Voices of Bedford Audubon – 2025 Roundup
Behind every supporter of Bedford Audubon is a personal story, a moment of discovery, a sense of belonging, or a lifelong commitment to protecting birds and the places they need to thrive. The letters below were shared by members of our community whose lives have been shaped by Bedford Audubon in different ways: a young birder finding their path, a longtime conservationist giving back, someone who discovered a deeper passion for birds later in life, and a family reconnecting with nature. Together, their voices reflect the power of Bedford Audubon to inspire, educate, and protect — for birds, for people, and for generations to come.
Protecting a Biodiversity Treasure: Why Bedford Audubon Matters to Me
by John Hannan
Why do people care so much about Bedford Audubon and the area we protect, you might ask. As someone who has been lucky enough to visit many of the world’s most beautiful locations, there is something very special about our Hudson Valley and the Westchester/Putnam counties we live in.
And while everyone knows New York City is the melting pot of the world, less realize that Westchester is a melting pot of biodiversity in the Northeastern United States. The area’s biodiversity is partly geologic, with an incredibly varied bedrock that attracts a huge diversity of plant and animal life. Our region hosts 300 plus bird species, provides habitat for bobcat, coyote, fishers, black bear, and more than 10 species of turtles. The NYS Herb Atlas maps show that species richness in Westchester is higher than anywhere else in New York.
When my wife and I returned to Westchester 30 years ago, we wanted to be part of an organization that was actively protecting the region’s environment and, with my interest in birds, focused on their conservation. A stop at the Hawk Watch introduced us to John Askildsen, who immediately invited us to join Bedford Audubon. Since then, we have been part of a family, a group of concerned individuals who want to learn and have science lead us in our shared desire to protect and preserve this wonderful ecosystem we live in.
But we can’t take this for granted. Our part of this beautiful Hudson Valley still has incredible scenery and wildlife, but its proximity to New York City continually threatens it with habitat loss as our human footprint expands. My dad grew up in Portchester in the 1920s before the concentrated development of southern Westchester changed that landscape forever. He constantly reminded me of how vigilant we must be in planning the growth of our communities. And for more than 100 years, Bedford Audubon has been the organization residents of this area could turn to to find science-based, balanced solutions to our local and national environmental issues.
Bedford Audubon is a unique organization that inspires people at every stage of their environmental journey — from engaging newcomers through walks and lectures, to offering hands-on workshops and volunteer opportunities that make homes, gardens, and communities healthier for people and wildlife alike. For those drawn deeper into the science, we provide internships and long-term research projects focused on protecting the region’s most most critically endangered birds and habitats of our area.
For all of these reasons, Bedford Audubon remains essential — not only as a steward of our region’s remarkable biodiversity, but as a trusted guide helping our community protect what makes this place so special, now and for generations to come.
Looking Forward with Hope and Gratitude
by Medha Pandey
As I begin my career with the Bedford Audubon Society, I want to express my enthusiasm for joining such a vibrant and welcoming conservation organization. I have been volunteering with Bedford Audubon for six years in our Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship bird banding program, so I am already familiar with some of the science and conservation side of the organization.
As I learn more about Bedford Audubon’s dedication to conservation education and outreach, I am thrilled to contribute to one of my favorite aspects of this work: translating complex science for diverse audiences to spark a personal connection to nature and an interest in environmental conservation. It is this effort to include everyone in the community in our conservation efforts that will ensure lasting success.
As I complete my PhD at Fordham, I am excited about the insights that can be gained by using advanced technologies alongside classical ecology. My research has piqued my interest in the intersection of ornithology, human health, and wildlife conservation. These are all concerns we address at Bedford Audubon as we strive to help the communities we represent make informed decisions that safeguard a healthy environment for humans and wildlife alike.
Together with Bedford Audubon’s members and supporters, I will help bring these concepts to everyone in our community, from lessons for young children to conservation research projects for undergraduates and postgraduates that will translate into habitat management that protects the birds and beneficial wildlife in our sanctuaries and on your properties.
Nature speaks to each of us, and Bedford Audubon provides an opportunity for us to reconnect with our environment and wild spaces. Through its growing research and outreach programs, this organization continues to engage the diverse communities of Westchester and Putnam Counties, so that, together, we can be better stewards of our ecosystems. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning more about the many ways you are involved with Bedford Audubon, and I am grateful for your continued support of this remarkable organization.
How Connecting People to Nature Strengthens Conservation Science
by Tait Johansson
My fascination with birds began when I was a child growing up in Vermont. When I was ten, my grandparents gave me a bird feeder and a pair of well-worn binoculars. I spent that winter learning every species that came to the feeder and reading about the birds that might arrive in the spring. When spring came, it was astonishing to discover that the trees were suddenly alive with birds like Baltimore Orioles and Scarlet Tanagers that I had never noticed before. It was the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery.
When I joined my local Audubon chapter, experienced birders welcomed me, shared their knowledge, and nurtured my curiosity. That spirit of welcome and shared discovery is what we strive to foster at Bedford Audubon today. As Naturalist, I see each walk, workshop, and event as an invitation into nature — whether someone is picking up binoculars for the first time, or deepening a lifelong passion. Bedford Audubon is a place where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is freely shared, and everyone has something to contribute. It is a community built on caring for birds, for the land, and for one another. I am grateful to be a part of it.
My favorite part of my work is leading bird walks and field trips, and especially sharing the moment when someone hears a bird for the first time or finally gets binoculars on a long-sought species. A quiet song drifting down from the trees or a flash of movement in the understory can spark an entirely new way of seeing the world. In those moments, people can begin to see natural places as something far more than just scenery, but as beautifully intricate and unique, ancient living systems worth protecting. Those connections are at the very heart of what we do, and they can often be someone’s first step toward a lifelong commitment to conservation.
I am also proud of our work stewarding nearly 600 acres of nature sanctuary. Caring for this land is challenging, but, through expert and thoughtful management, we sustain habitats essential for declining species like Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, and Blue-winged Warbler.
The work we do at Bedford Audubon is only possible because of a community that values curiosity, stewardship, and connection to the natural world. Protecting vital ecosystems and caring for the land ensures that future generations can experience the same wonder and inspiration I felt as a ten-year-old watching birds at a feeder at the edge of the forest.
A Small Nest, a Big Mission, and a Community That Changed Me
by Susan Fisher
Bedford Audubon transformed my general interest in birds into a passion that has, at times, consumed me. More importantly, it showed me what it looks like when conservation, science, and community come together in a truly meaningful way. My connection with this small but mighty organization began almost by accident — and a little bit as a joke — but it has grown because of the people and the work that make Bedford Audubon so special.
Nearly a decade ago, I became obsessed with protecting a Barn Swallow nest just outside my front door from a persistent Blue Jay. What started as a frantic search for a solution opened my eyes to the world of bird and habitat conservation — exactly the kind of work Bedford Audubon champions every day here in Westchester and Putnam Counties.
While trying to save the swallow nest, my husband and then-teenaged daughters found my intensity very entertaining and teased me about my role as Nest Protector-in-Chief. Partly to amuse them and partly to lean into it, I announced I was going on a “bird walk.” Searching online, Bedford Audubon immediately stood out. Its welcoming messages, beautiful images, engaging programs, and science-based research drew me in. I quickly became a member and soon volunteered as program registrar.
Shortly thereafter, I attended my first members’ social event – a holiday open house at Bylane Farm. My husband came along, and I promised him we’d only stay for 30 minutes. It was a snowy day, and walking through the native garden to the historic farmhouse was magical. From the moment we arrived, it was clear Bedford Audubon was a community. People were warm, welcoming, and genuinely curious. When I shared my Barn Swallow and Blue Jay saga, no one laughed. Instead, people engaged deeply about birds, habitat, native plants, and how interconnected it all is. We stayed for over an hour!
If you’re reading this, you likely already understand the value of Bedford Audubon’s work. As the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on how much this organization has given me — a deeper understanding of the natural world, a sense of purpose, and a community grounded in care for birds and the places they need to thrive. I’m grateful to be part of something that brings education, science, and people together in such a lasting and meaningful way.
How Your Generosity Creates Community
by Yajaira León
My name is Yahaira León, and I have three children. We come from a place surrounded by nature, where learning to grow, plant, and harvest our own food was part of daily life. What they call “organic” here was always commonplace for us.
When we arrived in this country, we found ourselves in a fast-paced world, where everything is accelerated, and where, often, we spend our time confined within four walls. That’s why getting to know Bedford Audubon has been such a profoundly valuable experience for my family and me. We are grateful that Bedford Audubon has included us in their group, and thanks to that, we’ve been able to see animals and birds, walk through the forests, and reconnect with nature.
Visiting so many beautiful places that bring us closer to nature has been captivating; it keeps our humanity alive in our hearts. Each visit, each lesson learned, and each encounter with wildlife reminds us that there is still hope for humanity to live in harmony with nature.
It’s truly beautiful to see how organizations like Bedford Audubon care for birds and other wild animals, protect ecosystems, and dedicate their efforts to preserving what is vital for everyone. That’s why I find them so commendable. I firmly believe it’s an organization that deserves all the support in the world.
Caring for nature is a duty for all of humanity, and organizations that work to make it possible deserve more help, more recognition, and more committed hearts. With your support, Bedford Audubon can reach even more families like mine and safeguard the natural spaces that give birds a home and people a deeper connection to nature.
A Young Voice for Birds and the Future
by Arabella Pajoohi
If you’ve ever been awestruck by the beauty of a bird, if you have a young person in your life, (someone like me), who has a passion for science and the natural world, please consider making a gift to Bedford Audubon this year.
I have loved birds and nature for as long as I can recall, but I didn’t become a serious birder until I was five, when I had the chance to volunteer for a Christmas Bird Count (CBC); in that afternoon of walking through the woods and counting birds for science, I knew that I would forever be a birder. In the almost decade since my first CBC, I’ve watched in dismay as our ecosystems, and the birds and other creatures who rely upon these ecosystems, have struggled in the face of climate change, from threats of fires, floods, and droughts to worsening storms and invasive species. Despite the challenges that our planet faces, I find hope when I am surrounded by the community that Bedford Audubon has created to protect birds and their habitats.
Conserving birds — indicator species that tell us about the health of our planet — is essential to the future. Every day, Bedford Audubon engages in critical work by protecting species who cannot protect themselves while fostering a passion for science and the natural world in young people.
Each time I join Tait Johansson, Bedford Audubon’s naturalist-in-residence, on a walk or volunteer alongside him and others in the field, I’m inspired to learn more and to give back to our planet. It’s those moments in nature when Tait has paused to point out the smallest of insects, some of which serve as vital food sources for birds, that I have observed firsthand the delicate interconnectedness of our ecosystem. When the smallest of creatures begin to disappear, the consequences ripple upward, with devastating effects throughout the entire chain of life; when ecosystems are given a chance to recover and are restored in ways that are being undertaken by the Bedford Audubon community, nature has a chance.
Whether I’m recognizing a bird’s call for the first time or uncovering the name of an unfamiliar fern, outings with the Bedford Audubon community offer new discoveries and remind me how much there is still to explore and protect. I am incredibly grateful to Bedford Audubon, not only for their work in protecting ecosystems, but also for their support of the next generation of birders, naturalists, and scientists.
How Bedford Audubon Turned a Quiet Interest Into a Passion
by Debbie Burke
For nearly fifty years, I dedicated myself to a fulfilling career in Physical Therapy, co-owning a practice and helping people rebuild their lives. Throughout those busy decades, I always had a quiet interest in birds — but little time to pursue it.
Then the world changed. During the pandemic, like so many, I suddenly found myself with time and space to breathe. I began looking for local birding groups and happened upon Bedford Audubon. I joined a Third Thursday walk on Maple Avenue in Katonah, not knowing what to expect. What I found was a warm, welcoming community and, thanks to the ever-patient Tait Johansson, my very first Indigo Bunting and American Redstart. I was hooked. I went home that day and immediately became a member.
Since then, what began as an interest has grown into a true passion. Bedford Audubon has given me so much more than birds. It has deepened my connection to nature, broadened my understanding of conservation, provided a wonderful community — one bird walk, one workshop, and each opportunity to learn at a time.
I grew up in the Bronx, where my experience with birds was mostly pigeons and a neighbor’s rooster. It wasn’t until I visited Yellowstone with friends early in my career that I glimpsed the wonder of birding and the wild world. Today, as I enjoy retirement with my husband and our two cats in Somers, I am grateful every day for the sense of purpose, community, and joy that Bedford Audubon brings into my life.
That gratitude is also why I chose to deepen my involvement and now proudly serve on Bedford Audubon’s Board of Directors. Bedford Audubon depends on the generosity of members and friends to continue its vital work — protecting habitat, engaging in hands-on conservation, and inspiring people of all ages to care about birds and the environment.
Together, we can ensure future generations experience the same connection and inspiration Bedford Audubon has given me. I hope to see you at a walk, workshop, or program soon.
Protecting Local Birds, Wildlife, and the Next Generation of Conservationists
by John Askildsen
Let me tell you my story and why I think we should all support Bedford Audubon. As a youngster, I was passionate about the outdoors, wildlife, especially birds and birding, but there were very few outlets for a thirteen-year-old to pursue that passion. The Bedford Audubon leadership made sure that youngsters like me were included in field trips, no matter where they occurred or how long we ventured out. Pretty soon Bedford Audubon became a second home for me, and I attended every monthly Bedford Audubon program and field trip with great anticipation and without fail.
Through these activities in my formative years, I grew to love, appreciate, and respect our natural world. And through the good work of Bedford Audubon, I now enthusiastically ‘give back’ by supporting the incredible work Bedford Audubon does.
As a Board member of Bedford Audubon, I am very excited for 2026 and hope you will support our efforts to expand restoration of our meadows and scrublands, that will provide nesting habitat for species of conservation concern like Brown Thrasher and Prairie Warbler, species I used to see all the time as a teenager but have steadily declined here in the Lower Hudson Valley. Thanks to the efforts of our science and conservation team, here at Bedford Audubon’ Bylane Farm, Brown Thrashers are nesting again and, with your help, so too will Prairie Warblers!
Your support will also allow us to expand our programming for young people. The same avenue that drew me into conservation can help empower so many young people yearning to learn how to address the environmental challenges that birds face, making them the leaders of their generation.
Inspired by these voices?
These stories reflect a shared love for nature and a deep commitment to protecting the places and wildlife that make our community special. Your donation helps ensure this work continues — from conservation and education to stewardship of our local habitats.
Join those who have already spoken up for Bedford Audubon. Click the link below to make a gift today and help turn these voices of support into lasting impact.