If a field where fireflies live is paved over, the fireflies don’t migrate to a different field. They just disappear forever. (Smithsonian Magazine)

Neither flies nor bugs, these bioluminescent beetles are treasured parts of the American landscape. However, their numbers are declining, and they may become a thing of the past. In Mathew McDowell’s evening Workshop: Fire in the Sky: Lightening Bugs in the Landscape at Bylane Farm, learn about the biology and ecology of fireflies, as well as ways for you to provide them habitat and help keep the summer lit. After the talk we will step outside onto the patio and hopefully see fireflies in action around the garden.

Tuesday, August 3, 7:30pm. Cost: Free. Registration is limited and required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.

Back this year… a visit to the only wildlife refuge in the national park system and a world-class location for birding.

That’s right – conditions look good for a Field Trip to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge! Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for high tide at the bay near the peak of shorebird migration at the Refuge’s East Pond. We could see flocks of hundreds of migrating shorebirds, and in the last few days, eBirders have recorded Great Blue Heron, Glossy Ibis, Osprey, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron and so many others! Bring binoculars, lunch, sunscreen, plenty of cold drinks, and boots/footwear so you won’t mind getting muddy. Meet at Bylane Farm at 6:30am to caravan or meet at the Visitors’ Center at 8:00am.

Sunday, August 8, 8:00am-1:00pm. Cost: Free.  Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or call 914-302-9713. (Please specify where you will meet the group when you register.)

If you missed seeing warblers during spring migration, join us in search of them before they head out!

Many warblers are already migrating by mid-August. Join Tait at our popular Third Thursday’s Bird Walk (which is taking place on the second Thursday this month!) to look for warblers and other songbird migrants while you have the chance! It’s the last bird walk before Labor Day weekend, and we’d love to see you!

Thursday, August 12, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Email Susan to register at info@bedfordaudubon.org or call 914-302-9713.

Spectacular flocks of Broad-winged Hawks pass through our area in mid-September, but Accipiters such as Sharp-shinned + Cooper’s Hawks provide the most consistent flight throughout the fall hawk-watching season.

Join us for Science in Action: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch to experience the miracle of raptor migration. Our data is combined with other Hawkwatch sites to create population and migration analyses that help us better protect raptors and their habitats.

Beginning Tuesday, August 25 through November 23, 9:00am-5:00pm (weather permitting). Arthur Butler Sanctuary is on Chestnut Ridge Road in Bedford Corners. Registration not necessary.

CLICK HERE for more info.

Photo: Firefly (Adobe Photostock)