T hick stinky mud, thousands of mosquitoes and flies, worms, spiders, snails and slugs all around you. This might sound disgusting to us, but for a frog on Long Island, it’s complete paradise. Long Island is home to seven species of frogs. The most common seen and heard at the Refuge are the Northern Gray Tree Frog, Spring Peeper, American Bullfrog, and Green Frog. The Northern Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) is only about two inches in length, but can make a loud trilling sound. Its gray or greenish skin is perfectly camouflaged with the lichen of the trees, however, some of its most distinguishing characteristics are the patch of yellow skin near the groin area and a light spot with a dark outline under each eye. The females have light colored throats, while the males possess a dark gray or black throat. Tree frogs also have large toe pads for climbing, live in tree canopies, and are rarely seen. They appear in the early spring and their breeding season can last for two months. The Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) has a distinct “X” pattern on its back which is derived from its scientific name meaning “one who bears the cross”. This species of frog only grows to about 1.5 inches and produces a unique “peep” sound. They have been known to be called the harbinger of spring. They are habitat generalists, faring well in human inhabited areas. These small tree frogs are easy to hear, but often very difficult to spot. The American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) is the largest frog in New York, measuring up to six inches in length. Males and females can be differentiated by the size of their tympanum, a circular flap behind the eye that functions as a type of ear. The female’s tympanum is the same size as her eye, while the male’s tympanum is bigger than his eye. Bullfrogs have a very big pallet, eating anything from worms, flies, and grasshoppers, to small turtles, mice, ducklings, and even other bullfrogs! Their call sounds as if they were saying “jog o rum” or “jump around”. The Green Frog (Rana clamitans) can sometimes be confused with a bullfrog. In both species, the frog is typically dark green with black spots throughout its body, and the males will have yellow throats during breeding season. The green frog grows to about 3.5 inches in length, half the size of an adult bullfrog. The green frog also has a skin flap that extends from the eye to about two thirds down its back, and the webbing on its toes only extends to the fourth toe. Their call sounds like the plucking of a banjo or rubber band. When the Green Frog jumps to make an escape, it makes a loud squeak noise giving it the scientific name calamitans. Frogs hibernate during the winter underneath mud, leaves and rocks. Some produce their own version of “antifreeze” to protect their bodies in the frigid temperatures. When frogs emerge, they seek a proper calling site to attract females. Usually the loudest male frog will win over the female, but he also has to watch out because predators are listening too! The female will lay her eggs while the male fertilizes them, and in a couple of days the eggs will hatch to be tadpoles, which will then, metamorphous into frogs. The skin of these amphibians is permeable, absorbing oxygen and water, making them very susceptible to pollution and toxins which lead to birth defects or death. When water quality begins to dwindle, frogs are one of the first species to disappear. Other frog species that can be found on Long Island are the Wood Frog, Pickerel Frog, and the rare Southern Leopard Frog. Enjoy looking and listening for these amazing animals this summer, especially while visiting Quogue Wildlife Refuge! Q Q uogue Wildlife Refuge uogue Wildlife Refuge SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2013 FROGS OF LONG ISLAND “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead IN THIS ISSUE SPRING HIGHLIGHTS ............ 2 QWR UPCOMING EVENTS ....... 3-4 KID’S CORNER .................. 4 SECRET LIVES OF ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 by Brendan Dickson
Transcript
Thick stinky mud, thousands of mosquitoes and flies, worms, spiders,
snails and slugs all around you. This might sound disgusting to us, but for a frog on Long Island, it’s complete paradise. Long Island is home to seven species of frogs. The most common seen and heard at the Refuge are the Northern Gray Tree Frog,
Spring Peeper, American Bullfrog, and Green Frog.
The Northern Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) is only about two inches in length, but can make a loud trilling sound. Its gray or greenish skin is perfectly camouflaged with the lichen of the trees, however, some of its most distinguishing characteristics are the patch of yellow skin near the groin area and a light spot with a dark outline under each eye. The females have light colored throats, while the males possess a dark gray or black throat. Tree frogs also have large toe pads for climbing, live in tree canopies, and are rarely seen. They appear in the early spring and their breeding season can last for two months.
The Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) has a distinct “X” pattern on its back which is derived from its scientific name meaning “one who bears the cross”. This species of frog only grows to about 1.5 inches and produces a unique “peep” sound. They have been known to be
called the harbinger of spring. They are habitat generalists, faring well in human inhabited areas. These small tree frogs are easy to hear, but often very difficult to spot.
The American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) is the largest frog in New York, measuring up to six inches in length. Males and females can
be differentiated by the size of their tympanum, a circular flap behind the eye that functions as a type of ear. The female’s tympanum is the same size as her eye, while the male’s tympanum is bigger than his eye. Bullfrogs have a very big pallet, eating anything from worms, flies, and
grasshoppers, to small turtles, mice, ducklings, and even other bullfrogs! Their call sounds as if they were saying “jog o rum” or “jump around”.
The Green Frog (Rana clamitans) can sometimes be confused with a bullfrog. In both species, the frog is typically dark green with black spots throughout its body,
and the males will have yellow throats during breeding season. The green frog grows to about 3.5 inches in length, half the size of an adult bullfrog. The green frog also has a skin flap that extends from the eye to about two thirds down its back, and the webbing on its toes only extends to the fourth toe. Their call sounds like the plucking of a banjo or rubber band. When the Green Frog jumps to make an escape, it makes a loud squeak noise giving it the scientific name calamitans.
Frogs hibernate during the winter underneath mud, leaves and rocks. Some produce their own version of “antifreeze” to protect their bodies in the frigid temperatures. When frogs emerge, they seek a proper calling site to attract females. Usually the loudest male frog will win over the female, but he also has to watch out because predators are listening too! The female will lay her eggs while the male fertilizes them, and in a couple of days the eggs will hatch to be tadpoles, which will then, metamorphous into frogs. The skin of these amphibians is permeable, absorbing oxygen and water, making them very susceptible to pollution and toxins which lead to birth defects or death. When water quality begins to dwindle, frogs are one of the first species to disappear. Other frog species that can be found on Long Island are the Wood Frog, Pickerel Frog, and the rare Southern Leopard Frog. Enjoy looking and listening for these amazing animals this summer, especially while visiting Quogue Wildlife Refuge!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
IN THIS ISSUESPRING HIGHLIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
QWR UPCOMING EVENTS . . . . . . .3-4
KID’S CORNER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECRET LIVES OF... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
by Brendan Dickson
SPRING After a harsh fall storm, and a cold, gray, long, and snowy winter….spring has arrived, and it feels great! The Barn Swallows have been skimming insects over Old Ice Pond; Little Brown and Eastern Red Bats have made appearances after awakening from their winter state of torpor; Canada Goose families are strolling about looking for the tastiest
grass and bugs to eat; pairs of Wood Ducks visit under the birdfeeders from time to time; and Osprey calls and Bullfrog croaks surround us. The buds on the trees are slowly unfurling; and the fiddleheads stand tall and proud telling us spring is really here!
Refuge friend, Suzanne Ruggles (a.k.a. The Barefoot Gardener), once said to me that she “loves weather”. And since then, I too try to practice loving all kinds of weather: rainy, cloudy, cold, windy, foggy ~ all of it! We cannot change it, so let’s enjoy it. One more quick reference to winter: we are very grateful to Allison Galasso, who donated new cross country ski equipment to QWR. Don’t worry, I will remind you in due time to come down and use it.
Allow me to introduce Nugget, a 5-year-old male chinchilla. Nugget has moved in with Paco, our chinchilla who has lived at QWR solo for 12+ years. Nugget’s original owner
moved to California, and we were not quite sure how these two males would get along. We did a slow introduction, and now they snuggle up and play together constantly! It was a successful placement on all ends. Who would think that a rodent would get so much attention (on facebook and in this newsletter), but these chinchillas are a popular and well-loved duo!
QWR and ELIAS co-hosted Earth Day as we usually do together ~ the only difference this year was that it did NOT pour rain on us! It was a great event, and thank you to the following organizations and people who participated: Dark Skies Advisory Committee,
Emily’s Marvelous Masks, Marine Meadows Program of Cornell Cooperative, Nature & Wildlife Photographers of Long Island, The Peconic Baykeeper, The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, Running With the Wolves, Shaklee, and Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum.
If you are considering switching to non-toxic cleaning products, consider trying Shaklee green cleaning products. We use it here at the Refuge, and I use it at home, too. Not to mention, it is used by the Cousteau Society (as in Jacques) aboard their research vessels. Shaklee was also the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral Certification. You can learn more about the products and order them at qwr.myshaklee.com.
Volunteers, Bob and Frank, hoisted a new American Flag this spring, as the old flag was damaged during the hurricane. Bob and Frank are two amazing gentlemen who donate their time, hard work, and expertise to the Refuge every week. Many thanks to them for all that they have done here and continue to do. They are a very special part of the operations here!
The Refuge is always pleased to be the host site for an Eagle Scout Project, most recently, Boy Scout Robert Kohlus, whose project was widening one of the trails on the northern part of the
Refuge and rebuilding of the kayak dock on Old Ice Pond. While we do not allow kayaking on the Pond regularly, this dock will be used and appreciated during our guided programs and special events. Thank you to all involved for these improvements. Please take note that QWR also teaches scout programs throughout the year. It is an enjoyable way for the scouts to earn badges.
Take a look at our upcoming events, including our Annual Benefit Gala, and join us when you can! Enjoy the summer months on this beautiful island, or wherever you are!
QWR is busy gearing up for its 7th Annual Wild Night for Wildlife Benefit Gala, and is excited to announce that BidPal auction services is returning for the second consecutive year, making our LIVE and SILENT auctions even better! This year, however, guests are able to bring their own personal Smart Phones to do all of their bidding! But no worries if you DON’T have a Smart Phone ~ BidPal’s got you covered with I Pads, which will be available for use during the event. Be sure to visit our website in the weeks leading up to the Benefit at , www.QuogueWildlifeRefuge.org, and click on the link on the homepage to view auction items in advance!
BIDPAL’S BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
by Marisa Nelson
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Highlights
QWR Upcoming Events
March5th Annual Pine Barrens Discovery Day at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Saturday June 1st 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (rain date Sunday June 2nd) | 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967, at the LI Complex Visitor Center A full day of fun for the whole family, there is something for everyone ages 5 to adult! Come learn about one of Long Island’s most important natural areas by experiencing it firsthand! Participate in Funshops, Nature Walks, Canoeing, Kids Discovery Center games and activities, and Exhibits for the entire family! Funshops include presentations about Long Island’s Birds of Prey, Marine Life, Carman’s River Ecology, Carnivorous Plants, Fire Rangers, Wildlife Forensics and MORE. Also join an expert naturalist guided walk along the trails of Wertheim Refuge and the Core of the Central Pine Barrens! Visit www.pbdiscoveryday.org for complete event details! Please note this event is free and does not take place at QWR.
Earth Yoga with Amy Hess Wednesdays on June 5, 12, 19 at 9:00 AM; & June 26 at 7:00 PM Connect with the Earth and connect with yourself -- mind, body and spirit -- during a one-hour yoga class in the Main Room of the Nature Center. This is a Gentle Yoga Program for all fitness levels, and will be taught by Amy Hess, a certified yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance. Students must bring their own mats. $32.00 ($8.00 per class) if pre-paid for the month; walk-in fee is $12.00 per class. Payment and pre-registration recommended.
The Four Season Organic Garden Saturday, June 8th at 2:00 PM Passionate about organic vegetable gardening for more than 20 years, Renato Stafford of Homegrown learned and
developed many innovative techniques which enable him to grow an abundance of wholesome food, feeding his family something he grows everyday all year long. Learn some great tips on growing your own food during this presentation, which will include how to make soil/compost, what to grow, succession planting, crop rotation, cooking, canning and food storage, as well as how the elements play a part. Renato will also discuss how an Unheated High Tunnel Greenhouse (Hoop House) enables you to grow all year long. Renato’s enthusiasm for sharing his “growing” ability has helped many people to grow healthy organic food right in their own backyard! A free program for adults. Reservations required.
Annual Family BBQ for Members Friday, June 21st 6:00 to 8:00 PM Join us as we welcome the season of summer and barbecue alongside Old Ice Pond! We’ll provide the burgers and hot dogs (vegetarian ones as well), and we ask that you bring a dish to share with the crowd. Kayaks and canoes will be available to borrow for self-guided paddles. Come and join the fun! A free event for adults and families that are 2013 Refuge Members. Reservations required.
Strawberry Moon Night Hike Sunday, June 23rd at 8:15 PM -9:45 PM Join us for a nighttime hike through the forest up to North Pond as we look and listen for nocturnal creatures, and enjoy some night vision activities. The walk will last approximately 1 ½ hours. Reservations required at least 24 hours prior, as space is limited. A program for adults and families with children over 8. Free for members, $5.00 for non-members.
JulyEarth Yoga with Amy Hess Wednesdays in July at 7:00 PM Connect with the Earth and connect with yourself -- mind, body and spirit -- during a one-hour yoga class in the Main Room of the Nature Center. This is a Gentle Yoga Program for all fitness levels, and will be taught by Amy Hess, a certified yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance. Students must bring their own mats. $40.00 ($8.00 per class) if pre-paid for the month; walk-in fee is $12.00 per class. Payment and pre-registration recommended.
7th Annual Benefit, Wild Night for Wildlife Benefit Gala Saturday, July 20th at 7:00 PM You are invited to join a fantastic celebration to benefit the Quogue Wildlife Refuge which will be held at the historic home of Paul & Jane Dietche in Quogue. This exciting evening will include wine, cocktails, substantial hors d’oeurves, music, dancing, and silent and live auctions. Don’t miss this incredible gala, which raises money to support the Refuge. To purchase tickets, please contact the Nature Center office (631) 653-4771, or download the invitation from our website at www.QuogueWildlifeRefuge.org.
Full Moon Night Hike Monday, July 22nd at 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Join us for a nighttime hike through the forest up to North Pond as we look and listen for nocturnal creatures, and enjoy some night vision activities. The walk will last approximately 1 ½ hours. Reservations required at least 24 hours prior, space is limited. A program for adults and families. Children must be at least 8 years old. Free for members, $5.00 for non-members.
Living Desert Saturday, July 27th at 4:00 PM The Quogue Wildlife Refuge will host a program with award-winning photographer, Dana Buckley, featuring her second book of fine art photography book, Dana Buckley: Living Desert. In Living Desert, Buckley captures plant life that has thrived in the most rugged conditions and presents life
in all its brilliance, from the rare to the everyday. When Dana is not traveling for work, she resides in New York City and Quogue. Dana will discuss her work and then personally sign copies of her book which will be available for purchase. The program will be followed by light refreshments & time to chat with the Dana. This program is free and suitable for adults and families.
Kayak Lessons for Kids on Old Ice Pond Fridays, June 28th and July 12th 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Join ACA Certified Kayak Instructors for a thorough introduction to kayaking. Learn all about safety and paddling techniques. This program will be weather dependent. A program for children ages 10 and up. Reservations and payment required in advance. $35.00 per person per session. Space is limited, so reserve early.
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KID’S CornerKayak Lesson for Adults on Old Ice Pond Saturday, August 17 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Join ACA Certified Kayak Instructors for a thorough introduction to kayaking. Learn all about safety and paddling techniques. This program will be weather dependent. Pack
a picnic and enjoy lunch al fresco at end of the program. A program for adults and teens ages 16 and older. Reservations and payment required in advance. $35.00 per person per session. Space is limited, so reserve early.
Nature Journaling Workshop Mondays, July 1st & 15th from 1:00 PM-3:00PM Join local artist, Kathy Clark, for this fabulous workshop! We’ll begin with making a simple nature journal followed by a brief basic drawing instruction. We’ll take a short hike on the grounds and observe the wonders of nature, learning to record not only what we see, but also how we feel about nature. $5.00 per workshop, per day. Reservations and payment required in advance. This workshop is for children ages 8 & older.
AugustEarth Yoga with Amy Hess Wednesdays in August at 7:00 PM Connect with the Earth and connect with yourself -- mind, body and spirit -- during a one-hour yoga class in the Main Room of the Nature Center. This is a Gentle Yoga Program for all fitness levels, and will be taught by Amy Hess, a certified yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance. Students must bring their own mats. $32.00 ($8.00 per class) if pre-paid for the month; walk-in fee is $12.00 per class. Payment and pre-registration recommended.
Water Color Pondside Painting with Tony Mondays August 5th, 12th, & 19th from 2:00-3:30pm Get ready to observe and appreciate Old Ice Pond with new artistic eyes. Learn watercolor painting techniques to capture the essence of this beautiful landscape while being in the fresh outdoor air. Art materials will be supplied. This 3 part class is for adults and kids 10 years and older. Class
fee (includes materials) is $60.00. Payment and reservations required in advance as space is limited.
Light Trapping Nocturnal Insects! Thursday, August 8th, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Join Entomologist Joe Napolitano to see what kinds of insects fly the night skies! You might be surprised at what we find! We will start off the evening with a fun activity of making ‘moth bait’, which includes mashing up a variety of treats. We recommend you wear long sleeves and pants, preferably dark colors, and a hat. This program will be lots of fun, and worth staying up late for! Trap & release only. Reservations required. A program for adults and families, $3.00 per person.
Full Moon Night Hike Wednesday, August 21st at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Join us for a nighttime hike through the forest up to North Pond as we look and listen for nocturnal creatures, and enjoy some night vision activities. The walk will last approximately 1 ½ hours. Reservations required 24 hours prior, space is limited. A program for adults and families with children over 8. Free for members, $5.00 for non-members.
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8-Kayak trailer • Nature Center Windows Night Vision Goggles • Spotting Scope
Office design/renovation • Spotting Scope 12-passenger van for Summer Ecology Program
Cleaning Services
OUR WISH LIST2013/14 MOST WANTED ITEMS
End of Summer Party Friday, August 23rd at 7:00 PM End the summer on a note of celebration and good memories! Don’t miss the slide show of the weeks of fun had by the kids in this year’s Summer Ecology Program. Followed by snacks, refreshments, and raffles. Feel free to contribute a snack or drink to share. For kids who attended the Summer Ecology Program and their families, & anyone interested in joining us. Reservations requested.
Auction Items for Annual Summer Benefit Gala
QWR is graciously accepting donations of AUCTION ITEMS for its 7th Annual Summer Benefit Gala, A Wild Night for Wildlife, being held on Saturday, July 20th, at the historic home of Paul and Jane Dietche located in the Village of Quogue. Each year, QWR has been fortunate to have generous and caring business owners and individuals give a multitude of items and prizes that are auctioned off during the Benefit, the Refuge’s largest fundraising event of the entire year. All donations are tax deductible, and will give your business or company a unique opportunity to reach as many as 500 guests in attendance! Donations received by June 28, will be included in the Benefit Program.
Call 631-653-4771, for more information.
SECRET LIVES OF: Lily Pads By Brendan Dickson
SEASONAL PHOTOSPRING
You don’t have to travel all the way to Australia to see a marsupial, when in fact, one can be found in our own backyards; it’s the opossum, the only marsupial that calls North America its home.
A marsupial is a species of mammal that gives birth to underdeveloped offspring that must make their way to an external pouch on the mother’s body. Inside the pouch, the joeys – or
babies – will continue to grow and be kept safe and warm. The opossum is a nocturnal animal that prefers scavenging a meal rather than
hunting or chasing prey. Their diet consists of insects, snails, snakes, mice, carrion, small reptiles and sometimes even human garbage. Opossums use their powerful nose to search out food, because their eyesight and hearing are not as strong. In fact, their vision is so poor, they seldom see an oncoming car when crossing the road.
The average lifespan of an opossum is about four years, a short life span considering their amazing immune system, which is resistant to many snake venoms and has a lower body
temperature to resist the rabies virus. They also have the most teeth of any North American animal. Born no bigger than a bumble bee, an opossum must journey with its six to fifteen siblings
to find the mother’s pouch. Once inside, it must find a vacant teat to suckle milk. When the joeys grow t o o big for the pouch, they will grasp onto their mother’s back, and if they fall off, they are on their own from then on. Very few actually make it to adulthood.
There are many misconceptions about the opossum, such as it likes to dig or burrow, when in reality its hands and claws are too sensitive to do this. And the tail is used to help climb as an adult; not to hang. Also the scapegoats for many turned garbage cans, opossum actually cannot jump. Unfortunately, for them, they are slow creatures to escape sight when other animals cause mischief, so they are often deemed the culprits. Most people probably wouldn’t even know they had opossums in their yard if it wasn’t for a dog barking at one. If an opossum does happen to wander into your yard, don’t be alarmed, for
these animals are nomadic in nature, so will only stay in an area for a few days.
They are rodent hunters and tend to follow where mice and rats go. And even though an opossum is sometimes called a pest, in truth, these animals actually help keep pest populations low and clean up some messes other animals make.
MISSION STATEMENT:The Refuge was founded and incorporated in 1934 as the Southampton Township Wildfowl Association, Inc. d/b/a The Quogue Wildlife Refuge, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our obligation is to serve as a responsible land steward of the refuge property and its natural resources, as well as to promote, implement and support environmental education.
DIRECTORS:EDWARD NECARSULMER
KIMBERLEY PAYNE • LINDA SCHOECK
GIGI SPATES • EVELYN VOULGARELIS
TONITO VALDERRAMA, Environmental Educator
BRENDAN DICKSON, Environmental Educator
RENEE ALLEN, Environmental Educator
STAFF:MICHAEL NELSON, Executive Director
MARISA NELSON, Assistant Director
TRISH KALOSKI, Office Administrator
REFUGE VOLUNTEERS:MAX CHRIST
FRANK LEYBLE
BOB VAN SCHAICK
DONNA TEUBER
LEIGH WANAMAKER
NON PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
Permit No. 8Quogue, NY 11959
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
