When people refer to wildlife in New York City, most folks may conjure up images of New York’s striving nightlife culture or perhaps some of the colorful parades that gallivant up and down the streets of the five boroughs.
Few could imagine that there are 350 species of birds that live wild in the 12,000 acres of vast and diverse green spaces in the city. NYC Audubon champions nature by providing dynamic trips and classes to these locations and beyond.
The months of July and August are prime time for watching the shore birds that live and forage on our coasts. Watch as long-legged waders tip toe through our shores foraging for food.
View gorgeous herons and egrets as they patiently wait motionless, watching for an unfortunate fish to swim their way. Here are some of our events and adventures that bring people closer to these phenomena:
· Shore Bird Walk at Jamaica Bay, July 26, 1-3 p.m. Meet at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for a walk around the East Pond to view migrating shorebirds. Wear boots and bring binoculars. To register, call 718-318-9344. This is a free event.
· Shore Birds Of New York City Class, August 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (class) and August 17 (trip); then again August 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (class); and August 23, 8:30 a.m. (trip). Jamaica Bay is a birdwatcher’s haven as it provides a great stopover location for thousands of migrating shorebirds. Learn about the shorebirds that start their southerly migration in August. Each session is limited to 15; the cost is $40.
· Shorebird Festival At Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, August 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An all-day event during peak fall shorebird migration in Jamaica Bay, learn about shorebird behavior, biology, identification and migration. The schedule includes walks around the East & West Ponds and presentations. For information and reservations, call 718-318-9344. The suggested donation is $10.
For more, call 212-691-7483 or email ekarff@nycaudubon.org.
