Audubon NewYork News Update!

TRUE OR FALSE: American Oystercatchers are migratory throughout their entire range. A) True—All Oystercatchers are on the move each spring and fall. B) False—Only some Oystercatchers are living the seasonal travel lifestyle.

APRIL 2023 | NEWS FROM THE NEST

Bird of the Month: American Oystercatcher What’s black and white and reddish-orange...on their beaks? American Oystercatchers! These large shorebirds are returning from their winter vacations in the Caribbean and Central America, and getting ready to start the nesting season on our beaches. A favorite amongst beach birders and photographers alike, these bright-beaked and boldly-patterned birds stand out against many other shorebirds. Like other shorebirds, though, they are easily disturbed when people get too close, which can lead to nest-abandonment and worse. Want to make sure your enjoyment of these birds doesn’t happen at their expense? Read our guide to telling if a shorebird is being disturbed to make sure you’ll be “sharing the shore” with these birds for years to come!

American Oystercatcher.

What Nesting Materials Are Safe for Birds? The temperatures may not feel spring-like yet, but many birds are already getting started on nest construction. Beware advice to toss yarn scraps, dryer lint, and even human hair (😨) outside for birds to collect as nesting material, since these can be dangerous for both birds and their nestlings. Hear from a wildlife rehabilitation specialist on what to provide your local avian architects, and what to put in the trash! Read more. Wondering what birds you can expect to see nesting around your local woods this time of year? Learn more about these forest-dependent early-spring migrants. How can you tell birds might be nesting nearby? Keep an eye out for these behaviors this spring.

Red-eyed Vireo.

New Visitor Center at Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary is Nearing Completion Just in time for its centennial, the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center is looking forward to unveiling its new visitor center when it is completed later this year. Read more. Become a part of the Sanctuary’s amazing work by becoming a volunteer! Check out this form for more information on how to get involved and to apply.

The new extension is well on its way!

Beginner's Guide to Native Plants for Birds Is this sunny spring weather getting you in the mood to start gardening? Us too! Turn your yard into an oasis for birds using our guide to getting started with native plants. Read more. Find out which native plants best fit your needs using Audubon’s native plant database.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

"Hop" Into Spring at our Centers and Sanctuaries Spring has sprung! Make the most of spring migration visiting one of our centers and sanctuaries, located across the state of New York. From full days of birding to afternoon trail outings, our centers have something for everyone.   Visit and Get Involved    The Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is a unique and beautiful tidal marsh in Cold Spring. Learn more about visiting our trails. The Montezuma Audubon Center’s Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps works to conserve the Important Bird Area of Onondaga Lake. Join them on Saturday, 4/22 for their 4th Annual Earth Day Cleanup Event. The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay, LI, welcomes volunteers and families to join them for their Earth Day celebration on Saturday, 4/22! Learn more about the volunteer, conservation, and learning opportunities available on their website.

White-breasted Nuthatch

From top: Shayna Marchese/Audubon Photography Awards; Greg Pasek/Audubon Photography Awards; Julie Nelsen/Audubon; Kristina Deckert/Audubon; Danny Hancock/Audubon Photography Awards

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A state program of the National Audubon Society, Audubon New York protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. #audubonnewyork#fineartmagazine#fineartbirdfun