Defenders of Wildlife Blog

Named for an ancient Aztec emperor, the town of Montezuma in the heart of the Empire State is also the home of New York’s oldest wildlife refuge. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern end of Lake Cayuga between Rochester and Syracuse, New York.  Founded in 1938, it’s still one of the best places to enjoy wildlife.

The 9,000-acre refuge includes forests, grasslands and wetlands. In 1973, the swamps of the Montezuma were designated as a national natural landmark—which means the land is valuable to science and education because of its unique geology and ecosystem. And the wetlands are widely considered shining examples of undisturbed marsh habitat endemic to New York and New England.

The varied land lends itself to biological diversity. If you’re looking for a place to see an array of wildlife, look no further than Montezuma Refuge. The refuge boasts 243 bird species, 43 mammals, 16 amphibians and 15 reptiles.

Like many wetlands in the Northeast, Montezuma is part of the Atlantic flyway, where migratory birds stop to refuel. Snow geese, tundra swans, American black ducks and mallards flock in huge numbers over the lakes and marshes as they journey to and from home. Other birds like great blue herons, crowned night herons, and even bald eagles call the refuge home. In 1976, Montezuma Refuge was the site of the first ever bald eagle “hacking”­— a process where juvenile birds are brought to an uninhabited area and raised in high towers to mimic nests in the wild. Ideally, the raptors will return to breed in these areas — eventually recovering the population. The project that started at Montezuma was a success and continued on in other parts of the New York. In a little less than two decades, the number of nesting pairs of eagles skyrocketed from just one to 10 by 1989.

What To Do?

Today, there are several active bald eagle nests throughout the refuge. One nest can be spotted from Armitage Road right off of NY State Highway 89. Four of the refuge’s hiking trails also provide an opportunity to see eagles and other animals up close.

You can even watch or photograph wildlife from your own vehicle with the refuge’s three-mile Wildlife Drive. The route runs along the refuge’s Main Pool and has designated viewing areas, where you can hop out to get a closer look. Beaver, deer, red fox and turtles are common sites. A photo blind is located along the route to help you stealthily capture brilliant pictures.

The refuge’s visitor center is open from April through December. Inside, volunteers can help you plan your visit. You can also check out the exhibits to learn about the refuge’s wildlife and the history of the land. In spring and summer, you can also view osprey nesting close up and in real time thanks to Osprey Cam— a Web broadcast provided by Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Friends of Montezuma also holds an annual photography contest, and the winners have their photographs published in the Friends’ calendar.

There is enough to see and do that any visitor will be able to keep themselves busy. The refuge is simply an oasis of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife nestled in the heart of New York. Take some time away from machine-brewed morning coffees and street lunches to TAKE REFUGE  in Montezuma, NY.

A white-tailed deer pauses at pond.

Philadelphia is a city of tradition. It’s the home of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. But you may not know that it also preserves some of our nation’s natural heritage.

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, located within the city limits, protects the last 200 acres of freshwater tidal marsh in the entire state. All summer long we’ve encouraged you to escape big cities — to reconnect with your wild side. This time you don’t have to leave the urban jungle to enjoy nature.

History

In the early 17^th century, settlers erected stonewalls and drained much of the Tinicum Marsh to provide grazing areas for livestock. Back then, the marsh covered more than 5,000 acres. However, rapid urbanization in the early 20th century reduced it to the current size. To protect the remaining wetlands, Congress established the Tinicum Environmental Center in 1972, which was later renamed in honor of the late Sen. John Heinz III. When land acquisitions are finalized, the refuge will protect some 1,200 acres of habitat, according the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What to Do

Admission is free to the public and the refuge grounds are open every day year round from sunrise to sunset (except the education center, which is closed on federal holidays). Visitors can download a wealth of information from the refuge’s knowledgeable staff about events, trails, wildlife and history of the land at the Cusano Environmental Education Center, located at the main entrance.

A painted turtle takes a sunbath on a log.

Canoeing Darby Creek is a great way to spot the refuge’s diverse wildlife: fox, deer, possum and muskrat — just to name a few. But rarer critters, such as the state endangered red-bellied turtle and leopard frog, also call the refuge home.

Like many wetlands along the Eastern coast, the refuge is a sanctuary for migrating birds. Warblers, egrets, sand pipers and ducks stop to feed in the marshes during their spring and fall journeys.

For shutterbugs, the refuge hosts an annual photo contest with cash prizes. The competition is split into three categories by age. All photo entries must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2011. Each category has its own set of rules and unique prizes.

The casual naturalists, however, can find more than 10 miles of trails through woodlands and grasslands.

The refuge’s main entrance is located at the intersection of 86^th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, less than a mile from the Philadelphia International Airport.

Go experience the last historic remaining tidal marsh in Keystone State. TAKE REFUGE at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in the city of brotherly love.

An eastern painted turtle clings to a floating log.

When you think of New York, you may think of Broadway, bright lights, busy streets and expensive living. But far from the big city, you can find a striking example of New York’s iconic natural beauty. The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge–often called one of western New York’s best kept secrets—sits midway between Rochester and Buffalo along the Oak Orchard Creek.

The 10,828 acres of wetlands, forest and grasslands was originally called the Oak Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. However, the state of New York managed adjacent property known as the Oak Orchard Wildlife Management area. To avoid confusion, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) renamed the wildlife refuge “Iroquois” for the Native Americans who once inhabited the area.

The refuge is located along the important Atlantic flyway. Many birds travel this route to move between their nesting grounds and their winter homes. A variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers and sparrows are among the more than 260 bird species documented on the refuge.

In 1986, two bald eagles took up residence in the refuge. The birds were relocated from Alaska in attempts by the state and FWS to restore New York’s eagle population. Today, several nesting eagles live in the refuge. The return of the eagle is a triumph for the natural environments of the state and the country. Other birds of prey include the red-tailed hawk and the American kestrel, which are both common sights.

Webcam catches nesting eagles guarding their eggs.

What to Do

Photographers and nature observers can find great viewing spots along nature trails and overlooks. Hiking, fishing, skiing and snow shoeing are also popular activities.

Kayaking and canoeing are permitted (no motorized boats allowed) and offer closer looks at wildlife around Oak Orchard Creek. Beavers, turtles, mink and red fox can be seen along the river edge.

If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, head over to the refuge headquarters. Here you can grab brochures, view display panels and talk with personnel to find out where you should start exploring.

The refuge hosts several special events throughout the year, including guided tours and bird watching days hosted in partnership with the Buffalo Audubon Society. Through a continued partnership with Canisius College, visiting groups can team with specially trained college students who guide them through a day of wildlife observation.

So while skyscrapers are still stunning sightings, you should find a little time to ditch the big city for some truly awe-inspiring scenery and TAKE REFUGE at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in the towns of Alabama and Shelby, New York.

And don’t forget:  If there’s a refuge you want us to spotlight, comment on this post, and we’ll do our best to answer your questions or feature your refuge, here, on our blog.

A patient red knot is banded on Delaware Bay. The horseshoe crab eggs it eats here will fuel the final leg of its journey from South America to the Arctic. Photo (c) Diego Luna Quevedo

Good news for knots! Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced it has decided to speed up the initiation of the process to formally add the highly imperiled rufa subspecies of red knot to the list of threatened and endangered species.

The decision follows the release of the 2011 count of the main wintering population in South America, which found a decline from the previous winter of at least 5,000 birds — approximately one third of that population.  The decision also coincides with the release of a new USGS study that confirms the importance of an abundant horseshoe crab population to the survival of the red knot. (Red knots put on weight by stopping on Delaware Bay to feed on horseshoe crab eggs. Birds with higher weights have a better chance of reaching the Arctic to breed and survive into the next year.) The study also confirmed the key role of Delaware Bay horseshoe crabs in the survival of red knots.

A number of recently released studies conducted by a variety of agencies have shown no significant increase in the number of horseshoe crabs. Despite this growing evidence of over-exploitation of the horseshoe crab population, Atlantic States Marine Fish Commission has not reduced harvest in the last six years. In fact, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which regulates the horseshoe crab harvest, dismantled its own shorebird technical committee after it recommended a moratorium on harvests.

Caroline Kennedy, Defenders’ senior director of Field Conservation said, “We are pleased the Fish and Wildlife Service has recognized the urgency to begin listing the red knot. The knot has been languishing on the list of candidate species since 2006. This year’s huge decline in wintering red knots provides clear evidence that the status quo is not working. Unless action is taken now, red knots may be on an irreversible slide to extinction.”

Red knots in flight (c) Andrew Harper

Since 2005, four formal requests to list the red knot under the Endangered Species Act have been submitted to the FWS. Citing a lack of resources and other priorities, the Service failed to list the bird but placed it on the candidate list in 2006. Since then, red knot numbers have continued to fall. This news gives the struggling birds cause for hope. A listing under the Endangered Species Act would initiate the development of a recovery plan and require federal agencies whose actions affect red knots to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Such actions may be the last chance to save these remarkable birds before they disappear forever.

Learn more:

See how a listing under the Endangered Species Act could save the red knot.

Get more background on red knots and see how Defenders is working to save them.

It’s finally summer, a time when friends and families take to the roads for exciting vacations. Leaving the concrete jungle in exchange for the great outdoors is a top choice for people all over the country as they travel the highways in search of adventure in America’s National Parks and wilderness areas. These areas draw people in by the thousands offering pristine landscapes, wide open spaces and amazing wildlife. From black bears in Shenandoah to buffalo in Yellowstone, nature lovers from all over will converge on these parks to enjoy their natural splendor.

With the increased traffic on our nation’s roads, highways and National Parks comes the increased potential for deadly wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs). WVCs in National Parks have been on the rise the past several years. For example, in 2008 there were 98 WVCs in Grand Teton National Park. Just two years later, in 2010, there were 162. These collisions play out every day around the country, and several have devastating outcomes. Each year more than 200 people and one million vertebrates are killed in WVCs.

Most collisions are with deer; however no animal is safe from WVCs. Moose, ducks, and turtles all run the risk of being involved in these accidents. Recently there have been several news stories about deadly encounters with bears on the roads, including this devastating story that took place in Canada a few weeks ago and this crash that happened in Yellowstone National Park.

So what can you do to stay safe while enjoying your summer break? Slow down and be alert when driving through wildlife areas. Limit driving through wildlife areas at times when animals are most active; dawn and dusk are times when driver visibility is lowest and wildlife most active. Not littering and keeping up with regular car maintenance can also reduce your risk of causing WVCs. For more tips and help with what to do after a collision, visit our website at www.watchoutforwildlife.org.

Keep these tips in mind while driving to your favorite vacation spot this summer so you and wildlife can stay safe on our roads!

A weekly homage to endangered species, large and small

(Original text written by Benjamin Ikenson)

INDIANA BAT

A bat of unknown subspecies outside a public library in South Portland, Maine.

They sleep hanging upside down … in dark, damp caves; They look like strange rodents with over-sized wings attached at their shoulder blades; And they typically take to the skies at night when the rest of us are getting ready for bed. It’s no wonder bats might have a freaky effect on some.

Take Myotis sodalist.  Myotis means “mouse ear” and refers to the bat’s small, mouse-like ears.  Sodalis means “companion.”  The bat happens to be very social, clustering together in large numbers during hibernation.  The bat’s common name is a little less straightforward. It’s called the Indiana bat not because its home is confined to the Hoosier State but because the first specimen to be described to science was found there, in southern Indiana’s Wyandotte Cave, in 1928. Its actual range includes most of the other states in the eastern half of the U.S. Unfortunately, its expansive distribution made the bat vulnerable to wide scale habitat destruction by the commercialization of caves, the blocking of cave entrances, and timber practices. Once among the most abundant mammals in the eastern United States, the Indiana bat became among the first on the endangered species list in 1967.

Learn more about basic bat biology and behavior from our fact sheet.

White Nose Syndrome

Bats in a cave with the characteristic marks of white nose syndrome.

Since 2006, a mysterious fungus known as “white nose syndrome” has killed more than a million bats in the eastern United States. The epidemic is believed to have started in a cave near Albany, New York and has since spread up and down the Appalachian Mountains, from Maine to North Carolina, and is even starting to spread across the Midwest.

Researchers believe that a newly discovered fungus, Geomyces destructens, is responsible for causing white nose syndrome in bats that hibernate in caves. The fungus leads to a fuzzy white growth on the nose, ears and tail, which wakes the bats up during hibernation, causing them to waste precious energy reserves. Bats that use up their fat reserves in winter often do not survive until spring.

In May, the US Fish and Wildlife Service released a comprehensive plan to study the causes and impacts of white nose syndrome and hopefully identify potential treatment and prevention strategies.

Read more about white nose syndrome in Defenders magazine, including a narrated slideshow by writer Madeline Bodin.

What Good Are They?



Despite population declines, bats have come a long way insofar as their reputations are concerned. Long associated with horror and the occult, bats are now widely appreciated for the roles they play in, well, the real world.

Don’t like mosquitoes? The Indiana bat is your friend. Don’t want crops destroyed? Insect-eating bats work for the farm by providing free pest control. According to a study published in Science magazine, the loss of bats could result in crop damage totaling $3.7 billion per year. Oh, and by the way, if you just happen to be a microorganism living in a cave, bats might just be your (warning: analogy may be in poor “taste”) bread and butter: many forms of cave life depend on the nutrients in bat poop.

Adopt Nature’s Best Mosquito Repellent!

Adopt a Bat Today!

Bats play an incredibly important role in the ecosystem, eating billions of crop-destroying insects like moths and beetles, as well as mosquitoes. But in just four years, more than a million bats have been killed by the mysterious disease known as white nose syndrome.

Your bat adoption will show everyone that bats are nothing to fear and help Defenders continue to work to protect these amazing creatures and the places they live.

Visit our Wildlife Adoption & Gift Center to adopt any of our other imperiled creatures of the night—and day!