While humans can only tolerate being counted every 10 years, an annual bird census conducted by the Audubon Society has reached its 110th year. Conducted at year’s end, the Christmas bird count is an informal opportunity for birding enthusiasts across the country to get together and assess the health of avian populations in their area.
Since the Audubon Christmas Bird Count hit a notable milestone this year, I decided to shadow some experienced birders on this year’s Plattsburgh count. My goals: to see what sorts of birds stick around the city during our long North Country winters, to find out more about the hobby of bird watching and to learn whatever lessons I could.
Otters are a big hit at wildlife centers and zoos because of their adorable faces, sleek bodies and playful antics. At just about every aquarium, zoo or rehab center there’s always the resident community of otters entertaining and delighting the crowds of adults and children.
And the Wild Center in Tupper Lake is no exception.
“Breakfast with the Otters” on Thursday mornings is as entertaining as well as informative. The breakfast buffet served is comprised of some of the same things that they feed the otters. After breakfast the fruit and hard boiled eggs is then fed to the otters as a crowd gathers around and watches them dive and come up with their breakfast to eat it on the rocks. During this time, a naturalist gives a presentation about them.
The Adirondack region is known for its High Peaks region that tests the stamina and ability of the world’s most enthusiastic hikers. Families will be pleased to know that the region also offers opportunities for beginners, as well.
Families with young children are able to experience the same type of outdoor adventure as their more experienced counterparts. Many of the area’s smaller peaks are perfectly suited to beginners while offering physical exertion, educational opportunities and views that make the sport so rewarding. You seldom need much more than a pair of sneakers or hiking boots, depending on the type of outing planned.
Most people, young and old, can recall the pure abandon of speeding along a snow-laden hill as soon as winter arrived. Those who truly reveled in the glory of flying over the snow down a hill can easily spot a location, even on a summer drive, of what might make a terrific site to descend by sled or toboggan as soon as snow arrives.
A clean up in the garage this fall unearthed four different types of sleds used by the members of my family over the past 50-plus years. A trip to most stores, or a read through holiday catalogs, reveals that there are innumerable devices that can be used to send children and adults flying over mounds and mountains of snow.
While humans can only tolerate being counted every 10 years, an annual bird census conducted by the Audubon Society has reached its 110th year. Conducted at year’s end, the Christmas bird count is an informal opportunity for birding enthusiasts across the country to get together and assess the health of avian populations in their area..JPG)
Otters are a big hit at wildlife centers and zoos because of their adorable faces, sleek bodies and playful antics. At just about every aquarium, zoo or rehab center there’s always the resident community of otters entertaining and delighting the crowds of adults and children.
The Adirondack region is known for its High Peaks region that tests the stamina and ability of the world’s most enthusiastic hikers. Families will be pleased to know that the region also offers opportunities for beginners, as well.