Over 800 Species Identified on Tusten, NY Property
Hundreds of community members took advantage of the unusual, free opportunity to interact with over 55 scientists and amateur naturalists participating in the second annual Upper Delaware BioBlitz on June 29th, 2014 in Sullivan County, NY.
The official count of 807 species identified in 24 hours at the BioBlitz is growing as the 9 research teams submit their final tallies after confirming and revising initial IDs.
Barbara Leo, of the Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society, noted her bird team research highlights to be, “the Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes which are generally found by their territorial singing in late April and May respectively. These were both by direct observation in the habitats that were expected to support them. The other really nice find was an Ovenbird nest with an incubating female and 3 eggs. Most birders never get to see this warbler let alone find their nest, which is concealed on the ground. The two singing Hooded Warblers on the yellow dot trail at Ten Mile Access was, also, a very nice surprise.”
The primary goal of a BioBlitz is to compile a snapshot survey of the life on a particular property as an indicator of the biodiversity of the area. Other goals include raising public awareness, fostering scientific interests in children, and providing opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
Next year’s Upper Delaware BioBlitz will be on the Pennsylvania side of the river. For more information the public can visit www.upperdelawarebioblitz.com.