White-tailed deer are entering their breeding cycle, aka ‘the rut.’ Like all life, key aspects of their life cycles are triggered by changing day length. Known as the photoperiod, it is the major factor that determines things such as when antlers begin growing in the spring, or when testosterone levels ready the bucks for breeding in the fall. If you think about it, [...]
Biologists and naturalists have always been fascinated by bird and other animal migration. In the past, bands or tags have been placed on birds or animals. In order to collect data about that creature, someone must find, harvest or re-capture the animal. Unfortunately, that only gives the scientist a few data points: when and where the animal is tagged, and when and where it is [...]
As a professional Wildlife Biologist and former NYSDEC Regional Wildlife Manager, I was always a bit reluctant to utilize artificial nesting structures, preferring to create or restore essential habitat. For many of the bird species of concern on state and federally managed lands, natural grasslands are the ticket. Mallards, Black Ducks and nearly all the rest of the puddle (dabbling) ducks nest in [...]
Aerial shot of a marsh following drawdown Natural wetlands regularly undergo changes in response to weather patterns. Dry spring or summer weather for an extended period results in lower water levels. This normally brings about rather drastic (and beneficial) changes in the wetland’s water chemistry and also the vegetation. After long periods of time without a dry period, wetlands can become [...]
While walking my property in southeastern Wayne Co., New York, I frequently see and hear Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator). A few days ago, I was sitting in some cover by the river with my dog. I was texting to someone when the dog began to bark. A family of four swans had silently paddled within about 25 feet of us! When the dog [...]
Professor Duck had the opportunity to sit down with an award-winning carver from Central New York State. Bill Moore has been a waterfowl hunter and decoy carver for many decades. His favorite duck to carve is the Wigeon (Professor Duck’s favorite!) and he enjoys hunting diving ducks. In this video, he shares his knowledge on carving techniques and materials, as well as reflections [...]
A wetland has three key identifying characteristics: water (hydrology), soil and vegetation. Wetlands are flooded or have water near or at the surface for at least part of the year. Over the years, this wet condition produces what is known as ‘hydric soil,’ which is often dark colored. These water and soil conditions give certain plants a competitive advantage over the typical plants you [...]
Many of you are planning to venture out for early September teal season in states that have one. Those of you who are new to hunting or bird watching will wear out your eyes looking at flocks of Green-winged , Blue-winged, or Cinnamon Teal for the beautiful drakes portrayed in the guide books. In the late summer and early fall, adult teal are still [...]
Many years ago, a couple of savvy wildlife biologists wrote an article entitled, “An Acre of Marsh is Worth….” In it, they attempted to quantify the value of a wetland in dollars and cents. Not an easy task then, and not an easy one now. In addition to the obvious references to wildlife, they included aspects such as flood control, ground water recharge and [...]
