Guidelines for Viewing Wildlife

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 12/23/2016 10:14 AM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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PROTECT WILDLIFE WHILE WATCHING WILDLIFE

DEC has recently received a number of reports of individuals purposely flushing roosting short-eared owls in the Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in order observe and photograph the birds in flight.

While DEC encourages people to enjoy watching wildlife in the Washington County Grasslands WMA and other public lands, we ask that you do so in a way that protects wildlife, especially endangered and threatened species.

Short-eared owls, a New York State endangered species, return from their breeding grounds in Canada to spend the winter in the Washington County Grasslands. 

  • Short-eared owls roost on the ground in taller grasses, unlike most owl species.
  • The owls fly from their roosts around dusk each day and put on an aerial show while foraging for mice and voles.
  • They are easily disturbed by people walking near their roosting sites.
  • This can cause them to unnecessarily expend energy flying or to abandon their roost site.
  • Owls and other birds roost to conserve energy.

DEC asks visitors to the Washington County Grasslands WMA, and all public lands, to observe the following guidelines for the protection of wildlife, including the short-eared owls and other endangered or threatened species:

PROTECT WILDLIFE

  • Avoid repeatedly flushing or otherwise purposely disturbing wildlife when watching or photographing them.
  • NEVER purposely chase wildlife!
  • Keep a respectful distance from nests and young, especially in hot, cold, or windy weather.
  • Stay in your vehicle, it serves as a blind and often allows for closer and longer observations without disturbing wildlife.

PROTECT HABITAT

  • Stay on existing roads, trails, or pathways to avoid trampling fragile vegetation.
  • Leave the area as you found it.

RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS

  • Know and observe the laws, rules, and regulations governing the site.
  • Get prior permission to enter private or posted property.
  • Be considerate of others around you.

ORGANIZED GROUPS

  • Group actions have magnified effects.
  • Ensure that all members of the group know and follow the above guidelines.
  • Monitor the behavior of group members and ensure they act responsibly.

REPORT VIOLATORS

  • Purposely disturbing, flushing, or chasing an endangered or threatened species is harassment and is ILLEGAL.
  • If you witness such activity please document it and report it to the DEC Dispatch (1-877-457-5680)

 Male Short Eared Owl