Shorebird Festival

9th Annual Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, August 23, 2014, 7am-5pm
A partnership program among NYC Audubon, Gateway National Recreation Area and the American Littoral Society

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is internationally renowned for its fall shorebird migration, when thousands of birds representing over 35 species regularly stop at the East and West Ponds during their southward flight. Peak numbers usually occur in August. Join the 9th Annual Festival to learn about shorebird biology, behavior, and how to identify these species out in the field.

Bring water, lunch, and binoculars, and wear sensible shoes. For more information, please contact NYC at 212-691-7483 x306, the American Littoral Society at 718-474-0896, or Don Riepe at donriepe@gmail.com. Limited to 35

Click here for members-only transportation to the Shorebird Festival from Manhattan.

Program Schedule

7am:

Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for registration, coffee, and donuts

7:15-10:15am:

Hike to the East Pond to view shorebirds during the high tide (Kevin Karlson, Lloyd Spitalnik, Tom Burke, et al.)

10:15-11am
:
Welcome presentations on Jamaica Bay: Past, Present, and Future (National Park Service, Don Riepe)

11-11:30am
:
NYC Audubon update on shorebird research (NYC Audubon)

11:30am-12:15pm
:
Shorebird Photography (Lloyd Spitalnik)

12:15-1:15pm
:
Lunch (bring lunch or visit nearby delicatessens)

1:15-3:15pm
:
Hike around the West Pond and gardens to look for shorebirds, waders, and early migrating warblers (National Park Service rangers and festival guides)

3:15-4:30pm
:
Shorebirds Identification (Kevin Karlson)

4:30-5pm:
Questions, Social