July Programs
If you're looking for a summer adventure, you've come to the right place! July's programs include returning favorites, but there are also new ways for you to fly outside of your comfort zone.

Grab your binoculars and get ready to go “Jay Walking!”
You’ll see more than Blue Jays when you join Naturalist Tait Johansson for a Bird & Butterfly Walk at John Jay Homestead this month. In partnership with Friends of John Jay Homestead, we’re excited to connect with the birds and butterflies that call the site their home. Likely bird sightings include Blue-winged and Yellow Warblers and Eastern Bluebirds. Family-friendly.
Saturday, July 2, 9:00-10:00am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Email Susan to register. Please let us know if you’d like to borrow binoculars when you register.

Keep the fireworks going…
Join Naturalist Tait Johansson’s First Wednesday’s Bird Walk at Dean’s Bridge Road to look for the red, white, and blue of Pileated Woodpecker and Indigo Bunting at this monthly walk. Other possibilities include Brown Creeper and Warbling Vireo.
Wednesday, July 6, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Email Susan to register or call 914-302-9713.

Learn how NOT to say, “What’s that?”
What’s that bird – sparrow or finch? What’s that plant growing in your yard – friend or foe? Clear away the confusion by coming to our What’s That? Nature Identification Apps Workshop at Bylane Farm. In this interactive workshop, experts will teach you how to use two popular nature identification apps – iNaturalist and Merlin. After an info session, we’ll explore our Leon Levy Native Habitat Garden and surrounding area so you can practice your new skills and see what you can find. All are welcome – bring your family and don’t forget your phone!

Dr. Linda Burke will teach us how to use Merlin, “the best of community contributed photos, songs and calls, tips from experts around the world to help you ID the birds you see”.  Dr. Burke is an environmental educator, retired from full-time teaching at John Jay High School but still active in their science department. She is on the Boards of Bedford Audubon, Friends of Trailside Museum and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Murray Fisher will teach us about iNaturalist, “an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature.” Murray is a co-founder of the Billion Oyster Project and the New York Harbor School, and partner in Natural Ventures.

Sunday, July 10, 2:00-4:00pm. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Email Susan to register or call 914-302-9713.

We can all use a “light but enjoyable optimistic tale” – Kirkus Reviews
Join us for a Bylane Book Club discussion of How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior. Treat yourself to this “warm and witty journey of self-discovery” in which a curmudgeonly but charming old woman, her estranged grandson, and a colony of penguins proves it’s never too late to be the person you want to be. We’ll meet on the patio at Bylane Farm.
Monday, July 11, 7:00pm. Cost: Free. Email Susan to register. Refreshments will be provided.

What happens when an award-winning photographer’s camera connects with nature?
You’ll see with your own eyes at our Monthly Lecture as Carl D. Walsh shares his beautiful photographs. A photojournalist since 1984, Carl’s earliest inspiration came from stories about people and places throughout the world, and wildlife, most prominently birds. In his presentation, Carl will share images, insights, and experiences from some of his best wildlife imagery.
Wednesday, July 13, 7:00pm. Katonah Village Library Garden Room. Cost: Free. Please email Susan to let us know you’re coming.

Join us to seek out Indigo Buntings – a bird that is more common now than when the Pilgrims landed! (True story, and it’s due to an increase in their favorite habitat of woodland edges, such as power line clearings and along roads.
Tait will lead our monthly Third Thursday’s Bird Walk to look for Indigo Buntings and other breeders that might still be around including Spotted Sandpiper, Cliff Swallow colony, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Pine Warbler. This is a popular, easy walk – and perfect for connecting with nature before heading to the office!
Thursday, July 21, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Email Susan to register.

Guess which butterfly has a wingspan of 2.5-4 inches?!
It’s the Great Spangled Fritillary, and you’ll learn about this butterfly and many others by enrolling in Naturalist Tait Johansson’s in-person Butterfly Workshop. The two-part program will begin with instruction on the natural history and identification of our local butterflies followed by an outdoor butterfly walk. In addition to the Great Spangled Fritillary, some of the species we might see at Bylane at this time of year include Mulberry Wing, Black Dash, and Viceroy. Bring binoculars, close-focusing ones if possible, and lunch. (Binoculars are available to borrow.
Saturday, July 23, 10:00am-1:00pm. Cost: $20.00 for members; $55.00 for non-members (includes a one-year membership).  All participants will receive a packet of handouts to take home. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Purchase your ticket(s) online here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/374618553177 or email Susan to pay by cash or check. Limited to 10 participants.

Photo Credit: Great Spangled Fritillary