November Programming – Let’s Connect with Nature!

Keep your binoculars out, grab a book, and/or warm up with a lecture this November!

As autumn passes by, there is still time to appreciate late migrating birds and the amazing diversity of waterfowl and other birds that winter in our area. We hope you’ll keep connecting by joining us this month!

Can you imagine a landfill that has been transformed into a meadow that is a star attractant for birds all year?
If not, come see one for yourself on our Field Trip to Croton Point Park. This capped landfill that was a feeding ground for thousands of gulls is now a top place to bird in Westchester. Croton Point is a fine local birding spot, especially good in early November for open country birds like Horned Larks, grassland sparrows, harriers, and other raptors.
Friday, November 8, 8:00am-12:00pm. Meet at the Croton Point Park entrance booth at 8:00am or meet at Bylane to carpool/caravan at 7:15am. Cost: Free. Level of difficulty: Easy. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.

Embrace the season by reading a “humorous, big-hearted, and boundlessly beautiful romp… where even a cowardly CROW can become a hero.”
Please join us for November’s Book Club to Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton. In this novel, “one pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.” Best-selling New York Times author Helen Macdonald (H is for Hawk) says Hollow Kingdom is “transformative, poignant, and funny as hell.” This novel is sure to lead to a lively discussion!
Monday, November 11, 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.

Did you know there are River Otters are in our backyard?
Find out where they are located and more from Sarah Walkley at our Monthly Lecture on River Otter Behavior + Vocalizations in Westchester County and Beyond. River otters are a secretive but very welcome member of Westchester’s wildlife. As an indicator species, their presence speaks to the quality of both the aquatic and terrestrial habitats in our county. This lecture addresses the life history, behavior, and communication of these interesting animals while showing trail camera footage taken throughout New York, including in Pound Ridge and Bedford.
Wednesday, November 13, 7:30-8:30pm. Join us at 7:00pm for refreshments; lecture begins at 7:30pm. Katonah Village Library. Cost: Free. Advance registration is not required.

Do you like surprises?
If so, save the date for a very Special Field Trip: Leader’s Choice with Naturalist-in-Residence Tait Johansson. November is the best month for rarities – while we may not be chasing a Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Tait will scout out the latest and greatest for the group to see.
Saturday, November 16, 8:00am-1:00pm. Time and location to be determined!  Will be within 1 ½ hrs. drive of Westchester. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.

Connect with nature (and fellow birders!) and get some pre-Thanksgiving exercise on our popular monthly walk!
Pop over to our Third Thursday’s Bird Walk on Maple Avenue in Katonah to see what’s hanging around! There are no guarantees, but there’s sure to be something to make your day!
Thursday, November 21, 7:30am-9:30am. Meet at the intersection of Maple Avenue + Reservoir Road (right at the dam). Cost: Free. Level of difficulty: Easy. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.

Last call to get some R&R with Bedford Audubon this fall!
We’re talking about Raptors & Research! We’ve been collecting scientific data on raptor migration at the Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch since mid-August, but our last day is coming up. Check it out at our viewing platform that offers spectacular views of the hills of Putnam County, towns such as Bedford, North Castle, and Greenwich, and Long Island Sound. The raptors you might see migrate from their northern breeding grounds in Canada and northern New England to their wintering grounds in the southern US and Central + South America.
Daily through Monday, November 25 from 9:00am-5:00pm (weather permitting). Arthur Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Bedford Corners. Head up the Orange Trail staying parallel to the fence line and you will come to the viewing platform. Cost: Free. Level of difficulty: Moderate. No registration necessary.

Photo Credit: John Hannan (photo taken in Croton Point)