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Plant Talk

Please Give a Hoot

Posted in Around the Garden on March 25 2011, by Plant Talk

Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content.

Hello all! So I’ve heard from several sources that you guys are all just as excited as we are about the family of Great-Horned Owls that have just successfully hatched a nest of chicks for the first time since 2009! The owls are really amazing birds, and just one aspect of what makes the Garden such a special place.

Great-Horned Owl Chick

That said, just like any new family, the owls need a little peace and quiet. I received this email today from Jessica Arcate-Schuler, Manager of the Forest where the owls are nesting:

Please advise all visitors to stay on Azalea Way while viewing the Great Horned Owls nesting at the edge of the Forest. First and foremost, this is to prevent any disturbance to the owls and owlets. Secondly, to help steward the Forest by not trampling newly planted restoration plants, salamanders, and causing soil compaction. Notify visitors that the nest and male owl, when he is on his normal perch, are both visible from Azalea Way and can be seen with binoculars.

With the excitement of the owlets hatching, more and more people seem to be traveling to view our owls (I met a birder from Boston, this week!). For the health and well-being of the owls and the Forest, we appreciate your help.

 

So, please come to the Garden to see the owls! Please bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and bring your camera. But, please give a hoot, and do not disturb the owls. We’re working on something a little special that should hopefully let people who aren’t able to come visit get in on the owl excitement, so watch this space. Happy weekend everyone!

Morning Eye Candy: Drizzle

Posted in Photography on March 25 2011, by Plant Talk

Everyone knows that April showers bring May flowers. But what do the drizzles of March bring? After a winter like the one we’ve had, March showers bring a gift that might be even more precious than May flowers: Spring’s first blossoms!

Drops on a Branch

Drops

Cornus mas

Cornus mas

Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens

Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens

Photos by Ivo M. Vermeulen.

Proud Papa: Owl Chicks in the Forest!

Posted in Members, Photography, Wildlife on March 21 2011, by Plant Talk

Remember this guy standing guard over his nest? Well, it turns out, he’s a father now! For the first time since 2009, The New York Botanical Garden‘s Native Forest is home to at least two baby Great-Horned Owl chicks! First word on the nest came to us from NYBG member, Plant Talk contributor, and amateur wildlife photographer Pat Gonzalez, who says she has confirmed the existence of the chicks with New York City bird expert Dr. Robert “Birding Bob” Candido.

Mama and her baby owl. We have circled the chick in red. (photo by Pat Gonzalez)
Mama and her baby owl. We have circled the chick in red. (photo by Pat Gonzalez)

 

As Pat puts it, “Little white faces peeking out through the hole in that tree is a good thing” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

 

Owl Chick (photo by Pat Gonzales)
Owl Chick (photo by Pat Gonzales)