This two-part program begins at Bylane Farm, where Naturalist Tait Johansson will provide an introduction to shorebird identification and ecology, exploring the field marks, habitat preferences, foraging strategies, and behaviors that distinguish these diverse and highly adapted species. Participants will learn how to recognize key groups of shorebirds and gain insight into the remarkable migrations that bring them through our region each year.

We’ll then apply these concepts during a field visit to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Timed to coincide with high tide, when feeding birds are concentrated on the East Pond, the outing offers an exceptional opportunity to study hundreds of Short-billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and a variety of other shorebird species at close range. By combining classroom instruction with field observation, this program provides a deeper understanding of shorebird ecology while helping participants develop the skills needed to identify these challenging birds in the field.

Saturday, August 1, 8:00am-2:30pm. Cost: $25 members, $40 non-members. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Register HERE or email Susan for more information: info@bedfordaudubon.org.