Our December visit to Deans Bridge in Somers will complete the annual cycle of tracking the changing seasons through the numbers and bird species we see in the different habitats on this walk: water, wetland, grassland, and woodland areas. Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for our First Wednesday’s Bird Walk: we will be hoping for sightings of Gadwall and Ring-necked Duck and other waterfowl, Red-shouldered Hawk, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Swamp Sparrow.

Wednesday, December 6, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate
(a steep incline on the trail). Registration is required by emailing Susan: info@bedfordaudubon.org

Our monthly work session still needs some extra volunteers! Join Naturalist and Board Member Steve Ricker for another Habitat Renewal Day, as we continue our work to remove invasive species from around our property and sanctuary. Under Steve’s guidance, you’ll learn about invasive plants, including identification and their negative effect on the ecosystem. Tools and gloves will be provided, or you can bring your own (loppers and hand pruners are the most used tools). Plants with thorns, and poison ivy may be present.

Saturday, December 9, 11:00am-12:30pm. Registration is required by emailing Susan: info@bedfordaudubon.org

Now in its 124th year, join the nation's longest-running community science bird project that fuels National Audubon's work throughout the year.

Contact: Mike Newhouse michael.newhouse@wsp.com

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year and  the longest night. A perfect time for us to look within and reflect on the passing year, a pause before we look forward to the lengthening days and the promise of the New Year to come.  Ourfriend, Catherine Downs, a local Master Reiki Practitioner, will lead our Solstice Meditation Walk on the lower level of the Hunt-Parker Sanctuary, across from Bylane.

Wednesday, December 20, 3:00-4:00pm. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty:  Moderate (the trail is steep in places). Registration is required by emailing Susan: info@bedfordaudubon.org

Our December Third Thursday’s Bird Walk falls on the Winter Solstice: although it marks the astronomical first day of winter and shortest day of the year in our area, this also means the days will now start getting longer. Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for this easy local walk in the Cross River Reservoir area of Katonah: as our last bird walk of 2023, it’s sure to be popular!  We will be looking for wintering waterfowl such as Common Mergansers on the reservoir, Common Ravens, some lingering songbirds like Hermit Thrush or Eastern Towhee, and possibly a Bald Eagle.

Thursday, December 21, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration is required by emailing Susan: info@bedfordaudubon.org