This October: Greenhorn Birders Welcome
Posted in Adult Education on September 24 2012, by Matt Newman
The New York Botanical Garden is, first and foremost, a world-renowned collection of flora. But you’d be hard-pressed to spend more than a few minutes walking under the boughs without recognizing the sing-song notes of our most gregarious residents. The birds of the Garden represent some of the most varied fauna in New York City, and not only are we a haven for passersby making the trip to cozier climates, but we’re further home to a menagerie of year-round species in all shapes and sizes.
It so happens that we get the best of both worlds in the fall. Migrating species gather up for the flight south while the locals buckle down for the coming winter, and Debbie Becker, binoculars in hand, is always there to see it; join her for our in-depth NYBG birdwatching course beginning in October and you’re sure to walk away with a new skill.
While the herons and egrets are soon to take flight for the season, and the hummingbirds already have their eyes on the clock, few realize how abundant the wildlife is here in the autumn. Thankfully, Becker has the roll call down pat. She’s been leading Saturday Bird Walks at the NYBG for over 25 years, making her one of the area’s foremost experts on NYC’s winged things. And while newcomers are always welcome to glean what they can from her weekend walks, motivated beginners won’t want to pass up Becker’s primer on birdwatching fundamentals.
Beginning October 11, the Garden’s Midtown location will host a multi-session course on all things avian, from identifying native species in urban environments to essential field guides and gear selection. Debbie will even be teaching a few bird calls. And because birding can prove something of a rabbit hole (once you dive in, it’s tough to give up the passion), you’ll also take part in the tradition of creating a “life list.” Just think of it as a bucket list for the feather chaser.
“With the fall,” says Debbie, “comes the arrival to New York of the winter birds: juncos, white-throated sparrows, chickadees, titmice, ducks, and owls. Some birders think that winter birding is the best, and it begins in the fall.”
The chickadees and titmice form crowds of hectic little puffballs, pecking for morsels while the Great Horned Owls cruise the Forest nearby. There’s the staccato chatter of the woodpeckers as they hammer away at the tree trunks. And, true to form, the wild turkeys are too oblivious not to show their faces well into Thanksgiving (though our turkeys certainly don’t have anything to worry about). Spring and summer may be the flower’s heyday, but it’s the birds that stand out in the cooler seasons. And the best part about birdwatching? It’s an excuse to get outside and meet new people, with very little investment beyond a pinch of quiet patience and a pair of binoculars. For more information or to register for Debbie’s course, head over to our Adult Education page.
