July 27, 2013

            This past weekend, the Intervale Lowlands Preserve in Lake Placid hosted an All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) event.  Better than seventy people descended upon the property surveying everything from moths to mammals to mushrooms to minnows.  Intervale already had a good list of species in all taxonomic groups thanks to a systematic sampling of species, but this was the first full day ATBI event hosted by the preserve. 

            And so strings of naturalists fanned out across the property, logging everything they could find within their respective Taxonomic Working Groups (TWiGs).  Although I have an interest in many areas of natural history, I helped out with the bird surveys as usual which is always fun at Intervale as the preserve’s varied habitats helped fatten our list of species. 

            Our group of birders worked along the AuSable River where we had American kestrels with fledged young, eastern bluebirds, common yellowthroats, song sparrows, and a variety of other species which are common at Intervale.  We also found a solitary sandpiper along the river – already on its southbound migration. 

chestnut-sided warbler Larry
Chestnut-sided warblers are quite common at Intervale. Photo courtesy of www.masterimages.org.

            July is a month of change, and many of our song birds become quiet as the month progresses.  That makes bird surveys more difficult (which is why the month of June is so busy with surveys), and so birders must work through mixed flocks of chipping post-breeding birds rather than to rely on song to identify what is present.  We did just that and pished up a nice flock along the river where we found magnolia, Nashville, yellow-rumped, and chestnut-sided warblers, as well as veery, white-throated sparrow, red-breasted nuthatch, and an indigo bunting which was singing a truncated song.  Further down the trail we met another birding group and we looked in vain for the Cape May warblers which had been singing during the early part of the breeding season.  We did, however, find two mourning warblers chipping in the brushy habitat – a species which is not always easy to find, but one found commonly at Intervale.  We parted ways and our group found an American toad – significant because the herpetology surveyors had unluckily missed finding one themselves.  Later we pished up another small group of birds along the river – a flock which included a yellow warbler and a Lincoln’s sparrow. 

                After a long and relaxing break for lunch – during which time we learned that a birder from down state had found a bay-breasted warbler - a species which does not prevalently breed in New York State, so it was exciting to consider that this individual may have bred nearby.  After a short trip off site to look for Cape May warblers – which we also didn’t find – we waited a bit until the heat of the day past before setting out again.  Before we left a friend of mine noted the calls of a Texas bush katydid which we confirmed with recordings and the species was added to the entomology tally for the day. 

botanists - ATBI
Botanists identify a variety of plants which they collected during the ATBI.

            Those bird folks remaining headed out for a short, quiet late afternoon/evening walk and were joined by a few folks who had just arrived to conduct night time bat surveys as well as a birder who had been surveying minnows all day.  We noted a number of species which we had been seeing during the day, but the real fun came when we hooted for barred owls in order to see what birds came in to mob and scold the unseen owl.  We upset the entire avian neighborhood as blue jays, crows, red-breasted nuthatches, red-eyed vireos, and a northern flicker – among many other species – raised a ruckus in response to my hooting.  But then in the distance a few folks in our party (I didn’t hear it since I was making so much noise myself) heard the responding call of a barred owl in the distance – the first ever noted at Intervale. 

            Happy with our success, we headed back for dinner.  The owl was the only new species of bird found on the preserve that day, but many other new species were added – including about 20 new species of plants.  After dinner I had to head home as the moth and bat surveyors were preparing for their night shift.  The final results of the ATBI are still being tallied, but it was a fun and successful day.                              

chestnut-sided warbler Larry
Chestnut-sided warblers are quite common at Intervale. Photo courtesy of www.masterimages.org.
botanists - ATBI
Botanists identify a variety of plants which they collected during the ATBI.

Packages and Promotions

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

Valid Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

Stay 3 nights save 20%

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Book a 3-night stay and save 20%

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Apr. 5

- Apr. 10

Valid Feb. 23

- Apr. 10

Total Eclipse of the Park IPA

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Get your hands on some Out-of-this-World beer before its gone!

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Mar. 29

- Apr. 4

Valid Mar. 5

- Apr. 4

Winter Clearance at Whiteface!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Select Items!

Valid Apr. 5

- Apr. 11

Valid Mar. 5

- Apr. 11

Winter Clearance - Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid May. 3

- May. 5

Valid Feb. 20

- May. 1

Immersion into Tantra Yoga

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Nourish your body and mind by indulging in a weekend of growth with Todd Norian, founder of Ashaya Yoga.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 23

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 23

Savor & Stay

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy breakfast and dinner at one of our five star restaurants. Packaged with your stay!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Golf & Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Starting at: $119.00 * Weekend & Summer packages available at higher rates

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Mar. 22

- Mar. 24

Valid Jan. 8

- Mar. 24

Girls Getaway Weekend

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid Jan. 11

- Jun. 15

Valid Jan. 11

- Jun. 15

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE!

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE! *Rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy in a standard room. Available Sunday-Thursday, Opening Day-mid June. Tax not included. Subject to availability. US $

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Mar. 26

- Apr. 8

Valid Mar. 26

- Apr. 8

Solar Eclipse Lunch To Go

Green Goddess Natural Market & Catering

Get your eclipse provisions to go from Green Goddess Market & Cafe for just $14.99!

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Ampersand Bay Resort Sweetheart Package

Ampersand Bay Resort

Dinner for 2 at the Sunset Bistro ($150 value) Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a Bottle of Champagne in the room on arrival. 1pm late check out.

Valid Apr. 8

- Apr. 8

Valid Feb. 29

- Apr. 8

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!

Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant

Specialty cocktails featuring Angel's Envy whiskey, delicious buffet offerings, live music and a prime viewing spot to experience totality.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Apr. 12

- May. 1

Valid Mar. 5

- May. 1

Winter Clearance - 40% OFF!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% Off Winter Merchandise

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 9

Valid Jan. 8

- Apr. 9

2024 Eclipse at the Mirror Lake Inn

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to view solar eclipse with luxurious accommodations, breakfast at 'The View' Restaurant, Eclipse Viewing Glasses & $50 resort credit per room per night.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Feb. 16

- May. 30

Valid Feb. 16

- May. 30

Stay and Sip

Eastwind Lake Placid

Unwind in comfort with a luxurious hotel stay while enjoying the added delight of two complimentary cocktails.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 6

Valid Feb. 21

- Apr. 6

Solar Eclipse Storytime

The Bookstore Plus

Come learn about a solar eclipse and make cereal box viewers with us!

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 31

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 31

Celebrate 2024 with 24% OFF!

Grand Adirondack Hotel

Winter adventure and snow-kissed peaks beckon! Celebrate 2024 with a 24% discount on stays Sunday-Thursday through March. Rate is 24 percent off our Retail rates. Rate is fully prepaid and non-refundable. Available select weekdays through March 2024...

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid May. 1

- Jun. 16

Valid Feb. 20

- Jun. 15

Pre-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Pre-Season Golf from May 1- June 16. Stay two nights at the Cambria Hotel Lake Placid and play two rounds of unlimited golf and a cart at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort.

Load More