Berry Merry Christmas

BERRY

Robin with wings spread with Crabapple berry in mouth. H Smith-Richardson Wildlife Preserve, CT Audubon Society, Wesport, CT. ©Townsend P. Dickinson All Rights Reserved.

MERRY

Yellow-breasted Chat, fall, Hammonassett SP, Madison, CT with Bittersweet berry in mouth. ©Townsend P. Dickinson All Rights Reserved.

CHRISTMAS

Western Kingbird, fall vagrant, gulping down crab apple fruit, H Smith-Richardson Wildlife Preserve, CT Audubon Society, Wesport, CT ©Townsend P. Dickinson All Rights Reserved.

News Article on Westport CT Christmas Bird Count

Thanks to a great article Chris Bosak wrote in The Hour Newspaper about the Westport Christmas Bird Count and others in Connecticut. Titled: “Birdwatchers tackle annual census locally.” If you want a PDF let me know and I will send you both pages.

http://www.thehour.com/story/516418/time-to-count-the-birds-local-birdwatchers-tackle-annual-census

Westport CT CBC 2011

Long-tailed Ducks flying over LI Sound in CT waters. ©Townsend P. Dickinson All Rights Reserved.

Westport, CT CBC Christmas Bird Count Sunday December 18, 2011 

This year is the 65^th Annual Westport Christmas Bird Count, and the 112^th anniversary of the National Audubon CBC concept. This fall has been pretty exciting for Connecticut birders with a number of unusual species being seen in our area. CBC participants are looking forward to finding the unusual and the commonplace too, as all birds count on a CBC.

The CBC tradition has volunteer bird watchers at all levels of experience spend all or part of one day, around the Holiday season, going out into the field in various locations within the local Count Circle. Teams of observers will canvass many local hot spots.  The object is to identify and count each species of bird they see and to record how many of each type they see in one day.

The Westport CBC Christmas Bird Count is conducted during a 24-hour period (rain, sleet, snow, or shine) from midnight to midnight, Sunday, December 18th, 2011. The intent of the count is to locate, identify, and count all birds found within a 15-mile diameter count circle, centered at Westport’s twin Bridges on Route 57. Data collected (as well as totals from 16 other counts in Connecticut) is submitted to the National Audubon Society.

Count participants (observers) range in birding ability from pigeon-feeders to “Olympic Champions”. ALL ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE. Count Week is Wednesday 12/14 -12/20. Generally experienced birders are paired with those who have less experience. Most observers start looking for birds at sunrise (7am), but some go out several hours earlier searching for owls and rails. Some make a daylong affair, others participants for just two or three hours. Field activity tends to wind down at sundown.

Remember the CBC is supposed to be fun, so stay safe. Drive carefully; watch your step, stay off private property unless arrangements have been made, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If you are just getting started in birding or have tons of experience and think you want to join a CBC field team.

• Contact: Mardi Dickinson – Westport CBC Compiler & Captain
• Email: mardi1d@gmail.com
• Blog: kymry.wordpress.com
• Tel: 203-846-0359.

Backyard Feeder Counts: Some birders also choose to stay home, but they too can participate by observing their backyard bird feeders and counting local visitors. These counts have certain guidelines but are welcome additions to the science that 112 years of continuous data collection supported by the National Audubon Society.  Feeder forms can be obtained by going to http://kymry.wordpress.com/  and click on Backyard Feeder List.

The CBC results are published in AMERICAN BIRDS along with the input from 1700 other counts conducted nationwide and throughout the Americas. This is the longest running annual census of bird populations in the country, thanks to the some 44,000 thousand birdwatchers who volunteer their efforts.

After the count this year CBC observers then will gather at 6pm to tally the results and join in on a potluck dinner celebration to discuss the highlights of the day.

Painted Bunting Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary Day Two

Painted Bunting, Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Cove Island Park, Stamford CT, Novemeber 26, 2011. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

Painted Bunting, Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Cove Island Park, Stamford CT, November 26, 2011. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

Painted Bunting visits Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Painted Bunting, Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Cove Island Park, Stamford CT, Novemeber 25, 2011. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

What a nice Thanksgiving gift, a Painted Bunting came to visit Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Cove Island Park, Stamford CT, today! Cove Island is the lovely Sanctuary that was host to The Fork-tailed Flycatcher last year on November 17, 2010 and that stayed around for quite awhile.

The Male Painted Bunting has been one of my nemesis birds. I could not seem to get it where it is supposed be, down south in the warmer climes.  Who would think it would be up here, in my home state of CT? Well it is, and I’ll take it! Happy Thanksgiving indeed.

We were up having another look at the Western Kingbird in the early afternoon today. My pocket pal buzzed and I saw an email that was sent from CT rare bird list courtesy of Janet Mehmel. The Painted Bunting was discovered by Patrick Dugan. We departed the Xmas Tree farm with haste for  Stamford hoping that the light would last long enough for a look. It did, we lucked out.

Photo notes from Townsend. This is at the extreme end of acceptability for me. Low light, respectful distance considering other birders, and an extreme crop make for these barely tolerable images. Canon 1DMk4, Canon 500mmF4 with 2X multiplier, ISO 32oo and fill flash. The colors are real and the bird was eating every Poke Weed berry it could get its’ beak on.

Male Painted Bunting, Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Cove Island Park, Stamford CT, Novemeber 25, 2011. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

Directions to Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Cove Island Park, Stamford CT:

*Exit 9 off I-95.* If you are *coming from the North*, at the end of the exit turn left onto Rt 1. Get in right lane. Turn right at Seaside Avenue to the end. At that light, turn left onto Cove Road drive down hill to you see Cove Park on your right. Turn right into park. If you are *coming from the South Exit 9 off I-95*, end of ramp. Turn Right onto Seaside Avenue directly to the end. At that light, turn left onto Cove Road drive down hill to you see Cove Park on your right. Turn right into park.

As you enter Cove Island Park go to the right, then drive to the farthest end of the parking lot and park toward the right-hand (south-west) corner. The path into the Wildlife Sancutary is right there. The entrance to the IBA is to the right of the marina and to the left of the baseball fields.”

The park is open dawn to dusk. Arriving early is no problem. There are no gates keeping anyone out.

Bathrooms at the Skating Rink in Cove Park.

Food nearby:

COVE PIZZA ~ Back up the hill at light look to 1′oclock 864 Cove Road Stamford
203- 323-1059

SMOKEY JOES BBQ ~  Go to other end of Cove Road look across Main Street.
1308 East Main Street 203-406-0605

Heed my advise. Please RESPECT the Painted Bunting and Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary at all times. PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL ALWAYS!

Please consider supporting the Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary.  This is a beautiful little piece of property. It truly is a slice of heaven! Much work still needs to be done to remove invasive plants, keep the feeders stocked, and get more native plants in. Your generous contribution would be much appreciated. General membership is only $10, but larger amounts are happily accepted. Checks can be made out to “Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary”, which is a nonprofit, tax deductible organization.  Please send memberships or donations to Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, 1128 Cove Road, Stamford, CT  06902.

It is well worth the trip to see this lovely bird and the beautiful property on which it resides for now!

Commissioner Daniel Esty, CT DEEP, Talks at Sherwood Island S.P.

Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Department of Energy Environmental Protection (DEEP)., spoke about "Connecticut Parks: Back to the Future." A Sunset Lecture Series, Sherwood Island S.P. July 28, 2011. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), spoke on July 28, 2011 at the Sherwood Island State Park Nature Center. The event was co-sponsored  by The Friends of Sherwood Island State Park and Green Village Initiative (GVI). This was one of the Sunset lecture series that the Friends of Sherwood Island hosts.

The meeting was attended by more than 100 individuals including various elected and state officials, members of the Friends of Sherwood Island, Park employees and area Inland Wetlands staff and Commission members. Commissioner Esty spoke about the newly established Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the rationale behind its creation.

Dan is thrilled to be the first new Commissioner of DEEP despite the 16% of staff layoffs at DEEP. One of the top items on his agenda is Park improvement and the topic of the talk was  “Connecticut Parks – Back to the Future.” He spoke of his plans and ideas for the future, including the greening of the State Parks, maximizing social networking to attract visitors and the rationale behind the new Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Commissioner Esty spoke of the importance for DEEP to establish and maintain partnerships with local communities, including groups like the Friends of Sherwood Island.  He also expressed appreciation for the many volunteers who donate their time to work on environmental issues. The State and many local communities rely on the help of volunteers to fulfill the statutory requirements regarding land use commissions, such as the New Canaan Inland Wetlands Commission.

A major goal is moving the State Parks towards a leadership role in clean energy with greater efficiencies and renewable power. He says we have to pursue economically cheaper energy. Commissioner Esty wrote the Green to Gold book based on the premise that building a green energy plan will lead to economic growth.

Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Department of Energy Environmental Protection (DEEP)., spoke about "Connecticut Parks: Back to the Future". A Sunset Lecture Series, Sherwood Island S.P. July 28, 2011. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

The 1st wing of DEEP is the Department of Energy with a 6 trillion dollar marketplace in Connecticut. Energy efficiency and renewable power are critical to lowering costs. We have the nations first Green Bank, which is a special funding mechanism, designed to give us flexibility in engaging the private sector while driving the clean energy agenda.  Esty wants to position Connecticut as a leader in clean energy and the most efficient state in the country. These are goals that will define the 21st century.

The 2nd wing of the Department is the important issue of Pollution Control. On the pollution control front they are moving away from the tradition of command & control regulations where the government dictates very specifically what must be done, to an economic incentive approach. Such an approach is really more about engaging the private sector and working with the businesses, community and others to ensure we are guiding people toward the behaviors we expect.  We are trying not to dictate in great detail what they must purchase in the way of pollution control or exactly how they have to produce the desired savings.

The 3rd wing of the Department is environmental conservation of the State forests and parks. Planning for wise land use and conservation while balancing wildlife management and recreational expectations. That’s the joy brought by the park we are in today and the 106 others like it.

Solar Power, Meig's Point Nature Center, Hammonasset S.P., Madison, CT. ©Townsend P.Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

Green the parks; lead by example, this is the mission for the Pilot Parks that are Sherwood Island, Rocky Neck, and the Osbourndale Unit. Esty notes that some work at Hammonassett has already been done along these lines. Goals include: utilizing clean energy, expanded recycling, better waste disposal, efficient water use, along with better protection of conservation areas as well as reducing and eliminating the use of hazardous products.

Part of the DEEP commitment to the State Parks is access to all, and there are now a certain number of free passes to the parks available at local Libraries.

l. to r. CT State Senator, Bob Duff., Sheila O'Neil, President, Friends of Sherwood Island.., Daniel C. Esty, CT Commissioner DEEP., unidentfied, Jonathan Steinberg, Legislator of Westport., Gordon Joseloff, First Selectman of Westport. Gathered for the talk on "Connecticut Parks: Back to the Future". A Sunset Lecture Series, hosted by The Friends of Sherwood Island S.P. on July 28, 2011. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

Esty made other additional important points as well. The opportunity of energy saving through home energy audits and assessment is significant. Better insulation in windows and doors and the potential savings from rainwater collection are among the items reviewed in a home audit. Driving home energy efficiency, Westport is included in a 16 town, Neighbor-to-Neighbor Energy Challenge program with 3.5 million dollars funding from Department of energy.

Connecticut is the 2^nd thinnest state in the country. The goal is to get kids outside! Go to a park! No Child Left Inside® is a DEEP initiative that encourages families to enjoy the outdoors and to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards.

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Environmentalists from CT & NY head to Washington DC.

Press release from the Citizen’s campaign for the environment –

Farmingdale, New York November 16, 2011 — A diverse group of NY & CT stakeholders are joining together today in Washington, D.C. to promote necessary federal funding for sewer infrastructure and protection of the Long Island Sound. In a packed meeting schedule, the large group will meet with members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives from New York and Connecticut to garner support for funding sewer infrastructure, both upgrades and new infrastructure, to help spur economic growth, protect the environment and increase jobs.

Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Audubon New York, Friends of the Bay and Audubon Connecticut will be joined by Matthew Driscoll, President of the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, Brandon Palanker, of Renaissance Downtowns, Patricia Aiken of Friends of the Bay and others.

Conservation, civic organizations, agency leaders and developers are collaboratively urging federal support of restored funding to clean water programs that are critical to the recovery of our nation’s economy and environment. Since 2004, federal investments in vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure has significantly decreased, shifting the burden to cash strapped local governments. While federal funding has continued to decline, the nation’s clean water infrastructure needs continue to grow.

The US EPA assessed national clean water needs at $388 billion. Projects to fix and improve antiquated sewage treatment systems in Connecticut and New York are estimated at $5 billion and $36 billion, respectively, over the next 20 years “Building clean water infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of government,” said Matthew Driscoll, President and CEO of New York State Environmental Facilities Corp. “This critical investment will not only protect the environment, it will also support economic development and improve the overall quality of life for communities throughout New York.”

“Significant cuts to sewer infrastructure have been proposed at a time when the demands could not be greater, hindering states’ ability to put people to work and realize greater economic returns. As Congress continues debate on the FY 2012 budget, we will be in DC to strongly urge returning the funding to 2010 levels of $3.5 billion for the nation’s State Revolving Funds,’ said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

“As a developer, I am proud to work with the Citizens Campaign for the Environment to enable environmentally responsible growth throughout the Long Island and Connecticut regions. I believe this a model for others to follow which demonstrates that mixed-use transit oriented development can actually enhance the efforts of those who wish to preserve and improve our natural and living environments,” said Brandon Palanker, VP of Marketing and Public Affairs for Renaissance Downtowns.

The groups will also push for the passage of the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act and urge federal funding levels to remain at $5.7 million for research, habitat restoration and water quality protection projects. The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act, was introduced last year; however, the bill did not pass. This legislation is critical to the protection and restoration of the Sound’s ecological health and water quality conditions.

“From Long Island Sound to the Great Lakes, our communities are served by some of the oldest wastewater infrastructure in the nation which is threatening the integrity of these important engines of the regional economy” said Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “Continued funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Acts, and the Great Lakes Restoration initiative is desperately needed to put people to work upgrading these aging facilities and restoring the water resources that millions rely on every day.”

Nancy Seligson, NY Co-chair of the LISS CAC, and Supervisor-elect for the Town of Mamaroneck, knows that advocating for LIS in Washington DC can make all the difference. “I’ve joined with environmental groups, elected and appointed officials, and union and industry representatives for 20 years to tell our legislators about the importance of LIS to our economy, environment, quality of life and region, and it can result in substantial funding.”

“There can be no more critical issue than protecting the health of our state’s waters, whether groundwater or the water in our harbors and bays. Water dependent industries, such as sustainable aquaculture, fishing, recreational boating, and tourism contribute billions to the local economies of New York and Connecticut, and generate jobs which cannot be outsourced. The availability of safe drinking water is key to future sustainable growth. Investment in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure will not only protect our waters, it will help communities prosper and ensure economic success,” said Patricia Aitken, Executive Director of Friends of the Bay.

For further information contact:
http://www.citizenscampaign.org/