Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Photography on April 27 2011, by Ann Rafalko
Yesterday we told you it was going to be “warbler heaven” at the Garden for the next week or two, and here’s some proof!
Prothonotary Warbler by NYBG Member Laura Meyers
This photo is used by permission of Laura. See more of her fabulous photos on her website: www.laurameyers.com and on her blog: Bird’s Eyes and Butterflies.
Posted in Around the Garden on March 25 2011, by Plant Talk
| Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content. |
Hello all! So I’ve heard from several sources that you guys are all just as excited as we are about the family of Great-Horned Owls that have just successfully hatched a nest of chicks for the first time since 2009! The owls are really amazing birds, and just one aspect of what makes the Garden such a special place.
That said, just like any new family, the owls need a little peace and quiet. I received this email today from Jessica Arcate-Schuler, Manager of the Forest where the owls are nesting:
Please advise all visitors to stay on Azalea Way while viewing the Great Horned Owls nesting at the edge of the Forest. First and foremost, this is to prevent any disturbance to the owls and owlets. Secondly, to help steward the Forest by not trampling newly planted restoration plants, salamanders, and causing soil compaction. Notify visitors that the nest and male owl, when he is on his normal perch, are both visible from Azalea Way and can be seen with binoculars.
With the excitement of the owlets hatching, more and more people seem to be traveling to view our owls (I met a birder from Boston, this week!). For the health and well-being of the owls and the Forest, we appreciate your help.
So, please come to the Garden to see the owls! Please bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and bring your camera. But, please give a hoot, and do not disturb the owls. We’re working on something a little special that should hopefully let people who aren’t able to come visit get in on the owl excitement, so watch this space. Happy weekend everyone!
Posted in Members, Photography, Wildlife on March 21 2011, by Plant Talk
Remember this guy standing guard over his nest? Well, it turns out, he’s a father now! For the first time since 2009, The New York Botanical Garden‘s Native Forest is home to at least two baby Great-Horned Owl chicks! First word on the nest came to us from NYBG member, Plant Talk contributor, and amateur wildlife photographer Pat Gonzalez, who says she has confirmed the existence of the chicks with New York City bird expert Dr. Robert “Birding Bob” Candido.
As Pat puts it, “Little white faces peeking out through the hole in that tree is a good thing” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Posted in Photography, Wildlife on March 10 2011, by Plant Talk
A pair of Great-Horned Owls make the Forest their home. Currently, the female is sitting on her nest inside of an old, dead tree. We can’t see if she has any eggs, but we can see the male, everyday, silently standing sentry over her. Isn’t he spectacular?
Mr. Owl (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)
Posted in Wildlife on February 7 2011, by Plant Talk
Garden Member and avid amateur wildlife photographer Patricia Gonzalez sent over this picture of a female Ruddy Duck that she snapped at the Garden this weekend.
The Garden is home to a large population of both native and migrating birds in all seasons and learning about them is easy when you join one of the Garden’s free, weekly Saturday bird walks. Or if you live far away and can’t make it to the Garden, you can follow Patricia’s photostream on Flickr. Thanks for sharing Patricia!
Posted in Photography, Wildlife on February 2 2011, by Plant Talk
It’s been a hard winter, and even though Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow today, we’re with our feathered friends. After this latest winter storm, we’re not quite sure spring is on the way, either. (Even though, let’s be honest, we know it’ll be here before we know it!)
One Obviously Exasperated Robin (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)
Even the Turkeys Had to be Careful About Where They Walked
(photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)
Posted in Photography on January 13 2011, by Plant Talk
Can’t you just hear the chip of disapproval from this male cardinal?
Male Northern Cardinal in the Forest (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)
Posted in Photography on January 10 2011, by Plant Talk
Whose tracks are those? Maybe one of our 25 Black-Capped Chickadees?
Tracks in the Snow (Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)
Posted in Around the Garden on January 3 2011, by Plant Talk
In what has become an annual holiday tradition, a group of intrepid bird watchers gathered at The New York Botanical Garden early on the day after Christmas (and just ahead of the Boxing Day Blizzard) to survey the Garden’s avian residents. Led by Steve Nanz, the group fanned out over the Garden’s 250-acres to count our feathered friends. In the end, the annual census was called early on account of the snow.
Despite that, the group still managed to spot 36 species, and a few rare birds, the highlight being a beautiful little Saw-whet Owl (pictured at right).
Posted in Photography on December 26 2010, by Plant Talk
Didn’t get what you wanted from that jolly old elf? Never fear. The holiday sale at the Shop in the Garden starts tomorrow. Go ahead, treat yourself!
Disapproving Chickadee (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)