xDesign Hub

http://www.nyu.edu/projects/xdesign/blogin]]>

Link 1 – with assembly instructions.
Link 2 – just a table of specs.
Link 3 – with information about putting wood chips in boxes, and where to locate the boxes.]]>

For a flag pole: “Flagpoles that are supported entirely from the building may be constructed to project
not more than eighteen feet beyond the street line, but not closer than two feet to the curb line, provided that no part of the flagpole is less than fifteen feet above the ground or sidewalk level.

On signs: “Wall signs may be constructed to project not more than twelve inches beyond the street line when conforming to the requirements of subchapter seven of this chapter. . . . Projecting signs may be constructed to project not more than ten feet beyond the street line, but not closer than two feet to the curb line, when conforming to the requirements of subchapter seven of this chapter, and provided that no part of the sign is less than ten feet above the ground or sidewalk level.”

From the NYC Building Code.

An article in the New York Times discusses the code for flag poles, and the process involved in approval.]]>

a nice summary, which amounts to providing food, water and shelter, resources which are often scarce in suburban areas. Providing variety in your plantings, especially providing year-round food, is especially useful. It dicusses the importance of planting native species, which native birds are already familiar with and adapted to, and organic gardening (using pesticides hurts the birds that eat insects).

When providing water, keep the water shallow – no more than 2-3″ deep – as songbirds cannot swim, and will be very wary of entering deeper water. A rough and gradually sloping bottom, perhaps with some stones added for smaller birds to land on, will also help. A water source should be in a clearing, so that drinking and bathing birds can keep an eye out for predators. Depending on whether hawks or cats are a more likely threat will determine what sorts of plantings need to be near the water.

Cornell has several pages, including one on seven important plant groups:]]>

Locations are mapped here, along with observations about water sources.

Observed Pigeons; Sparrows; Swifts; a single gull; and a Mocking Bird on 18th between 9th and 10th. Nest material in its mouth–did not see the nest location.
The underbelly of the highline was actively pigeonated, could not discern nests from roosting (perhaps tweeters are wuieter in the evening). NJ has see 2 nests on 18th street underbelly. notice nests
Sparrow nest 443 19th. Noise was coming from a crevice in window frame.
Gull flying overhead arround 9th st at about 22nd. Maybe heading for the fish shop on 9th and 19th

No bats noted.

Yesterday, nj observed the 9 Canada Geese, and a single female mallard. The CG enjoyed the uncooked potato chips the cooks from the Frying Pan threw to them. The duck and gulls (ring?) did not care for the potatoes, and were more enthusiastic about the hotdog buns, and flat bread.
The Piers make a magnificient]]>