Bedford Audubon's Upcoming Field Trips, Programs, and Special Events

Nature Hike at Bylane With Tait Johansson
Thursday, September 2, 10 a.m.–12 noon
The last summer walk at Bylane—and yet another chance to come to know your butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. Our knowledgeable resident naturalist will lead a walk along our newly established meadow trail. Bring binoculars and water. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

“Hug-the-Hudson”—Excursion to NYC’s High-Line and Fort Tryon Parks With Bonnie Barrett, BAS Native Garden Committee Chair
Wednesday, September 8, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Carpool from Bylane, 8:15 a.m., return 5 p.m.
Join us for a morning walk along Manhattan’s exciting new High Line Park—“the park in the sky”—a converted section of the former elevated freight railroad on the lower West Side. The planting design, mainly native species, was inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use-elevated rail tracks. We will then follow the Hudson north to Fort Tryon Park for lunch at the non-profit New Leaf Restaurant (or picnic if you prefer). Afternoon park highlights in this tip-of-Manhattan historic gem include copious plantings, heather gardens, and sweeping river views. Let’s see how many migrating warbler species we can spot! Transportation and dining expenses apply. Space is limited, so please register early. Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Hawk Identification With BAS's Hawk Counter Arthur W. Green
Sunday, September 12, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Bedford Corners
Raptors are notoriously tricky to identify, even for seasoned birdwatchers. But simple techniques are all that is needed to identify hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures, even at great distances. Arthur will discuss some of the methods he uses in his work as a hawk counter, and will show how you, too, can use these methods to confidently put a name to many of our areaÕs birds of prey. No birdwatching experience required!

The weeks following this workshop bring thousands of migrating hawks through our area each year, so please don't miss out! Light refreshments will be served. Ages: 12 to Adult.
Registration requested, but not required. 914-666-8448.

Sharon Audubon Center With Bob Barbieri (Litchfield Hills Audubon) and a Tour of McEnroe Farm, Millerton, NY With Cathy Clare
Wednesday, September 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Carpool from Bylane at 9 a.m. Expected return 4:30 p.m.
The Sharon Audubon Center in Connecticut’s idyllic Litchfield Hills has over 11 miles of scenic trails, with forests, meadows, wetlands, ponds, and streams to delight birders and nature lovers. Its raptor aviaries house 21 non-releasable birds of prey. We will then visit nearby McEnroe Organic Farm for lunch (pack or purchase). As a special treat, we will have a guided tour arranged by the farm’s owner, a BAS member, and co-led by our own Cathy Clare. The 800-acre farm produces premium organic meats, vegetables, and compost. The McEnroe Market sells a wide selection of organic and regional products including cheeses, milk, bread, vegetables, fruits, chips, seasonings, and herbs. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Northward Bound: A Six-Month Journey on the Appalachian Trail From Georgia to Maine With Dan Aitchison
Wednesday, September 15, 7:30 p.m.
Katonah Memorial House, 71 Bedford Road, Katonah

Come experience the stories, adventures, sights and sounds of the Appalachian Trail, as Dan Aitchison presents his slideshow on the 2,174 mile trek north. Untamed wildlife, unpredictable weather, too much gear, and the unique people along the way make for a humorous and interesting program.

Dan Aitchison is the Curator of Wildlife with Westchester County, in charge of coordinating and managing the Westchester County Pilot Deer Management Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell University. After graduating in 2004, he felt that it was the time to do something “big,” so following his girlfriend Heather’s, dream, they formulated a plan that would take the next six months of their lives—a 2,174 mile hike from Georgia to Maine.

This program is free and open to the public. Katonah Memorial House is wheelchair accessible. Please do not block the Fire Department access. Park alongside the meeting house side of the driveway.

Field Trip to Greenwich Point Park, Greenwich With Tait Johansson
Friday, September 17, 7 a.m.–11 a.m. Carpool from Bylane at 6 a.m. or meet at Greenwich Point parking lot by the concession stand near the entrance at 7 a.m.
Located on the Atlantic Flyway, Greenwich Point is a choice location for watching migrating birds, especially warblers in the fall. Bring binoculars and a snack. Level of difficulty: Easy.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Fall Migration at Chestnut Ridge Hawk Watch
Saturday, September 18, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Arthur Butler Sanctuary, 261 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners. BAS hawk counter Arthur W. Green and our naturalist Tait Johansson will be on hand to help identify migrating raptors and other species. Morning is the optimal time to see hawks flying low over the ridge, but sightings are possible all day. This should be the peak of the Broad-winged Hawk migration. Bring binoculars, and bring a bag lunch if you plan on staying later. Ages: 12 to Adult.
No registration necessary.

“Breakfast With the Hawks” With BAS Hawk Counter Arthur W. Green and Westmoreland Sanctuary’s Adam Zorn
Sunday, September 19, 8 a.m.
Chestnut Ridge Hawk Watch, Arthur Butler Sanctuary, 261 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners
Co-sponsored by Westmoreland Sanctuary.
Spend a very special Sunday morning watching the spectacular annual fall raptor migration from this vantage point high above Route I-684. Expert hawk watchers will be on hand to identify the hawks, falcons and other birds of prey that use this route on their journey south. Enjoy a complimentary light breakfast with fellow hawk enthusiasts. Ages: 12 to Adult.
Register by calling 914-666-8448.

Field Trip to Ferncliff Forest, Rhinebeck, NY With Tait Johansson and Ryan MacLean
Saturday, September 25, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Carpool from Bylane at 6:45 a.m.
Our focus will be on flycatchers, fall warblers, and other passerines as we explore this 192-acre forest preserve. The tower at the Mt. Rutsen summit is a good place to watch migrating hawks over the Hudson River and to enjoy the autumn panorama. Bring binoculars, snack/lunch. Level of difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Fall Migration at Chestnut Ridge Hawk Watch
Sunday, September 26, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Arthur Butler Sanctuary, 261 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners. BAS hawk counter Arthur W. Green and our naturalist Tait Johansson will be on hand to help identify migrating raptors and other species. Morning is the optimal time to see hawks flying low over the ridge, but sightings are possible all day. This should be the peak of the Broad-winged Hawk migration. Bring binoculars, and bring a bag lunch if you plan on staying later. Ages: 12 to Adult.
No registration necessary.

Field Trip to the Lighthouse Point Park Hawk Watch, New Haven, CT With Tait Johansson
Thursday, September 30, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Carpool from Bylane Farm at 7 a.m. Depending on the hawk flight, return around 3 p.m.
Lighthouse Point is one of the most rewarding bird watching locations along the East Coast. Thousands of songbirds and birds of prey are seen in this migratory oasis along Morris Creek. We expect to see Sharp-shinned and CooperÕs Hawks, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, and Osprey. Driving directions: http://tinyurl.com/hawkwalk. Bring binoculars and lunch. Level of difficulty: Easy.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Fall Migration at Chestnut Ridge Hawk Watch
Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Arthur Butler Sanctuary, 261 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners. BAS hawk counter Arthur W. Green and our naturalist Tait Johansson will be on hand to help identify migrating raptors and other species. Morning is the optimal time to see hawks flying low over the ridge, but sightings are possible all day. Red-tails and other hawks are definite possibilities, and a Bald Eagle or two may make an appearance at this time. Bring binoculars, and bring a bag lunch if you plan on staying later. Ages: 12 to Adult.
No registration necessary.

“Breakfast With the Hawks” With BAS Hawk Counter Arthur W. Green and Westmoreland Sanctuary’s Adam Zorn
Sunday, October 3, 9 a.m.
Chestnut Ridge Hawk Watch, Arthur Butler Sanctuary, 261 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners
Co-sponsored by Westmoreland Sanctuary.
Spend a very special Sunday morning watching the spectacular annual fall raptor migration from this vantage point high above Route I-684. Expert hawk watchers will be on hand to identify the hawks, falcons and other birds of prey that use this route on their journey south. Enjoy a complimentary light breakfast with fellow hawk enthusiasts. Ages: 12 to Adult.
Register by calling 914-666-8448.

Field Trip to Stonecrop Gardens and the Glynwood Center, Cold Spring, NY With Botanist Carol Levine
Wednesday, October 6, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Carpool from Bylane at 9:30 a.m. Return to Bylane around 3 p.m.
Stonecrop features attractive woodland and water gardens, a grass garden, raised alpine stone beds, cliff rock gardens, a conservatory, and more. After Carol guides us through the gardens, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Hudson Highlands. At the nearby Glynwood Center, guided by a Glynwood employee, we will have a 1½ hour tour of the features and activities at the farm. Highlights include a spectacular 150-year old barn, impressive country house, and an array of sustainably maintained gardens that feed as many as 50 local families. Bring lunch. Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Lessons from a Bird’s Brain With Fernando Nottebohm, Ph.D.
Wednesday, October 13, 7:30 p.m.
Katonah Memorial House, 71 Bedford Road, Katonah

Fernando Nottebohm Songbirds learn their song by imitation and improvisation in a manner reminiscent of how humans learn the sounds of speech. Dr. Nottebohm’s pioneering studies of the song system of songbirds provided the first animal model for studying the biology of vocal learning. His lecture will focus on how birds learn their songs and how song-learning studies led to the discovery that the human adult brain can replace neurons and the clinical importance of this observation. He will explain, in layman’s terms, how the study of bird brains has provided irrefutable evidence that new nerve cells are constantly born in the adult vertebrate brain, where they can add to an existing population of cells or replace those of the same kind that have died.

Dr. Nottebohm has been a professor at Rockefeller University since 1976. Currently he is the head of the Laboratory of Animal Behavior. His research moves along two tracks—the biology of vocal learning and the biology of neuronal replacement. They intertwine in the song system of songbirds. At the Center for Field Research in Ethology and Ecology in Millbrook, New York, Dr. Nottebohm’s team observes the behavior, anatomy, and molecular biology of free-ranging animals living in nature and of animals in simpler laboratory settings. Dr. Nottebohm has received numerous prestigious awards for his work, including the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science and the Lewis S. Rosenstiel Award for Distinguished Work in Basic Medical Science. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1988.

This program is free and open to the public. Katonah Memorial House is wheelchair accessible. Please do not block the Fire Department access. Park alongside the meeting house side of the driveway.

“Breakfast With the Hawks” With BAS Hawk Counter Arthur W. Green and Westmoreland Sanctuary’s Adam Zorn
Sunday, October 17, 9 a.m.
Chestnut Ridge Hawk Watch, Arthur Butler Sanctuary, 261 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners
Co-sponsored by Westmoreland Sanctuary.
Spend a very special Sunday morning watching the spectacular annual fall raptor migration from this vantage point high above Route I-684. Expert hawk watchers will be on hand to identify the hawks, falcons and other birds of prey that use this route on their journey south. Enjoy a complimentary light breakfast with fellow hawk enthusiasts. Ages: 12 to Adult.
Register by calling 914-666-8448.

Nature Hike at Mountain Lakes Park, North Salem With Paul Lewis
Tuesday, October 19, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Carpool from Bylane at 9:30 a.m. or meet at the parking area inside the park on the left at 10 a.m.
Long-time BAS member, knowledgeable birder, and life-long South Salem resident, Paul Lewis will lead us through this county park, relating the history of the land and pointing out birds of interest. Bring binoculars and a picnic lunch to enjoy while taking in the panorama of fall foliage and Lakes Waccabuc and Oscaleta. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Bird Walk at Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson With Tait Johansson
Saturday, October 23, 7:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Carpool from Bylane at 6:45 a.m. or meet at the entrance booth at 7:30 a.m.
This walk will focus on the many species of migrating songbirds including sparrows that frequent the former landfill (last year’s trip identified 14 species of sparrow). Bring binoculars. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

“All Things Fungal” Excursion to Cranberry Lake Preserve, West Harrison With Curator Taro Ietaka
Thursday, October 28, 10 a.m.–12 noon. Carpool from Bylane at 9:30 a.m. or meet at the Cranberry Lake Nature Center at 10 a.m.
During this walk and talk we’ll learn about the fungus lifestyle using Cranberry Lake Preserve’s abundant flora as our subject matter. Mushrooms and lichens and their identifying characteristics will be covered, with a small digression into slime molds (protists, not fungi). We’ll see birds as well. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

“Magical Mystery Tour” With Tait Johansson and Nannette Orr
Wednesday, November 3
Bedford Audubon’s first “Leaders’ Choice” bird trip! Based on reports of unusual birds, the leaders will choose a destination 24 hours before the trip. Participants should be prepared to travel to that destination (no more than an hour-and-45 minute drive from Bylane) on a day’s notice—or join a carpool from Bylane. In November, rare birds may show up at various locations, blown off course from their regular migratory routes or for other reasons. Bring binoculars and snacks/lunch. Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Bird Walk at Croton Point Park With Tait Johansson
Tuesday, November 9, 7:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Carpool from Bylane at 6:45 a.m. or meet at the entrance booth at 7:30 a.m.
Come join us for another trip to this outstanding birdwatching location to look for sparrows and other late migrants on the former landfill. Bring binoculars. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

The Asian Long-Horned Beetle and Other Alien Tree-Killers With Michael Singho
Wednesday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
Katonah Memorial House, 71 Bedford Road, Katonah

Michael Singho Hitching a ride in cargo shipments from China, the Asian Long-Horned Beetle is believed to have arrived in North America in the mid 1990s. The favorite targets for its destructive attacks in this country are primarily maples, but include a large variety of our native hardwood trees. Although there is a preventative chemical treatment, there is no cure, so the affected trees must be cut down and the wood destroyed. Removal of tens of thousands of trees has taken place in Massachusetts and New York City. Another alien, the Emerald Ash-Borer, has wreaked havoc in mid-western states such as Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio since the early 2000s. It was detected in New York’s Ulster County last year and in the Albany area earlier this year.

Michael will describe the life stages of the beetle and will bring treated samples of infested trees and look-alike insects. He will show pictures of damage to trees and explain what to watch for. Michael will also provide tips of what you can do if you think you have an Asian Long-Horned Beetle infestation. ID cards and other educational materials will be available.

Michael Singho is a horticultural inspector with the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biology and Philosophy from Oberlin College in Ohio and did his internship in larval ecology at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratory on San Juan Island in Washington State. He has spent the last eight years working in both the survey and regulatory aspects of the Asian Long-Horned Beetle Eradication Program. When he’s not chasing beetles, Michael keeps busy writing science fiction and studying foreign languages. He is fluent in Japanese and is currently studying Italian.

This program is free and open to the public. Katonah Memorial House is wheelchair accessible. Please do not block the Fire Department access. Park alongside the meeting house side of the driveway.

Field Trip to the Beacon Institute at Dennings Point State Park, Beacon, NY With Beth Herr and Nannette Orr
Wednesday, November 17, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Carpool from Bylane at 9 a.m. Estimated return 4 p.m.
We’ll visit this impressive new facility on the banks of the Hudson River, where we will have a guided tour of the building—a model of green design—and learn about the environmental research being conducted there. We will then be guided around Dennings Point, part of Hudson Highlands State Park, with its rich cultural and archeological history; we hope to see Bald Eagles and other wildlife by the Hudson. Our last stop—after lunch at a local restaurant—will be Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park and Beacon Point where we will admire the installation by renowned waterfront artist George Trakas. The cost of lunch applies. Space is limited, so please register early. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Field Trip to Edith Read Sanctuary and Marshlands Conservancy, Rye With Tait Johansson
Saturday, November 20, 7:40 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Carpool from Bylane at 7 a.m. or meet at the boathouse on Playland Lake, at Playland Amusement Park at 7:40 a.m.
These sanctuaries, located on the shore of the Long Island Sound and along the Atlantic migratory flyway, are favorite destinations for BAS field trips. At both locations we’ll be looking for waterbirds (on both the lake and the beach side at Read) and landbirds in the thicket-type habitats. Bring lunch and dress warmly. Level of difficulty: Easy.
Register with Joan E. Becker by e-mail or by telephone at (914) 232-4806.

Identification of Woody Plants in Winter With Botanist Carol Levine
Wednesday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Katonah Memorial House, 71 Bedford Road, Katonah

Carol Levine The challenge of identifying woody plants in winter can add to the enjoyment of a walk in the woods after the leaves have dropped from the trees. Many characteristics aid in the identification at this time of year, and this talk will introduce you to some of them. In some species the bark is most distinctive; in others the twig, including buds and leaf scars, will prove most helpful. Another help is a pleasant odor that appears after scratching the twig. This program will include some hands-on work with specimens followed by a slide show that will show the beauty and diversity of the characters of the species of northeastern woody plants as they appear in winter.

Carol Levine is a botanist and long-time instructor at The New York Botanical Garden, Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, and the University of Connecticut where she taught courses in field botany in spring, autumn, and winter among many other subjects. She has been a board member at Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens since 1984. Carol is also an accomplished photographer and author of A Field Guide to Wildflowers in Winter, which was published in 1995 by Yale University Press and will be available for purchase at the lecture and can be signed by the author.

This program is free and open to the public. Katonah Memorial House is wheelchair accessible. Please do not block the Fire Department access. Park alongside the meeting house side of the driveway.

Bedford Audubon Society

A Northern Westchester & Eastern Putnam Counties, New York
Chapter of the National Audubon Society

Celebrating 97 Years of Conservation 1913-2010

Field Trips, Programs, and Special Events

Bedford Audubon Society

A Northern Westchester & Eastern Putnam Counties, New York Chapter of the National Audubon Society

Celebrating 97 Years of Conservation 1913-2010

Field Trips, Programs, and Special Events

A Northern Westchester & Eastern Putnam Counties, New York
Chapter of the National Audubon Society