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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Wildlife

Afternoon Eye Candy: Even the Birds Are Fed Up

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 Fed Up Robin

One Obviously Exasperated Robin (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)

Even the Turkeys had to be Carefeul About Where They Walked

Even the Turkeys Had to be Careful About Where They Walked

(photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)

Gotham’s Furriest: The Urban Coyote

Posted in Wildlife on January 13 2011, by Plant Talk

Mark Weckel is Director of Research and Land Management, Mianus River Gorge Preserve

From Westchester down to Manhattan, reports of coyote sightings cropped up throughout 2010.

The truth is, coyotes don’t live everywhere (and so far not at The New York Botanical Garden), but they are becoming increasingly more adapted to urban living Researchers from Mianus River Gorge Preserve and WildMetro are using remote cameras (see footage of a coyote at Nature Study Woods in Westchester County below) to monitor urban coyotes to try to figure out one important question: Just how urban can an eastern coyote get?

Coyotes are native to the western U.S., yet have expanded their range throughout the east As of now the only large landmass without a coyote population is Long Island. If coyotes are to colonize Long Island, those living in Westchester and New Jersey will have to go through New York City!

This is giving wildlife biologists the rare opportunity to learn more about how animals adapt to urbanization in real time, which parks and natural areas will support coyotes, how they use man-made and natural corridors, and hopefully, what role these new predators will have to the ecology of the greater NYC metropolitan  area.

Video: Nature Study Woods, Westchester County, NY 2010

Justin and José Were Here

Posted in Wildlife on January 6 2011, by Plant Talk

Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content.

Beavers Were HereThe story of José and Justin Beaver is a tale of two tails.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the furry duo, perhaps we should offer an introduction. You see, José Beaver is no ordinary beaver. José is, in fact, the first confirmed beaver living within New York City limits in the more than 200 years since his furry forebears were hunted and trapped into local extinction for their luxurious pelts. Beavers were once so important to New York City they are featured on the city’s seal, and frequently act as adornment on buildings around town (and in place names, too).

So, you can see why such a fuss was made when José’s very existence in New York City was confirmed. José is a living link to history. And it only got better when, in October, the existence of José’s pal was confirmed. In a nod to popular culture, he was dubbed Justin Beaver (though, it remains possible that Justin may one day be deemed a Justine–beavers are notoriously hard to sex).

Head below the jump for more on why José and Justin are more than just cute, furry face.