February 11, 2009
- Bird Watching
- More Bird Watching Photos
- Family Fun
- Upcoming DEC Events
- Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
- Capital District - Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
- Adirondacks - Adirondack Park Agency Visitors Interpretive Centers at Newcomb and Paul Smiths
- Central New York - Rogers Environmental Education Center
- Western New York - Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Bird Watching
Birds can be found almost anywhere-from forests and fields to city parks and suburban neighborhoods. People who take time to see and enjoy birds are called bird-watchers. Becoming a bird-watcher is free, easy and a quickly growing past time. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that more than 70 million people in this country watch birds for enjoyment.
If you want to attract birds to your yard, put out some bird feeders with various types of seed (seed preferences vary from species to species), or simply scatter some seed on the ground. If you live in an area where bears are a problem, make sure to remove the bird seed so that you don't attract these unwanted visitors. When you watch the birds that come to your backyard feast, look for the following things:
-What shape is the bird? Is it plump or slender? How big is it?
-Are its wings pointed or rounded when it is in flight?
-Is it alone or in a flock?
-Is its beak small and fine or short and stout?
-What color is it? Does it have specific markings like stripes or patterns (called field marks)?
Keep a list of the birds you see, on what days and their characteristics, and take photos of them if you have a camera available. Binoculars (if you have them) and a field guide (you can borrow one from the library) are great tools to help you identify the species of birds.
Send us an e-mail and tell us what you think about Outdoor Discovery.
Family Fun
Great Backyard Bird Count
Join people from throughout the country this February 13-16 for The Great Backyard Bird Count-an annual four-day event to count the birds that are seen in North America. Anyone can participate, whether you know a lot about birds or just like to watch them at your feeders. All you need is a notebook and as little as 15 minutes a day to keep track of the number and species of birds that you count. Visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website for information.
Bird Scavenger Hunt
If you watch birds in your backyard, you probably see the same species over and over again, especially in winter. Head out to a nearby park, field or woods with a pair of binoculars (and bring an adult along) to expand your bird sightings. Try this "bird scavenger hunt" on your outing. Look for:
-A brown bird
-A colorful bird
-A bird's nest
-A bird hidden in some bushes or brush
-A bird with long tail feathers
-A bird that is calling or singing
-A bird hunting for food
Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps!
Check out Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Winter Wildlife Tracks and Traces
Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 PM
Hunt for evidence of animals that are active in winter. Call 845-831-8780, ext. 300 to register.
Valentine's Day Hike
Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 PM
Search the wooded trails to find signs of native wild animals that are beginning their courtship, mating, and nesting seasons.
Barking up the Wrong Tree?
Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM
Find out how to recognize trees without their leaves, using bark, twig and bud characteristics.
Guided Nature Walks
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM every Saturday - Meet at the Manor House
Explore the trails and habitats at Stony Kill. Family-friendly hikes will be on snowshoes if there is enough snow cover.
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Come Give a Howl!
Friday, February 13 at 7:00 PM
Howling is the way coyotes communicate with each other. Come listen for their haunting songs.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 14 at 9:00 AM
We'll count the birds at our feeding station and show how you, too, can help track the number and distribution of winter birds.
Skunks: Woodskitties!
Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 PM
Phew! Stinky? Sure...but also much more. Join us for a talk and short hike in skunk habitat.
Science on Vacation
Tuesday, February 17 or Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 AM
Learn about water quality by getting wet and soapy and creating bubbles. Suitable for all ages. Call 518-475-0291 by February 18 to preregister.
Beginning Birding
Saturday, February 21 at 10:00 AM
With just a bird guide and a pair of binoculars, anyone can get started on this fascinating hobby. Bring your own, or borrow some of ours.
Learn to Snowshoe
Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM
Join us for a beginner's outing, and see how easy it is to break that cabin fever. Call 518-475-0291 by February 18 to reserve snowshoes.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Advance registration required. Call 518-456-0655 to register. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free.
Crafty Corner
Tuesday, February 17 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Get inspired by the beauty of the Pine Bush! Drop in between 1pm and 2:30pm to design your own, "one of a kind" Pine Bush creation!
CSI Pine Bush: Critter Scene Investigation
Wednesday, February 18 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Do you have what it takes to be on a team of nature investigators, solving Pine Bush mysteries by examining evidence?
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
Adirondacks
Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center
Adults must attend and participate in the following programs with their children. Call 518-582-2000 to register.
Winter Art
Thursday, February 19 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Create winter art, snow paintings, ice ornaments, snowflake crafts, or build a snowman. Cost: $3/ family, free for Adirondack Park Institute members.
Winter Tracking
Saturday, February 21 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Who has four toes on the front foot and five on the back? What does it mean when the birds are all low in the trees? For adults and children ages 12 years or older.
Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center
Advance registration required. Call 518-327-3000 to register.
Tracking on the Trails
Saturday, February 21 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
The winter woods provide a wonderful canvas for revealing the stories in the snow. Join the fun as we follow tracks on the trails.
Snowshoes and S'mores
Saturday, February 21 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
After spending some time snowshoeing on the trails, relax by a campfire and make a s'more to enjoy. Donations are accepted for s'more materials.
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
Cross Country Ski Whaupaunaucau State Forest
Saturday, February 14 from 9:00 AM to Noon - meet at the Rogers Center main parking lot
Bring your cross country skis and warm clothes and join us for an outing along the trails of Whaupaunaucau State Forest. Call to register: 607-674-4017.
Maple Sugaring
Saturday, February 21 at 10:00 AM - meet at the Rogers Center main parking lot
How do you turn the sweet sap of the sugar maple tree into a yummy syrup? Wear boots and dress for the outdoors.
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Programs are free for Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve members.
After School Escape
Thursday, February 12 and 19 at 4:00 PM
Enjoy a fun outdoor experience to encourage children grades K-5 and their caregivers to play and interact with the natural world. No registration required.
Winter Birding
Saturday, February 14 at 10:30 AM
Take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count and enjoy a walk as we discover which birds stay around during the winter season.
Cross-Country Ski Tour
Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 PM
Take a guided tour of our trails on skis. Bring your own skis or rent a pair (limited sizes). Ski rental of $2/pair.
Six-legged Snowshoe Walk
Tuesday, February 17 at 2:00 PM
Come and search for hidden insects in the woods. For adults and children age 6 and older only. Snowshoe rental of $2/pair.
Snow Crafts
Wednesday, February 18 at 10:30 AM
Make a "cool" snowman thermometer and learn fun winter facts. For children ages 8 to 10. Materials fee of $2/child.
Family Movie Night
Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Bring a pillow or blanket and wear your comfy clothes to watch "Hoot" (PG), about a group of kids who fight to protect the habitat of burrowing owls.
Snowshoe Walk
Friday, February 20 at 10:00 AM
Got cabin fever? Bring the kids outside for an energetic walk. Snowshoe rental of $2/pair.