Tag Archives: birds

The Flight of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird

by Mary Carol Presutti, New Windsor Master Gardener Volunteer

Green hummingbird with a white throat and grey head perched on a twig
Female ruby-throated hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird flew into the porch door window and lay lifeless on the ground.  Not ten minutes ago, she had been darting around the yard, along with another female, sipping the necter from my coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) and giant hyssop (Agastache sp.).  The two of them had been there on and off all summer, so it’s not like she didn’t have the lay of the land.  I could only assume the two girls had been fighting over the honeysuckle, as they are wont to do in a race to put on winter weight, and I guess it got out of hand.

Photo: Bunches of light red tubular flowers
Coral honeysuckle

I thought about the little bird now laying lifeless on the ground, it would never make it to wherever she would have spent the winter.  Thinking about it, I didn’t know where she would have headed to.  Or the route, or the time taken to get there, or if she would eat along the way, or well…anything about her journey.

The remaining bird was sitting on the fence near the honeysuckle looking in my direction.  She perched there for maybe five minutes then flew away, and I never saw the bird again.

Map showing Ruby-throated Hummingbird Range throughout the yearSo, as the little ruby-throated began the first day of her winter journey, I sat down in front of my laptop and began to learn as much as I could about what she would be doing in the days and weeks ahead.

After leaving my yard in New Windsor, she would have traveled southwest to somewhere along the Gulf of Mexico.  She would fly during daylight, just over the treetops in constant search for food. During most of the flight she had to make sure that her weight stayed high by eating flower nectar, insects, sugar water provided by birders, and interestingly, the sugary and protein laden contents of yellow-bellied sapsucker holes.  Her normal weight is between 3 and 4 grams, about the weight of a penny.  To prepare for her trip she had to double her weight while she was in New York.

Female ruby-throated hummingbird at a feederOnce she reached the Gulf, there was a final push across the water as she flew nonstop for 500 miles until she reached land.  Young and older birds may fly along the coastline into Mexico to reach their destination.  My bird may have had the good fortune to alight on a passing boat or possibly an oil rig for a short rest.  It is an amazing journey for such a tiny bird.

It is now December so the ruby-throated hummingbird who, in September, perched on the fence watching me, has by now made the long 1600 mile or more trip to one of a few locations in Mexico and Central America. However, there is a chance that she may be wintering in one of the southernmost states.  In the last 25 years with the temperature change, the ruby-throated hummingbirds’ range has expanded 200 miles north of its traditional southernmost range.

Sometime in March the trip back north will begin and by the end of April to mid-May she will arrive close to where she was born, ready to find a suitable mate, raise her chicks, and prepare for another fall flight.

Interesting Facts about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

  • Photo: Green hummingbird with a white breast and red collar
    Male ruby-throated hummingbird

    Research indicates that a hummingbird can travel as many as 23 miles in one day. They fly by day and use tail winds to help conserve energy.

  • In eastern part of the United States the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird around. Males arrive in New York a few days before females to set up territories
  • Bird banding projects show that when ruby-throated hummingbirds head south, they will follow almost the exact route they took a few short months ago when they were heading north to their breeding grounds. Young birds will return to the location in which they were hatched.
  • Photo: Juvenile red-throated-hummingbird in flight showingits red breast and a few patches of red in the collar area
    Juvenile red-throated hummingbird

    Several species of hummingbirds including the ruby-throated hummingbird follow yellow belly sapsucker woodpeckers to feed on the remaining sap and bugs left over from the holes the sapsucker drills into trees.

  • Hummingbirds eat between 60 and 80% of their protein a day in insects. That’s about 330 fruit flies a day!
  • Photo: Hummingbird with white throat and breast sitting in tiny lichen covered nest on a tree branch
    Female ruby-throated hummingbird on nest

    Hummingbird feet are poorly developed, so if they want to move a few inches while perched they must fly.

  • A group of hummingbirds is called a charm, but you will seldom see a group of hummingbirds gather willingly outside of backyard hummingbird feeders. Hummingbirds are territorial and can be aggressive when food is involved.  The dominant male controls which hummingbirds feed in his territory.  He sits nearby the feeding area and will attack any other males or females that dare to attempt to feed in his territory.  Female hummingbirds that are sociable towards the dominant male are allowed to feed unscathed.

More Information about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

Photo: Female red-throated hummngbird feeding from a stalk covered wtih of light purpletubular flowers
Female ruby-throated hummingbird feeding from an obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)

Attracting Hummingbirds – Penn State Extension

Central America Bird Feeder Live Feed – Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Hummingbird Migration – Hummingbirds.net

Hummingbird Sightings – Journey North

Ruby-throated Hummingbird – National Audubon Society

Understanding Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Enhancing Their Habitat – University of Maine Cooperative Extension

The Acorn Story

By Claudine Sullivan, Walden Master Gardener Volunteer

Several acorns hanging in an oak tree wich has leaves that have started to turn brownOne of the most recognizable symbols of fall is a branch of oak leaves and a couple of acorns.  Oak trees (Quercus spp.) have been around for approximately 55 million years old, with the oldest North American specimen being 44 million years old.  Long before pumpkins and corn stalks came to symbolize harvest and bounty, people depended on the humble acorn and majestic oak tree for sustenance and shelter.  Today we think of oak trees in terms of shade, firewood, and sturdy furniture, but as acorns can be stored for long periods of time and the flour made from them is quite nutritious for thousands of years acorns were the main food staple for people in balanocultures.

A photo looking up at the top of a massive oak tree
Black oak

Oak trees are a dominant plant in many forest ecosystems and currently there are about 500 species of oaks growing in temperate and tropical climates throughout the world.  There are about 90 species of oak trees native to the United States including eleven here in New York.

All oak trees produce acorns, this is the fruit and contains a nutrient rich seed.  It can be hard to imagine that a single acorn can become a 200-year-old tree cable of producing millions of other acorns. Acorn production does not begin until an oak tree is about 20 years old, with peak production when the tree is between 50 to 80 years old.  After that acorn production tapers off, although some trees will produce acorns well into their second century and beyond.

A photo of the rounded-lobed leaves of a white oak tree.
White oak leaves

Oaks in North American are divided into two groups: White Oaks and Red (Black) Oaks.  Each group has distinct leaf shape and acorn production strategy.  White or annual oaks have rounded-lobed leaves, flower later in the spring than red oaks, and have sweet tasting acorns that mature in one season.  The acorns of the white oaks can start to germinate as soon as they hit the ground in the fall.

A photo of the pointed-lobed leaves of a norther red oak.
Northern red oak leaves

Red or biennial oaks have pointed-lobed leaves, flower earlier in the spring than white oaks, and have bitter tasting acorns that take two years to mature.  Because their acorns take two years to mature, it is possible to have two seasons of acorns on each twig.  The acorns of the red oaks need a period of cold stratification that lasts 6-8 weeks in order to germinate.

Oaks Native to New York State
White / Annual Oaks Red / Biennial Oaks
Bear Oak   Quercus ilicifolia Chestnut Oak   Quercus montana
Chinkapin Oak   Quercus muehlenbergii Black Oak   Quercus velutina
Dwarf Chinkapin Oak   Quercus prinoides Northern Red Oak   Quercus rubra
Post Oak   Quercus stellata Pin Oak   Quercus palustris
Swamp White Oak   Quercus bicolor Scarlet oak   Quercus coccin
White Oak   Quercus alba
Photo: Clump of long cascading catkins covered with tiny flowers
Pin oak catkins

Both white and red oaks are monoecious meaning they have separate male and female flowers found on the same plant. Flowering begins in early spring, just before the leaves start to emerge.  The male flowers are produced on long catkins and are the first to bloom.  After about two weeks, the inconspicuous female flowers will open.  Female flowers are sometimes mistaken for leaf buds and can be found on both upper branches and new twigs, just at the base of new leaves.  They can only truly be appreciated with a magnifying glass.

Photo: Tiny red flowers located on the stem at the base of a leaf.
Northern red oak female flowers

The male flowers shed their pollen and the wind carries it to the female flowers of neighboring trees.  If the male flowers were above the female, the tree would more likely self-pollinate, so to ensure cross-pollination female flowers are located high in the tree, above the male flowers.  Weather can affect acorn production.  A rainy, damp spring will suppress pollination as the pollen will be washed to the ground.  A cold snap can also kill the female flowers.  Once fertilization occurs, a dry spell or other stressors can cause the tree to abort the acorns to conserve the trees resources.

Acorns covering the groundWhen all environmental factors work together, oak trees can produce an overabundance of acorns in what scientists call a “mast year.”  The term mast comes from Old English word meaning “fat” or “food” and can be traced back to the same word origin that gave us “meat”.  Perhaps that’s why the insides of nuts is called “the meat”.  In a mast year, one mature oak tree can produce 10,000 acorns.  Not every year is a mast year and not all trees have them in the same year.  In fact, the exact cause of a “mast year” is still not completely understood.  Scientists hypothesize that factors including weather and evolutionary adaptation play a part in this natural phenomenon.

Photo: Two acorns on the ground, one is slightly cracked and has begun to sprout.
Germinating acorn

When it comes to acorn production scientist have observed a two to five year production cycle that includes a mast crop year, a few average years, and a poor year.  Why have oaks (and other nut trees) developed this interesting quirk?  One hypothesis is that it is a survival strategy.  Oak trees depend on small mammals such as chipmunks and squirrels, and birds such as blue jays and woodpeckers for seed dispersal.  When there is an overabundance of acorns produced not all of them will be eaten, ensuring that some of them will be able to germinate and grow into trees.

Gray squirrel eating something in its hands
Gray squirrel

The acorn production cycle also has huge effects on the forest food web.  Just under 100 species depend on the acorn as a primary source of food including birds, black bears, chipmunks, deer, mice, and squirrels.  When the forest floor is full of acorns, the species that depend on the acorns for food have an easier winter.  This results in an increase in the animal population the following year.  Mast years use a lot of the tree’s resources, so they are often followed by a few years of lean or average acorn production.  In years when there are fewer acorns, fewer animals survive, keeping the population in balance.

Blacklegged tick crawling on a piece of cloth
Blacklegged tick

An interesting study conducted in southeastern New York shows that mast years not only effect the animal population that eat acorns, but it also effects tick populations that feed on the acorn eaters. After a mast year, populations of chipmunks, squirrels, and white-footed mice increase.  These small mammals are key to the life cycle of the blacklegged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), the only vector for Lyme disease in the northeastern United States.

A diagram of the lifecycle of a black-legged tick: Eggs hatch in the spring. In the summer the larvae feed on small animals such as birds and mice. The following spring nymphs feed on larger animals such as deer, fox, squirrels, and humans. Risk of human infection greatest in late spring and summer. In the fall adults feed on large animals such as deer, fox and humans. The adults lay eggs the following spring.
Lifecycle of the black-legged tick

When tick eggs hatch in spring, the emerging larvae are not infected with Lyme disease.  Their first host is usually a small mammal.  If their first host is a carrier of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the ticks become infected.  After feeding, the larval ticks drop-off their hosts and molt into nymphs.  The following spring the nymphs, which now may carry Lyme disease, search for new hosts, and this time they are more likely to chose a large animal such as a deer or a human.  As a result it has been observed that two years after an acorn mast year, Lyme disease cases see an uptick.

So next time you step on an acorn or hear one go THUNK! on your car or shed roof, remember that it is much more that just a fall decoration.

Photo: a single acorn lying on the ground near some moss

Plant of the Month: Goldenrod

By Linda Gayton, Highland Mills Master Gardener Volunteer

This article appeared in the August 2021 Issue of Gardening in Orange County.

Goldrod being visited by afly
Canada Goldrod (Solidago canadensis) being visited by a fly
A bee visiting the yellow flowers of an Alpine Goldenrod plant
Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima)
Close-up of small yellow flowers of alpine glodenrod.
Alpine Goldenrod (Solidago leiocarpa)

Goldenrods are members of the aster family (Asteraceae) and most are of the genus Solidago.  There are over two dozen species of goldenrod native to New York State varying in height from the 14 inch tall Alpine Goldenrod (Solidago leiocarpa) to the 4-6 foot Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima).  Most of New York’s goldenrods are late bloomers putting out flowers in late summer and fall.  As one of the few groups of wildflowers in peak bloom at this time, many insects depend on these plants for food.  Goldenrods also provide food for birds and small mammals through their prolific seed production.  On sunny days goldenrod patches are a good place to watch for butterflies including painted ladies, monarchs, and viceroys.  In addition to butterflies, many species of bees, wasps, and beetles can also be seen collecting pollen and nectar from the hundreds of tiny flowers that make up a goldenrod’s inflorescence or flower head.

Brifht yellow flowers on a tall goldenrod
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)

This hardy perennial thrives in a variety of habitats including roadsides, fields, wet and dry prairies, sandy banks, swampy bogs, and forest openings.  Some species will even thrive in sand dunes by the ocean or on rocky summits.  On the east seaboard, Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) grows in abundance stabilizing sand dunes and providing a vast food supply for monarch butterflies on their long migration south.

No matter your garden aesthetic, there is goldenrod for you.  Gardeners who prefer tidy borders can choose clump forming varieties, whereas gardeners desiring a more naturalistic look may be able to accommodate the self-seeding or rhizomatous types.  Most goldenrods are very hardy and vigorous with few diseases or insect problems.  The spiky, fleecy, or sometimes flat-topped yellow flowers are versatile accents to the strong purples and pinks of aster, sedum, and joe-pye weed.  They also complement dainty flowers of native grasses and lobelias.

A large group of flowering ragweed
Common Rageweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in bloom

For gardeners concerned about goldenrod’s alleged allergy inducing pollen, please note that goldenrod produces a sticky pollen meant to attract and adhere to insect pollinators not allergy inducing wind-borne pollen.  One of the main culprits of late summer /early fall allergizes is ragweed, a common garden weed that blooms at the same time and often alongside goldenrod.  Ragweed goes unnoticed in the landscape because of its drab green flowers, which generates an unusual amount of wind-borne pollen much to the chagrin of allergy sufferers.  Goldenrod pollen will only affect an allergy sufferer if they stick their nose into a flower and take a big sniff.

Large golden candle shapped infloresence of showy goldenrod
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)

Understanding this misconception between ragweed and goldenrod is important, as the goldenrods comprise a diverse genus with tremendous horticultural potential.  Goldenrod is one of the absolute best native perennials for biodiversity.  Add it to your pollinator gardens and let people know it is a friend, not a foe.


 

Gardener’s Checklist

August 2021

Garden Maintenance

  • Deadhead annuals and perennials regularly too encourage new blooms.
  • Consider adding some herbs to you perennial flower garden.

    Japanese Knotwwed in full bloom
    Invasive Japanese Knotweed

Webinar: Gardening with Herbs – Cornell Cooperative Extension Chemung County

Pest Watch

A silken fall webworm nest at the end of a branch full of caterpillars.
Fall Webworm Nest
  • Keep pests out of your home this fall!

Webinar: Keeping Pests Out of Your Home this Fall: From Stink Bugs to Mice – NYS IPM

  • Scout your lawn for grubs—before you treat!!

VIDEO: Using IPM to Assess Your Lawn for White Grubs – NYS IPM

  • Dump out any standing water from containers in your yard to prevent mosquito breeding.
A very holey head of cabbage a result of feeding by the imported cabbageworm
Imported cabbageworm damage on cabbage.

How to Manage Mosquitoes in the Landscape – New York State Integrated Pest Management

  • Scout often for pest in your vegetable garden.

What Kind of Insect is Destroying my Plants?– Gardening in Orange County New York Blog

Vegetable Gardening

  • Rejuvenate your soil by planting a fall cover crop such as barley or clover.
Light purple clover flower against a background of green leaves
Clover makes a great fall cover crop.

Webinar: Cover Crops for the Home Garden – Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County

  • Continue to remove weeds, as they compete with your garden plants for water, sunlight, and space.
Bottom of basil eaf covered with downy mildew spores
Basil Downy Mildew
  • Preserve your bounty.

Webinars: Food Preservation – Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County


Happy Gardening!

Black Swallowtail on Lupine ‘Tutti Fruitti’

Plant of the Month: Summer Alliums

By Robin Portelli, Cornwall Master Gardener Volunteer

This article appeared in the July 2021 Issue of Gardening in Orange County.

Alliums, otherwise known as ornamental onions, literally can be seen popping-up in sunny gardens around the area. The most common varieties bloom in late spring to early summer but there are some late summer to fall bloomers as well.  Most of them will have fragrant showy globe-like flower heads on a single stem. These perennial bulbs do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 depending on the variety/cultivar. Well drained soil is important since many of the bulbs are large and will rot if they sit in too much moisture. Their heights range from 12-48 inches.  Some of their attributes include being deer, rabbit and vole resistant along with being pollinator friendly attracting bees, butterflies and occasionally a hummingbird.  Plus, they come in a variety of eye-catching colors including purple, pink, blue, white, and yellow.


Large purple allium bloom - a spherical ball of tiny purple flowers
Allium giganteum

My favorite is one of the largest most popular varieties, Allium giganteum.  In June, it gets 4 feet tall with beautiful, round softball size, lavender, umbel type flower heads.  I have them interspersed in my perennial garden bed. Since their leaves die back before they bloom, I have the base of the plant covered by other plants. Even after it blooms, the dried flowerhead remains an ornamental feature for most of the summer.


Allium bloom that looks like a fire work - long-stemmed pink flowers all radiating from a sinle point
Allium schubertii

Another favorite of many gardeners is Allium schubertii. Even though it only grows to be 16-20 inches tall, its flower diameter is 12-15 inches! People state it looks like “an explosion of rosy florets caught in mid-air” or “like a colorful pinkish tumbleweed.” This variety can tolerate part shade but prefers full sun like most alliums. It is suggested to be used in naturalistic gardens. I planted this bulb in the fall for the first time. We shall see if it lives up to all the hype.


A clump of bright purple allium flowers - purple balls on green stems
Allium ‘Millenium’

If you are looking for a true summer blooming allium, you may want to consider the ‘Millenium’ hybrid as your first choice. It was the Perennial Plant Association 2018 Plant of the Year. It is smaller, growing to a height of 15 inches, but it is clump forming with many purplish-pink long-lasting blooms. The foliage is described as glossy, deep green with an ornamental grass-like appearance. It is very heat tolerant. The dried brown flowers seem to last thru ought the winter.


Nodding Allium - Clump of small pink flowers on the end of a long stalk with their heads pointing down
Allium cernuum

A Northeast U.S native ornamental onion is Allium cernuum . It is known as the nodding onion. It can be found in woods, prairies, bluff edges and dry meadows  from New York to Michigan into Canada. It is another clump forming allium that grows 8-18 inches tall. It has summer blooming light pink to lavender drooping flowers. Native Americans used the bulbs for medicinal purposes. As other alliums, it attracts many bees and butterflies.  It can be a great addition to a rock garden but be cautious. It can self-seed so gardeners are advised to cut off the seed heads after it blooms.


There are many other allium varieties waiting for you to research and hopefully pick for your own garden. The larger varieties are truly a festive sight to see.

A Winter Walk

By Madelene Knaggs, New Windsor Master Gardener Volunteer

This article appeared in the February 2021 Issue of Gardening in Orange County.

Snow woodsNot so fast with swapping out your hiking boots. Don’t let plunging temperatures lure you into packing away trusty outdoor gear just yet. Some of our region’s most loved trails offer a completely different hiking experience come wintertime. Put on some wool socks and get your dose of snow-dusted evergreens.

With snow and freezing temps, the Hudson Valley is known for its winters that drive most people to hibernate indoors. While those folks are cuddled up next to the fire sipping hot cocoa, there are inviting trails, mountaintops, and waterfalls just waiting to be discovered by winter enthusiasts. It may be chilly, but the rewards are well worth it.

Winter hiking can present its own set of challenges. Before you head out, think ahead and prepare for a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips to help you stay safe out on the trail:

    • Make sure someone knows where you are going, and
      never go out alone.
    • Visibility can be reduced due to shorter daylight hours as
      well as blowing snow.
    • Carry a map (not just a digital device, which depends on
      battery power and signal reception), compass, and
      flashlight, as well as safety items such as matches and a
      whistle. Pack a knife or multi-tool and a small first aid kit.
    • Wear proper footwear—waterproof footwear with good
      tread. Bring extra traction devices with you in case of ice.
      A sturdy walking stick is a helpful accessory.
    • Watch for hypothermia. The best remedy is dressing in
      layers and having extra dry, warm clothes in your
      backpack. Wear wool or synthetic fabrics. No cotton.
      Beware of frostbite. Have a couple of hand- and toe-warmers
      in your pack.
    • Stay hydrated. Mix a sports drink with your water to keep it from freezing.
    • Pack calorie-dense foods such as granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts to help fuel your hike.
    • Make sure your phone is fully charged, and bring your
      camera.

You are now ready to take that hike! Pay attention as your own personal IMAX show begins. The hills, dales, and woods of the Hudson Valley take on a new form in the winter. Leafless trees make for stunning views, while snow-laden trails are a good reason to break out the insulated hiking boots and snowshoes. Experience the tranquil nature of winter as you follow icy streams through hilly forests filled with northern hardwoods and pines.

Deer footprints in snow
Deer tracks in snow

The animal world also presents itself very differently in this season.  Take a walk on a cold winter morning when a dusting of snow has coated the ground, and you will see the tracks of animals who only hours before had gone about their nightly rituals.  Animals that do not migrate or fully hibernate may be elusive during the winter months but are still present in the forests.  Mink, fishers, black bears, raccoons, bobcats, and rabbits may not be as common or as visible as deer or squirrels, but they can sometimes be seen in the early morning hours or at dusk.  For help identifying the tracks of animals you may encounter, check out this article about deciphering winter animal tracks and/or these great illustrations of animal tracks.

Winter stonefly adult - black oblong insect with long antennae, six visible legs, wings folded across the back, and two long filamentous protrusions off the back
Adult winter stonefly

Although you won’t see many insects while out hiking in the winter, there a few that may surprise you. While cross-country skiing along a railroad track bed in New Windsor this December, I spotted an unfamiliar little creature in the snow. I sent a picture in to Susan Ndiaye, the Community Horticulture Educator/Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, who promptly identified the mystery “bug” as a winter stonefly, from the family Taeniopterygidae.  Winter stonefly nymphs are aquatic and spend their summers in streams, then in winter they emerge as adults onto the snow or ice.  Adult winter stoneflies are usually smaller than an inch in length, but their dark brown or black color makes them visible on the snow. The adults only survive for a few weeks, walking across the snow searching for a mate.

Black-capped chickadde standing on some red berries
Black-capped chickadee

As you continue your hike, try to identify birds. Many species of birds do not migrate but remain to take advantage of local food sources.  Some of these birds, especially chickadees, can spend the winters here in the northeast due to their short-term hibernation state called ‘torpor,’ which they enter when temperatures drop.  During this period triggered by exposure to cold, food shortages, or droughts, their energy expenditure is reduced. Throughout their torpor, metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate are decreased to help them conserve energy and maintain body heat.

Tufted titmous - Gray bird with black eye and a tuft of gray feathers in top of its head
Tufted titmouse

On some winter days, you may find chickadees and other birds perched in a tree, flying over an open field, or even snacking at your backyard feeder.  Some birds you may see on a Hudson Valley winter hike include the black-capped chickadee, northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, American tree sparrow, dark-eyed junco, various woodpeckers (i.e. downypileated, etc.), and raptors (i.e. owls and hawks).

Branch of a white pine tree with feather needles and long pine cones
Eastern white pine

There are also many trees that thrive in the forests in the winter and are relatively easy to identify. The native eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is found in well-drained soils, and usually grows straight and tall with horizontal, upturned branches.  The tree has a uniformly full foliage, with a light gray bark that has shallow ridges. White pines have 5 feathery light green needles per cluster, and both the needles and the stem are flexible and slim.   White pine cones, which are narrow and about 3 to 8 inches long, are tasty treats for squirrels and birds.

Branch of an eastern hemlock tree with short needles and small round cones
Eastern hemlock tree

Another native evergreen, the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), has a tall, straight growth pattern, with branches that stretch out horizontally.  It looks like a Christmas tree covered in small, round, brown pine cone decorations.  Unlike Christmas pine trees, though, hemlock does not have bundles of needles, just one short needle per node. The needles are soft and dark green in color with two ‘racing stripes’ on the underside of each needle.  Its twigs are thin and flexible. The bark of the Hemlock is scaly when young, and eventually becomes ridged with age. Its trunk is reddish-brown in color. These trees grow in a shady, moist habitat, along streams or at higher elevations, and help keep the water in mountain streams cold for brook trout and other coldwater fishes.

Many of NYS’s hiking trails offer fragrant pine and evergreen forests. Taking in the scents and tranquil beauty of these trails can do much to calm your spirits during difficult times. Observe the striking contrast of the greenery against any snow that may have fallen. Stop and admire stands of birch surrounding frozen lake and creek shorelines, and the astonishing views that have opened up since the autumn leaves have fallen. In addition to the stark majesty of the forest’s bare branches against the winter sky, remember to keep an eye out for the Hudson Valley’s many waterfalls, which are even more magnificent when temperatures drop below freezing. What could be more magical than icicle-glistening waterfalls?

Club moss - small Christmas tree-like plants growing near a rock
Tree clubmoss

One final interesting attraction I’ll mention that you might encounter in a local forest hike is the flat-branched tree clubmoss (Lycopodium obscurum), also called ‘ground pine’ (although it really is a moss). It is fairly common here in the eastern US and southeastern Canada.  Clubmosses look like miniature Christmas trees or candles on the forest floor. Some types grow as long runners that were once commonly used for garlands. Today, this plant is on the protected species list in order to prevent over-harvesting. So if you do get the chance to see some, please enjoy the sight and then let it be!

Snowshoeing Sign showing a person on snowshoesBesides walking, there are many other ways to explore local hiking trails. Depending on the amount of snow cover, some good alternatives to hoofing it in boots alone include donning snowshoes or cross-country skis.


The Hudson Valley has an abundance of state parks and outdoor recreation areas to visit. Here are some suggested destinations for lovely winter treks:

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Arden Point and Glenclyffe
Garrison

A woody road leads to a blue-blazed trail that takes you to Arden Point, the first of several vistas on this easy four-mile hike. In addition, the walk takes you over a road used by noted Revolutionary War–era figure Benedict Arnold to escape capture after being revealed as a traitor.

Sterling Forest State Park
Townsend Trail and Long Meadow Extension Loop
Southfields

Take the green-on-orange Townsend Trail to the white-on-green Long Meadow Extension Trail, which is also a skiing trail. The sweeping view overlooking southeast Orange County is made even more expansive thanks to the bare trees of winter.

Heritage Trail (Orange County)

Access Points/Parking: Chester Depot Museum, Village of Chester; St. James Place, Village of Goshen; and Park and Ride Lot B, Village of Monroe

Follow the former Erie Railroad as it winds past historic graveyards, onion farms, a wildlife sanctuary, and the villages of Monroe, Chester, and Goshen.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Ulster County)
Kerhonkson

Stroll around the lake and watch for hawks flying down below as you navigate steep carriage trails lined with craggy rocks.

Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, this resort sits on 2200 acres of landscaped meadows, adjacent to the Mohonk Preserve—an 8000-acre expanse of mountain terrain. Forty miles of hiking trails through forests, cliffs, streams, and ponds provide cascading views of the Catskills.

Black Rock Forest
Cornwall

Explore a great variety of trails, from carriage-type roads to narrow, rocky paths. The many reservoirs and ecosystems and the tree and plant diversity offer good opportunities to see wildlife, or at least their tracks!

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Cornwall

Cornwall’s many hiking trails along meadows, forests, and ponds make for a winter wonderland.


Finally, for a plethora of further information on where to go and what you’ll find, safety tips, suggested trails to hike based on your level of experience, helpful links, and much more, visit the Hiking page on the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website.

So, loaded up with good information and the right preparations and equipment, you can get out there and enjoy the great outdoors in the winter. Just remember, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!”

Gardener’s Checklist

February 2021

Birds

  • Cedar waxwing bird eatting red beeries out of a treeRemember to check your bird feeders and keep them filled throughout the winter.

The Great Backyard Bird Count – Cornell Lab of Ornithology

  • As you think about the coming growing season, consider planting bird friendly plants in your garden

Recommended Plantings for Migratory Songbird Habitat Management – University of Rhode Island

Garden MaintenanceClose-up of snow on the needles of a spruce tree

  • Gently remove snow and ice from the branches of evergreen trees to prevent damage.

Winter Damage to Trees and Shrubs – Penn State Extension

  • Once the snow has melted, check your cold-hardy perennials for frost heaving.  Frost heaving is when your plants rise up out of the ground as a result of repeated freezing and thawing.  Carefully tamp your plants back into the ground a place soil around the base of the plant to cover any exposed roots.

Frost Heaving – Missouri Botanical Garden

  • Loppers cutting a branchThe best time to prune most trees and shrub species is will they are dormant. Remove suckers as well as dead and diseased limbs and prune for shape and airflow.
  • Wait to prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs until right after bloom.

Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs – Purdue Extension

  • Learn how to properly prune your trees and shrubs.

Pruning Workshop – Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County

HouseplantsHouseplants

  • The sun’s angle is changing.  Move your houseplants to ensure the receive proper light.
  • Prune overgrowth and remove dead leaves.
  • Continue to monitor your plants for infestations and disease.

Houseplant Problems : Diagnostic Chart – University of Maryland Extension

  • Transplant root-bound plants into larger containers.

Vegetable Gardening

  • Tray of cabbage seedlings inWant to get a head start on your vegetable garden, but don’t have space inside, consider winter sowing.

Successful Winter Seed Sowing – Penn State Extension

  • If you are planning on growing onions or leeks from seed this year, it is time to start those seeds.

Vegetable Planing Guide – Cornell Cooperative Extension

  • Assortment of Vegetables and Flowers - tomatoes, pumpkins, greens and flowersWhether you are a beginner or an experienced vegetable gardener there is always more to learn.  Sign-up for a vegetable gardening class.

Vegetable Gardening Classes – Cornell Cooperative Extensions


We are off to a snowy start to February and if Punxsutawney Phil is to be believed we are in for another six more weeks of winter!
Groundhog standing up straight on its hind legs looking out over the grass

Pest Watch: Emerald Ash Borer

by Susan Ndiaye, Community Horticulture Educator

Close up of an ash tree in which the bark has fallen off leaving a light tan color area
Woodpecker damage on ash tree

Hopefully you’ve spent some time outside enjoying the beautiful spring weather we had last weekend.   Did you noticed any ash trees that look like they have been completely stripped of their bark?  Did you wonder what happened?  Did you think it was a disease, an insect or maybe a deer?  This damaged is actually caused by woodpeckers.  They are searching for emerald ash borer larvae which can be found just below the bark.

Slender shiny emerald green beetle with large black eyes standing on a leaf
Adult emerald ash borer

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an shiny emerald-colored jewel beetle.  Native to Asia, it was first discovered in North America near Detroit, Michigan in 2002 (most likely hitching a ride here in solid wood packing materials used in the transportation of goods).

Despite its beauty, the emerald ash borer is an invasive insect and has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees throughout North America.  As of April 2020, it has been found in 35 states and 5 Canadian provinces costing municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forestry product industries hundreds of millions of dollars.

Emerald Ash Borer Lifecycle as described in the textLifecycle

Emerald ash borers, like all beetles, undergo complete metamorphosis.  Usually in June and July, adult females lay 60-90 eggs on the bark of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.).  The eggs hatch and the larvae bore through the outer bark and begin feeding on the inner bark or phloem of the ash tree.  The larvae feed for several weeks growing to rough 1 to 1.25 inches in length.  The larvae then overwinter in the bark.  In the spring they pupate and finally in May and June emerge as adults and exit their host tree by creating a D-shaped whole in the bark.  The adults feed on the leaves of the ash tree, mate, and females lay eggs starting the cycle over.

Damage

As mentioned before, the larvae of the emerald ash borer feed on the inner bark or phloem of the ash tree.  The phloem is part of the vascular system of the plant and is responsible for transporting the sugars produced by photosynthesis in the leaves to the rest of tree.  Damage to the phloem cuts of the nutrient supply and eventually leads to the death of the tree.

An ashe tree with no leaves inthe canopy but lots of leafy shoots covering the trunk
Dying ash tree

One of the first symptoms produced by an emerald ash borer infestation is a thinning canopy.  With fewer leaves the tree’s ability to produce food through photosynthesis decreases and as a result the tree may produce lots of  shoots that sprout from the roots and trunk.  The leaves on these shoots are often larger than normal as the tree tries to compensate for its loss of photosynthetic capability.   The tree’s canopy will continue to thin eventually leaving the tree bare.

Many people do not notice that the canopy of their ash tree is thinning.  For many people, the first symptom that they notice is the woodpecker damage on the trunk.  At this point the tree is usually heavily infested by emerald ash borer and will soon succumb to the infestation.

Management

The emerald ash borer was first detected in New York State in 2009 over in  Cattaraugus County.   Two years later, in 2011, it was detected here in Orange County.  As of right now the majority of trees in Orange County have been infested by the emerald ash borer and are showing signs of decline or have died.   Once you notice that the canopy of your ash tree is thinning  there has already been extensive damage to the vascular system of the tree and even with treatment there is little chance of recovery.

Deciding whether or not to treat your ash tree is up to you.  The first thing to do is make sure you properly identify your tree.

Once you have properly identified your tree there are three option: cut it, treat it, or leave it.

Cut It

Ash trees that create a potential hazard (i.e. proximity to a building) need to be removed.   If you cannot safely remove the tree yourself,  look for a certified arborist near you at www.treesaregood.org.   Many ash trees are being turned into firewood.  Keep in mind that New York State law prohibits the movement of firewood more than 50 miles (linear distance) from its source, specifically to prevent the accidental movement of invasive species like the emerald ash borer.   Don’t Move Firewood!Dontmovefirewood.org

Treat It

Remember that that if you tree is already showing signs of decline it is probably too late to save it through treatment.

If you decide you want to treat your ash tree(s), it is not just a one time investment.  Most treatments only last one or two years before they wear off leaving the tree susceptible to infestation.  This means trees need to be treated ever couple years since at the moment the emerald ash borer looks like it is here to stay.

There are many insecticides on the market that are labeled for emerald ash borer.  Many of them need to be applied by a certified pesticide applicator.  If you are interested in protecting your ash tree(s) check out  Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer for more information.

Leave It

If your ash tree poses no potential hazard, consider leaving it.  Although the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees here in North America, there is hope the identification of “lingering ash” or an ash that stays healthy after nearby trees have overwhelmingly succumbed to the emerald ash borer.  The identification of “lingering ash” could help achieve ash species conservation.   Click here to learn more about how you can become a citizen scientist with the Lingering Ash Search through the Monitoring and Managing Ash Program.Decision Tree integrating long-term conservation perspective: Cut it, Treat it, Leave it, Treat

Fun Facts
Biological Control

Although there are some predatory wasps that feed on emerald ash borers, the two avenues of biological control that have shown potential in being able to help manage populations of emerald ash borer are parasitoid wasps and entomopathogenic fungi.

parasitoid wasp
Parasitoid wasp (Spathius galinae)

Let’s start with the parasitoid wasps.  Three species of parasitoid wasps found in the emerald ash borer’s native range were were considered potential biological control agents.  These parasitoids are natural enemies of the emerald ash borer and have long ovipositors that allow them to drill into the ash trees and lay their eggs on the emerald ash borer larvae.  Once the eggs hatch the wasp larvae consume the emerald ash borer larvae alive.  (Note: In order to get permission to release these parasitoid wasps in the United Stated, it took four or five years of research to make sure that they  were host specific to emerald ash borer and wouldn’t impact any other similar species.)  Of the three species released, two are showing promise, although research is still being done regarding their dispersal, spread, and ability to overwinter.

Onto the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana.  When spores of this fungus come in contact with the emerald ash borer, they germinate and penetrate the cuticle of the insect.  The fungus continues growing inside the insect eventually killing it.  Although research has show that this fungus can kill the emerald ash borer, more research is need to see if it is effective form a biological control out in the field.

Phenology
Two adult emerald ash borers emerging from an ash tree. One one is have way out and the other's head is just visble as in the D-shaped hole it has created.
Two emerging adult emerald ash borers

Many things in nature are governed by the weather, such as the hatching of bagworm eggs and in this case the emergence of emerald ash borer adults.  You can track this year’s emergence using the “Emerald Ash Borer Forecast“.  This forecast is updated daily and available six days in the future.  Emerald ash borer adults are rarely seen.  Once they emerge, they fly up into the canopy to feed on the leaves.  But if you know when they are emerging you can be on the look out and might be lucky enough to find one.

The Oleaceae Family
Olive tree branch with two clusters of olives
Olive tree

The ash tree is a member of the Oleacae Family and researchers have found that the emerald ash borer can also complete its life cycle in another well-known member of the Oleacae family, the olive tree (Olea europaea).  Although this has only been shown in a laboratory project, there is a possibility that the emerald ash borer could become a problem for olive growers.

Another member of the Oleacae family, the white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is also used as a host for the emerald ash borer.  Although when infested some of these trees don’t survive, a recent study found that white fringetrees are likely to withstand attacks by the emerald ash borer.

Resources

Ash Tree Identification – Michigan State University Extension

Distinguishing Ash from other Common Trees – Michigan State University Extension

Emerald Ash Borer Information Network

Emerald Ash Borer Forecast – National Phenology Network

Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer

Signs and Symptoms of the Emerald Ash Borer – Michigan State University Extension

April is Citizen Science Month!

What is citizen science? 

Scientists are limited in the amount of data they can collect by both time and money.  With help from members of the general public, known as citizen scientists, researchers are able to crowd source data collection collecting more data from more places helping them find answers to real-world questions.

So if you want to do something fun and educational that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge, consider becoming a citizen scientist.

Citizen Science Projects


Monarch Butterfly (Orang and Black) - Jouney NorthThe Journey North

This project focuses on migration and seasonal changes.   People all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico, report sightings of birds, monarchs, frogs, and other organism.   Watch as reported sightings are mapped in real-time as waves of migrations that move across the continent.


inaturalist logoi-Naturalist

iNaturalist lets you photograph, identify, and document what’s around you.  Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed.  By sharing your observations with scientists, you will help build our understanding of the natural world.

Never Home Alone

In studying life, scientists have overlooked many regions. Some regions have not been studied because they are so remote. Others because they are so diverse that it is hard to know where to even begin. Then there is the great indoors, which we believe has been understudied in part because it is so immediate. This project aims to document the species that live indoors with humans.


The Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Logo with Bird in MiddleThe Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world contribute bird observations to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology each year, gathering data on a scale once unimaginable. Scientists use these data to reveal how birds are affected by habitat loss, pollution, disease, climate, and other environmental changes. Your participation will help trace bird migration, nesting success, and changes in bird numbers through time.

Celebrate Urban Birds

Celebrate Urban Birds is a citizen science project focused on better understanding the value of green spaces for birds. This project connects people of all ages and backgrounds to birds and the natural world through the arts and fun neighborhood activities.

e-bird

The goal of this project is to gather this information on bird sightings, archive it, and freely share it to power new data-driven approaches to science, conservation and education.  e-Bird also develops tools that make birding more rewarding.  It provides the most current and useful information to the birding community from photos and audio recordings, to seeing real-time maps of species distribution and alerts that let you know when species have been seen.

NestWatch

NestWatch is a nationwide monitoring program designed to track status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds, including when nesting occurs, number of eggs laid, how many eggs hatch, and how many hatchlings survive.  Their database is intended to be used to study the current condition of breeding bird populations and how they may be changing over time as a result of climate change, habitat degradation and loss, expansion of urban areas, and the introduction of non-native plants and animals.


Logo - The Tick App - Bulls Eye with a the outline of a tick in the miidle suurounded by the words The Tick AppThe Tick App

The Tick App allows people living in high-risk areas for Lyme disease, like Orange County New York, to participate in a tick behavioral study.   Participants complete daily logs and report ticks.  The app provides information on how to remove ticks, prevent tick bites, and general information about ticks.   When enough people are involved, it can also provides information about blacklegged and deer tick activity in our area.


Monarch Caterpilar (Yellow, white, black stripped) on a green leaf - Monarch Larva Monitoring ProjectMonarch Larva Monitoring Program

This citizen science project’s mission is to better understand the distribution and abundance of breeding monarchs and to use that knowledge to inform and inspire monarch conservation.  People from across the United States and Canada participate in this monarch research.  Their observations aid in conserving monarchs and their threatened migratory phenomenon, and advance the understanding of butterfly ecology in general.


Logo - Monarch Watch.org Education, Conservation, ResearchMonarch Watch

Monarch Watch strives to provide the public with information about the biology of monarch butterflies, their spectacular migration, and how to use monarchs to further science education in primary and secondary schools. They engage in research on monarch migration biology and monarch population dynamics to better understand how to conserve the monarch migration.

Monarch Calendar Project

In the spring and fall volunteers collect observations of adult monarchs.  This information is used to  assemble quantitative data on monarch numbers at critical times during the breeding season.

Tagging Monarchs

Each fall Monarch Watch distributes more than a quarter of a million tags to thousands of volunteers across North America who tag monarchs as they migrate through their area. These citizen scientists capture monarchs throughout the migration season, record the tag code, tag date, gender of the butterfly, and geographic location then tag and release them. At the end of the tagging season, these data are submitted to Monarch Watch and added to their database to be used in research.


Logo - The Lost Ladybug ProjectThe Lost Ladybug Project

In the past twenty years, native ladybugs that were once very common have become extremely rare.  During this same time, ladybugs from other parts of the world have greatly increased in both numbers and range. This is happening very quickly and no one knows how, why, or what impact it will have on ladybug diversity.  Citizen scientists involved in this project help scientists answer these questions by photographing ladybugs and submitting the photos along with information about when and where the ladybugs were found.


Logo - Vegetable Varieties for GardenersVegetable Varieties for Gardeners

A project of Cornell University’s Garden Based Learning, this web forum provides an avenue for gardeners to share knowledge.  Gardeners report what vegetable varieties perform well – and not so well – in their gardens.  Other gardeners can view ratings and read the reviews to decide which might work well for them.  Researchers  use the information gain new insight into the performance of vegetable varieties under a wide range of conditions and practices. The information gathered is also used to make a  Selected List of Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners in New York State.


Logo - The outline of New York State under a picture of a moth, a beetle, a moth and a fly with the words Empire State Native Pollinator SurveyEmpire State Native Pollinator Survey

Native pollinators play an essential role in the pollination of flowering plants, including native plants and wildflowers, garden plants, as well as cultivated crops. Some native pollinator species have suffered population declines over the last few decades.   Participants  in this study submit photographs and/or specimens to help  determine the conservation status of a wide array of native insect pollinators in non-agricultural habitats.


iMapInvasivesiMapInvasives

iMapInvasives is an on-line, GIS-based data management system used to assist citizen scientists and natural resource professionals working to protect our natural resources from the threat of invasive species.  Citizen scientists are provided with resources to help them identify invasive species. Their invasive species findings are aggregated with data from a wide variety of sources contributing to early detection of invasive species as well as analysis of management strategies.


A curated beetle collection with pinned specimens above tagsNotes from Nature

Natural history museums across the world share a common goal – to conserve and make available knowledge about natural and cultural heritage. The Notes from Nature project gives you the opportunity to make a scientifically important contribution towards that goal by transcribing museum records. Every transcription that is completed brings us closer to filling gaps in our knowledge of global biodiversity and natural heritage.


Logo - citizenscience.orgCitizen Science Database

This is an official government website designed to accelerate the use of crowdsourcing and citizen science across the U.S. government.  It includes a searchable database of  a government-wide listing of citizen science and crowdsourcing projects designed to improve cross-agency collaboration, reveal opportunities for new high-impact projects, and make it easier for volunteers to find out about projects they can join.


Become a Citizen Scientist today!

What’s in Bloom?

Bright red flowers on the branch of a red maple tree
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

by Susan Ndiaye, Community Horticulture Educator

Signs of spring abound!   Bird songs fill the air.  Buds on the trees are starting to unfurl.   New shoots are breaking through the soil.  And flowers are beginning to bloom!

Here are some of the flowers to look out for as you venture outside for a breath of fresh air.

When most people think of maple trees, flowers aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.  Red maples are native to the eastern United States and happen to be one of the first trees to flower in the spring.  Their bright pink to red flowers result in the production of thousands of winged fruits called samaras, colloquially referred to as helicopters.  After ripening on the trees for several weeks they will fill the air and litter the ground.

A branch of forsythia in full blloom - yellow flowers
Forsythia spp.

Although many people equate the yellow blossoms of the forsythia with the beginning of spring, the forsythia is not native to New York; it actually native to eastern Asia.  This fast growing shrub is a favorite among homeowners, because it is tolerant to deer, resistant to Japanese beetles, and rarely has disease problems.   If you are looking for a native alternative to forsythia, try spicebush (Lindera benzoin).  This medium sized multi-stemmed shrub has fragrant yellow-green flowers in early spring and supports 12 species of butterflies and  provides berries for the birds.

Snowdrop - small white flower held between someone's thumb and forefinger
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Bunches of white ane purple crocuses
Crocus spp.

One of the many joys of spring is the emergence of all the spring flowering bulbs.   Some of them are already blooming: snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils (my favorite flower!).   Despite its sometime unsightly appearance, make sure you leave  the foliage alone until it turns yellow and dies back.  This allows the leaves of the plant to produce food through photosynthesis.  This food is stored in the bulb and will be used  to produce even more beautiful flowers next spring!

Hellebores are also flowering! This evergreen herbaceous perennial is native to Turkey, but does well here in Orange County.  It grows well in full or partial shade and has beautiful white to pink to purple flowers that bloom in late winter into  early spring.  Hellebores are rarely damaged by deer and as they are evergreen, after their flowers fade, they make an attractive ground cover

Pink Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
Varigated pink and with flowe with stringy yellow stamens in the center
Varigated Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
White flowers with bright yellow stamens in the center
White Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)

As you are out enjoying the sunshine, what other signs of spring do see or hear or smell?

Thanks to all of the Master Gardener Volunteers who provided their thoughts and photos for this post!