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Study shows how millions of sightings can unlock precision conservation

ITHACA, N.Y.—A groundbreaking study published in Science last Thursday reveals that North American bird populations are declining most severely in areas where they should be thriving. Researchers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzed 36 million bird observations shared by birdwatchers to the Cornell Lab’s eBird program alongside multiple environmental variables derived from high-resolution satellite imagery for 495 bird species across North America from 2007 to 2021. The team set out to develop reliable information about where birds are increasing or decreasing across ...

Community Outdoors calendar for week of May 6

SPRING AMBIENCE WHERE: Little Pine State Park. and Hyner Run State Park WHEN: Friday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. (Hyner Run and 7:30 p.m. (Little Pine) NOTES: Join the naturalist at Hyner Run State Park and/or Little Pine State Park for a relaxing stroll to see and hear the different sights and sounds of spring during the program “Spring Ambience.” Topics of discussion will center around what is being seen and/or heard. This is designed to be an informal program. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The program may be modified or canceled in the ...

Wildfires affect wildlife in a number of different ways

Spring is a tenuous time for wildlife. Young are being born and trying to survive predators, nature and even humans. New growth vegetation is emerging while also battling temperatures, drought, and potential disease. One tip of the scale, one way or the other, can completely change a local ecosystem. So what about wildfires? Unfortunately much of the Commonwealth is experiencing a dry spring. A recent announcement by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources warned that, with the exception of the Northwest, all of Pennsylvania is at high risk for wildfires. That ...

What can we do to help counter the bird decline?

This year’s state of the birds report reveals that the major declines in bird populations reported by Science Journal in 2019 are unfortunately continuing. The 2019 article stated the staggering population loss of 2.9 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada since 1970. Most, though not all, ...

Reflections in Nature: Acorns provide wildlife with best, most reliable food

During the spring months, the Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to spray over 38,000 acres of state game land to reduce the damage done by the spongy moth to protect wildlife habitat. Spraying will begin as soon as leaf-out occurs and spongy moth egg masses hatch. No spraying will be scheduled the mornings of youth turkey season (April 26) or on the opening day of spring gobbler season (May 3). Oak trees — which are the main target of spongy moths — provide acorns, the best and most reliable wildlife food. A loss of acorns can have extremely detrimental impacts on wildlife ...