• State work crews will chip away loose rock from the cliff face at the Indian Ladder Trail in Thacher State Park in a bid to reopen the trail later this summer. The trail has been closed since a falling rock struck and seriously injured a woman last summer. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union / 20037917A
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
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State work crews will chip away loose rock from the cliff face at the Indian Ladder Trail in Thacher State Park in a bid to reopen the trail later this summer. The trail has been closed since a falling rock struck and seriously injured a woman last summer. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less
State work crews will chip away loose rock from the cliff face at the Indian Ladder Trail in Thacher State Park in a bid to reopen the trail later this summer. The trail has been closed since a falling rock ... more
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
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Work continues on the new 8,240-square-foot Thacher Park Visitor Center at the trailhead for the popular Indian Ladder Trail Wednesday Sept. 7, 2016 in New Scotland, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Work continues on the new 8,240-square-foot Thacher Park Visitor Center at the trailhead for the popular Indian Ladder Trail Wednesday Sept. 7, 2016 in New Scotland, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
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Nancy Ladd-Butz, who was severely injured and paralyzed by a falling boulder at Thacher Park last summer, is seen in her wheelchair at The Crossings in Colonie with her dog, Leo (Provided photo)

Nancy Ladd-Butz, who was severely injured and paralyzed by a falling boulder at Thacher Park last summer, is seen in her wheelchair at The Crossings in Colonie with her dog, Leo (Provided photo)

Photo: Provided Photo
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Click through the slideshow to learn what animals you can spot in the Capital Region.
Click through the slideshow to learn what animals you can spot in the Capital Region.
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
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Screech owls call Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort home.

These owls are often no bigger than a pint glass. Listen for their trill at night!

Note: Pictured is a wildlife professional's hand. Everyone else should look at, but never touch, wild animals.

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Screech owls call Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort home.

These owls are often no bigger than a pint glass. Listen for their trill at night!

Note: Pictured is a wildlife professional's hand. Everyone else

... more
Photo: Michael P. Farrell
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Find American robins virtually everywhere in the parks.

The majority of robins fly south in the winter, but some remain in northern locations, according to Michigan State University. Fruit is the winter food source. As the ground thaws in the spring, robins switch to earthworms and insects.

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Find American robins virtually everywhere in the parks.

The majority of robins fly south in the winter, but some remain in northern locations, according to Michigan State University. Fruit is the winter food

... more
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
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White-tailed deer inhabit state parks throughout the Capital Region. 

Hikers roam side-by-side with the deer at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, NY. 
White-tailed deer inhabit state parks throughout the Capital Region. 

Hikers roam side-by-side with the deer at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, NY. 
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
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Look for a prairie warbler the next time you visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. 

According to the National Audubon Society the migratory bird breeds in the southeastern and south-central United States, as far north as New England, with winters in the West Indies, including coastal Florida and coastal Central America. 

Note: Pictured is a wildlife professional's hand. Everyone else should look at, but never touch, wild animals.
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Look for a prairie warbler the next time you visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. 

According to the National Audubon Society the migratory bird breeds in the southeastern and south-central United States, as far
... more
Photo: WILL WALDRON, Times Union
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Spotted salamanders can be found in Thompsons Lake State Park in East Berne. 

Did you know frogs, salamanders and toads have a shorter window for their annual migration to the temporary vernal pools where they breed due to the trend toward hotter and dryer summers?

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Spotted salamanders can be found in Thompsons Lake State Park in East Berne. 

Did you know frogs, salamanders and toads have a shorter window for their annual migration to the temporary vernal pools where they

... more
Photo: Brett Amy Thelen, AP
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You can spot beavers in no less than nine state parks in the Capital Region.

Visit Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center or Grafton Lakes State Park in Rensselaer County; Hand Hollow Conservation Area or Stockport Flats in Columbia County; Peebles Island State Park, Thompsons Lake State Park or Huyck Preserve in Albany County; RamsHorn - Livingston Sanctuary in Greene County; and Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Montgomery County for a glimpse at the state’s official mammal.

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You can spot beavers in no less than nine state parks in the Capital Region.

Visit Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center or Grafton Lakes State Park in Rensselaer County; Hand Hollow Conservation Area or

... more
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Gray foxes can be found in Peebles Island State Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve, both in Albany County. 
 
One of this mammal's most notable adaptations is their ability to climb up trees, a skill that helps them escape predators, create safer dens and hunt more efficiently.
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Gray foxes can be found in Peebles Island State Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve, both in Albany County. 
 
One of this mammal's most notable adaptations is their ability to climb up trees, a skill that helps
... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren
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Great Blue Herons fly over nine local state parks.

Go to Hand Hollow Conservation Area, Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary or Stockport Flats in Columbia County; Huyck Preserve, Thompsons Lake State Park, Peebles Island State Park or Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Albany County; RamsHorn - Livingston Sanctuary in Greene County; or Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, Rensselaer County. 

Check out the webbing between their toes, which keep them from sinking in the mud.
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Great Blue Herons fly over nine local state parks.

Go to Hand Hollow Conservation Area, Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary or Stockport Flats in Columbia County; Huyck Preserve, Thompsons Lake State
... more
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale
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Wild turkeys graze all over the Capital Region, including in four state parks.

Take a look at Hand Hollow Conservation Area or Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Columbia County; Saratoga National Historical Park in Saratoga County and Grafton Lakes State Park in Rensselaer County. But don't scare them off: These birds have keen hearing and superb eyesight.
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Wild turkeys graze all over the Capital Region, including in four state parks.

Take a look at Hand Hollow Conservation Area or Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Columbia County; Saratoga National
... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren
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Catch a glimpse of a river otter at the Hand Hollow Conservation Area in New Lebanon or Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort.

Maybe you'll be lucky enough to see an otter groom itself with a "towel" made of moss or grass.
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Catch a glimpse of a river otter at the Hand Hollow Conservation Area in New Lebanon or Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort.

Maybe you'll be lucky enough to see an otter groom itself with a "towel" made of moss
... more
Photo: Sean Havey, The Chronicle
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Marvel at our national symbol at one of five local state parks.

Head to Huyck Preserve in Albany County, RamsHorn - Livingston Sanctuary in Greene County, Stockport Flats in Columbia County, Schodack Island State Park in Rensselaer County or Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County. Did you know that bald eagles mate for life?
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Marvel at our national symbol at one of five local state parks.

Head to Huyck Preserve in Albany County, RamsHorn - Livingston Sanctuary in Greene County, Stockport Flats in Columbia County, Schodack Island
... more
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale
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Bobcats have been sighted in Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, located in Craryville, Columbia County.

These animals are twice the size of domestic cats, weighing roughly 14 to 21 pounds.
Bobcats have been sighted in Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, located in Craryville, Columbia County.

These animals are twice the size of domestic cats, weighing roughly 14 to 21 pounds.
Photo: Bill Brooks
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Who is that? The barred owl can be found at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Cropseyville and Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes.

Listen for this owl's hoot in the forest or swamp.

Who is that? The barred owl can be found at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Cropseyville and Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes.

Listen for this owl's hoot in the forest or swamp.

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Black bears are fun to watch from a safe distance at Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Craryville, Columbia County.

Did you know they are the second largest mammal in the state, behind the moose?
Black bears are fun to watch from a safe distance at Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Craryville, Columbia County.

Did you know they are the second largest mammal in the state, behind the moose?
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
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Who needs baseball when you have bird watching? Watch the Baltimore Orioles at Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort or the RamsHorn - Livingston Sanctuary in Catskill.

This bird makes a rich, whistling sound to herald in the spring.

Note: Pictured is a wildlife professional's hand. Everyone else should look at, but never touch, wild animals.
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Who needs baseball when you have bird watching? Watch the Baltimore Orioles at Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort or the RamsHorn - Livingston Sanctuary in Catskill.

This bird makes a rich, whistling sound to
... more
Photo: Paul Buckowski
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The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Rensselaer County is home to red squirrels.

These little fellas get all new fur on their bodies twice a year and once a year on their tail.
The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Rensselaer County is home to red squirrels.

These little fellas get all new fur on their bodies twice a year and once a year on their tail.
Photo: (Times Union Reader-submitted)
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Spot a great-horned owl at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

These owls are fierce predators with an appetite for skunks (ew!).
Spot a great-horned owl at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

These owls are fierce predators with an appetite for skunks (ew!).
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White-tailed deer are found all over the state, including in almost all local state parks.

Look for the state's most popular game animal in Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Rensselaer County; Hand Hollow Conservation Area or Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Columbia County; Huyck Preserve, Peebles Island State Park, John Boyd Thacher State Park, Albany Pine Bush Preserve or Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in  Albany County; or really anywhere else.
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White-tailed deer are found all over the state, including in almost all local state parks.

Look for the state's most popular game animal in Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Rensselaer County; Hand
... more
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale
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Be spellbound by a cerulean warbler at Schodack Island State Park in Rensselaer County.

The population has declined by 70 percent since the 1960s, according to the Audubon Society of the Capital Region.

Be spellbound by a cerulean warbler at Schodack Island State Park in Rensselaer County.

The population has declined by 70 percent since the 1960s, according to the Audubon Society of the Capital Region.

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Find a fisher in Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Cropseyville or the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in Albany.

These small mammals are capable of rotating their hind feet nearly 180 degrees, a skill that allows for a headfirst descent from trees.
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Find a fisher in Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Cropseyville or the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in Albany.

These small mammals are capable of rotating their hind feet nearly 180 degrees, a skill that
... more
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A Scarlet Tanager might be spotted at the Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Craryville, Columbia County.

While strikingly gorgeous, this bird is very hard to find. It stays high in the forest canopy, singing rich songs.
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A Scarlet Tanager might be spotted at the Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Craryville, Columbia County.

While strikingly gorgeous, this bird is very hard to find. It stays high in the forest
... more
Photo: Boston Globe
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Listen for a bullfrog at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar.

Male bullfrogs make a loud deep distinctive call "jug-o-rum, jug-o-rum," by inflating a balloon-like sac in their throat. Calling peaks between early May and mid-July.
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Listen for a bullfrog at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar.

Male bullfrogs make a loud deep distinctive call "jug-o-rum, jug-o-rum," by inflating a balloon-like sac in their throat. Calling
... more
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John Boyd Thacher State Park in New Scotland is home to woodpeckers.

There are seven kinds of woodpeckers in North America.
John Boyd Thacher State Park in New Scotland is home to woodpeckers.

There are seven kinds of woodpeckers in North America.
Photo: Picasa
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Red foxes are known to live in Saratoga National Historical Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Family is everything to a red fox. The species is monogamous and will defend its territory from other red fox.
Red foxes are known to live in Saratoga National Historical Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Family is everything to a red fox. The species is monogamous and will defend its territory from other red fox.
Photo: Robert F. Bukaty
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Marvel at an American kestrel Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater.

These birds hunt insects and other small prey in open territory, often perching on wires or poles, or hover facing into the wind, flapping and adjusting their long tails to stay in place.
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Marvel at an American kestrel Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater.

These birds hunt insects and other small prey in open territory, often perching on wires or poles, or hover facing into the wind,
... more
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Cottontail rabbits are close by and cute! Visit Saratoga National Historical Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Look for them on the fringes of open spaces, such as fields, meadows, and farms.
Cottontail rabbits are close by and cute! Visit Saratoga National Historical Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Look for them on the fringes of open spaces, such as fields, meadows, and farms.
Photo: New Hampshire Fish And Game Department / Heidi Holman / Via AP
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Killdeer birds can be found at the Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area and the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter.

Killdeer build a sparse nest on the ground, often in graveled places where their speckled eggs blend in. 
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Killdeer birds can be found at the Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area and the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter.

Killdeer build a sparse nest on the ground, often in
... more
Photo: Jim Avelis, Associated Press
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Head to Thompsons Lake State Park, Peebles Island State Park and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Albany County, or Schodack Island State Park in Rensselaer County to see a snapping turtle.

These aggressive turtles prefer slow-moving water, so look for them in shallow water with muddy bottoms. They're easier to spot on land, basking in the sun or nesting.
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Head to Thompsons Lake State Park, Peebles Island State Park and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Albany County, or Schodack Island State Park in Rensselaer County to see a snapping turtle.

These
... more
Photo: Joe Sheehan
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Monarch butterflies flutter around two Albany County sites: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Monarch butterflies are found in open meadows and fields that usually contain a variety of wildflowers including milkweed.
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Monarch butterflies flutter around two Albany County sites: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Monarch butterflies are found in open meadows and fields that usually contain
... more
Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle
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Get a gander at some geese at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Montgomery County or Thompsons Lake State Park in Albany County.

Did you know geese are federally protected? It is illegal to hunt, kill, sell, purchase, or possess migratory birds.
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Get a gander at some geese at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Montgomery County or Thompsons Lake State Park in Albany County.

Did you know geese are federally protected? It is illegal to hunt, kill,
... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren
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The red-spotted newt can be found in Albany County, specifically John Boyd Thacher State Park and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Find juveniles on moist forest floors and adults near small bodies of fresh water.

Note: Pictured is a wildlife professional's hand. Everyone else should look at, but never touch, wild animals.
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The red-spotted newt can be found in Albany County, specifically John Boyd Thacher State Park and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Find juveniles on moist forest floors and adults near small bodies of
... more
Photo: Jim Cole, Associated Press
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Eastern Bluebirds nest in Grafton Lakes State Park, Saratoga National Historical Park and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Bluebirds nest in cavities in standing dead trees and in nesting boxes. In state parks, the boxes are set on posts five to six feet off the ground and come in pairs (one for the bluebirds, the other for the competition). Bluebirds eat insects, seeds and berries, so look for them in fields, meadows and orchards.

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Eastern Bluebirds nest in Grafton Lakes State Park, Saratoga National Historical Park and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Bluebirds nest in cavities in standing dead trees and in nesting boxes. In

... more
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In your backyard or in a state park, enjoy spotting a woodchuck nibbling on some green food.

Groundhogs abound in Peebles Island State Park, Saratoga National Historical Park and Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. These critters are skilled climbers and swimmers, good skills for evading predators. They also have intricate burrows, complete with bathroom chambers.
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In your backyard or in a state park, enjoy spotting a woodchuck nibbling on some green food.

Groundhogs abound in Peebles Island State Park, Saratoga National Historical Park and Schoharie Crossing State
... more
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Enjoy the grace of the red-tailed hawk at Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Saratoga National Historical Park or Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

This raptor is the most common hawk in North America. If you’ve got sharp eyes you’ll see several on almost any long car ride, anywhere.
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Enjoy the grace of the red-tailed hawk at Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Saratoga National Historical Park or Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

This raptor is the most common hawk in North America. If
... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren
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Image 48 of 62
Be on the lookout for wood ducks when visiting Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Stockport Flats, Grafton Lakes State Park or Thompsons Lake State Park.

These stunningly colorful waterfowl live in wooded swamps, where they nest in holes in trees or in nest boxes put up around lake margins. 
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Be on the lookout for wood ducks when visiting Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Stockport Flats, Grafton Lakes State Park or Thompsons Lake State Park.

These stunningly colorful waterfowl live in
... more
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Watch coyotes from afar at five different Capital Region state parks.

Stop by Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Moreau Lake State Park, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Peebles Island State Park or Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Lighter and smaller than wolves, Eastern coyotes are often seen alone.
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Watch coyotes from afar at five different Capital Region state parks.

Stop by Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Moreau Lake State Park, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Peebles Island
... more
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Get spooked by an Eastern Hognose Snake at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

When startled, this thick-bodied snake can widen its neck like a cobra and emit a loud hissing sound. Then, it might roll onto its back and play dead.

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Get spooked by an Eastern Hognose Snake at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

When startled, this thick-bodied snake can widen its neck like a cobra and emit a loud hissing sound. Then, it might roll onto its back

... more
Photo: Joe McDonald/Getty Images/Visuals Unlimited
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Watch turkey vulture's circle John Boyd Thacher State Park in New Scotland.

These raptors are dark-colored — except when seen from below, when the trailing edge of the wing looks silver, contrasting with the black underparts and the gray tail.
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Watch turkey vulture's circle John Boyd Thacher State Park in New Scotland.

These raptors are dark-colored — except when seen from below, when the trailing edge of the wing looks silver, contrasting with the
... more
Photo: Nati Harnik
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Karner blue butterflies can be spotted at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Look for them in dry, sandy areas with open woods and clearings. Pitch pines and scrub oaks are their favorite trees.
Karner blue butterflies can be spotted at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Look for them in dry, sandy areas with open woods and clearings. Pitch pines and scrub oaks are their favorite trees.
Photo: Paul Buckowski
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Find a short-eared owl in the Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area.

These birds are endangered in New York, so treasure a glimpse. They love open country (think grasslands or marshlands) where small mammals are abundant.
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Find a short-eared owl in the Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area.

These birds are endangered in New York, so treasure a glimpse. They love open country (think grasslands or marshlands) where
... more
Photo: Gordon Ellmers
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Spot a spotted turtle at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

This turtle is very sensitive to pollution and toxicants and disappears rapidly with declining water quality. Pet collecting has also stressed this species' population.
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Spot a spotted turtle at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

This turtle is very sensitive to pollution and toxicants and disappears rapidly with declining water quality. Pet collecting has also stressed this
... more
Photo: Connecticut Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection.
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Peek a praying mantis at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in  Delmar.

You'll need a keen eye to spot these well camouflaged creatures. Look on tall plants, flowers, shrubs, or grasses in meadows or gardens.

Note: Pictured is a wildlife professional. Everyone else should look at, but never touch, wild animals.

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Peek a praying mantis at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in  Delmar.

You'll need a keen eye to spot these well camouflaged creatures. Look on tall plants, flowers, shrubs, or grasses in meadows or

... more
Photo: WildCare Photo By Photo By Genie Ohashi
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Muskrats live at the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, Montgomery County.

These critters prefer marshlands but are also found in heavily vegetated wetlands and waterways. They are primarily nocturnal but can sometimes be spotted during the day.
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Muskrats live at the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, Montgomery County.

These critters prefer marshlands but are also found in heavily vegetated wetlands and waterways. They are primarily
... more
Photo: Austin Bachand, Associated Press
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Watch an osprey hunt at Stockport Flats or Peebles Island State Park.

Ospreys are commonly seen soaring over waterways or standing on their huge stick nests.
Watch an osprey hunt at Stockport Flats or Peebles Island State Park.

Ospreys are commonly seen soaring over waterways or standing on their huge stick nests.
Photo: Bob Luckey Jr., Hearst Connecticut Media
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Image 61 of 62
Hop along with an Eastern Spadefoot toad at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Some people suffer from strong allergic reactions when handling spadefoots. The reaction may include watery eyes, a runny nose, and violent sneezing.

Note: Pictured is a wildlife professional. Everyone else should look at, but never touch, wild animals.
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Hop along with an Eastern Spadefoot toad at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Some people suffer from strong allergic reactions when handling spadefoots. The reaction may include watery eyes, a runny nose, and
... more
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI, DG
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NEW SCOTLAND — State crews will chip away at a half-mile of cliff above the iconic Indian Ladder Trail in Thacher State Park in a bid to reopen the popular path later this summer.

Workers will remove "any loose surface material from the cliff face that may present a rockfall hazard," according to a statement Friday from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Last summer, a woman hiking along the trail was seriously injured when she struck by falling rocks, and the 2.5-mile trail trail has been closed to the public ever since.

"Crews (will) consist of experienced rope handlers and scalers, who are suspended along the slope edge to chip away loose rocks and debris," according to the Parks statement. "Depending on weather, this process and subsequent clean-up is expected to take approximately 4-6 weeks."

The trail "will reopen once work is complete," the statement continued. The work crews do similar work on gorges in state parks in the Finger Lakes region.

Limestone cliffs, like those in Thacher Park, are inherently unstable and can crumble without warning. Some of the trees along the Indian Ladder Trail, which has drawn many thousands of visitors over the decades, show scarring from being struck during previous rockfalls.

The limestone beds at Thacher are layered, making them even less stable. That, coupled with the freezing and thawing of snow and ice at the park during the winter, can weaken the layers.

Last July, 61-year-old Nancy Ladd-Butz was struck by a falling boulder while hiking the trail with her daughter, and suffered severe spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. She has filed a lawsuit against the state in connection with the event.

The cliffs, part of a 400-million-year-old sea bed, were carved out about 25,000 years ago by glaciers. Limestone is a soft sedimentary rock that is highly vulnerable to erosion.

Stretching some six miles, Thacher's cliffs are some of richest marine-fossil-bearing formations in the world. Experts come from across the country and world to study the geology of the formation,