winter

Winter Bluebirds

John Weeks — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses bluebirds and other thrushes that may remain in the area during the winter months as long as a food source is available.

What the Blizzard of '93 Told Me

John Weeks — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

John Weeks describes his explorations following the Great Blizzard of '93. March of 2013 marks the 20 year anniversary of the Storm of the Century.

The Saga of the Disappearing Snowbanks

John Weeks — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:25:00 +0000

Snowbanks perform many functions, but it is a liberating event when they show signs of disappearing. John Weeks discusses everything that is coming to life within snowbanks and everything that is left behind after the final ones melt.

Winter Wonders Under This Snow

John Weeks — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:25:00 +0000

Much of nature is covered by snow each winter. John Weeks dispels the rumor that the winter landscape without snow is baron and uninteresting.

Rain and warm temps keep area ski resorts closed

Ryan Delaney — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:32:00 +0000

Last night's rainfall was not a welcome sound for Peter Harris, owner of Song Mountain in Tully.

Scientists predict flu outbreaks with weather forecasting techniques

Marie Cusick — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:31:12 +0000

Someday your local weatherman may also be able predict the latest flu outbreak. That's according to a new study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers try to individualize light therapy

Marie Cusick — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 21:04:04 +0000

As upstate New York heads into some of the darkest days of the calendar year, researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy are trying to shed some light on our individual cycle of sleeping and waking known as the circadian rhythm.

Little Climates and the First Forest

John Weeks — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:25:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses the first widespread freeze of the year, and the gorgeous day that proceeded it. He also explains the significance of microclimates and their undetected presence nearly everywhere we turn.

Expect a higher heating bill this winter

Kate O'Connell — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:47:07 +0000

A return to normal winter weather means New Yorkers can expect to see a rise in their heating bills. Those using natural gas to heat their homes will see higher bills despite a 12 percent drop in pricing.

Mysteries of Sight, Sound and Other Senses

John Weeks — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:00:00 +0000

From birds using celestial navigation, to salmon using chemical sensors to "smell" their way home, John Weeks discusses the migration phenomenon of various species. Weeks notes that many migration patterns hold mysteries that are still unexplained.

What Autumn Contributes to My Enjoyment Of Winter

John Weeks — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:19:44 +0000

As the equinox approaches, Weeks explains the rules of winter ecology and the basic rules of supply and demand as they apply to the critters gathering food in preparation for the winter months. He also describes how, for him, enjoyment of winter depends upon bounty of the growing season which proceeded it.

Flu season peaks behind schedule

Ellen Abbott — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:51:42 +0000

Flu season is peaking this week in Onondaga county, a month behind schedule. This year's flu bug is a particularly mild one. According to federal figures, this year reports the fewest cases since the 80s.

"I think that we're peaking now, which is a late peak, but our numbers were still going up as of last week... but very, very low numbers, not anything I'm concerned about," Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow said. "But it is not over yet."

Morrow tracks flu numbers every year. She says that the mild winter could have something to do with lower numbers.

Snow Scarcity at Nearby Ski Areas

Joyce Gramza — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:34:47 +0000

Song Mountain Ski Resort owner Peter Harris predicts people will be skiing by Christmas.

"Everybody’s chomping at the bit, this time of year people are sick of golfing, they want to go skiing."

Peter says even without the natural snow, they just need a few days of sustained cold to cover the trails with man-made flakes. He says they can definitely catch up on business.