Members Photo Exhibit Opening Reception at the Somers Library

Join us for the Opening Reception of an encore presentation of our Members’ Photo Exhibit at the Somers Library! Now is your chance to experience From Near and Far: Celebrating Birds Across the Americas, a selection of bird photographs from across the Americas, captured by Bedford Audubon members. Beyond the birds we see locally, both year-round residents and migratory species, there is a vast array of fascinating bird species we never experience here in New York – almost 11,000 species globally! This exhibit visually showcases some of the most photogenic bird species from all parts of the Americas while answering some of the questions you might have about our migratory birds as they travel along aerial “flyways” extending from North America south to Mexico, Central America, and as far south as the tip of South America: where do “our” birds go when they head south, how far do they travel, and what other bird species do they encounter on their wintering grounds? 

Saturday, November 1, 1:00pm-2:30pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Cost: free. Location: Somers Library, Route 139 & Reis Park, Somers, NY.  Email Susan to RSVP.

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Stop the Strike! Bird-Friendly Windows at Home Workshop

An estimated 1 billion birds die from window collisions each year in North America – with 99% of these strikes happening at residential and low-rise buildings. Calculations show an average of 10 birds per residential home die annually in the United States. These deaths are preventable if people take action at their own homes! Please join us for a crash course on bird-window collisions at our new Workshop: Stop the Strike! Bird-Friendly Windows at Home. In the first part of this two-part workshop, former board president Susan Fisher will break down why birds fly into windows, how big the problem really is, and most importantly, what simple steps homeowners can take to stop these deadly strikes. In the second half, we’ll roll up our sleeves to construct take-home paracord Acopian BirdSavers, simple, effective window treatments so we can all help protect birds at our own homes.

Sunday, November 2, 10:00am-11:30am. Cost: $25 for members; $35 non-members. This workshop is limited to 8 participants. Fee includes all materials, including paracord and clamps, to construct bird savers for three average-sized residential windows.

First Wednesday’s Bird Walk

On our monthly visit to Deans Bridge in Somers, Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead an exploration of water, wetland, grassland, and woodland habitats. We will be on the lookout for Green-winged Teal, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Purple Finch, and Fox Sparrow, among others. Come along with us and see what we find!

Wednesday, November 5, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (there is a steep incline on the trail). Email Susan to register.

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Project FeederWatch

Join our count! And join thousands of people in watching, learning, and contributing observations about the natural world. Bring your coffee, and spend an hour with us as we count the birds we see in and around Bylane Farm. Project FeederWatch is a community science project that enlists thousands of people across North America to count the birds they see at their feeders, backyards, and local green spaces each winter. The project is a collaboration between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. We will be counting every month November through April so look for all the upcoming dates.

Sunday, November 9, 9:00am-10:00am. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Cost: Free. Email Susan to register.

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Fall Garden Workshop

Many gardeners assume fall is the time to clear everything out and tidy up, but a more mindful approach can greatly benefit both your garden’s long-term health and the survival of native birds and wildlife. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to strike the right balance: doing what’s necessary to prep your garden for the winter, while preserving the natural elements—like seed heads, stalks, and leaf litter—that provide essential food, shelter, and nesting material for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects throughout the winter.

Guided by our Native Habitat Garden Committee experts, you’ll explore best practices for supporting native wildlife through the colder months. You’ll also get practical tips and advice, discover top native plant recommendations for building a thriving habitat garden—and even collect native seeds from our garden to take home and plant in your own!

Sunday, November 9, 11:00am-1:00pm. Cost: $25 (Members); $35 (Non-members). Location: Bylane Farm. This workshop is limited to 10 participants. The fee will help offset the program costs and includes handouts of everything covered in the workshop along with a list of resources.

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Habitat Renewal Volunteer Session

Want to learn how to enhance the environmental value of your own garden, patio or yard to welcome more birds, bees and other pollinators? Join Naturalist and Board Member Steve Ricker to work in and around Bedford Audubon’s Leon Levy Native Habitat Garden and learn how the elements of a good native habitat garden work together to provide essential resources for native birds and other wildlife, how to identify and remove invasive plants, and why this is so vital to a healthy ecosystem.

Several work projects are underway including a new Accessibility Trail and Inclusive Teaching Garden, a project to enhance the quality of the rare shrub habitat on the sanctuary for our bird and pollinator friends, and an invasive removal project on our historic farmhouse stone wall, which features a unique carriage stone.

This is a great and fun way to get some exercise, fresh air, and contribute to the communities’ wild animals and plants. Tools and gloves are provided, but you can bring your own. Loppers and hand pruners are the most used types. Plants with thorns and poison ivy will be present.

Saturday, November 15, 11am-12:30pm. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Email Susan to register.

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Sunday Afternoon in the Park with Bedford Audubon

Join us at Bedford Hills Memorial Park and rediscover the wonder of the birds and wildlife found right in your own backyard. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned birder, this event offers something for everyone. We’ll have binoculars and a viewing scope on hand so you can get a closer look and Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead a guided nature walk to help you see familiar birds in a whole new way – and maybe even spot some unfamiliar ones. There will be fun, family-friendly activities, along with educational materials in both English and Spanish. Bring your family and friends, and meet us in the park for an afternoon of nature, learning, and connection!

This program is co-sponsored by the Town of Bedford Department of Recreation and Parks and is free and open to all ages. Families are welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, November 16, 1:00-3:00pm. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registrations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome! Email Susan to register.

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Public Lecture Series: Hawkwatch 2025 Season Report

Bedford Audubon participates in the global network of hawk watches that, annually, compile population indexes of all migratory raptors. As we near the end of this year’s count period, come hear about the season’s results and highlights. Our Lead Counter Nathan Bartels, Naturalist Tait Johansson, and Board President John Hannan will present results and insights into how our Hawkwatch integrates into the broader hemispheric network spanning across the Americas from Quebec in Canada to the pampas of Argentina. Learn the latest about raptor populations while enjoying great raptor imagery as we celebrate the end of the hawkwatch count season and the volunteers who helped make it a success.  

Wednesday, November 19, 7:00pm. Cost: Free. Advance registration is not required, all are welcome. Please join us for refreshments at 6:30pm ahead of the presentation at 7:00pm.

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Third Thursday’s Bird Walk

Join Naturalist Tait Johansson in marking the passing of the seasons and changing of birds on our monthly Third Thursday’s Bird Walk in the Cross River Dam area of Katonah. We’ll be on the lookout for Bald Eagle and waterfowl such as Bufflehead and Common Merganser returning from the north; we may also find lingerers like Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, and Eastern Towhee. This is an easy and friendly walk, great for beginners and experienced birders alike.

Thursday, November 20, 7:30-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Email Susan to register.

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Leader’s Choice Field Trip

November is a great month for rarities – any bird that is not typically found in a locale. Ahead of this special trip, Tait will scout the latest and greatest for the group to see and based on what he finds, will decide where we will head. Plan to head out in the morning to a location no more than 1.5 hours’ drive. Tait will make the decision closer to the trip date based on bird sightings, rarities, and his local knowledge. If you register, you will be notified of the details a few days ahead of time.

Sunday, November 23, 7:00am-1:00pm. Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate depending on location. Cost: Free. Email Susan to register.

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Memberships Matter

Bedford Audubon memberships help make all of these programs possible. To become a member, just click the box below. Do you have questions, suggestions, or other thoughts? Call the office at 914-232-1999 or email info@bedfordaudubon.org. We’d love to hear from you!