subject:"Re\: \[nysbirds\-l\] 7\-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management"

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh

I just found out that the "Young Birders Club" had a scheduled trip to the East 
Pond this weekend. Guess they could cancel or switch to kayaking? Maybe a 
bucket brigade...teach the young uns the privilege of shorebirding does not 
come easy.

All of this made known to the relevant authorities in NPS will apply the much 
needed pressure to get the East Pond issue resolved.


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

> On Jul 13, 2015, at 4:10 PM, SUSAN HERBST  wrote:
> 
> I realize I am a complete lurker to this subject and only a very 
> sporadic visitor to Jamaica Bay WF.
> It seems to me that perhaps this should be approached in a different 
> way. 
> Perhaps various Audubon societies and birding associations in the area 
> should organize, find sponsors and volunteer the time and workforce to 
> get this stuff done.
> It seems to me a lot of time is spent there by birders anyway, that the 
> complaints have gone on for years, and that the NWR system is 
> overburdened and underfunded. It seems to me that in this day and age, 
> that's how restorations and upkeep gets done in historic buildings and 
> parks.
> It's just a thought.
> Don't beat me up.
> S
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Susan Herbst
> graphic design/illustration/photography
> 516-633-7730
> susie...@optonline.net
> 
> 
>> On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 03:53 PM, Arie Gilbert wrote:
>> 
>> All,
>> 
>> Jamaica Bay has three artificial water features. They *had* been 
>> excellent for birding.
>> 
>> 1. A tiny artificial pond in the gardens with a leaky pond liner and a 
>> water supply that was shut off due to a leaky pipe. The liner has not 
>> been repaired or replaced, and the leaking pipe has not been repaired.
>> 
>> 2. The west pond which was breached in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. The 
>> breach has not been repaired.
>> 
>> 3. The east pond with a nonfunctional valve system preventing draining 
>> of the water. The valve has not been replaced.
>> 
>> While these features have been ignored for years, they have been 
>> building platforms and fences.
>> 
>> "Wildlife refuge?"  yeah, right. It's time we all called out the NPS 
>> on their neglect of JB.
>> 
>> 
>> Arie Gilbert
>> North Babylon, NY
>> 
>> WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
>> WWW.qcbirdclub.org
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -
>> 
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 2015.0.6081 / Virus Database: 4392/10221 - Release Date: 
>> 07/13/15
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> 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/
> 
> --
> 

--

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ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread SUSAN HERBST

I realize I am a complete lurker to this subject and only a very 
sporadic visitor to Jamaica Bay WF.
It seems to me that perhaps this should be approached in a different 
way. 
Perhaps various Audubon societies and birding associations in the area 
should organize, find sponsors and volunteer the time and workforce to 
get this stuff done.
It seems to me a lot of time is spent there by birders anyway, that the 
complaints have gone on for years, and that the NWR system is 
overburdened and underfunded. It seems to me that in this day and age, 
that's how restorations and upkeep gets done in historic buildings and 
parks.
It's just a thought.
Don't beat me up.
S




Susan Herbst
graphic design/illustration/photography
516-633-7730
susie...@optonline.net


On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 03:53 PM, Arie Gilbert wrote:

> All,
>
> Jamaica Bay has three artificial water features. They *had* been 
> excellent for birding.
>
> 1. A tiny artificial pond in the gardens with a leaky pond liner and a 
> water supply that was shut off due to a leaky pipe. The liner has not 
> been repaired or replaced, and the leaking pipe has not been repaired.
>
> 2. The west pond which was breached in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. The 
> breach has not been repaired.
>
> 3. The east pond with a nonfunctional valve system preventing draining 
> of the water. The valve has not been replaced.
>
> While these features have been ignored for years, they have been 
> building platforms and fences.
>
> "Wildlife refuge?"  yeah, right. It's time we all called out the NPS 
> on their neglect of JB.
>
>
> Arie Gilbert
> North Babylon, NY
>
> WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
>  WWW.qcbirdclub.org
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -
>
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2015.0.6081 / Virus Database: 4392/10221 - Release Date: 
> 07/13/15
>
>
> --
>
> 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/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Arie Gilbert


All,

Jamaica Bay has three artificial water features. They *had* been 
excellent for birding.


1. A tiny artificial pond in the gardens with a leaky pond liner and a 
water supply that was shut off due to a leaky pipe. The liner has not 
been repaired or replaced, and the leaking pipe has not been repaired.


2. The west pond which was breached in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. The 
breach has not been repaired.


3. The east pond with a nonfunctional valve system preventing draining 
of the water. The valve has not been replaced.


While these features have been ignored for years, they have been 
building platforms and fences.


"Wildlife refuge?"  yeah, right. It's time we all called out the NPS on 
their neglect of JB.



Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
 WWW.qcbirdclub.org












-

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2015.0.6081 / Virus Database: 4392/10221 - Release Date: 07/13/15


--

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] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Larry Trachtenberg

brilliant

From: bounce-119448913-10490...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-119448913-10490...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Mike
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 2:52 PM
To: Andrew Baksh
Cc: Joshua Malbin; Arie Gilbert; Shaibal Mitra; nysbirds-l
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level 
Management

Someone should report that a cat colony is being inundated- the water level 
will drop within the hour.

Mike Cooper
Ridge, LI, NY

On Jul 13, 2015, at 1:37 PM, Andrew Baksh 
mailto:birdingd...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Joshua et al,

Do not waste your time calling the refuge, I posted the contact information for 
Dave Taft and Jennifer Nersesian in another post, those are the people you need 
to get in touch with.

Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 
718-354-4665

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu<http://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu>  The Art of 
War<http://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War>

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
(") _ (")
Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com<http://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com>

On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:45 PM, Joshua Malbin 
mailto:joshuamal...@gmail.com>> wrote:
The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining the 
pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been too much 
rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do to get it 
lower any faster.
Take that as you will.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert 
mailto:ariegilb...@optonline.net>> wrote:
Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been replaced 
the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff should be 
attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably they are 
supposed to do.

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com<http://WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com>
 WWW.qcbirdclub.org<http://WWW.qcbirdclub.org>

.

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous, 
malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north end 
this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to some 
extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged species such 
as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no 
shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from 
the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser 
Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly 
before drifting off over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps in 
his year list up in the north country.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

From: 
bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu<mailto:bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu>

[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu<mailto:bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu>]
 on behalf of Andrew Baksh [birdingd...@gmail.com<mailto:birdingd...@gmail.com>]
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
To: nysbirds-l
Cc: Nyc ebirds
Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management
Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water level 
read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the 
recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and Isaac 
Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there have all 
ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the several 
shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty 
much they will take your inf

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Mike

Someone should report that a cat colony is being inundated- the water level 
will drop within the hour.

Mike Cooper
Ridge, LI, NY

On Jul 13, 2015, at 1:37 PM, Andrew Baksh  wrote:

> Joshua et al,
> 
> Do not waste your time calling the refuge, I posted the contact information 
> for Dave Taft and Jennifer Nersesian in another post, those are the people 
> you need to get in touch with.
> 
> Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 718-354-4665
> 
> 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
> 
> On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:45 PM, Joshua Malbin  wrote:
> 
>> The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining 
>> the pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been 
>> too much rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do 
>> to get it lower any faster.
>> 
>> Take that as you will.
>> 
>> 
>> On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert  
>> wrote:
>>> Shai,
>>> 
>>> Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?
>>> 
>>> I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been 
>>> replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff 
>>> should be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably 
>>> they are supposed to do.
>>> 
>>> What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?
>>> 
>>> Arie Gilbert
>>> North Babylon, NY
>>> 
>>> WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com 
>>>  WWW.qcbirdclub.org 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> .
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
 Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, 
 viscous, malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by 
 the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had 
 improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat 
 for longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, 
 but I was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north 
 end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full 
 canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling 
 disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off 
 over the bay. 

 Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

 https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

 I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it 
 if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some 
 gaps in his year list up in the north country. 

 Shai Mitra
 Bay Shore
 From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
 [bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
 [birdingd...@gmail.com]
 Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
 To: nysbirds-l
 Cc: Nyc ebirds
 Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level 
 Management

 Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation 
 on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

 On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water 
 level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I 
 suspected, the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage 
 which is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

 Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and 
 Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out 
 there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt 
 Sandpipers among the several shorebirds reported out there.

 With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
 Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and 
 rest. At the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near 
 the levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat 
 exposure on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

 I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
 concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take 
 your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

 Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer 
 Nersesian: 718-354-4665

 Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, 
 it is very frustrating!!

 A Happy and

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh

Joshua et al,

Do not waste your time calling the refuge, I posted the contact information for 
Dave Taft and Jennifer Nersesian in another post, those are the people you need 
to get in touch with.

Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 718-354-4665

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

> On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:45 PM, Joshua Malbin  wrote:
> 
> The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining 
> the pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been 
> too much rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do to 
> get it lower any faster.
> 
> Take that as you will.
> 
> 
>> On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert  
>> wrote:
>> Shai,
>> 
>> Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?
>> 
>> I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been 
>> replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff 
>> should be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably 
>> they are supposed to do.
>> 
>> What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?
>> 
>> Arie Gilbert
>> North Babylon, NY
>> 
>> WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com 
>>  WWW.qcbirdclub.org 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> .
>> 
>> 
>>> On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
>>> Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, 
>>> viscous, malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by 
>>> the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved 
>>> matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for 
>>> longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I 
>>> was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I 
>>> startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of 
>>> trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it 
>>> circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay. 
>>> 
>>> Some photos of the dismal scene are here:
>>> 
>>> https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810
>>> 
>>> I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
>>> Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps 
>>> in his year list up in the north country. 
>>> 
>>> Shai Mitra
>>> Bay Shore
>>> From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
>>> [bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
>>> [birdingd...@gmail.com]
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
>>> To: nysbirds-l
>>> Cc: Nyc ebirds
>>> Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level 
>>> Management
>>> 
>>> Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation 
>>> on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.
>>> 
>>> On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water 
>>> level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I 
>>> suspected, the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage 
>>> which is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.
>>> 
>>> Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and 
>>> Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out 
>>> there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers 
>>> among the several shorebirds reported out there.
>>> 
>>> With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
>>> Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and 
>>> rest. At the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near 
>>> the levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat 
>>> exposure on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.
>>> 
>>> I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
>>> concerned you are about the East Pond water level.
>>> 
>>> Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take 
>>> your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)
>>> 
>>> Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer 
>>> Nersesian: 718-354-4665
>>> 
>>> Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, 
>>> it is very frustrating!!
>>> 
>>> A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
 On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh  
 wrote:
 Dear all,
 
 As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the 
 upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few 
 years in monitoring the East Pond

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh


I suggest you read the e-mails I have been posting about the issue. The valve 
was never replaced--not sure where you got that from.

My latest e-mail has a link to a post from 2011 that should educate you more on 
how that process works and what was replaced back then.





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

> On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert  wrote:
> 
> Shai,
> 
> Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?
> 
> I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been 
> replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff should 
> be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably they are 
> supposed to do.
> 
> What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?
> 
> Arie Gilbert
> North Babylon, NY
> 
> WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com 
>  WWW.qcbirdclub.org 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> .
> 
>> On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
>> Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous, 
>> malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north 
>> end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to 
>> some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged 
>> species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was 
>> disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I 
>> startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of 
>> trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it 
>> circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay. 
>> 
>> Some photos of the dismal scene are here:
>> 
>> https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810
>> 
>> I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
>> Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps 
>> in his year list up in the north country. 
>> 
>> Shai Mitra
>> Bay Shore
>> From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
>> [bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
>> [birdingd...@gmail.com]
>> Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
>> To: nysbirds-l
>> Cc: Nyc ebirds
>> Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management
>> 
>> Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
>> the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.
>> 
>> On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water 
>> level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, 
>> the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, 
>> the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.
>> 
>> Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and 
>> Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there 
>> have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among 
>> the several shorebirds reported out there.
>> 
>> With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
>> Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. 
>> At the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the 
>> levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure 
>> on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.
>> 
>> I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
>> concerned you are about the East Pond water level.
>> 
>> Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
>> information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)
>> 
>> Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer 
>> Nersesian: 718-354-4665
>> 
>> Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it 
>> is very frustrating!!
>> 
>> A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh  wrote:
>>> Dear all,
>>> 
>>> As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the 
>>> upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few 
>>> years in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that 
>>> drainage on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun 
>>> clearing the trails to the pond.
>>> 
>>> The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond 
>>> next week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor 
>>> the levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline 
>>> is available. 
>>> 
>>> Cheers,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> 風

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Robert Lewis

Who do we contact? What email?  Will it actually be read?
Bob LewisSleep Hollow NY

  From: Joshua Malbin 
 To: Arie Gilbert  
Cc: Shaibal Mitra ; nysbirds-l 

 Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 12:45 PM
 Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level 
Management

The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining the 
pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been too much 
rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do to get it 
lower any faster.

Take that as you will.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert  
wrote:

  Shai,

 Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

 I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been 
replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff should 
be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably they are 
supposed to do.

 What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

 Arie Gilbert
 North Babylon, NY

 WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com 
  WWW.qcbirdclub.org 

 .

 On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:

 Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous, 
malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north end 
this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to some 
extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged species such 
as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no 
shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from 
the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser 
Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly 
before drifting off over the bay. 

 Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

 I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps in 
his year list up in the north country. 

 Shai Mitra
 Bay Shore
   From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
[birdingd...@gmail.com]
 Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
 To: nysbirds-l
 Cc: Nyc ebirds
 Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation 
on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order. 
  On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water 
level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, 
the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date. 
  Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and 
Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there 
have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the 
several shorebirds reported out there. 
  With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first. 
  I suggest to start calling these numbers to let  NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level. 
  Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it) 
  Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer 
Nersesian: 718-354-4665 
  Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it 
is very frustrating!! 
  A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all, 

 On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew  Baksh  wrote:

 Dear all, 
  As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the 
upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few years 
in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that drainage 
on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun clearing the trails 
to the pond. 
  The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
available.  
  Cheers, 

  -- 
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 

(\__/)
 (= '.'=)                                            

(") _ (")                                     

  An

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Joshua Malbin

The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining
the pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been
too much rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do
to get it lower any faster.

Take that as you will.


On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert 
wrote:

>  Shai,
>
> Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?
>
> I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been
> replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff
> should be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably
> they are supposed to do.
>
> What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?
>
> Arie Gilbert
> North Babylon, NY
>
> WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
>  WWW.qcbirdclub.org
>
>
>
>
> .
>
>
> On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
>
> Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid,
> viscous, malodorous, and *voluminous *water of the East Pond. I stopped
> by the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had
> improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for
> longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I
> was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I
> startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of
> trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it
> circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay.
>
> Some photos of the dismal scene are here:
>
>
> https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810
>
> I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it
> if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some
> gaps in his year list up in the north country.
>
> Shai Mitra
> Bay Shore
>  --
> *From:* bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu [
> bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh [
> birdingd...@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
> *To:* nysbirds-l
> *Cc:* Nyc ebirds
> *Subject:* [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level
> Management
>
>   Several people have recently contacted me about the water level
> situation on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.
>
>  On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a
> water level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I
> suspected, the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage
> which is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.
>
>  Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies
> and Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out
> there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt
> Sandpipers among the several shorebirds reported out there.
>
>  With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the
> East Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and
> rest. At the *current* drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere
> near the levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO
> flat exposure on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.
>
>  I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how
> concerned you are about the East Pond water level.
>
>  Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take
> your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)
>
>  Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer
> Nersesian: 718-354-4665
>
>  Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For
> me, it is very frustrating!!
>
>  A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh 
> wrote:
>
>> Dear all,
>>
>>  As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the
>> upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few
>> years in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that
>> drainage on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun
>> clearing the trails to the pond.
>>
>>  The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond
>> next week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor
>> the levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline
>> is available.
>>
>>  Cheers,
>>
>>
>>  --
>>   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*
>> 
>>
>>  (\__/)
>> (= '.'=)
>>
>> (") _ (")
>>
>>
>>  Andrew Baksh
>> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
>>
>
>
>
>  --
>   風 Swift as the wind
> 林 Quiet as the forest
> 火 Conquer like the fire
> 山 Steady

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Arie Gilbert


  
  
Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having
been replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that
NPS staff should be attending to the task of lowering the water
level as presumably they are supposed to do.

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com 
 WWW.qcbirdclub.org 




.

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra
  wrote:


  
  
  Watching water evaporate is dull,
especially when it is the turbid, viscous, malodorous, and
voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the
north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had
improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some
habitat for longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and
Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no shorebird
habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper
from the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched
a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled
the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay. 

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly
understand it if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy,
perhaps to tidy up some gaps in his year list up in the north
country.


Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

  
  From:
  bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu
  [bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of
  Andrew Baksh [birdingd...@gmail.com]
  Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
  To: nysbirds-l
  Cc: Nyc ebirds
  Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East
  Pond Water Level Management

  
  

  Several people have recently contacted me about the
water level situation on the East Pond, so I thought a
visit and update was in order.
  
  
  On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this
morning to take a water level read and to get a sense of
where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the recent
rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which
is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this
date.
  
  
  Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging
on the prairies and Isaac Grant who is in Virginia
reported to me today that surveyors out there have all
ready seen multiple Wilson's
Phalaropes
and Stilt Sandpipers among the several shorebirds
reported out there.
  
  
  With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is
critical that the East Pond, is ready for migrating
shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At the
current drainage I don't see this pond getting
anywhere near the levels we need to be within the next
few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South End
which where we start seeing mudflats first.
  
  
  I suggest to start calling these numbers to let 
  NPS officials know how concerned you are about
the East Pond water level.
  
  
  Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they
  will take your information but I can't guarantee
  anything will come of it. it)
  

  Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or
  Jennifer
  Nersesian:
  718-354-4665
  

  Maybe one year we will get it
  right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it is very
  frustrating!!
  

  A Happy and Safe 4th of July to
  all,
  
  
  
  
On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25
  PM, Andrew 
Baksh 
  wrote:
  
Dear all,

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh

I am glad Shai visited the East Pond and saw what I have been raising
awareness about for the past few weeks. We CANNOT...we MUST not give up
people, keep those e-mails and phone calls into NPS, we must convince them
that they have to take appropriate action to try and salvage this shorebird
season. I have no intention of giving up although a break for some northern
birding sounds good!

I shudder to think those juvenile shorebirds not being able to imprint the
East Pond into their migration route--we had that happen in 2011. See a
blog post from 2011 to understand what happened then -
http://birdingdude.blogspot.com/2011/08/tough-shorebirding-season-at-jamaica.html

I also visited the East Pond this morning with the same hopes as Shai.
Only, I went to the South End where the pond layout, is such that end is
the first to start showing flats. I could see that the water level is lower
but NO flats! There is some shoreline developing across from the Big John's
Overlook where I saw one Lesser Yellow Legs, but that is it!

I remain hopeful that weather and just maybe an NPS fix however short term
would save the season. I even suggested to them this morning that they
could remove the outflow flap all together and let the pond flow for awhile
to get caught up in terms of the water level draw down. That requires some
extra maintenance but it could be done. It would also give them a good idea
on what the the problem is, whether blockage vs leakage etc.

Mute Swans appear to be doing well though, I counted 127.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra 
wrote:

>  Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid,
> viscous, malodorous, and *voluminous *water of the East Pond. I stopped
> by the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had
> improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for
> longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I
> was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I
> startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of
> trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it
> circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay.
>
> Some photos of the dismal scene are here:
>
>
> https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810
>
> I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it
> if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some
> gaps in his year list up in the north country.
>
> Shai Mitra
> Bay Shore
>  --
> *From:* bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu [
> bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh [
> birdingd...@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
> *To:* nysbirds-l
> *Cc:* Nyc ebirds
> *Subject:* [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level
> Management
>
>   Several people have recently contacted me about the water level
> situation on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.
>
>  On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a
> water level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I
> suspected, the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage
> which is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.
>
>  Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies
> and Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out
> there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt
> Sandpipers among the several shorebirds reported out there.
>
>  With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the
> East Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and
> rest. At the *current* drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere
> near the levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO
> flat exposure on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.
>
>  I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how
> concerned you are about the East Pond water level.
>
>  Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take
> your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)
>
>  Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer
> Nersesian: 718-354-4665
>
>  Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For
> me, it is very frustrating!!
>
>  A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh 
> wrote:
>
>> Dear all,
>>
>>  As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the
>> upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few
>> years in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that
>> drainage on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun
>>

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Shaibal Mitra

Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous, 
malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north end 
this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to some 
extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged species such 
as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no 
shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from 
the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser 
Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly 
before drifting off over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps in 
his year list up in the north country.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
[birdingd...@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
To: nysbirds-l
Cc: Nyc ebirds
Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water level 
read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the 
recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and Isaac 
Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there have all 
ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the several 
shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 
718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it is 
very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,



On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh 
mailto:birdingd...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Dear all,

As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the upcoming 
shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few years in 
monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that drainage on 
the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun clearing the trails to 
the pond.

The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
available.

Cheers,


--
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

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
(") _ (")

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com



--
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

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
(") _ (")

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--
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RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Shaibal Mitra

Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous, 
malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north end 
this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to some 
extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged species such 
as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no 
shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from 
the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser 
Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly 
before drifting off over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps in 
his year list up in the north country.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
[birdingd...@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
To: nysbirds-l
Cc: Nyc ebirds
Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water level 
read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the 
recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and Isaac 
Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there have all 
ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the several 
shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 
718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it is 
very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,



On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh 
birdingd...@gmail.commailto:birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:
Dear all,

As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the upcoming 
shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few years in 
monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that drainage on 
the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun clearing the trails to 
the pond.

The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
available.

Cheers,


--
風 Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzuhttp://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu  The Art of 
Warhttp://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
() _ ()

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.comhttp://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com



--
風 Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzuhttp://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu  The Art of 
Warhttp://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
() _ ()

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.comhttp://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--
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Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Robert Lewis

Who do we contact? What email?  Will it actually be read?
Bob LewisSleep Hollow NY

  From: Joshua Malbin joshuamal...@gmail.com
 To: Arie Gilbert ariegilb...@optonline.net 
Cc: Shaibal Mitra shaibal.mi...@csi.cuny.edu; nysbirds-l 
nysbirds-l@cornell.edu 
 Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 12:45 PM
 Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level 
Management

The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining the 
pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been too much 
rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do to get it 
lower any faster.

Take that as you will.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert ariegilb...@optonline.net 
wrote:

  Shai,

 Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

 I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been 
replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff should 
be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably they are 
supposed to do.

 What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

 Arie Gilbert
 North Babylon, NY

 WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com 
  WWW.qcbirdclub.org 

 .

 On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:

 Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous, 
malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north end 
this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to some 
extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged species such 
as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no 
shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from 
the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser 
Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly 
before drifting off over the bay. 

 Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

 I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps in 
his year list up in the north country. 

 Shai Mitra
 Bay Shore
   From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
[birdingd...@gmail.com]
 Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
 To: nysbirds-l
 Cc: Nyc ebirds
 Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation 
on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order. 
  On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water 
level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, 
the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date. 
  Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and 
Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there 
have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the 
several shorebirds reported out there. 
  With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first. 
  I suggest to start calling these numbers to let  NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level. 
  Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it) 
  Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer 
Nersesian: 718-354-4665 
  Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it 
is very frustrating!! 
  A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all, 

 On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew  Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:

 Dear all, 
  As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the 
upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few years 
in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that drainage 
on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun clearing the trails 
to the pond. 
  The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
available.  
  Cheers, 

  -- 
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

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh

Joshua et al,

Do not waste your time calling the refuge, I posted the contact information for
Dave Taft and Jennifer Nersesian in another post, those are the people you need
to get in touch with.

Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 718-354-4665

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

On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:45 PM, Joshua Malbin joshuamal...@gmail.com wrote:

The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining
the pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been
too much rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do to
get it lower any faster.

Take that as you will.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert ariegilb...@optonline.net
wrote:
Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been
replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff
should be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably
they are supposed to do.

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
WWW.qcbirdclub.org

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid,
viscous, malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by
the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved
matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for
longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I
was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I
startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of
trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it
circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps
in his year list up in the north country.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore
From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu
[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh
[birdingd...@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
To: nysbirds-l
Cc: Nyc ebirds
Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level
Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation
on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water
level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I
suspected, the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage
which is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and
Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out
there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers
among the several shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and
rest. At the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near
the levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat
exposure on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take
your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer
Nersesian: 718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary. For me,
it is very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,

On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com
wrote:
Dear all,

As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the
upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few
years in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that
drainage on the pond has begun for 2015. Additionally, I have begun
clearing the trails to the pond.

The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Larry Trachtenberg

brilliant

From: bounce-119448913-10490...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-119448913-10490...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Mike
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 2:52 PM
To: Andrew Baksh
Cc: Joshua Malbin; Arie Gilbert; Shaibal Mitra; nysbirds-l
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level 
Management

Someone should report that a cat colony is being inundated- the water level 
will drop within the hour.

Mike Cooper
Ridge, LI, NY

On Jul 13, 2015, at 1:37 PM, Andrew Baksh 
birdingd...@gmail.commailto:birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:
Joshua et al,

Do not waste your time calling the refuge, I posted the contact information for 
Dave Taft and Jennifer Nersesian in another post, those are the people you need 
to get in touch with.

Dave Taft: 718-338-3625tel:718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 
718-354-4665tel:718-354-4665

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzuhttp://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu  The Art of 
Warhttp://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
() _ ()
Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.comhttp://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:45 PM, Joshua Malbin 
joshuamal...@gmail.commailto:joshuamal...@gmail.com wrote:
The ranger I just spoke to at the refuge claims that they started draining the 
pond early this year after problems last year, but that there has been too much 
rain. He also says that at this point there's nothing they can do to get it 
lower any faster.
Take that as you will.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert 
ariegilb...@optonline.netmailto:ariegilb...@optonline.net wrote:
Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been replaced 
the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff should be 
attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably they are 
supposed to do.

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.comhttp://WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
 WWW.qcbirdclub.orghttp://WWW.qcbirdclub.org

.

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous, 
malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north end 
this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to some 
extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged species such 
as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no 
shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from 
the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser 
Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly 
before drifting off over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if 
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps in 
his year list up in the north country.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

From: 
bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edumailto:bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu

[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edumailto:bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu]
 on behalf of Andrew Baksh [birdingd...@gmail.commailto:birdingd...@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
To: nysbirds-l
Cc: Nyc ebirds
Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management
Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water level 
read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the 
recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and Isaac 
Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there have all 
ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the several 
shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340tel:%28718%29%20318-4340 (pretty 
much

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Mike

Someone should report that a cat colony is being inundated- the water level
will drop within the hour.

Mike Cooper
Ridge, LI, NY

On Jul 13, 2015, at 1:37 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:

Joshua et al,

Do not waste your time calling the refuge, I posted the contact information
for Dave Taft and Jennifer Nersesian in another post, those are the people
you need to get in touch with.

Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 718-354-4665

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

On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:45 PM, Joshua Malbin joshuamal...@gmail.com wrote:

Take that as you will.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert ariegilb...@optonline.net
wrote:
Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
WWW.qcbirdclub.org

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid,
viscous, malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by
the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had
improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat
for longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper,
but I was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north
end. I startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full
canopy of trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling
disconsolately as it circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off
over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it
if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some
gaps in his year list up in the north country.

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation
on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and
Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out
there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt
Sandpipers among the several shorebirds reported out there.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take
your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer
Nersesian: 718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary. For me,
it is very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,

On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com
wrote:
Dear all,

As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the
upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few
years in monitoring the East

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Arie Gilbert


  
  
Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having
been replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that
NPS staff should be attending to the task of lowering the water
level as presumably they are supposed to do.

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com 
 WWW.qcbirdclub.org 




.

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra
  wrote:


  
  
  Watching water evaporate is dull,
especially when it is the turbid, viscous, malodorous, and
voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the
north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had
improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some
habitat for longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and
Stilt Sandpiper, but I was disappointed. There is no shorebird
habitat at all at the north end. I startled one Least Sandpiper
from the trail itself, under a full canopy of trees, and watched
a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it circled
the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay. 

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly
understand it if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy,
perhaps to tidy up some gaps in his year list up in the north
country.


Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

  
  From:
  bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu
  [bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of
  Andrew Baksh [birdingd...@gmail.com]
  Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
  To: nysbirds-l
  Cc: Nyc ebirds
  Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East
  Pond Water Level Management

  
  

  Several people have recently contacted me about the
water level situation on the East Pond, so I thought a
visit and update was in order.
  
  
  On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this
morning to take a water level read and to get a sense of
where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the recent
rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which
is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this
date.
  
  
  Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging
on the prairies and Isaac Grant who is in Virginia
reported to me today that surveyors out there have all
ready seen multiple Wilson's
Phalaropes
and Stilt Sandpipers among the several shorebirds
reported out there.
  
  
  With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is
critical that the East Pond, is ready for migrating
shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At the
current drainage I don't see this pond getting
anywhere near the levels we need to be within the next
few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South End
which where we start seeing mudflats first.
  
  
  I suggest to start calling these numbers to let 
  NPS officials know how concerned you are about
the East Pond water level.
  
  
  Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they
  will take your information but I can't guarantee
  anything will come of it. it)
  

  Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or
  Jennifer
  Nersesian:
  718-354-4665
  

  Maybe one year we will get it
  right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it is very
  frustrating!!
  

  A Happy and Safe 4th of July to
  all,
  
  
  
  
On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25
  PM, Andrew 
Baksh birdingdude@gmail.com
  wrote:
  
Dear all,

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh

I suggest you read the e-mails I have been posting about the issue. The valve
was never replaced--not sure where you got that from.

My latest e-mail has a link to a post from 2011 that should educate you more on
how that process works and what was replaced back then.

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

On Jul 13, 2015, at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert ariegilb...@optonline.net wrote:

Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

I was under the impression that with the east pond's valve having been
replaced the water level problem could be mitigated and that NPS staff should
be attending to the task of lowering the water level as presumably they are
supposed to do.

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
WWW.qcbirdclub.org

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:
Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid, viscous,
malodorous, and voluminous water of the East Pond. I stopped by the north
end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had improved matters to
some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for longer-legged
species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I was
disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I
startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of
trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it
circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it if
Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some gaps
in his year list up in the north country.

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on
the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water
level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected,
the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow,
the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and
Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there
have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among
the several shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest.
At the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the
levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure
on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your
information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer
Nersesian: 718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary. For me, it
is very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,

On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:
Dear all,

The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond
next week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor
the levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline
is available.

Cheers,

--
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

(\__/)
(= '.'=)

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh

I am glad Shai visited the East Pond and saw what I have been raising
awareness about for the past few weeks. We CANNOT...we MUST not give up
people, keep those e-mails and phone calls into NPS, we must convince them
that they have to take appropriate action to try and salvage this shorebird
season. I have no intention of giving up although a break for some northern
birding sounds good!

I shudder to think those juvenile shorebirds not being able to imprint the
East Pond into their migration route--we had that happen in 2011. See a
blog post from 2011 to understand what happened then -
http://birdingdude.blogspot.com/2011/08/tough-shorebirding-season-at-jamaica.html

I also visited the East Pond this morning with the same hopes as Shai.
Only, I went to the South End where the pond layout, is such that end is
the first to start showing flats. I could see that the water level is lower
but NO flats! There is some shoreline developing across from the Big John's
Overlook where I saw one Lesser Yellow Legs, but that is it!

I remain hopeful that weather and just maybe an NPS fix however short term
would save the season. I even suggested to them this morning that they
could remove the outflow flap all together and let the pond flow for awhile
to get caught up in terms of the water level draw down. That requires some
extra maintenance but it could be done. It would also give them a good idea
on what the the problem is, whether blockage vs leakage etc.

Mute Swans appear to be doing well though, I counted 127.



On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra shaibal.mi...@csi.cuny.edu
wrote:

  Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid,
 viscous, malodorous, and *voluminous *water of the East Pond. I stopped
 by the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had
 improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for
 longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I
 was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I
 startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of
 trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it
 circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay.

 Some photos of the dismal scene are here:


 https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

 I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it
 if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some
 gaps in his year list up in the north country.

 Shai Mitra
 Bay Shore
  --
 *From:* bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu [
 bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh [
 birdingd...@gmail.com]
 *Sent:* Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
 *To:* nysbirds-l
 *Cc:* Nyc ebirds
 *Subject:* [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level
 Management

   Several people have recently contacted me about the water level
 situation on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

  On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a
 water level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I
 suspected, the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage
 which is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

  Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies
 and Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out
 there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt
 Sandpipers among the several shorebirds reported out there.

  With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the
 East Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and
 rest. At the *current* drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere
 near the levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO
 flat exposure on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

  I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how
 concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

  Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take
 your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

  Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer
 Nersesian: 718-354-4665

  Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For
 me, it is very frustrating!!

  A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,



 On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com
 wrote:

 Dear all,

  As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the
 upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few
 years in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that
 drainage on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun
 clearing the trails to the pond.

  The

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Joshua Malbin

Take that as you will.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM, Arie Gilbert ariegilb...@optonline.net
wrote:

Shai,

Can you elaborate on this problem a bit more?

What is the problem? Are they simply not doing their job?

Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
WWW.qcbirdclub.org

On 7/13/2015 8:22 AM, Shaibal Mitra wrote:

Watching water evaporate is dull, especially when it is the turbid,
viscous, malodorous, and *voluminous *water of the East Pond. I stopped
by the north end this morning, hoping that the recent dry weather had
improved matters to some extent, perhaps enough to provide some habitat for
longer-legged species such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper, but I
was disappointed. There is no shorebird habitat at all at the north end. I
startled one Least Sandpiper from the trail itself, under a full canopy of
trees, and watched a single Lesser Yellowlegs calling disconsolately as it
circled the deep water repeatedly before drifting off over the bay.

Some photos of the dismal scene are here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109808209543611018404/LongIslandMiscellany2015#6170965175995819810

I'm not sure what can be done at this point. I'd certainly understand it
if Andrew were to take a break from his advocacy, perhaps to tidy up some
gaps in his year list up in the north country.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore
--
*From:* bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu [
bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh [
birdingd...@gmail.com]
*Sent:* Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
*To:* nysbirds-l
*Cc:* Nyc ebirds
*Subject:* [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level
Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level
situation on the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a
water level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I
suspected, the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage
which is slow, the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies
and Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out
there have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt
Sandpipers among the several shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the
East Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and
rest. At the *current* drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere
near the levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO
flat exposure on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take
your information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer
Nersesian: 718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary. For
me, it is very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,

On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com
wrote:

Dear all,

Cheers,

--
風 Swift as the wind
林 Quiet as the forest
火 Conquer like the fire
山 Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu http://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu *The Art of War*
http://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War

(\__/)
(= '.'=)

() _ ()

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Arie Gilbert


All,

Jamaica Bay has three artificial water features. They *had* been 
excellent for birding.


1. A tiny artificial pond in the gardens with a leaky pond liner and a 
water supply that was shut off due to a leaky pipe. The liner has not 
been repaired or replaced, and the leaking pipe has not been repaired.


2. The west pond which was breached in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. The 
breach has not been repaired.


3. The east pond with a nonfunctional valve system preventing draining 
of the water. The valve has not been replaced.


While these features have been ignored for years, they have been 
building platforms and fences.


Wildlife refuge?  yeah, right. It's time we all called out the NPS on 
their neglect of JB.



Arie Gilbert
North Babylon, NY

WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
 WWW.qcbirdclub.org












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Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread SUSAN HERBST

I realize I am a complete lurker to this subject and only a very 
sporadic visitor to Jamaica Bay WF.
It seems to me that perhaps this should be approached in a different 
way. 
Perhaps various Audubon societies and birding associations in the area 
should organize, find sponsors and volunteer the time and workforce to 
get this stuff done.
It seems to me a lot of time is spent there by birders anyway, that the 
complaints have gone on for years, and that the NWR system is 
overburdened and underfunded. It seems to me that in this day and age, 
that's how restorations and upkeep gets done in historic buildings and 
parks.
It's just a thought.
Don't beat me up.
S




Susan Herbst
graphic design/illustration/photography
516-633-7730
susie...@optonline.net


On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 03:53 PM, Arie Gilbert wrote:

 All,

 Jamaica Bay has three artificial water features. They *had* been 
 excellent for birding.

 1. A tiny artificial pond in the gardens with a leaky pond liner and a 
 water supply that was shut off due to a leaky pipe. The liner has not 
 been repaired or replaced, and the leaking pipe has not been repaired.

 2. The west pond which was breached in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. The 
 breach has not been repaired.

 3. The east pond with a nonfunctional valve system preventing draining 
 of the water. The valve has not been replaced.

 While these features have been ignored for years, they have been 
 building platforms and fences.

 Wildlife refuge?  yeah, right. It's time we all called out the NPS 
 on their neglect of JB.


 Arie Gilbert
 North Babylon, NY

 WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
  WWW.qcbirdclub.org












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 Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
 Version: 2015.0.6081 / Virus Database: 4392/10221 - Release Date: 
 07/13/15


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Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-13 Thread Andrew Baksh

I just found out that the Young Birders Club had a scheduled trip to the East 
Pond this weekend. Guess they could cancel or switch to kayaking? Maybe a 
bucket brigade...teach the young uns the privilege of shorebirding does not 
come easy.

All of this made known to the relevant authorities in NPS will apply the much 
needed pressure to get the East Pond issue resolved.


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

 On Jul 13, 2015, at 4:10 PM, SUSAN HERBST susie...@optonline.net wrote:
 
 I realize I am a complete lurker to this subject and only a very 
 sporadic visitor to Jamaica Bay WF.
 It seems to me that perhaps this should be approached in a different 
 way. 
 Perhaps various Audubon societies and birding associations in the area 
 should organize, find sponsors and volunteer the time and workforce to 
 get this stuff done.
 It seems to me a lot of time is spent there by birders anyway, that the 
 complaints have gone on for years, and that the NWR system is 
 overburdened and underfunded. It seems to me that in this day and age, 
 that's how restorations and upkeep gets done in historic buildings and 
 parks.
 It's just a thought.
 Don't beat me up.
 S
 
 
 
 
 Susan Herbst
 graphic design/illustration/photography
 516-633-7730
 susie...@optonline.net
 
 
 On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 03:53 PM, Arie Gilbert wrote:
 
 All,
 
 Jamaica Bay has three artificial water features. They *had* been 
 excellent for birding.
 
 1. A tiny artificial pond in the gardens with a leaky pond liner and a 
 water supply that was shut off due to a leaky pipe. The liner has not 
 been repaired or replaced, and the leaking pipe has not been repaired.
 
 2. The west pond which was breached in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. The 
 breach has not been repaired.
 
 3. The east pond with a nonfunctional valve system preventing draining 
 of the water. The valve has not been replaced.
 
 While these features have been ignored for years, they have been 
 building platforms and fences.
 
 Wildlife refuge?  yeah, right. It's time we all called out the NPS 
 on their neglect of JB.
 
 
 Arie Gilbert
 North Babylon, NY
 
 WWW.Powerbirder.blogspot.com
 WWW.qcbirdclub.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 -
 
 Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
 Version: 2015.0.6081 / Virus Database: 4392/10221 - Release Date: 
 07/13/15
 
 
 --
 
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 Please submit your observations to eBird:
 http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
 
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RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-05 Thread Shaibal Mitra

Yup, shorebirds are moving heavily here on Long Island now.

At Cupsogue this afternoon, Patricia Lindsay and I noted that the modest 
numbers of summering non-breeding shorebirds present through June had 
diminished somewhat (just 1 first summer Black-bellied Plover, 40 gray 
Short-billed Dowitchers, and 2 Dunlin, vs. larger numbers in mid June). Their 
recession was more than offset by lots of new arrivals and visible migration: 
15 Lesser Yellowlegs (all flying over), 4 Greater Yellowlegs (2 migrating past, 
one feeding, and one dropping in), 155 breeding-plumaged SB Dowitchers 
(including 2 beautiful hendersoni), 80 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 30 Least 
Sandpipers, and a White-rumped Sandpiper.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
[birdingd...@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
To: nysbirds-l
Cc: Nyc ebirds
Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water level 
read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the 
recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and Isaac 
Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there have all 
ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the several 
shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 
718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it is 
very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,



On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh 
mailto:birdingd...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Dear all,

As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the upcoming 
shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few years in 
monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that drainage on 
the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun clearing the trails to 
the pond.

The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
available.

Cheers,


--
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

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
(") _ (")

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com



--
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

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
(") _ (")

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
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Please submit your

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-05 Thread Shaibal Mitra

Yup, shorebirds are moving heavily here on Long Island now.

At Cupsogue this afternoon, Patricia Lindsay and I noted that the modest 
numbers of summering non-breeding shorebirds present through June had 
diminished somewhat (just 1 first summer Black-bellied Plover, 40 gray 
Short-billed Dowitchers, and 2 Dunlin, vs. larger numbers in mid June). Their 
recession was more than offset by lots of new arrivals and visible migration: 
15 Lesser Yellowlegs (all flying over), 4 Greater Yellowlegs (2 migrating past, 
one feeding, and one dropping in), 155 breeding-plumaged SB Dowitchers 
(including 2 beautiful hendersoni), 80 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 30 Least 
Sandpipers, and a White-rumped Sandpiper.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

From: bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu 
[bounce-119426911-11143...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Andrew Baksh 
[birdingd...@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2015 2:31 PM
To: nysbirds-l
Cc: Nyc ebirds
Subject: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.

On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water level 
read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, the 
recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, the 
water level remains IMO, too high for this date.

Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and Isaac 
Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there have all 
ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among the several 
shorebirds reported out there.

With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. At 
the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the levels we 
need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure on the South 
End which where we start seeing mudflats first.

I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
concerned you are about the East Pond water level.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)

Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer Nersesian: 
718-354-4665

Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it is 
very frustrating!!

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,



On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh 
birdingd...@gmail.commailto:birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:
Dear all,

As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the upcoming 
shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few years in 
monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that drainage on 
the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun clearing the trails to 
the pond.

The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
available.

Cheers,


--
風 Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzuhttp://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu  The Art of 
Warhttp://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
() _ ()

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.comhttp://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com



--
風 Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzuhttp://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu  The Art of 
Warhttp://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War

(\__/)
(= '.'=)
() _ ()

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.comhttp://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--
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Re:[nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-04 Thread Andrew Baksh

Correction, s/b Black-necked Stilts in my post below.

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

> On Jul 4, 2015, at 2:31 PM, Andrew Baksh  wrote:
> 
> Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
> the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.
> 
> On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water 
> level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, 
> the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, 
> the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.
> 
> Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and 
> Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there 
> have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among 
> the several shorebirds reported out there.
> 
> With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
> Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. 
> At the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the 
> levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure 
> on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.
> 
> I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
> concerned you are about the East Pond water level.
> 
> Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
> information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)
> 
> Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer 
> Nersesian: 718-354-4665
> 
> Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it 
> is very frustrating!!
> 
> A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,
> 
> 
> 
> On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh  wrote:
>> Dear all,
>> 
>> As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the 
>> upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few 
>> years in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that 
>> drainage on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun 
>> clearing the trails to the pond.
>> 
>> The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
>> week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
>> levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
>> available. 
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 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
>> 
>>> (\__/)
>>> (= '.'=)
>>> (") _ (") 
>> 
>> Andrew Baksh
>> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 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
> 
>> (\__/)
>> (= '.'=)
>> (") _ (") 
> 
> Andrew Baksh
> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

--

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--

Re:[nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

2015-07-04 Thread Andrew Baksh

Correction, s/b Black-necked Stilts in my post below.

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

 On Jul 4, 2015, at 2:31 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 Several people have recently contacted me about the water level situation on 
 the East Pond, so I thought a visit and update was in order.
 
 On this 4th of July, I visited the East Pond this morning to take a water 
 level read and to get a sense of where the pond level is at. As I suspected, 
 the recent rainfall has not helped compounded with drainage which is slow, 
 the water level remains IMO, too high for this date.
 
 Reports out of Canada already show shorebirds staging on the prairies and 
 Isaac Grant who is in Virginia reported to me today that surveyors out there 
 have all ready seen multiple Wilson's Phalaropes and Stilt Sandpipers among 
 the several shorebirds reported out there.
 
 With a West Pond basically out of commission, it is critical that the East 
 Pond, is ready for migrating shorebirds who need a place to refuel and rest. 
 At the current drainage I don't see this pond getting anywhere near the 
 levels we need to be within the next few weeks as we have ZERO flat exposure 
 on the South End which where we start seeing mudflats first.
 
 I suggest to start calling these numbers to let NPS officials know how 
 concerned you are about the East Pond water level.
 
 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: (718) 318-4340 (pretty much they will take your 
 information but I can't guarantee anything will come of it. it)
 
 Alternatively, you could contact Dave Taft: 718-338-3625 or Jennifer 
 Nersesian: 718-354-4665
 
 Maybe one year we will get it right and this won't be necessary.  For me, it 
 is very frustrating!!
 
 A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all,
 
 
 
 On Fri, Jun 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM, Andrew Baksh birdingd...@gmail.com wrote:
 Dear all,
 
 As we are nearing mid June, some of us are already thinking about the 
 upcoming shorebird season. I have been working with NPS over the last few 
 years in monitoring the East Pond water levels and I wanted to report that 
 drainage on the pond has begun for 2015.  Additionally, I have begun 
 clearing the trails to the pond.
 
 The lowering of the pond takes some time so please don't go to the pond next 
 week and post that the water level is high. I will continue to monitor the 
 levels and report again on the status of the pond once ample shoreline is 
 available. 
 
 Cheers,
 
 
 -- 
 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
 
 (\__/)
 (= '.'=)
 () _ () 
 
 Andrew Baksh
 www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 -- 
 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
 
 (\__/)
 (= '.'=)
 () _ () 
 
 Andrew Baksh
 www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

--

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Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

RE: [nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re:[nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

Re:[nysbirds-l] 7-4 Jamaica Bay Queens East Pond Water Level Management

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