September Environmental Education + Bird Walks: What to Do

Enjoy the Start of Fall Migration by Joining Us for a Workshop, Walk and/or Lecture this September

Would you believe that Central Park is comprised of seven bodies of water, forest, meadows and gardens all within an area that is less than 1.5 square miles?
It’s true! Come see for yourself by joining Bedford Audubon Naturalist Tait Johansson on a Field Trip to Discover the Wonders of Fall Migration in Central Park. Tait will guide you through this truly extraordinary “migrant trap” famous for its impressive concentrations of land birds in spring and fall. We’ll stop at the boathouse for lunch (or bring your own).
Tuesday, September 10, 7:15am-2:00pm.  Meet at Bylane at 6:00am at 72nd St. and Central Park West at 7:15am. Cost: Free. Level of difficulty: Easy. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.

In September, 2018, Bedford Audubon spotters counted over 5,557 raptors during Hawkwatch, with 2,389 Broad-winged Hawks in one day!
There are no guarantees, but you have to be there for a chance at seeing such an amazing sight! Join us for a Field Trip to Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch during peak migration at Chestnut Ridge and maybe you’ll get to see thousands of hawks in a day.
Saturday, September 14, 10:00am-12:00pm. Cost: Free. Level of physical difficulty: Moderate. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.

On which of our “regular” bird walks are you likely to see a “wow!” bird during migration?
Our Third Thursday’s Bird Walk on Maple Avenue, Katonah, of course! On this walk last year, 28 species were observed including a nice view of a Bald Eagle, Swainson’s Thrush, American Redstart, various Warblers, dozens of Double-crested Cormorants, and more!
Thursday, September 19, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of difficulty: Easy. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.

Did you know that you can take part in science and conservation when you bird watch?
It’s easy! Learn how by coming to an eBird Training and Bird Walk in Pound Ridge! You’ll learn to find more birds, keep track of your bird lists, photos, and sounds. Using eBird means becoming part of the world’s largest birding community and will allow you to contribute data about species diversity, migration patterns, habitat health, and more.
Saturday, September 21, 9:00-11:30am. No registration necessary. 9:00-10:00am: eBird Presentation at the Pound Ridge Library by Ann Swaim, Executive Director, Saw Mill River Audubon; 10:30-11:30am: Bird Walk at the Henry Morgenthau Preserve, led by Ann Swaim and Tait Johansson, Naturalist, Bedford Audubon.
Co-Sponsored by the Conservation Board, Henry Morgenthau Preserve, With support from HMP and the Cornell Ornithology Land Trust Conservation Initiative Small Grants Program

Bedford Audubon’s native garden is buzzing with pollinators. Do you want to know how we do it?
Find out by registering for our Pollinator Planting Workshop! We’re collaborating with the initiatives of Bedford’s Pollinator Pathway in offering this special event geared toward anyone who is interested supporting pollinators through planting at home. Participants will receive three plants popular with pollinators to take home. The workshop will include a tour of Bedford Audubon’s Leon Levy Native Plant Garden, an instructional talk on pollinators, and a demo of proper planting technique. It will conclude with a Q&A period, so bring your garden questions!
Sunday, September 22, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Bylane Farm, 35 Todd Road, Katonah, NY.
Cost: $25 (includes three plants). Level of difficulty: Easy. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.

As summer winds down, read “A bewitching book” (Sunday Times) and join our fun and friendly Book Club discussion!
September’s Book Club selection is My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. It’s a memoir “recounted with immense humor and charm, it is a wonderful account of a rare and magical childhood. From the New York Times: A lot of frolic, fun, and charming ribaldry, as well as the warm feeling of having been transported to a lovely spot where worry is unknown and anything is believable.”
Monday, September 23, 6:30-8:00pm. Cost: Free. Join us for refreshments at 6:30; discussion begins at 7:00. Bylane Farm, 35 Todd Rd., Katonah. For planning purposes, please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.

Photo Credit: Birders on First Tuesday’s Bird Walk by Susan Fisher