For Immediate Release: May 9, 2005
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – 2005 Adirondack Birding Festivals: Bird watching increasing in popularity, fueling local economies.
On Earth Day last month, at the Paul Smiths Visitor Center, staff and members of the public witnessed a rare appearance by a Black Backed Three-Toed woodpecker. This inhabitant of cold northern forests stands about ten inches tall, has a solid black back, barred sides and a white underside. Males don a solid yellow cap.
Brian McAllister, a talented naturalist, alerted us to its presence. Excitedly, but stealthy our lucky group followed Brian outside with binoculars and cameras in hand. Many eyes scanned the branches above searching, but sound revealed our woodpecker scraping and tapping for food high up on a red pine tree trunk. Once spotted, binoculars focused and an easy quiet settled in as we enjoyed nature’s show. A young teenager with a new digital camera cautiously moved forward for a better shot. Steadying himself, he captured an excellent photograph of this elusive woodpecker. With beaming eyes and an ear-to-ear grin, the youngster triumphantly marched over to show off his photo to mom!
All across America people are flocking to the outdoors in pursuit of birds. Bird watching is increasing in popularity and according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fueling local economies. A recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publication reports that 46 million birdwatchers across America spent $32 billion in 2001 pursuing one of the Nation’s most popular outdoor activities. Bird watching near home is most common; however, 40 percent (18 million) of all birders reported they also travel to pursue their enthusiasm.
Hamilton County Tourism officials will attest to that fact this week at the Adirondack Park Agency’s monthly meeting. The Economic Affairs Committee will hear a collaborative presentation from naturalists and tourism officials regarding birding as an Adirondack Park Interpretive and Economic Development opportunity.
Frank Mezzano, the Economic Affairs Committee Chair and a Hamilton County Board of Supervisor said, “Hamilton County, with over 60% of our land area classified wilderness or wild forest, offers outstanding opportunities for wildlife observation. Tourism is a significant component of our economy. Birding peaks during a time of the year when traditional recreational activities are slow and off-season rates create excellent vacation values.”
The diversity of the Adirondack Park’s ecosystems attracts a myriad of bird species. Boreal birds, such as the Bicknell thrush nest in spruce fir waves found atop the high peaks. Small, beautifully patterned songbirds, referred to as wood warblers, inhabit forests, fields and bogs. Loons and herons share our favorite fishing holes – often out fishing accomplished anglers.
The Adirondack Birding Celebration scheduled for June 2-5, headquartered at the Harrietstown Town Hall, in the Village of Saranac Lake will take participants on excursions to some of the wildest landscapes in the Northeast. In addition to the field trips their will be lectures and a number of social events. The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the Paul Smiths Visitor Interpretive Center host the celebration. For more details, see the Chamber’s website:
www.saranaclake.com/abc.shtml
The Adirondack Birding Festival scheduled for June 17-19, in Hamilton County, will include lectures, field trips and a workshop presented by Joan Collins, president of the High Peaks Audubon Society. The festival schedule is available from the County’s website:
WWW.HAMILTONCOUNTY.COM