Members-only Bird Walk

Start the month with a special Members’ Walk at one of Westchester County’s premier birding destinations! The field trip, open to Bedford Audubon Members, will be led by Nadav Snir-Zelniker, a longtime member of Bedford Audubon, a regular on our walks, and a skilled birder in his own right.

Not a member? Not a problem! You can support us with your membership HERE. Membership status will update immediately. 

Early June is an exciting time, when breeding activity is in full swing and lingering migrants can still be found. The selected location features a rich mix of salt marsh, woodland, meadow, and shoreline habitats that attract an impressive diversity of migrating and breeding birds in late spring. Species we may encounter include Osprey, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, and a variety of swallows and shorebirds. With some luck, we may also spot a lingering migrant warbler or an early southbound shorebird along the marsh edges.

Tuesday, June 2, 7:30am-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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First Wednesday Bird Walk

Join Naturalist Tait Johansson at our First Wednesday Walk location at Hilltop Hanover Farm, an oasis of open fields and woodland edges in Yorktown Heights. Open to birders of all experience levels, this outing offers a welcoming opportunity to explore a new site while continuing the tradition of our monthly walk.

Wednesday, June 3, 7:30am-9:30am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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Field Trip to Sterling Forest

Step into one of the Northeast’s largest and most ecologically significant forest landscapes on our Field Trip to Sterling Forest in the New York–New Jersey Highlands. Guided by Naturalist Tait Johansson, we’ll explore this vast expanse of protected woodland in search of nesting warblers — including the rare Golden-winged Warbler — along with a rich diversity of other forest species. Spanning nearly 22,000 acres, Sterling Forest is a remarkable refuge of unbroken woodland nestled within one of the most densely populated regions in the United States. Its diverse habitats provide critical breeding and migratory stopover grounds for countless birds and support an impressive array of wildlife, including black bears, hawks, rare plants, and uncommon invertebrates. Join us for a day of birding in a landscape where conservation and biodiversity thrive.

Wednesday, June 10, 7:30am-12:00pm. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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Hummingbirds Presentation

In our brand-new evening presentation, All About Hummingbirds, Bedford Audubon Board President John Hannan explores the fascinating world of these tiny yet extraordinary birds. Weighing barely more than a penny, hummingbirds captivate us with their metallic colors, aerial acrobatics, and pugnacious personalities. From hovering flight to lightning-fast wingbeats, these remarkable creatures are among the most unique birds in the Americas. Together, we’ll learn about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the only hummingbird species native to the Northeast, while also exploring the dazzling diversity of hummingbirds found across North, Central, and South America. John will share fun and surprising facts about hummingbirds, as well as teach us about the proper placement and maintenance of hummingbird feeders, how to create a hummingbird-friendly garden, and native plant species that attract and support local hummingbirds throughout the season. Whether you’re a longtime bird enthusiast or simply curious about these jewel-like visitors, this workshop is sure to deepen your appreciation for one of nature’s most captivating birds.

Thursday, June 11, 6:30pm-7:30pm. Cost: Free to members, $10 non-members (payable HERE). Level of Difficulty: Easy. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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Field Trip to Bashakill and Shawangunk Grasslands 

Join us for a half day of birding at two of New York’s premier birding destinations: Bashakill Wildlife Management Area and Shawangunk Grasslands. Led by Naturalist Tait Johansson, we’ll explore a remarkable variety of habitats, from marshlands to woodlands to expansive grasslands, in search of nesting birds and summer specialties. June is an excellent time to visit both sites, offering opportunities to observe a diverse array of species while enjoying some of the Hudson Valley’s most productive birding hotspots.

Saturday, June 13, 7:30am-3:00pm. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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Birding and Brunch in Dutchess County

Once again, we will head north to the verdant hills and valleys of northern Dutchess County in search of its local birdlife! We will seek out only the best birding destinations in the Millbrook area with Board President, John Hannan together with BAS Board member, John Askildsen. We will look to visit forest, field, wetlands and a hemlock gorge, all before we break for a fabulous brunch at one of Dutchess County’s most popular eateries!   Our focus will be primarily on forest dwellers such as grosbeaks, tanagers, flycatchers, and a variety of warblers, with a few really special bird species mixed in. We’ll stop at a wetland or two, so herons, rails and more are certainly a possibility. And let’s not forget our field birds as well, such as meadowlarks, bobolinks, and kestrel, will be part of our goal for the day. This trip was very popular when we ran it in June, 2024. So, do make your reservations ASAP!

Saturday, June 14, 7:00am – 2:00pm. Cost: $50 per person (payable HERE), fee includes brunch. This trip is limited to 10 people. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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Public Lecture Series – How Healthy Is Your Yard? 

What if your backyard could do more — for birds, for pollinators, for the soil, and for you? Join Jo Hall and Zoe Evans from Wildr and Plan It Wild at Katonah Village Library for How Healthy Is Your Yard? Simple Steps to Bring It to Life, a practical, eye-opening look at what makes a yard ecologically healthy and how to start improving yours today. Drawing from their work with thousands of homeowners across the country (including right here in Westchester and Putnam County!) Jo and Zoe will share free tools and resources that help you understand the health of your land right now, figure out the right plants that do the most for local wildlife, and take clear action to bring more life to your yard. Whether you’re just getting curious or ready to dig in, you’ll walk away knowing exactly where to start.

About Jo Hall: Jo Hall is CEO of Wildr, the personalized native plant and wildlife habitat guide for homeowners across America. She is also CEO of Plan It Wild, the ecological landscape design firm transforming backyards into thriving native habitat across Westchester and Fairfield Counties. Featured on The Today Show, ABC News, The New York Times, and the podcast A Way to Garden with Margaret Roach, Jo brings a mission-driven approach to making rewilding accessible, actionable, and irresistible.

About Zoe Evans: Zoe Evans is VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr, where she helps homeowners and communities restore biodiversity through the Less Lawn More Life campaign and Wildr’s suite of free tools. A New York Master Naturalist and co-founder of Design Your Wild, she brings a background in neuroscience and translational medicine to her research-based, human-centered approach to rewilding.

Wednesday, June 17, 7:00pm. Cost: Free. No registration required, open to all. Please join us for refreshments in the Garden Room from 6:45pm ahead of the presentation at 7pm.

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Third Thursday’s Bird Walk

Naturalist Tait Johansson leads our popular, easy-going Third Thursday walk, which takes place at the Cross River Reservoir Dam area in Katonah and is a favorite for birders of all levels. The reservoir and surrounding woodlands, wetlands, and open areas attract a wide variety of species, making each walk a unique experience.

Thursday, June 18, 7:30am-9:30am.  Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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Field Trip to Fahnestock State Park

Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for a morning of birding in the scenic forests, lakes, and trails of Fahnestock State Park. June is a wonderful time to explore this expansive natural area. We’ll search for a variety of forest species while enjoying the park’s diverse habitats and beautiful summer landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, this outing offers a rewarding opportunity to connect with nature and discover the rich birdlife of the Hudson Highlands.

Saturday, June 20, 7:30am-12:30pm. Cost: Free. Difficulty: Moderate. Please email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.

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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!