armonk and transported upstate. NYDEC says that it is common for bears to follow trails south, and just this week, we've had two bear sightings. Last Thursday (June 9) a report of a mountain lion led to the closing of the Brunswick School in Purchase.
Wildlife experts will visit the Mianus River Gorge Preserve (MRGP) to as far south as Queens during the next three years to study how coyotes have adapted to urbanization, and to learn how to prevent conflicts between coyotes and people.
It's Not Thanksgiving Male turkeys court multiple females beginning in March and April. This tom turkey got excited when three motorcycles drove up to us. His head turned blue, he strutted his tail feathers, and dragged his wings.
The long, fleshy object over his beak is called a snood. His beard is a tuft of coarse hair growing from the center of his breast. He has somewhere between 5,000 to 6,000 feathers. There were two smaller hens following him into the marsh.
Ian investigates a turtle spotted
meandering on the town park track. At the age of four, Ian is allowed to
spend a quarter of his monthly allowance on anything of his choice. He
recently choose to buy a wildlife documentary, which he preferred more
than an animated film. Offering a blade of grass, the
turtle shows no interest. According to Adam Zorn, Naturalist at the Westmoreland Sanctuary, "The turtle looks like a non-native Red-eared slider. They look similar to the native Eastern Painted turtle, but are much larger, have a more ornate shell, and also have small red patches (ears) on each side of their head behind the eyes." Furthermore, Zorn writes, "They turn up in ponds all over the place when people purchase them as pets and then release them into the wild when they no longer want to care for it. It's becoming a big problem because they compete with the native turtles for food and habitat. As a result, some states (FL) and countries (Australia) have banned them from being sold in the pet trade." We placed the turtle in the direction of the wetlands, but it crawled back and
forth along the fence separating the track from the wetlands.
Eventually, Ian's Dad picked it up and placed it closer to the pond.
Deer Population
The North Castle Town Board
has raised the limits of deer fencing from 6 feet to 8 feet
in attempt to reduce the deer population feeding on landscaping at
residential homes. It has been reported that this will not solve the
regional deer overpopulation, as exclosures may increase the density of
deer in non-exclosed areas. This could also increase the number of
traffic collisions that remain a concern and are reported weekly in the
police blotter.
"Long-term reduction and stabilization of the deer herd
in Westchester will require multiple management techniques at multiple
scales and the involvement of the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC). Representatives of the DEC,
Westchester County, and conservation, education, hunting, and humane
organizations banded together in 2006 to deal with the deer
overpopulation issue, forming the Westchester County Forest
Regeneration Citizens’ Task Force." The group has studied and a report
in early 2008 was scheduled to provide guidelines to towns, villages,
and the county on options for controlling the deer population.
You can
also contact the DEC Region 3 Wildlife Department at (845) 256-3098 to
inquire about what they are doing to control the deer herd in
Westchester.
Source: Northcastle.org North Castle Biodiversity Plan by Danielle T. LaBruna, M.A. and Michael W. Klemens, Ph.D. Metropolitan Conservation Alliance,Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx, New York, Michael W. Klemens, LLC
Nearby Muscoot Farm Family Programs Muscoot Farm dates to the 1860-1960 period of Westchester history. Farm hours are 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. seven days a week to view the outdoor sculptures; the Main House
gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.
Children
can tour the dairy barn, milk house, ice house, blacksmith shop and
several other barns and buildings. Activites and family programmingand
workshops are offered. They farms houses cows, sheep, pigs, goats and
horses. “Birds and Beasts Show” by Susan Halls consists of both small pieces
inside the main house and enormous bunnies outside in the barnyard
amid the farm’s live animals. Her The sculptures highlight the artist’s affection and
fascination with a diversity of animals. Source:Westchestergov.com
Further Family Programs at Muscoot Farm
Muscoot Farm has a collection of old fashioned farm toys. For more information or to register for a program, call Muscoot at (914) 864-7282. General information about Westchester County Parks www.westchestergov.com/parks. Muscoot is a Westchester County Park located on Route 100 in Somers and can be reached via I-684, exit 6. Go west on Route 35 to Route 100 and turn left; the farm is a mile and a half ahead on the right. The farm is accessible to the disabled with assistance.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS CONSERVATION DIVISION
Control of Canada Geese
The
following suggestions for controlling Canada geese populations,
presented at a symposium hosted by Westchester County have been
compiled by the Parks Department. These methods have been met with
success in many instances. Alter the habitat Reduce grassy
expanses by planting trees and shrubs and turn lawns into meadows.
Establish large ground cover areas in place of manicured lawns. Leave
an apron of tall grass (6? to 10?) around ponds or approaching bodies
of water. Shrub areas around bodies of water make access to ponds
difficult for Canada geese. This strategy discourages the geese and
encourages them to relocate. This strategy is also easy, inexpensive
and proven.* (*In public parks and recreational areas, these measures should be explained to visitors through appropriate signage.) Encourage the Canada geese to feed from nature Feeding
Canada geese or other wild fowl promotes a dependency on humans and
creates problems for them. Wild animals should be free to be wild and
encouraged to migrate. Most humans do not provide the right nutritional
balance when they feed waterfowl at our ponds and lakes. In public
areas, appropriate signage that explains why feeding is discouraged
could be part of a campaign to get people to stop feeding and
domesticating Canada geese. Install mechanical barriers North Castle Conservation Board recommends growing all
grass and appropriate shrubs should serve as natural barriers around waterways. Natural barriers and habitat alterations should be tried and their results
analyzed before considering mechanical barriers such as fencing. Employ scarecrows This can be done easily and provide a fun family project, although it is should be considered after the other tactics are tried. Moving limbs of the scarecrow may show more success, as European studies have shown that some motion
is necessary to deter Canada geese. Chemical repellant There are concerns of environmental impact while
using commercial products, although they may be
effective but only until the next rainfall. The Parks Department is not interested in this strategy. Border Collies Border
Collies Dogs are effective in protecting property and harassing Canada geese, especially during fall migration and thereby discouraging geese from settling in for
the winter. In the spring the dogs can interrupt the Canada
geese from developing nesting sites. Although expensive, this method of controlling geese is effective but is primarily a short-term or temporary measure.
It is not, however, a preferred strategy. Employ plastic swans and cygnets This strategy is not favored since studies are inconclusive about mixing swans and Canada geese. Egg substitution Professionals can be hired for intervening Canada geese
reproductive cycle. Oral contraception This is the newest option and requires further testing, but shows promise for the future. Source: www.westchestergov.com
