UPCOMING EVENTS:

Birds and Climate Change

Saturday, February 29, 2020, 1:00-2:00pm
Chester Public Library
1784 Kings Hwy, Chester, NY 10918
Click here for directions
call (845) 469-4252 to register

Global Warming poses an existential threat to two-thirds of North American bird species – but there is still time to protect them. This program discusses factors effecting bird populations and what we can do as citizens to help birds and fight Climate Change if we act now. Presented by Melissa Peterson / Jody Susler.

Birds and Wildlife of Tanzania and Kenya

Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 6:00-7:00pm Middletown Thrall Library 11 Depot St., Middletown, NY 10940 Click here for directions Lee Hunter, an avid traveler, photographer and birder, will share beautiful photos and stories from his visit to Tanzania and Kenya which he found to be “One of the best wildlife spots on earth. Fabulous bird and animals out in plain view.” See weaver birds, hornbills, ostriches, elephants, giraffes, lions and more.

Plant Natives! Gardening for Birds

Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 6:30-7:45pm Goshen Public Library 366 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924 Click here for directions Why are native plants so important to the survival of birds and pollinators? This program features images and sounds of local backyard bird species and explains why we should use more native plants in our landscaping and how to design and plant gardens that benefit people and wildlife. Presented by Melissa Peterson. Register here.

Create a Nature Journal with Jim Van Gelder

Saturday, April 18, 2020, 10:00am-12:00pm Newburgh Free Library 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550 Click here for directions Keeping a nature journal is a wonderful way to deepen your experience of nature and sharpen your artistic skills. We will cover materials and techniques and then put them to practice on a variety of plant an animal subjects.

Spring Frog Walk

Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 7:00-9:00pm Albert Wisner Public Library 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, NY 10990 Click here for directions This multi-medium program begins with an illustrated slide show. Become familiar with the frog and toad species of New York State and learn to identify them by sight and sound. We will also discuss frog conservation issues and Citizen Science opportunities. Following the presentation, take a walk to the wetlands behind the library where we will practice identifying frogs by their vocalizations. We may even get a chance to see a frog or two calling! Presented by Pam Golben. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight! Register here

Birding Beyond the Backyard

Thursday, June 11, 2020, 6:30-7:45pm Moffat Library of Washingtonville 6 West Main St., Washingtonville, NY 10992 Click here for directions Do sparrows confuse you? Trouble telling Downy from Hairy? A program for those who enjoy watching birds and want to know more about them. Presenter Jim Van Gelder will cover basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.. Register here

PREVIOUS EVENTS:

Winter Bird Identification

Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 6:30-7:45pm Goshen Public Library 366 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924 Click here for directions Come learn about the birds local to our area in the winter months and where to look for them. We will also discuss how to become involved in various citizen science bird counts. Register at www.goshenpubliclibrary.org or click here

Tales of a Wildlife Rehabilitator

Tuesday, November 5, 2019, 6:00pm Middletown Thrall Library 11 Depot St., Middletown, NY 10940 Click here for directions Wildlife encounters are becoming more frequent in suburban neighborhoods. Do you know what to do (or not do) if you find a fledgling bird, a painted turtle with a cracked shell, or a fawn resting in your flower bed? Learn appropriate responses to many common wildlife situations. A Naturalist and NYS Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator with over 20 years of experience, Pam Golben will be sharing some of her personal photos and experiences with us. Bring your wildlife questions with you!

Special Event: Climate Change Boot Camp

Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8:30am-12:30pm Westchester County Center 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY 10606 Click here for directions This half day session will focus on our area. The goal is to “Get climate smart!” by learning about local effects of climate change, local, county and state responses and what you can do. Don’t be discouraged and overwhelmed; get encouraged and inspired to take action. Registration is $12/person. REGISTER HERE Schedule: 8:30am-9:00am Registration & Refreshments 9:00am-10:30am First Session: Local Effects to Expect & County Responses 10:30am-11:00am Break, Displays, Refreshments 11:00am-12:15pm Second Session: State and Community Responses 12:15pm Concluding Remarks & Next Steps * Children’s Environmental Activities for Grades 4th-8th will be held at the same time as the Boot Camp. For more information and for children’s registration, contact office@sawmillriveraudubon.org Speakers include Dr. Chandu Visweswariah, CEO, Utopus Insights and former IBM energy and environmental science Research Fellow; NY State Senator Peter Harckham and Westchester County Director Peter McCartt ,who will speak to their respective levels of government; and Midge Iorio, Executive Director, Bedford 2020, Sara Goddard, Rye City Councilmember and Founder, Rye Sustainability Committee, Lindsay Audin, Chair, Croton Sustainability Committee, to participate in the local government/community action round table. Co-sponsored by Federated Conservationists of Westchester County and seven area Audubon chapters (listed below), with grant support from Audubon New York and venue support from the Westchester County Executive’s Office for Energy Conservation and Sustainability. Seven area Audubon chapters are co-sponsoring this event: Bedford Audubon, Bronx River-Sound Shore Audubon, Central Westchester Audubon, Hudson River Audubon, Orange County Audubon, Putnam Highlands Audubon and Saw Mill River Audubon.

Film Screening: Paris to Pittsburgh

Friday, October 25, 2019, 7:15pm Harriman Hall (HA111) Film Theater SUNY Orange Campus 8 East Conkling Ave., Middletown, NY 10940 Click here for directions Join OCAS and SUNY Orange for a special free film screening of this National Geographic documentary. From coastal cities to America’s heartland, Paris to Pittsburgh celebrates how Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act. Following the screening, Walter Jahn, PhD, Professor of Biology, will lead a discussion and Q & A. Sponsored by Orange County Audubon Society, SUNY Orange Sustainability, and SUNY Orange Cultural Affairs To learn more about local climate change effects, what is being done regionally, and what steps you can take to make a difference register for the Audubon Climate Change Boot Camp on Saturday, October 26 CLICK HERE

Meet the Artist Reception: John C. Yrizzary “A Life’s Work”

Saturday, October 12, 2019, 2:00-4:00pm Albert Wisner Public Library 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, NY 10990 Click here for directions Meet the Artist Reception. John is displaying key pieces of his work that represent his artistic development from undergrad at Yale School of Fine Arts to his current status as an acclaimed wildlife illustrator. John’s art will be on display for the month of October in the library’s lower gallery. Hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library. This event is open to the public with advance registration at the library 845-986-1047.

OPEN MEETING:

Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 6:30pm First Presbyterian Church 33 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924 Click here for directions All OCAS & National Audubon Members, Friends, Neighbors, and Interested Public are welcome. Please join us: Come meet more OCAS members, be more involved in OCAS, and learn how you can contribute to protecting the birds we love and the habitat we share. RSVP here Special Presentation: The Delaware River Watershed Before the meeting portion of the evening, we will hear from Valerie Peckham, Audubon Pennsylvania Field Organizer. Valerie will explain how the public can help preserve and protect the Delaware River Basin, a key water source for over 15 million people. Over 13,000 square miles of land including parts of Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware counties contribute to this system. A healthy watershed means a significant positive effect on the region’s wildlife, water quality, flood control, and opportunities for recreation.

Film Screening: Paris to Pittsburgh

Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 7:00pm Chappaqua Performing Arts Center 480 Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY, 10514 Click here for directions From coastal cities to America’s heartland, Paris to Pittsburgh celebrates how Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act. This special free film screening will be followed by a panel discussion about climate change effects in our area and local solutions underway. REGISTER HERE for the film screening. Sponsored by Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, Films on Purpose, and area Audubon chapters: Bedford Audubon, Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon, Central Westchester Audubon, Hudson River Audubon, Orange County Audubon and Saw Mill River Audubon with hosting support from the Town of New Castle and the Chappaqua Library and grant support from Audubon New York. SAVE THE DATE for companion event the Audubon Climate Change Boot Camp on the morning of Saturday, October 26. Come learn more about local climate change effects, what is being done locally, and what steps you can take to make a difference. REGISTER HERE for the Boot Camp

Autumn Bird Identification

Wednesday, September 18, 2019, 6:30-7:45PM Albert Wisner Public Library 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, NY 10990 click here for directions The fall migration is here, bringing a host of common and uncommon birds. This program will cover the basics of bird identification and local birding hotspots. This program is good preparation for the Winding Waters Trail field trip in the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge on September 21. (See Field Trips) Presented by Jim Van Gelder and co-sponsored by the Albert Wisner Public Library. Click here to register.

The Birds and The Seeds: Boosting Biodiversity with Native Plants

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Albert Wisner Public Library 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, NY 10990 Click for directions

In this interactive and engaging workshop, participants will learn about seed saving, increasing biodiversity through native planting and walk away with seed bombs that you make yourself! If you’re interested in growing plants, playing in the dirt and learning about easy ways to make birds come to your yard, then this program is for you! Presented by Kelly Collins, Hopeful Roots LLC, Register by phone at 986-1047 ext 3 or click here to register

Plant Natives! Gardening for Birds Monday, June 3, 2019 at 6:30-7:30pm Chester Public Library 1784 Kings Hwy, Chester, New York 10918 Click here for Directions Why are native plants so important to the survival of birds and pollinators? This multimedia program featuring images and sounds of local backyard bird species will explain why we should use more native plants in our landscaping and how to design and plant gardens that benefit people and wildlife. Presented by Melissa Peterson, Register by phone 469-4252

How to Be a Bird Friendly Neighbor Wed, May 1, 2019 at 6:30-7:30pm Florida Public Library 4 Cohen Cir, Florida, New York 10921 Click here for Directions What are the best ways to attract and benefit birds? This multimedia program featuring images, sounds and video of local backyard bird species will help us all become more Bird Friendly at home. Discover the best choices for bird feeders and seed, native plants, water features and bird houses to improve backyard bird habitat.

Birding Beyond the Backyard

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Chester Public Library 1784 Kings Hwy, Chester, New York 10918 Click for directions

Do sparrows confuse you? Trouble telling Downy from Hairy? A program for those who enjoy watching birds and want to know more about them. Presenter Jim Van Gelder will cover basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.

Birding Beyond the Backyard Wed, April 3, 2019 at 6:30-7:45pm Midletown Thrall Library 11-19 Depot St., Middletown, NY 10940 Click here for Directions Do sparrows confuse you? Trouble telling Downy from Hairy? This program is for those who enjoy watching birds and want to know more about them. Presented by Jim Van Gelder, seasoned birder and OCAS Field Trip Committee chair, will cover basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.

A Traveling Journey: Birding in Madagascar

Wed., Mar. 13, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM Moffat Library 6 West Main St., Washingtonville, NY Click for directions

Have you seen any couas, vangas, lemurs or baobab forests around here lately? Lee Hunter, Mearns Bird Club member and sociologist, will bring all the unique birds, animals, and habitats of Madagascar right to us when he shares photos from his recent birding trip to this beautiful island off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Bird Houses and More: How to Be a Bird Friendly Neighbor Thurs, March 7, 2019 at 6:30-7:45pm Albert Wisner Public Library 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, New York 10990 Click here for Directions What are the best ways to attract and benefit birds? This multimedia program featuring images, sounds and video of local backyard bird species will help us all become more Bird Friendly at home. Discover the best choices for bird feeders and seed, native plants, water features and bird houses to improve backyard bird habitat. Our speaker is Anne Swaim, Executive Director, Saw Mill River Audubon.

A Traveling Journey: Birding in Beautiful Scotland

Wed., Feb. 6, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM Albert Wisner Public Library, Warwick NY Click for directions

Lifelong birder Bill Fiero will share his photo show of the fantastic birds he photographed in Scotland. He is lover of travel, photography and the world of birds.

Winter Bird Identification Wed, Dec 5, 2018 at 6:30-7:45pm Newburgh Free Library 124 Grand St, Newburgh, New York 12550 Click here for Directions Come learn about the birds local to our area in the winter months as well as information about how to become involved in the various citizen science bird counts.

The Annual Christmas Bird Count Wed, Nov 7 at 6:30-7:45pm Tuxedo Park Library 227 Route 17, Tuxedo Park, New York 10987 Click here for Directions Join Michael Bochnik, President of the Hudson River Audubon Society, to learn about the Annual Christmas Bird Count, a census of birds in the area, which has been taking place for 91 years. In addition to the history, participation and purpose of the Christmas Bird Count, Michael will discuss how to be involved in other ongoing citizen science projects.

Turtle Conservation: Easy Things You Can Do to Help Wed, Oct 3 at 6:30pm – 7:45pm Albert Wisner Public Library 1 McFarland Dr, Warwick, New York 10990 Click here for Directions Come meet Patricia Johnson from the Center for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and learn the 12 different species of turtle we have in New York and why it is important to preserve our remaining populations. Also learn what a wildlife rehabilitator does and how that contributes to conservation, as well as simple steps everyone can take to preserve these majestic animals. Special guest appearances by the Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation’s educational Turtles. Click to visit the Turtle Advocate website.

Orange County Audubon Society presentations are held the first Wednesday of the month, September through June at libraries throughout Orange County.