Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner which means it's the perfect time to get out and explore! From globally rare wildlife to fascinating ecosystems, Albany County is full of unique nature finds to discover. Scroll on to learn about five of these distinctive finds plus some upcoming events that highlight them!
1. The Rare Karner Blue Butterfly at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
They’re tiny, blue, and globally rare – the Karner blue butterfly is one unique species that has a home in Albany. This butterfly species depends entirely on the wild blue lupine as its source of nutrients. Lupines grow in sunny habitats such as inland pine barrens, but many of these habitats have been lost due to development. Karner blues are currently considered federally endangered, which is part of the reason why they’re so special.
You can view some fluttering Karner blues at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. While most habitats find loss due to wildfires, the fire-dependent inland pine barrens of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve are a unique ecosystem where many special species thrive.
A great way to learn more about the Karner blue and the preserve that hosts them is to attend Lupine Fest! Now a month-long celebration throughout May, Lupine Fest invites visitors of all ages to enjoy daily programs, guided hikes, hands-on activities, live music, vendors, and the popular Passport Adventure that takes you across the Preserve and Discovery Center.
One of Albany Pine Bush Preserve's Summer Residents: The Prairie Warbler
2. Albany Hosts Two Important Bird Areas
Birdwatchers have their pick of prime places to spot a range of different species in Albany County. Both the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and John Boyd Thacher State Park are recognized as Important Bird Areas. Visit the Pine Bush in the summertime to find vacationing birds such as the Eastern Towhee, a short-distance migrator that sticks to the East Coast. Or hear the song of the Prairie Warbler, a species that doesn’t travel too far up North even in the warmer months, making the Warbler a sweet treat to see when she does pay a visit.
There’s also exciting news at the Pine Bush this spring. A pair of red-headed woodpeckers has established a territory within a newly restored open canopy habitat at the Preserve, a striking sign that habitat restoration efforts are paying off for a species that has declined 79% in New York State since 1980. The same restoration site has also drawn the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and the frosted elfin butterfly, both New York State Species of Greatest Conservation Need. If you head out to spot the woodpeckers, the Preserve asks that you observe from a safe distance of about 100 feet and keep things quiet so the pair stays put.
Visitors to Thacher Park, can find over 170 species of birds throughout the year. Listen for songbirds like the Winter Wren or the Magnolia Warbler. In September, visit the park for their Fall Hawk Watch. Thacher Park is a migration corridor for hawks and there are times when hundreds of the birds can be seen passing through.
3. For the Eagle-Eyed Bird Watcher: Cohoes Falls & Thacher Park
In the wintertime, Cohoes Falls is a wonderful spot to view the national bird. There have been reports of more than 20 Bald Eagles spotted at the Falls at one time. Cohoes Falls is also New York State’s second largest waterfall, making it a unique Albany County nature gem for every season. Visit Cohoes Overlook Park year-round or check out Falls View Park from May to October.
Thacher State Park is another great area for some eagle and other birds of prey-spotting. The park offers guided Eagle Walks for people of all ages to see their eagles’ nest and learn about the history of Bald Eagles in the U.S.
4. Explore Trees from Around the World at the Pine Hollow Arboretum
For a peaceful walk amongst the pines, or the chance to learn about the trees that grow globally, visit the Pine Hollow Arboretum in the hamlet of Slingerlands. This unique nature find hosts over 3,400 trees, shrubs, and other woody plants organized by geographic area such as China, Japan, and Russia, all set across 22 acres with 11 ponds and a network of walking trails.
5. Prehistoric Life at Thacher Park
Thacher Park is known as one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. Over 400 million years ago, the entirety of New York State was under a warm, shallow sea, and the park still holds the evidence of the creatures that used to live here. It's no wonder Thacher State Park attracts scientists from around the world to study the area's unique geology. The park offers year-round interpretive programs for all ages, along with school field trips and outreach programming that bring this prehistoric past to life.
