[nysbirds-l] Van Cortlandt Park Nighthawks - 10/6

[Richard Aracil]

Hi All,
Late afternoon through sunset today, there was a nice flight of Common 
Nighthawks taking place. From the parade grounds, I counted 23 in an hour. I 
was pleasantly surprised to see such a number for this date.
Good Birding,Richard Aracil   
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[nysbirds-l] Red Crossbill fledglings!/Rusty Blackbirds/Boreal Chickadees/more

[Joan Collins]

10/6/15 Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake (Hamilton Co.)

 

I found 3 Common Grackles at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake along Sabattis
Circle Road early this morning on my way to Sabattis Bog.  After visiting
the bog, I drove by the inlet area again and there was a flock of at least
50 Rusty Blackbirds!  It was nice to meet Pat Condello, a birder from
Syracuse, who arrived as I was watching the Rusty Blackbirds.  We observed
the Rusty Blackbirds for a long time.  (Photos of the Rusty Blackbirds and
one of the Common Grackles are on my Facebook page.)  Here are some of the
28 species found along Sabattis Circle Road this morning:

 

Belted Kingfisher

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue-headed Vireo - many

Blue Jay - many

Common Raven

Red-breasted Nuthatch - many

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Hermit Thrush

Amer. Robin

Gray Catbird - quite vocal

Blackpoll Warbler

Pine Warbler - singing

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Savannah Sparrow - 2

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow - singing

White-throated Sparrow - singing

White-crowned Sparrow - 2

Rusty Blackbird - 50 at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake!  It was great to
hear their voices!

Common Grackle - 3 at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake

Purple Finch

Amer. Goldfinch

 

Pat found two Porcupines along Sabattis Circle Road before we met - and one
was vocalizing!  (Sept. - Oct. is mating season for porcupines!)

 

10/5/15 Newcomb - Minerva along Route 28N (Essex Co.)

 

Midday, I drove to Minerva to look for Red Crossbills (and also check on a
snowmobile trail being cut through beautiful boreal habitat - from Newcomb
through Minerva to North Hudson).  I found 3 Red Crossbills along the
railroad bed.  Then, a pickup truck driving the rails, stopped to ask what I
was doing.  After we talked for a minute about birds, they politely asked me
to leave - the railroad bed is now off-limits to hikers, skiers,
rail-bikers, and snowmobilers since it is becoming an active rail-bed again.
According to the men, the trains were supposed to start running today, which
I find hard to believe since the rails don't appear ready.  So the lovely
wetlands along the railroad bed (in both directions) can no longer be
accessed.  And the wildlife will have to deal with loud trains going
through.

 

I hiked the first part of the Roosevelt Truck Trail from the southern
trailhead on Route 28N to see where they cut the new snowmobile trail.  (At
the new cut area, I found a nasty message left by a hunter for the tree
cutters which included swearing!!!  So birders are not the only group upset
about the habitat destruction.)  I also found 6 Boreal Chickadees - in two
flocks of at least 3 each.  After I got back to my car, I drove up the hill
a bit to listen for Black-backed Woodpeckers, and immediately heard Red
Crossbills!  A family group of 5 Red Crossbills was perched high in the
trees above me and then flew across the road.  I scoped a female with two
fledglings!  The fledglings flew to another tree out of sight before I could
photograph them.  I did get photos of the female.

 

I stopped at a marsh in Newcomb on my way back to listen for Black-backed
Woodpeckers - one was calling along with lots of other birds, including two
Boreal Chickadees - and then a male Amer. Kestrel flew out of the forest
explaining the ruckus!  I photographed the kestrel.  I had nice views of the
Boreal Chickadees, but they were too quick for me to photograph!

 

Joan Collins

President, NYS Ornithological Association

Editor, New York Birders

Long Lake, NY

(315) 244-7127 cell   

(518) 624-5528 home

http://www.adirondackavianexpeditions.com/ 

http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackAvian


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[nysbirds-l] Sedge Wren

[10000birdsblogger]

I am on what I am 99% sure is a Sedge Wren at Kissena Corridor Park in Queens. 
If you start at the community garden and walk south on the paved path, take a 
left on the 2nd wood chip trail. It is 20 yards down on the left, feeding in 
the weeds about ten yards off the trail.

Good birding,
Corey Finger

Sent from my iPhone
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Re:[nysbirds-l] Sedge Wren

[10000birdsblogger]

I'm less sure know, having gotten a better look at the bird's back, which has a 
pretty big black spot, but the supercilium is grayish. I think it's a Marsh 
Wren but not sure either way.

Sorry for the multiple postings.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 6, 2015, at 8:16 AM, 1birdsblog...@gmail.com wrote:
> 
> I am on what I am 99% sure is a Sedge Wren at Kissena Corridor Park in 
> Queens. If you start at the community garden and walk south on the paved 
> path, take a left on the 2nd wood chip trail. It is 20 yards down on the 
> left, feeding in the weeds about ten yards off the trail.
> 
> Good birding,
> Corey Finger
> 
> Sent from my iPhone

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release

[Harry Maas]

Rob, you have a fair point. Funding has always been an issue and obviously 
continues to be a concern. Note that funding for later phases, such as the 
blinds, etc., have no funding source at all at this point.

NYCA will critique the entire proposal. We are going to ask if hard copies are 
available. If not, I am sure we will make some copies but printing a document 
of that size is not an inepensive endeavor.

More later.
  - Original Message - 
  From: Rob Bate 
  To: Harry Maas 
  Cc: nysbirds-l 
  Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2015 9:11 AM
  Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public 
Release


  Harry


  Just a few note.  On p.26 it appears that $1.2 - 1.5 million comes from the 
highway fund and only $45K - $378K (depending on water source) comes from the 
Hurricane Sandy funds.  This is a bit troubling in that much of our discussions 
and questions centered on the availability of Sandy money and its expiration.


  Is NYCA and staff prepared to critique the entire document?  I don't think it 
would entail the same effort taken in regard to the Gateway General Management 
Plan.  It is a 200 page document and it would be good to have hard copies if 
they are available.  Are NYCA going to secure these if they're available or 
should we reach out individually.


  Rob







  On Tue, Oct 6, 2015 at 8:41 AM, Harry Maas  wrote:

The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the 
West Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site 
referenced below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in 
obtaining this result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West Pond, 
the NYC Audubon Society and ther other organizations who participated in this 
long-running process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled, fresh water will 
be returned and in the future additional trails, boardwalks, blinds, etc., will 
be provided.

From: "Yun, Daphne" 
Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM
Subject: West Pond EA Public Release
To: 
Cc: 


Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project



The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and 
regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay Unit, 
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This project 
would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to coastal storms 
and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive conditions along the West 
Pond loop trail that support a diversity of Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and 
enhanced visitor experience.



The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action 
alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative.  The 
NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary and 
secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the loop 
trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with the 
initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and secondary 
breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible installation of a 
supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or municipal water) to 
provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West Pond loop trail. Future 
phases of work would include upland habitat restoration at Terrapin Point, 
shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to increase resiliency against potential 
future storm damage, and installation of other visitor amenities, such as 
boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing blinds, and educational signage.



The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the 
success of this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more 
about the project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your 
comments.

 Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard
Broad Channel, Queens, New York

The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 
30 days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015.   Please go to 
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment electronically.  
You are also welcome to mail comments directly to:

 Office of the Superintendent

Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth

Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project

210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305

Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration.

For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this 
project, please go to: http://www.nps.gov/gate.

Daphne Yun 
Acting Public Affairs Officer
Gateway National 

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay good news

[Douglas Futuyma]

It has been 3 years since Hurricane Sandy created a breach that ruined the
West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important birding
sites and bird habitats in the New York City region. Many readers of this
listserve have written to Gateway National recreation Area officials, or
have signed an online petition, to urge that the Pond be restored.

The Superintendent of Gateway, Jennifer Nersesian, has now released a
statement that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is now available for
public  review and comment. The EA evaluates four alternative action plans
(including "no action"). Importantly and gratifyingly, "the NPS preferred
alternative proposes to repair the...breaches and the subsequent
restoration of the West Pond ad the loop trail." This would include
replacing the water control structure and may include installation of a
groundwater well or municipal water source.

This is very much what many members of the birding community have long
hoped to hear. NPS NOW INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS until November 6, which may
be submitted electronically by going to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate.
There will be an open house at the Jamaica Bay Visitor Center from 6:00 to
8:00 p.m. on October 22, at which reactions may be voiced.

It seems likely that input from the birding community and others interested
in natural environments has played a role in this development. Further
comment and support of the "preferred alternative" will surely be helpful
and appreciated.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release

[Rob Bate]

Harry

Just a few note.  On p.26 it appears that $1.2 - 1.5 million comes from the
highway fund and only $45K - $378K (depending on water source) comes from
the Hurricane Sandy funds.  This is a bit troubling in that much of our
discussions and questions centered on the availability of Sandy money and
its expiration.

Is NYCA and staff prepared to critique the entire document?  I don't think
it would entail the same effort taken in regard to the Gateway General
Management Plan.  It is a 200 page document and it would be good to have
hard copies if they are available.  Are NYCA going to secure these if
they're available or should we reach out individually.

Rob



On Tue, Oct 6, 2015 at 8:41 AM, Harry Maas  wrote:

> The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the
> West Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site
> referenced below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in
> obtaining this result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West
> Pond, the NYC Audubon Society and ther other organizations who participated
> in this long-running process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled,
> fresh water will be returned and in the future additional trails,
> boardwalks, blinds, etc., will be provided.
>
> From: "Yun, Daphne" 
> Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM
> Subject: West Pond EA Public Release
> To:
> Cc:
>
> *Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House:*
>>
>> *Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project*
>>
>>
>>
>> The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and
>> regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay
>> Unit, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This
>> project would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to
>> coastal storms and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive
>> conditions along the West Pond loop trail that support a diversity of
>> Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and enhanced visitor experience.
>>
>>
>>
>> The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action
>> alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative.
>> The NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary
>> and secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the
>> loop trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with
>> the initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and
>> secondary breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible
>> installation of a supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or
>> municipal water) to provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West
>> Pond loop trail. Future phases of work would include upland habitat
>> restoration at Terrapin Point, shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to
>> increase resiliency against potential future storm damage, and installation
>> of other visitor amenities, such as boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing
>> blinds, and educational signage.
>>
>>
>>
>> The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the success
>> of this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more about
>> the project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your
>> comments.
>>
>>  *Open House**:*
>>
>> Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
>> Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
>> 715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard
>> Broad Channel, Queens, New York
>>
>> The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 30
>> days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015.   Please go to
>> http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment
>> electronically.  You are also welcome to mail comments directly to:
>>
>>  Office of the Superintendent
>>
>> Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth
>>
>> Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project
>>
>> 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305
>>
>> *Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration.*
>>
>> *For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this
>> project, please go to:* *http://www.nps.gov/gate
>> .*
>> Daphne Yun
>> Acting Public Affairs Officer
>> Gateway National Recreation Area
>> 718-354-4602
>> 917-282-9393
>> Follow us on Twitter @GatewayNPS
>> Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GatewayNPS
>>
>>
>> --
>> 
>>
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>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to westpond-and-gateway+unsubscr...@nycaudubon.org.
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> 
>
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[nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release

[Harry Maas]

The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the West 
Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site referenced 
below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in obtaining this 
result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West Pond, the NYC Audubon 
Society and ther other organizations who participated in this long-running 
process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled, fresh water will be returned 
and in the future additional trails, boardwalks, blinds, etc., will be provided.

From: "Yun, Daphne" 
Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM
Subject: West Pond EA Public Release
To: 
Cc: 


Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project



The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and 
regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay Unit, 
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This project 
would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to coastal storms 
and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive conditions along the West 
Pond loop trail that support a diversity of Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and 
enhanced visitor experience.



The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action 
alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative.  The 
NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary and 
secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the loop 
trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with the 
initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and secondary 
breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible installation of a 
supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or municipal water) to 
provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West Pond loop trail. Future 
phases of work would include upland habitat restoration at Terrapin Point, 
shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to increase resiliency against potential 
future storm damage, and installation of other visitor amenities, such as 
boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing blinds, and educational signage.



The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the success of 
this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more about the 
project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your comments.

 Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard
Broad Channel, Queens, New York

The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 30 
days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015.   Please go to 
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment electronically.  
You are also welcome to mail comments directly to:

 Office of the Superintendent

Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth

Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project

210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305

Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration.

For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this project, 
please go to: http://www.nps.gov/gate.

Daphne Yun 
Acting Public Affairs Officer
Gateway National Recreation Area
718-354-4602
917-282-9393
Follow us on Twitter @GatewayNPS
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GatewayNPS




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[nysbirds-l] Croton Point Park: Sparrows & Raptors & Unexpected Am Bittern

[Anne Swaim]

Big influx of sparrows at Croton Point seen this morning especially along
the river road below the campground.

A seven sparrow morning: including large flocks of song & white-throats
with additions of a few each swamp and white-crowned; lingering chipping
sparrows; nice views of two different Lincoln's Sparrows in the same area,
and, on the landfill were seen two different Vesper Sparrows.

American Kestrel numbers lower today, just four total seen.  Two American
Pipits on landfill as well.

Beautiful adult Peregrine hunting along the river road and across the top
of the campground area.  Another immature peregrine was reported by someone
else also this morning.

While scanning for Harriers across the landfill and Croton Bay -- none seen
this morning-- I picked up the unexpected sight of an American Bittern
heading into Croton Bay over the phragmites between the landfill and the RR
tracks. Great aerial look.  Landed in phrags close to NW end of RR bridge.

Anne Swaim
Saw Mill River Audubon
www.sawmillriveraudubon.org

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[nysbirds-l] Sedge Wren

[10000birdsblogger]

I am on what I am 99% sure is a Sedge Wren at Kissena Corridor Park in Queens. 
If you start at the community garden and walk south on the paved path, take a 
left on the 2nd wood chip trail. It is 20 yards down on the left, feeding in 
the weeds about ten yards off the trail.

Good birding,
Corey Finger

Sent from my iPhone
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Re:[nysbirds-l] Sedge Wren

[10000birdsblogger]

I'm less sure know, having gotten a better look at the bird's back, which has a 
pretty big black spot, but the supercilium is grayish. I think it's a Marsh 
Wren but not sure either way.

Sorry for the multiple postings.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 6, 2015, at 8:16 AM, 1birdsblog...@gmail.com wrote:
> 
> I am on what I am 99% sure is a Sedge Wren at Kissena Corridor Park in 
> Queens. If you start at the community garden and walk south on the paved 
> path, take a left on the 2nd wood chip trail. It is 20 yards down on the 
> left, feeding in the weeds about ten yards off the trail.
> 
> Good birding,
> Corey Finger
> 
> Sent from my iPhone

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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay good news

[Douglas Futuyma]

It has been 3 years since Hurricane Sandy created a breach that ruined the
West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important birding
sites and bird habitats in the New York City region. Many readers of this
listserve have written to Gateway National recreation Area officials, or
have signed an online petition, to urge that the Pond be restored.

The Superintendent of Gateway, Jennifer Nersesian, has now released a
statement that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is now available for
public  review and comment. The EA evaluates four alternative action plans
(including "no action"). Importantly and gratifyingly, "the NPS preferred
alternative proposes to repair the...breaches and the subsequent
restoration of the West Pond ad the loop trail." This would include
replacing the water control structure and may include installation of a
groundwater well or municipal water source.

This is very much what many members of the birding community have long
hoped to hear. NPS NOW INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS until November 6, which may
be submitted electronically by going to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate.
There will be an open house at the Jamaica Bay Visitor Center from 6:00 to
8:00 p.m. on October 22, at which reactions may be voiced.

It seems likely that input from the birding community and others interested
in natural environments has played a role in this development. Further
comment and support of the "preferred alternative" will surely be helpful
and appreciated.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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[nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release

[Harry Maas]

The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the West 
Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site referenced 
below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in obtaining this 
result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West Pond, the NYC Audubon 
Society and ther other organizations who participated in this long-running 
process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled, fresh water will be returned 
and in the future additional trails, boardwalks, blinds, etc., will be provided.

From: "Yun, Daphne" 
Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM
Subject: West Pond EA Public Release
To: 
Cc: 


Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project



The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and 
regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay Unit, 
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This project 
would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to coastal storms 
and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive conditions along the West 
Pond loop trail that support a diversity of Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and 
enhanced visitor experience.



The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action 
alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative.  The 
NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary and 
secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the loop 
trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with the 
initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and secondary 
breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible installation of a 
supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or municipal water) to 
provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West Pond loop trail. Future 
phases of work would include upland habitat restoration at Terrapin Point, 
shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to increase resiliency against potential 
future storm damage, and installation of other visitor amenities, such as 
boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing blinds, and educational signage.



The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the success of 
this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more about the 
project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your comments.

 Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard
Broad Channel, Queens, New York

The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 30 
days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015.   Please go to 
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment electronically.  
You are also welcome to mail comments directly to:

 Office of the Superintendent

Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth

Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project

210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305

Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration.

For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this project, 
please go to: http://www.nps.gov/gate.

Daphne Yun 
Acting Public Affairs Officer
Gateway National Recreation Area
718-354-4602
917-282-9393
Follow us on Twitter @GatewayNPS
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GatewayNPS




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Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release

[Rob Bate]

Harry

Just a few note.  On p.26 it appears that $1.2 - 1.5 million comes from the
highway fund and only $45K - $378K (depending on water source) comes from
the Hurricane Sandy funds.  This is a bit troubling in that much of our
discussions and questions centered on the availability of Sandy money and
its expiration.

Is NYCA and staff prepared to critique the entire document?  I don't think
it would entail the same effort taken in regard to the Gateway General
Management Plan.  It is a 200 page document and it would be good to have
hard copies if they are available.  Are NYCA going to secure these if
they're available or should we reach out individually.

Rob



On Tue, Oct 6, 2015 at 8:41 AM, Harry Maas  wrote:

> The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the
> West Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site
> referenced below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in
> obtaining this result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West
> Pond, the NYC Audubon Society and ther other organizations who participated
> in this long-running process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled,
> fresh water will be returned and in the future additional trails,
> boardwalks, blinds, etc., will be provided.
>
> From: "Yun, Daphne" 
> Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM
> Subject: West Pond EA Public Release
> To:
> Cc:
>
> *Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House:*
>>
>> *Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project*
>>
>>
>>
>> The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and
>> regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay
>> Unit, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This
>> project would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to
>> coastal storms and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive
>> conditions along the West Pond loop trail that support a diversity of
>> Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and enhanced visitor experience.
>>
>>
>>
>> The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action
>> alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative.
>> The NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary
>> and secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the
>> loop trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with
>> the initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and
>> secondary breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible
>> installation of a supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or
>> municipal water) to provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West
>> Pond loop trail. Future phases of work would include upland habitat
>> restoration at Terrapin Point, shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to
>> increase resiliency against potential future storm damage, and installation
>> of other visitor amenities, such as boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing
>> blinds, and educational signage.
>>
>>
>>
>> The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the success
>> of this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more about
>> the project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your
>> comments.
>>
>>  *Open House**:*
>>
>> Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
>> Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
>> 715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard
>> Broad Channel, Queens, New York
>>
>> The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 30
>> days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015.   Please go to
>> http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment
>> electronically.  You are also welcome to mail comments directly to:
>>
>>  Office of the Superintendent
>>
>> Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth
>>
>> Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project
>>
>> 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305
>>
>> *Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration.*
>>
>> *For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this
>> project, please go to:* *http://www.nps.gov/gate
>> .*
>> Daphne Yun
>> Acting Public Affairs Officer
>> Gateway National Recreation Area
>> 718-354-4602
>> 917-282-9393
>> Follow us on Twitter @GatewayNPS
>> Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GatewayNPS
>>
>>
>> --
>> 
>>
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> www.avast.com 
>>
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to westpond-and-gateway+unsubscr...@nycaudubon.org.
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> 
>
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> www.avast.com 
>
> To 

Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public Release

[Harry Maas]

Rob, you have a fair point. Funding has always been an issue and obviously 
continues to be a concern. Note that funding for later phases, such as the 
blinds, etc., have no funding source at all at this point.

NYCA will critique the entire proposal. We are going to ask if hard copies are 
available. If not, I am sure we will make some copies but printing a document 
of that size is not an inepensive endeavor.

More later.
  - Original Message - 
  From: Rob Bate 
  To: Harry Maas 
  Cc: nysbirds-l 
  Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2015 9:11 AM
  Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [westpond-and-gateway] Fw: West Pond EA Public 
Release


  Harry


  Just a few note.  On p.26 it appears that $1.2 - 1.5 million comes from the 
highway fund and only $45K - $378K (depending on water source) comes from the 
Hurricane Sandy funds.  This is a bit troubling in that much of our discussions 
and questions centered on the availability of Sandy money and its expiration.


  Is NYCA and staff prepared to critique the entire document?  I don't think it 
would entail the same effort taken in regard to the Gateway General Management 
Plan.  It is a 200 page document and it would be good to have hard copies if 
they are available.  Are NYCA going to secure these if they're available or 
should we reach out individually.


  Rob







  On Tue, Oct 6, 2015 at 8:41 AM, Harry Maas  wrote:

The Environmental Assessment setting forth the NPS plans for restoring the 
West Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can be found at the site 
referenced below. Thanks should be given to all birders who worked hard in 
obtaining this result, particularly the Birders Coalition for the West Pond, 
the NYC Audubon Society and ther other organizations who participated in this 
long-running process. And, oh, yes, the breach will be filled, fresh water will 
be returned and in the future additional trails, boardwalks, blinds, etc., will 
be provided.

From: "Yun, Daphne" 
Date: Oct 2, 2015 8:09 AM
Subject: West Pond EA Public Release
To: 
Cc: 


Environmental Assessment Notice of Public Availability and Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project



The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public and 
regulatory review the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jamaica Bay Unit, 
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond Breach Repair Project. This project 
would make the West Pond embankment and loop trail resilient to coastal storms 
and flooding and protect environmentally sensitive conditions along the West 
Pond loop trail that support a diversity of Jamaica Bay habitat, wildlife and 
enhanced visitor experience.



The EA evaluates the potential impacts of four alternatives: two action 
alternatives, the NPS preferred alternative and the no-action alternative.  The 
NPS preferred alternative includes filling and repairing the primary and 
secondary breaches and the subsequent restoration of West Pond and the loop 
trail. The preferred alternative would be implemented in phases, with the 
initial phase addressing filling and repairing the primary and secondary 
breaches, replacing the water control structure, the possible installation of a 
supplemental water supply system (either groundwater or municipal water) to 
provide freshwater to the pond, and restoring the West Pond loop trail. Future 
phases of work would include upland habitat restoration at Terrapin Point, 
shoreline and saltmarsh restoration to increase resiliency against potential 
future storm damage, and installation of other visitor amenities, such as 
boardwalks, trails, pathways, viewing blinds, and educational signage.



The ongoing participation of the public is very important to the 
success of this project. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn more 
about the project, the Environmental Assessment, ask questions, and share your 
comments.

 Open House:

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
715-10 Cross Bay Boulevard
Broad Channel, Queens, New York

The EA will be available for public review and comment for a period of 
30 days from October 6th through November 6th, 2015.   Please go to 
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate to view the EA and comment electronically.  
You are also welcome to mail comments directly to:

 Office of the Superintendent

Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Wadsworth

Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond EA Project

210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305

Please postmark written comments by November 6th for consideration.

For more information on Gateway National Recreation Area and this 
project, please go to: http://www.nps.gov/gate.

Daphne Yun 
Acting Public Affairs Officer
Gateway National Recreation Area
718-354-4602

[nysbirds-l] Croton Point Park: Sparrows & Raptors & Unexpected Am Bittern

[Anne Swaim]

Big influx of sparrows at Croton Point seen this morning especially along
the river road below the campground.

A seven sparrow morning: including large flocks of song & white-throats
with additions of a few each swamp and white-crowned; lingering chipping
sparrows; nice views of two different Lincoln's Sparrows in the same area,
and, on the landfill were seen two different Vesper Sparrows.

American Kestrel numbers lower today, just four total seen.  Two American
Pipits on landfill as well.

Beautiful adult Peregrine hunting along the river road and across the top
of the campground area.  Another immature peregrine was reported by someone
else also this morning.

While scanning for Harriers across the landfill and Croton Bay -- none seen
this morning-- I picked up the unexpected sight of an American Bittern
heading into Croton Bay over the phragmites between the landfill and the RR
tracks. Great aerial look.  Landed in phrags close to NW end of RR bridge.

Anne Swaim
Saw Mill River Audubon
www.sawmillriveraudubon.org

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[nysbirds-l] Red Crossbill fledglings!/Rusty Blackbirds/Boreal Chickadees/more

[Joan Collins]

10/6/15 Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake (Hamilton Co.)

 

I found 3 Common Grackles at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake along Sabattis
Circle Road early this morning on my way to Sabattis Bog.  After visiting
the bog, I drove by the inlet area again and there was a flock of at least
50 Rusty Blackbirds!  It was nice to meet Pat Condello, a birder from
Syracuse, who arrived as I was watching the Rusty Blackbirds.  We observed
the Rusty Blackbirds for a long time.  (Photos of the Rusty Blackbirds and
one of the Common Grackles are on my Facebook page.)  Here are some of the
28 species found along Sabattis Circle Road this morning:

 

Belted Kingfisher

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue-headed Vireo - many

Blue Jay - many

Common Raven

Red-breasted Nuthatch - many

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Hermit Thrush

Amer. Robin

Gray Catbird - quite vocal

Blackpoll Warbler

Pine Warbler - singing

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Savannah Sparrow - 2

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow - singing

White-throated Sparrow - singing

White-crowned Sparrow - 2

Rusty Blackbird - 50 at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake!  It was great to
hear their voices!

Common Grackle - 3 at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake

Purple Finch

Amer. Goldfinch

 

Pat found two Porcupines along Sabattis Circle Road before we met - and one
was vocalizing!  (Sept. - Oct. is mating season for porcupines!)

 

10/5/15 Newcomb - Minerva along Route 28N (Essex Co.)

 

Midday, I drove to Minerva to look for Red Crossbills (and also check on a
snowmobile trail being cut through beautiful boreal habitat - from Newcomb
through Minerva to North Hudson).  I found 3 Red Crossbills along the
railroad bed.  Then, a pickup truck driving the rails, stopped to ask what I
was doing.  After we talked for a minute about birds, they politely asked me
to leave - the railroad bed is now off-limits to hikers, skiers,
rail-bikers, and snowmobilers since it is becoming an active rail-bed again.
According to the men, the trains were supposed to start running today, which
I find hard to believe since the rails don't appear ready.  So the lovely
wetlands along the railroad bed (in both directions) can no longer be
accessed.  And the wildlife will have to deal with loud trains going
through.

 

I hiked the first part of the Roosevelt Truck Trail from the southern
trailhead on Route 28N to see where they cut the new snowmobile trail.  (At
the new cut area, I found a nasty message left by a hunter for the tree
cutters which included swearing!!!  So birders are not the only group upset
about the habitat destruction.)  I also found 6 Boreal Chickadees - in two
flocks of at least 3 each.  After I got back to my car, I drove up the hill
a bit to listen for Black-backed Woodpeckers, and immediately heard Red
Crossbills!  A family group of 5 Red Crossbills was perched high in the
trees above me and then flew across the road.  I scoped a female with two
fledglings!  The fledglings flew to another tree out of sight before I could
photograph them.  I did get photos of the female.

 

I stopped at a marsh in Newcomb on my way back to listen for Black-backed
Woodpeckers - one was calling along with lots of other birds, including two
Boreal Chickadees - and then a male Amer. Kestrel flew out of the forest
explaining the ruckus!  I photographed the kestrel.  I had nice views of the
Boreal Chickadees, but they were too quick for me to photograph!

 

Joan Collins

President, NYS Ornithological Association

Editor, New York Birders

Long Lake, NY

(315) 244-7127 cell   

(518) 624-5528 home

http://www.adirondackavianexpeditions.com/ 

http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackAvian


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[nysbirds-l] Van Cortlandt Park Nighthawks - 10/6

[Richard Aracil]

Hi All,
Late afternoon through sunset today, there was a nice flight of Common 
Nighthawks taking place. From the parade grounds, I counted 23 in an hour. I 
was pleasantly surprised to see such a number for this date.
Good Birding,Richard Aracil   
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