October 7, 2009
- Geese
- 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
Canada Geese
The distinct honking of Canada geese is a familiar sound throughout New York State (some people mistakenly call them Canadian geese). In the fall, the sight of high-flying flocks of geese heading south in a v-shaped formation (it reduces wind resistance) lets us know that autumn is here.
Canada geese are large birds, with a wing span over 5 feet and often weighing over 10 pounds. They are brownish-gray, with a black head and neck and white cheek patches that extend under their throat. Canada geese are waterfowl, with broad, flattened bills that allow them to feed on plants in the water or graze on grasses or grains on land. Their wide-set legs and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers, and their waterproof plumage and thick layers of down feathers keep them warm in cold weather.
There are more than 200,000 year-round "resident" Canada geese in the state. They are joined every fall by the geese that migrate from northern Canada. DEC's website has more information about geese and other waterfowl (pdf - 1.0Mb). With so many geese around, they can cause a lot of damage to lawns and parks. One method of managing the geese population is through hunting. Canada goose hunting season dates can be found on DEC's website.
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Family Fun
Moon Bird Count
Scientist used to study the migration of birds by counting how many birds passed in front of the Moon. You can perform your own migration count with a clear night, binoculars and a pencil and paper. Find a good place where you have a clear view of the Moon. Watch carefully for the dark silhouette of birds passing across the Moon in the night sky. Count the number of birds you see in a 15-minute period and write the number in your notebook. Do this three more times until you have watched for an hour. Add those numbers together, and multiply by 347 (the moon takes up 1/347th of the visible sky). Now you know how many birds flew across the night sky in the last hour.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go
Have you ever watched Canada geese taking off or landing? How long does it take for one to take off? If you are near an area where Canada geese like to hang around, take a stopwatch or wristwatch with a second hand (or you can use the old-fashioned method of counting off the seconds). As soon as a Canada goose (or any other bird that is around) takes off, start timing. Stop timing when the bird reaches the clear sky, above the tree line. Make a note of the type of bird and how long it took to take off.
Read Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Nature Discovery After-School Programs
4:00 to 5:00 PM, each Thursday from September 3 through November 19
Attention kids of all ages! Bring a parent or other adult and discover the outdoors at Stony Kill together.
Open Barn
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM each Saturday during September and October
Come meet the livestock-cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys-up close.
A Wild Harvest
Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 PM
Join a Stony Kill naturalist for a trail walk as together we discover the wild berries, seeds and nuts that sustain wildlife such as chipmunks, deer and wild turkey in the autumn as they prepare for winter.
Fall Foliage Appreciation Walk
Saturday, October 17 at 2:00 PM
Take a relaxing trail walk with a naturalist and discover the chemistry behind the magic of the annual fall foliage display at its peak.
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Wild About Apples
Saturday, October 10 at 10:00 AM
As many as 50 species of birds and mammals go bananas over apples. Join us in celebration of Apple Month for a field study of the natural and cultural history of wild apples.
Nuts About Wildlife
Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 PM
Nut trees have always been important food sources for wildlife and people. Join us on an outdoor foray to monitor the harvest and study the creatures who are nuts about nuts.
Early Fall Among the Stars
Friday, October 16 at 7:00 PM
Enjoy the stars of autumn along with the sights, sounds and unique aromas of the season. Our themes will be the changing patterns of stars overhead and of animals on the ground. Dress for the weather.
Autumn Exploration
Saturday, October 17 at 2:00 PM
Join us for a leisurely stroll along the trails to enjoy the beauty of the season, watch for birds and other wildlife and admire the fall foliage.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Nature Journaling
Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Spend the first part of your Columbus Day weekend with us as we pause to observe life in the Pine Bush and reflect in nature journals. This program is suitable for ages 8 and up. Cost: $6.00/person includes hand crafted nature journal by local artist. Call 518-456-0655 to register.
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
Adirondacks
Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center
From Summer to Autumn Trail Walk
Saturday, October 10 at 1:30 PM
Guest naturalist Peter O'Shea will lead this walk and share the transition of plants and animals from summer to the fall season. Call 518-582-2000 to register.
Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center
Exploring Nature with Little People
Thursday, October 8 and 22 from 10:00 AM to Noon
A unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. For preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Cost: $4/ child, $2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members.
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
Fall Colors Hike at Berry Hill
Saturday, October 10 from 9:00 AM to Noon
Hike up to the Berry Hill fire tower on the Finger Lakes Trail for dramatic fall color views of the valley. Meet at the Rogers Center main parking lot. Call 607-674-4017 to register.
Bird Feeding
Saturday, October 17 at 11:00 AM
Winter is coming soon! Learn about winter birds and how to prepare your feeder for winter. Meet at the Visitor Center. Call 607-674-4017 to register.
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
Owl Prowl
Friday, October 16 at 7:00 PM
Learn about our local owls and list for them on a walk in the woods. For adults and children age 8 and older.
Secret Lives of Fungus, Moss and Lichen
Saturday, October 17 at 10:30 AM
Discover the fascinating but frequently overlooked forest life forms. For adults and children age 10 and older.