October 2022 Outdoor Discovery

Fall Bird Migration is Underway

Fall migration is an exciting time for birding. With migrants on the move, your favorite birding site can change within a few days, with different species traveling in and out. Every spring and fall, thousands of raptors migrate, and birders may see or hear eagles, kestrels, sharp-shinned hawks, ospreys, broad-winged hawks, and peregrine falcons among others. The NYS Birding Trail highlights several hawk watches including Bear Mountain Hawk Watch at Bear Mountain State Park, Hook Mountain Hawk Watch, and Mount Peter Hawk Watch Trailway, all within the Hudson Valley segment of the trail.

One of the best ways to join in the fun of fall migration is through the Big Sit!, which will take place on October 8 and 9. This international, semi-competitive birding competition encourages birders of all ages and abilities to identify as many birds as possible in one 24-hour period. The catch—all birds must be identified within a 17-foot diameter circle of the birder’s choosing.

It’s also important for everyone to turn off the lights for birds at night. DEC launched the ‘Lights Out’ initiative aimed at keeping non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully. Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds through the state. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can cause these migrating birds to become disoriented, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction.

While you observe all the birds migrating this fall, finish your 2022 I Bird NY Challenge offered for beginners in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF), as well as experienced in both English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).

Photo: American Kestrel

Catskills Fall Foliage & Hiking Challenges

If you are looking to enjoy the fall foliage this season, consider a trip to the Catskills or Otsego County. Keep an eye on the Fall Foliage Report to help plan your adventure, while making a bucket list of things to do.

For Catskill related hikes, check out the Catskill Mountain Club’s (CMC) trail challenges, including the CMC Hiking Trails Challenge, offering easy to moderate difficulty trails to hikers and walkers of different abilities. A brochure of the hikes is available on the Catskill Mountain Club’s website.

Otsego Outdoors is offering the Fall Octet Challenge. People who complete eight of the featured hikes, paddles, and bike routes in and near Otsego County receive a free embroidered patch and a listing on the Otsego Outdoors Challenge Roster. Otsego Outdoors, a joint program of Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust, and the Otsego County Conservation Association, offers a new Challenge each season.

For those looking for alternate locations, check out the Trails Less Traveled webpage, offering a sample from across New York. All New Yorkers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace^TM Principles and to Love Our New York Lands by recreating safely and sustainably, hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level.

New Trail Supporter Patch Released

Show your support for New York’s outdoor spaces by purchasing a New York State Trail Supporter Patch! The newest design for 2022 is “wheelie” great, featuring a white bicycle on a red background. Patches cost $5 and all funds go towards the maintenance of non-motorized trails throughout the state.

The bicycle design is available until October 31, or while supplies last. This patch is the last in the 2022 limited series that highlights some of New York’s most popular recreation activities including cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Check out other patch designs and ordering instructions.

Upcoming Events

Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View activities for the upcoming month or all the planned events currently scheduled, including public hearings and meetings.

For specific information about upcoming events at DEC’s Environmental Education Centers, see the following links:

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center (Erie County)

Rogers Environmental Education Center (Chenango County)

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)

Check Out Our Facebook Live Events

As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page for updates and view our Facebook Live offerings. From adventures at fish hatcheries and nighttime hiking to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.

Conservationist

The October/November Conservationist celebrates autumn, including various things to do and see this time of year. Hunting season is a time of year that many people look forward to, and this issue includes an article about someone using his dad’s gun to get his first deer, and an article about a group’s efforts to encourage more diverse hunters. There’s even a venison recipe! You can also learn more about a unique animal, the fisher, and enjoy articles on an osprey nest, and sights caught on a trail camera. Plus, you can read how a group of people are cleaning up marine debris at Randall’s Island, and how drones are being used to locate orphaned gas wells. This and more in the fall Conservationist. If you want to receive the Conservationist, you can “Try now, pay later.” Visit DEC's website and click “bill me” on the subscription page and instantly become a subscriber, or call 1-800-678-6399.