October 2007, Issue 10

LightHawk's monthly update, WayPoint, was created to share some of the good news we on staff learn about daily. These success stories illustrate the critical role we play in conservation efforts throughout North and Central America through the unique perspective of flight. We hope you enjoy WayPoint and will share with others our success stories from above.

Instead of finding ways to co-exist, people often respond to such perceived competition by seeking to thin or even eradicate cormorants. Scientists like Elbin use basic research to foster wildlife and ecological health. Much is still unknown: Is the cormorant population increasing in NY Harbor? Do these birds mix with birds in the wider metropolitan area? What is their primary diet? Where are their roosting and migration staging areas?

A separate study has already shown that cormorants may not cause any more ecological damage than other species that nest and roost in groups. Information from aerial photographs will help define future research priorities on the ground. In the coming year, LightHawk flights will help gather knowledge that benefits this ecosystem – including the cormorants.

As many as 2000 loafing cormorants dot the shore of Swinburne Island, site of a decaying, former quarantine hospital in NY Harbor. Elbin/Wildlife Trust/LightHawk

Striking waterbirds with long necks often seen drying their water absorbent feathers, Double-crested Cormorants are excellent swimmers and voracious fish eaters. Peter Wallack

NYBI was launched in 2002 by the Wildlife Trust. Scientists and citizens are working together to conserve biodiversity and to ensure the region’s long-term ecological and human health. NYBI programs span a 100-mile radius from mid-town Manhattan and include approximately 24 million people and 5,000 species.