We have an impressive group of citizen scientists participating in the Snapshot NY project - over 750 volunteers in fact! They come from all over the state. From Western NY, Central NY, downstate, upstate, NYC, ADK, you name it! They come from all sorts of backgrounds. Retired scientists, bird watchers, hunters, families, teachers, and wildlife enthusiasts! Those who have many of their own trail cameras, and those who have never even seen one. Those who have lived here their whole life, and those that are new to NY. Let’s meet a couple of our citizen scientists!

Danielle:

Q: Tell us about yourself! What is your name and where are you from? Do you have a background in science? Have you worked with wildlife or are you a wildlife enthusiast? Are you a hunter, trapper, hiker, bird watcher etc?

A: Danielle. I am from New Lebanon , NY. Just a simple backyard birdwatcher! I don't hunt, fish or trap. I just like to sit in the backyard on the woods edge and enjoy whatever strolls through!

Q: What first drew you to Snapshot NY, and what made you decide to sign up? Did you have experience using trail cameras before Snapshot NY? How has your experience been so far and how long have you been participating?

A: I found it somewhere in an article I was reading through DEC maybe? I know it was in an article a few months into it opening up I think. I had zero experience with a trail cam. This experience has been great! The directions were easy, the welcome packet was cute, the loaner camera with everything included really made my life easy.

Q: Describe a moment that surprised or amazed you. A species you didn't expect, behaviors you've caught on camera, or anything that made you stop and think!

A: The first week we put up the trail cam I was chomping at the BIT to check the camera. Literally within a first few days I captured a Bob cat! Super exciting! I have caught some rabbits acting like kids, packs of coyotes, deer, and on BIG BLACK BEAR.

Q: Has participating in Snapshot NY changed the way you see or think about the land you are monitoring with your trail camera?

A: Absolutely - I didn't realize how much the eco system in the backyard is thriving. We are working on replanting natives and removing non natives. We leave wood piles. We leave long meadowed areas and fallen trees. We also can a close eye over our shoulder not knowing what can come out of those woods!

Q: What would you tell someone who is curious about joining, but is on the fence?

A: Why be on the fence? We can't put scientists in your backyard. Be your own scientist. Do what good in the world you can.

Q: Do you have a favorite photo you've captured during the project? Upload them here!

Dave:

Q: Tell us about yourself! What is your name and where are you from? Do you have a background in science? Have you worked with wildlife or are you a wildlife enthusiast? Are you a hunter, trapper, hiker, bird watcher etc?

A: Hi I'm Dave from Caroga lake. Wildlife enthusiast, hunter, fisher and just love being outdoors.

Q: What first drew you to Snapshot NY, and what made you decide to sign up? Did you have experience using trail cameras before Snapshot NY? How has your experience been so far and how long have you been participating?

A: I've always had trail cameras on my 40 acres and love sharing the pics with friends and family. I'm glad to participate in Snapshot NY so I can share them with everyone else. I've been participating for about a year now. Its been a great experience! Its nice to see so many volunteers supporting this program.

Q: Describe a moment that surprised or amazed you. A species you didn't expect, behaviors you've caught on camera, or anything that made you stop and think!

A: I'm surprised to see the amount of wildlife diversity just on my property. Once I captured a flying squirrel. I didn't even know they existed in NY!

Q: Has participating in Snapshot NY changed the way you see or think about the land you are monitoring with your trail camera?

A: It has given me a new perspective that I am not the owner of the land but just a steward. I hope to continue learning what more I can do to better support wildlife for the now and future generations.

Q: What would you tell someone who is curious about joining, but is on the fence?

A: Its a great program! Fun to see what wildlife calls your property home and great to know that you are supporting a much larger effort to help with New Yorks wildlife ecosystem.

Q: Do you have a favorite photo you've captured during the project? Upload them here!