It’s officially Hawkwatch Season! 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. More data here>>

Hawkwatch takes place daily through November, 9:00am-5:00pm (weather permitting). Arthur Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Bedford Corners. Registration not necessary, but please abide by current Covid-19 guidelines based on your vaccination status.

SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS

Come birdwatching in a field of dreams…
It will be a beautiful thing! Join Bedford Audubon Garden Director Mathew McDowell, Hilltop Hanover’s Native Plant Propagator Emily Rauch, along with Bedford Audubon Board member and Naturalist Steve Ricker for a Bird Walk at Hilltop Hanover Farm. Venture out into the field where we might observe wild birds feeding from three different varieties of common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and different native perennials. We’ll cover the importance of plants as natural bird feeders as well as the other ecosystem benefits they provide. Everyone who joins the bird walk is invited to stay and join Hilltop Hanover’s community harvest of sunflower heads at 9:30am.
Saturday, September 4, 8:00am. Cost: Free. Register through Hilltop Hanover by CLICKING HERE.

Want to connect with nature? It’s a walk in the park… literally!
Bedford Audubon is pleased to partner with Mount Kisco Recreation for an Exploration of Nature at Leonard Park. Naturalist Tait Johansson will be there to point out birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife in this family-friendly casual drop-in event. Get close-up views of cooperating birds and insects through a scope or binoculars that we’ll have on hand, ask nature questions, and pick up goodies for kids and adults.
Saturday, September 11, 11:00am-12:30pm. Meet at the picnic tables near the tea house. Cost: Free.  Level of Difficulty: Easy. No need to register, but note that Leonard Park is open to residents of Mount Kisco.

“If you’ve seen one bird, you have not seen them all.” – Naturalist E.O. Wilson
Join Melanie Brocklehurst as she leads this month’s Bylane Book Club discussion of The Bird Way – A New Look at the Way Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent and Think and you’ll understand that quote. In her book, best-selling author Jennifer Ackerman shows there is clearly no single bird way of being. In every respect, in plumage, form, song, flight, lifestyle, niche, and behavior, birds vary. This book is a must-read for bird lovers, as it… “reminds us that we have a lot in common with birds – like us, they are capable of deception and manipulation, not to mention cooperation, culture and communication.” – The Washington Post
Monday, September 13, 6:30pm. Cost: Free. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713. Weather permitting, we will meet in-person on the patio at Bylane Farm.

Birding from the water? Yes!
You won’t want to miss this year’s Guided Canoe Trip at Constitution Marsh. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is in Putnam County on the east shore of the Hudson River. The marsh is an Audubon New York Important Bird Area (IBA), a NY State Bird Conservation Area, and is designated as a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Learn more>>
Saturday, September 18, 9:30-11:30am. Cost: $45.00 (Member); $50.00 (Non-member). CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online or email info@bedfordaudubon.org to pay using cash or check. Registration is very limited and there will be two people per canoe.

Perch with us for a bird’s-eye view of migrating raptors and spectacular views…
Learn about the scientific data our team is collecting by joining us for Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch this month. Each spring and fall, Broad-winged Hawks and other birds of prey migrate by the thousands in large flocks called “kettles”, soaring on thermals to and from their breeding grounds and winter habitat thousands of miles away. Lead Counter Rich Aracil, Interpreter Abby Butler, and of course Tait Johansson will be on hand to give you all the details from a viewing platform that is perched high above I-684 with spectacular views at the Arthur Butler Sanctuary. Who knows, this might be a day when thousands of hawks could be spotted!
Sunday, September 19, 10:00am-12;00pm. Cost: Free. Register by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.

Do you think goldenrod is to blame for your later summer allergies?
Goldenrod flowers contain nectar and have large, heavy pollen grains that attach to insects’ bodies. Ragweed flowers do not contain nectar and have lightweight pollen that transfers by wind. Find out more by joining Mathew McDowell for his new virtual Goldenrod Workshop this month. A major component of the last blaze of floral color in late summer and fall, goldenrods are an important, but often misunderstood part of the local flora. Learn about what makes these plants keystone species and ways to incorporate them into your gardening.
Tuesday, September 21, 6:00pm. Cost: Free. Register by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants prior to the workshop.

We’re mixing things but will bring you tranquility…
There’s nothing like starting your day by connecting with nature! Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for his Third Thursday’s Bird Walk (on the FOURTH Thursday) this month. This local, easy-going walk is a favorite for birders of all levels. On prior September walks at this location, we’ve seen various warblers, Bald Eagles, Double-crested Cormorants, and much more!
Thursday, September 23, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Register by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.

Photo Credit: American Kestrel by Mick Thompson