Even in winter, escape to the outdoors safely

Even in normal times some people get “cabin fever” or S.A.D. during the winter months, especially if the weather is unpleasant. This year a lot of people are tired of self quarantine, isolation, limited recreation, etc. This is understandable but don’t be a “Covidiot.” The threat is worse than last spring! Many people have to go to work and that is a necessary risk, but avoid human contact as much as possible. Use precautions like wearing a mask, keeping your distance, etc.

There is still outdoor recreation available within safe guidelines. Of course, weather is a factor, and once again lack of snow limits some of the options. Maybe it is “karma” punishing those blockheads who urged destroying the Adirondack Railroad tracks for a “super-trail.”

Hiking or taking a short walk is always an option and something that you can do on your own. It is also a good family activity, although you should avoid other groups.

You do not have to go to the Adirondacks, although that is often an attractive choice. Golf courses, state parks, abandoned roads, or state lands with trails

or dirt roads closed to traffic provide plenty of locations in this local area.

Check for animal or bird tracks or other signs of unseen wildlife including the

distinct work of beavers or pileated woodpeckers, etc. Be prepared by wearing proper clothing (no cotton) and dressing in layers. Tell people where you are going and carry maps, compass, and an emergency day pack for any longer trips or unfamiliar territory.

Combine the hike with scouting the terrain or looking for “signs” of deer such as browse, scrapes, or rubs. While you are getting your exercise, do some hunting for small game such as grouse, squirrels, or rabbits. Try something different like predator hunting by calling for fox or coyotes.

Do you want a different challenge? How about trout fishing? Certain streams (e.g. Oneida, Chittenango Creeks) have special sections open for winter fishing. It takes special considerations in gear, and tactics.

Don’t overlook steelhead fishing in Lake Ontario tributaries, especially the Salmon River. Your best bet is to go with someone experienced or to hire a guide. If you don’t feel like fishing the Salmon River there are tributaries to the river like Trout or Orwell Brooks or other streams like Selkirk Creek or South Sandy Creek that hold steelhead. You can use the knowledge or experience you have gained in trout fishing

since they are really just big and powerful rainbow trout.

Ice fishing remains a popular sport. One of the best ways to get involved is to go along with a veteran. Be careful about venturing out on thin ice. Be sure there is at least four inches of clear blue ice and that you have other safety gear and warm clothing. It can be a fun family outing once you are equipped. There are many lakes and ponds in central New York that offer a variety of species and experiences.

Cross country skiing is still popular. You can do it in a variety of locations and terrain suitable for different abilities. There is usually snow in Osceola or probably the Old Forge area. It is great for these times because you can easily separate from other people as well as proceed at your own pace. The same is true for snowshoeing and if you don’t have any, you can often rent or borrow them at various locations. Avoid messing up groomed cross country ski trails.

Take the family searching for eagles. Normally there will be a large contingent wintering on Onondaga Lake. I haven’t been there yet this winter but they should be there because of the open water. Park behind Destiny Mall to get a good view. Another spot to find them in winter is the Upper Salmon River above Altmar where the open water and number of steelhead provide a wintering spot. Several have been spotted as far away as Camden feeding on roadkill deer.

If you are looking to get the entire family outside for a break and some winter fun, be a kid again! Go sledding or get out the ice skates. Just make sure to limit the sledding or skating party to your family.

If the youngsters in the family are less than enthusiastic about getting away from the cell phones, tv, etc. make the outing a challenge or contest. For example you can make the hike a family game of identifying tracks, figuring out the story from the clues, etc. Practice a skill game such as basic orienteering, making maps, or using GPS.

Try photography. If you are doing it on your own, look for unique shots such as backlighting snow-covered trees. It is tough but it makes great shadow pictures. If the family goes on an outing have a contest whether it is with cameras or cell phones and judge the photos when you get home, depending on your criteria. For families with a little skill in nature, see how many can identify trees without leaves simply by examining the bark or the shape.

SHORT CASTS

DEC Annual Tree & Shrub Sale

The DEC’S Saratoga Nursery will hold its Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale during the next few weeks. This provides landowners low cost native plants to enhance the environment. There are over 50 species of trees and shrubs available ranging from shade and shelter trees like maples to willows for stream bank stabilization to highbush cranberries or other shrubs that provide food or shelter for wildlife.

The Saratoga Nursery sells primarily bare root stock for direct planting but has a few containerized stock varieties. Landowners can receive free planting advice from the nearest DEC Forestry office. The Tree & Shrub brochure is found on the DEC website or can be obtained by calling Saratoga Nursery (518) 581-1439.

The DEC provides free resources for schools of 50 trees or a mixed packet of 30 shrubs. Contact the nearest regional Forestry Office.

Great Backyard Bird Count

Help out in an effort of citizen science and enjoy nature at the same time. The Great Backyard Bird Count will be held February 14 – 17, 2020 and they are looking for volunteers. Count for as little as 15 minutes one day or watch for many hours each day at multiple locations. The time and effort are up to you.

Keep track of the kinds of birds you watched, make the best estimates of each species numbers, and enter your lists. Check for details and sign up at www.birdcount.org.

The information gathered online will help scientists track changes in bird distribution. Even many common species are in decline and it is important to track changers in the numbers and distribution over time. Even if you are not an expert at identifying birds, it is important if you can participate for a short time that weekend.

DEC Encourages Ice Fisherman To Put Safety First

With thin ice forming on lakes in the higher elevations or in some Adirondack waters, ice fishermen are eager to get out and pursue their sport. The NYS DEC encourages anglers to put safety first when ice fishing. Four inches of solid ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary on waterbodies and even within the same waterbody.

Anglers should be particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice buildup. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. Testing the thickness of ice can easily be done with an auger or ice spud at various spots.

Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club

The highly successful Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club will not be holding its annual raffle this year. The uncertainty about the future of the hatchery and concerns about the COVID virus have led to the decision not to obtain eggs and raise them to the fry stage this year. Consequently there is less need for funds. The Club does plan on obtaining fry from a private hatchery and stocking them at the proper time. There will be more details on this in the coming weeks.