| APRIL Snow Geese migrating north Tulips and daffodils send greenings through melting snow · Feeder bird populations change · Wild roses leaf out, lilacs bud, forsythia and violets bloom, fruit trees blossom, and the woods fill in with budding trees Shad flies can make bloody, itchy bites Shadbush blooms, and shad run First butterflies (often Cabbage Whites) return · Grass greens Returning Birds: · Late marsh-loving migrants pass through Constitution Marsh · Swallows, Bluebirds, and early Warblers Dates to remember: April 22 (±2 days): Lyrid Meteor Shower; 10-20/hr; apparent point of origin is from south. April 25: Plant a tree for National Arbor Day. <www.arborday.org> (lots of horticultural guidance; good website) |
Environment and the Sustainability Challenge
Friday, April 11, 4 pm
Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook
Lecture by Dr. John P Holdren, President & Director, Woods Hole Research
Center, well-known for work on causes and consequences of global environmental
change. Free. Go to www.ecostudies.org/directions for
directions.
Earth Day at Black Rock Forest
Saturday, April 21, 9 am
Black Rock Forest, Cornwall
Celebrate Earth Day with Hudson Highlands Land Trust for a 2-hour tour of the ‘green’ buildings
at Black Rock Forest. This impressive facility features sustainable building
materials, a geothermal heating system, solar panels, etc. Pack a picnic lunch
for a moderate hike (2 hrs) in the Forest where ConEd proposed building a hydro-electrical
plant, now home of several environmental research projects. Meet at Forest
Lodge. Duration: 4 hrs.
Little Stony Point Clean Up: Local Earth Day Week Celebration
Sunday, April 27, 10 am - 2 pm
Little Stony Point, Cold Spring
See article on page 5.
Songbirds of Spring
Saturday, May 5, 8 am
Meet at parking lot at intersection of Sunken Mine and Dennytown roads. Hudson
Highlands Land Trust Take-A-Hike event with expert birder Lew Kingsley of Putnam
Highlands Audubon and HHLT. Bring binoculars; no birding experience needed;
hike rated easy, about 2 hours. Editor’s note: Biting bugs may join spring
birds, so bring bug spray.
Outdoor Rec Fest
Sunday, May 18, 9 am - 3 pm
Taconic Outdoor Edu Ctr, Cold Spring
A day dedicated to outdoor sports. Learn about kayaks, orienteering, camping,
adventure challenges, birding, and nature walks. Donation: Adults $2; kids
$1. Info: (845) 265-3773
Birdathon 2008
Saturday, May 10
Team Captains are:
Ralph Odell (Putnam Valley Bogtrotters birding Nassau County & NYC)
Steve Golladay (Wappingers Creakers birding Putnam, Dutchess & Doodletown)
Lew Kingsley (Garrison Gumshoes birding Orange, Sullivan & Ulster)
Last year the combined total was a record-breaking 198 species seen.
Early responses are especially appreciated because they save mailing costs.
Among the ways you may contribute:
write an donation check for a flat amount;
pledge 25 cents or more for each species seen by your favorite team.
Whatever your choice, mail your check (payable to PHAS) or pledge commitment to PO Box 292, Cold Spring, NY 10516.
Questions? Call Birdathon Coordinator Marc Breslav at (845) 265-2624.
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