Animals and Wildlife Of Long Island
Where can I find wildlife?
Begin by understanding how habitats differ from beach to forest to old field to freshwater ponds to salt marsh and tidal pools. So start making observations now, and make note of where you are. If you need more advice, contact us.
A Season Full of Wildlife |
What is conservation biology?
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Long Island Birds & Mammals
Birding
It is critical to protect birds from excessive human activity ( climate change, habitat loss, cat predation). For example, shoreline nesting birds are declining as due to beach stabilization efforts. Birds rely on different kinds of habitats (fields, woods, beaches, etc) for different purposes. When certain habitats are on decline in quality or abundance, the associated bird species requiring these habitats also declines.
Another example is the Northern Bobwhite Quail. These birds require a diversity of habitats, which may sound like they are generalists, but actually they require differing habitats for different purposes (breeding, feeding, cover, etc).
With declining fields, meadows, and grasslands, they too are on the decline. This is at the heart of bird conservation, not only protecting bird populations from over consumption, but also protecting enough open space and greenway corridors to maintain population viability.
Spend time in the field by yourself, using the approach (on right), and/or use the Environmental Directory to find organizations leading birding events.
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How To Identify Birds Using A Field GuideEnter your email, and press submit. You'll then be taken to the download page for your free copy. Thank you!You have successfully joined our subscriber list. |
Marine Mammals
For all the time we spend along the coastline, how many of us are privy to the marine mammals that live in neighboring waters?
Pictured on the right, is a breaching humpback whale, taken by Artie Kopelman, CRESLI President, who has answers for many of the questions we may ask:
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Additional Resources for Birds & Mammals
- Coyotes. Department of Environmental Conservation
- Deer Protection and Management Advisory Committee and its Deer Protection Plan (Town of Southampton)
- Long Island Deer Management - help better manage the Whitetail Deer population on Long Island
- Fall Turkey Count by County. Department of Environmental Conservation
- Hunting on Long Island. Department of Environmental Conservation
- Mammal Checklist
Amphibians, Insects, Snakes, Macroinvertabrates, Eels
Macroinvertabrates can be seen with the naked eye and they have no backbone
Box TurtlesWhen can I observe box turtles ?
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This quick reference chart is based on habitat use in Massachusetts. Source: Mass.gov: Eastern Box Turtle
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Eastern Tiger SalamandersWhere can I observe Eastern Tiger Salamanders?Ask the experts at SOFO, where they conduct conduct mud turtle/frog and salamander surveys each year during their breeding season.
Photography: South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center (SOFO). |