2012 events
MONTAUK WINTER WEEKEND – Jan. 6-8, 2012
Winter is the quiet time but also the
peak birding and seal watching time. The trip cost of $375/person
(single room $120 extra) includes 2 nights at the luxurious Manor
House (double occupancy), 5 meals, 5 guided hikes, 2 evening
programs & star watch plus free pickup
at the LIRR station in Montauk. The Manor House has indoor heated
pool, jacuzzi, sauna, exercise room, and a spacious lobby where
we meet. Suites are large with kitchen, living room, bedroom; some
are duplex and many have 2 baths, 2 separate entrances.
What to Bring: Clothes for cool or cold weather, raincoat, bathing
suit, flashlight (star watch), binoculars, hiking shoes/sneakers.
Everything is informal. For more information call (718) 318-9344.
E-mail: donriepe@aol.com For other field trips: www.alsnyc.org
Itinerary: Friday, Jan. 6 Noon – 3pm
...early check-in.
3-5pm ... hike to nearby state park on bluffs for early-comers.
9:30pm ...Orientation and slide show on Montauk.
(dinner on own Friday night – nice restaurant on premises)
Saturday, Jan. 7 7:30-9am ...Breakfast at Manor House
9am –noon ...Choice of field trips
12:30-2pm ..Lunch at Manor House
2-5pm ....Choice of field trips.
6-9pm ...Dinner at choice of restaurants (included)
9:00pm ...Slide presentation and star watch.
Sunday, Jan. 8 7:30-9am...Breakfast at Manor House
9am-noon ....Choice of field trips
12:30-2pm ...Lunch at Manor House
2-4pm ....Choice of field trips
4pm...head home.
Leaders: Mike Bottini, Mickey Cohen, Don Riepe.
All hikes are fairly easy and we stop to talk about flora, fauna,
history, etc
Saturday, January 21, 9:30am: Wildlife Tracking Trip at Blydenburg
County Park
We will search for wildlife tracks, or in the case of no snow,
wildlife sign, including that of the elusive river otter, while
learning about the amazing diversity of wildlife that inhabit Long
Island's natural areas.
Directions: The main (southern) entrance to the park is on the
north side of Veterans Memorial Highway, opposite the H. Lee Dennison
County Center in Smithtown. Take Northern State east until it turns
into Route 347 and follow to park entrance (left turn), which is
after Old Willets Path.
Leader: Biologist Mike Bottini. Call Stella Miller, 516 695 0763,
to register.
http://www.huntingtonaudubon.org/field_trips.asp
Wednesday, February 29, 7pm: Mammals of Long Island: Mammals of
Long Island
 Grey
foxes? Skunks? River Otters? Flying Squirrels? Did you know that
Long Island is home to these species? This powerpoint presentation
will discuss the wild mammals currently found here, including
interesting facts about their life histories, as well as those
species that have been extirpated from the island but are found
elsewhere in New York and nearby states. Mike will have copies
of his books, including “The Walking Dunes, East Hampton’s Hidden
Treasure,” “Trail Guide to the South Fork,” and “Exploring
East End Waters: A Natural History and Paddling Guide,” to
sell and sign. A free program. Reservations required.
http://quoguewildliferefuge.org/events/
Search all mike's columns
Now you can search all of Mike's columns in The Southampton Press.
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River Otter news
Newsday did a short interview with Mike
on his River Otter study. The wire services picked it up leading
to stories in the Wall Street Journal, and on CBS and NPR. The
full Newsday story is here, and includes a rare otter photo and
an interesting map of latrines and sightings.
Listen to "radio Mike"
Mike's radio broadcasts are now available
online. More than two hours, 40
separate essays on everything from "Alewife" to "Woodcock."
Here's the List. Enjoy!
Pine barrens Hikes
Here's
a guide to hikes in the Pine Barrens, courtesy of the Long
Island Pine Barrens Society.
 About Mike:
Mike Bottini is a veteran naturalist, outdoor educator,
and environmental consultant. After completing graduate studies
in wildlife ecology at the University
of British Columbia, Mike worked for fourteen years at the
Group for the
South Fork, a non-profit environmental advocacy organization.
He has taught field ecology, environmental science, and natural
history courses at St. Lawrence University, Southampton College,
and CUNY, has published three books, and is an award-winning
columnist. Mike's wildlife research studies have included elk,
spotted and tiger salamanders, spotted turtles, piping plovers,
and river otters. He continues to introduce people to the outdoors
through his field naturalist classes, nature walks, and paddling
trips.
Mike also serves on the board of SPOKESPEOPLE of
Eastern Long Island, a cycling advocacy organization working
to create safer cycling conditions on the east end. For info,
visit www.spokespeopleli.org He
is also active in the Plum Island preservation project: see the
links at left.
Otter Study report:
Mike's 2008 River Otter Study Report is now available! Click
Here to download the pdf (1.5 MB).
Please contribute to the River Otter Study by posting your sightings
and comments to Mike@Peconic.org.
HOW TO REPORT OTTER SIGHTINGS
With its short legs, unusual tail, and large size (3.5 - 4 feet
in length), it is difficult to confuse an otter on land with
anything else. Our most common semi-aquatic mammal, the muskrat,
is much smaller. But in the water, relative body size and shape
can be difficult to determine. Watch carefully and note how
the animal is swimming.
• Does it stop and raise its head and shoulders above the water
like a periscope (otter)?
• Is there vegetation trailing from its mouth (muskrat)?
• Is it taking a direct route and staying at the surface (muskrat),
or repeatedly diving (otter)?
Be sure to include the date, time, and location along with your
detailed observations.
SPOTTED TURTLE RESEARCH REPORT
Mike's 2005 landmark study of spotted turtles' use of mosquito
ditches helped alter marsh management practices in Suffolk
County. The report is available here in
pdf format.
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