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PH %u2122 fIXA Unique View OfA City By The BayContinued from Page 11figurations poke from the rushes. These, he says, were constructed to lure nesting birds into the area. %u201cRight now we are hoping osprey will nest here,%u201d he says, indicating a large man-made nest. %u201cWe were very excited when they began perching there a while ago, because if they perch they may eventually nest.%u201dA scattering of pilings in the 45-acre manmade West Pond appears natural enough, but Pinnock explains the wood was strategically placed in the waters. %u201c Cormorants do not have the oil glands the way other birds do and they need to sit and spread out their wings to dry after they get wet,%u201d he says. A pair, perched on the pilings are appropriately sitting with dropped, spread wings for a quick drying out in the afternoon sun.IMPORT SNAKESThe use of pilings is one of the simpler techniques used by the rangers to make the refuge more accessible for birds and wildlife. An ongoing project for many years whose results are more difficult to gauge is known as %u201cspecies reintroduction.%u201d In lay terms this means bringing wildlife such as snakes, salamanders, turtles and chipSom etim es w e even go o u tto see the owls at theairport chasing the hareson the runw ays.munks into the refuge where they previously did not exist. A six-foot black racer was even brought into the refuge and survives there by feeding on rodents.%u201cNot only do the habitats we create such as groves of birches, pines and evergreens attract a vast number of species associated with that habitat, but once a certain type of habitat is established we can bring animals in that could survive here,%u201d Pinnock explains. Last year, the refuge relocated 27 chipmunks onto the grounds and now follows their progress by periodically setting live traps to determine whether they have mated and how they survive the changing season.The abundance of wildlife at the refuge ranges from ring necked pheasants and quail to hawks which begin to circle the sky in the fall. Song birds fill the air with their contribution as planes race down from above, and elegant swans dip delicately into the fresh water ponds to extract marine delicacies. Bayberry brush conceals the shyer of the animal kingdom and willow groves provide shelter for warblers, egrets and herons. %u201cThey like to kind of loaf around in there,%u201d Pinnock says. Primroses bloom in profusion, beginning to flaunt their deep red hips as the refuge prepares for the upcoming fall and winter season.%u201cIt doesn%u2019t matter when you come. The hawks will be here soon. And in the winter, after it has snowed, you see the snowy owls flying in search of prey out on the marsh,%u201d Pinnock says. He adds with a smile: %u201cSometimes we even go out to see the owls at the airport chasing the hares on the runways.%u201dThe combination of wildlife and the surrounding urban environment, he says, works out well. The birds, he says a littleregretfully, have adapted themselves to the human presence on the refuge and even sleep on the sand while bird watchers troop along the paths. As for the planes, he points out: %u201cWhen one of the Concordes comes in, they look up but other than that they%u2019ve gotten used to them just like people.%u201dThe Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a part of Gateway National Recreation Area. The refuge is open sunrise to sunsetevery day of the year except Christmas and New Year. The visitor center is open from 8am to 4:30pm %u2014 later hours according to season. To reach the refuge by public transportation, take the IND A train (Rockaway line) to Broad Channel Station. Walk west Crossbay Boulevard. Make a right on Crossbay and walk approximately 3/4 mile to the visitor center on the left. For more information, call (718) 474-0613.Solder.An American Dining TraditionSince 1879.Minutes from Manhattan in theheart of historic Brooklyn.5 7 2 r u i i u n m a ll u c a i o u i u u g l i H a llFor reservations call. 875-5181 Major credit cards accepted1Newly DecoratedUpstairs Dining RoomNow OpenFor Your Special Party NeedsUnlimited LiquorT T , T> PC n %u2022 . %u00bb-> %u2022 n u i n u n c i ui on u a w ii LnnnerMinimum 35 people. $23.95 per person + tax & gratFOR INFORMATION CALL 788-3245 140 7th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11215Another Brooklyn TraditionProspect Park West at Ninth Street in Park SlopeF a information and reservations tel. 768-3723If You%u2019ve Got aCommunity or Arts EventComing This FallBe sure it w ill be p a rt ot the listings in o u r Fall Preview E d itio n c o m in g in T h e P h oenix S e p te m b e r 18Send Information to: Fall Calendar3 9 5 A tla n tic A ve nue, B ro o k ly n 11217 Deadline T hursday, Sept. 11.Septem ber 4,1986, THE PH O EN IX, Page 13