Hook Mountain Hawk Watch - from the Scenic Hudson to Hawk Handshakes

Friday, April 5 - 7:30pm - Congers Lake Memorial Park Community Center
Presented by Trudy Battaly and Drew Panko of Hook Mountain Hawk Watch

Volunteers at the Hook Mountain Hawk Watch have been documenting raptors since 1971. They count hawks from one of the most scenic locations along the Hudson River, with NYC on the horizon to the south and Bear Mountain to the north. Immersed in this natural world, they count hawks to monitor their populations and contribute to raptor conservation. Which species have decreased?  Which have increased?  Has global warming contributed to changes?  The presenters will present information about different species from 52 years of Hook data, gathered by local volunteers. The data engulfs the wonder of raptors to track the phenomenon of their migration.

Gather at 7:00 PM at the Congers Lake Memorial Park Community Center for refreshments and conversation with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Program starts at 7:30 PM.

Please join us for our March nature program, where Jane Aguilar Murphy will be reading from her new book Hi, My Name is Skye. Jane will also show pictures of Skye growing up and talking about his adventures in the winter of 2021.

Get ready to spread your wings and embark on an awe-inspiring adventure through the eyes of Skye, a courageous baby bald eagle. Follow along as Skye recounts the heartwarming story of his upbringing, guided by the unwavering love and care of the devoted parents. Join Skye as he navigates the skies, learning what it truly means to be a magnificent bald eagle. Whether you are young or young at heart, this enchanting story will inspire readers to believe in themselves and chase their wildest dreams. So, look to the sky and remember Skye’s name, for he is a bald eagle who embodies the spirit of courage and freedom.

Jane Aguilar Murphy is a native of Rockland County, New York. Her life-long love of photography was inspired by her father who enjoyed taking family photos and was member of a local camera club. Her journey officially began when she was given her first camera by her Aunt Marie at the age of ten. She began photographing raptors after seeing the PBS special Pale Male by Frederic Lilien. When she heard of a bald eagle's nest in West Nyack, Rockland County, she dedicated the next eight months to taking thousands of photos of a family of bald eagles raising their new baby, which Jane named Skye. This book tells the story of Skye and features some of the amazing photos Jane was able to capture. 

Gather at 7:00 PM at the Congers Lake Memorial Park Community Center for refreshments and conversation with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Program starts at 7:30 PM.
 

Master Gardener Volunteer Donna DeSousa will be discussing the importance of native plants for the garden. An active and enthusiastic Master Gardener Volunteer since 2005 and retired scientist, Ms. DeSousa presents on a wide variety of gardening and horticultural topics. These include edible landscaping, flowering bulbs and soils.

Gather at 7:00 PM at the Congers Lake Memorial Park Community Center for refreshments and conversation with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Program starts at 7:30 PM.

(Photo credit: University of New Hampshire Extension)

September Nature Program - Friday, September 1

Skyhunters in Flight

Congers Lake Community Center – 6 Gilchrest Road, Congers, NY

Doors open for refreshments at 7:00

Program begins at 7:30

Presented by Brian Bradley: Watch hawks, falcons and owls sharpen their hunting skills during an exciting flight demonstration with master falconer Brian Bradley of New Paltz, New York. Hear about the ancient sport of falconry and see live raptors from around the world.

(Photo courtesy of Brian Bradley)

Canceled due to air conditioner outage at the community center on this hot, hot day!

Ray Wright has documented Bald Eagles' return to Rockland County through his photography since 2010. Come learn about these majestic birds and see them in their natural habitats in Rockland County. 

Gather at 7:00 PM at the Congers Lake Memorial Park Community Center for refreshments and conversation with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Program starts at 7:30 PM.

February’s nature program has been canceled due to the frigid temperatures predicted for this evening.

Winter Birding in the Lower Hudson

Program presented by Anne Swaim, Executive Director of Saw Mill River Audubon

What birds can we expect to see in the winter months at bird feeders and when we visit local parks and sanctuaries? How do birds adapt to winter weather? What winter bird sounds can we hear? Anne Swaim will explore these and other questions with many images and video clips of local birds in winter. Come tune up your eyes and ears for winter birding!

Anne Swaim is Executive Director of Saw Mill River Audubon, a local chapter of National Audubon based in Chappaqua. She began as Staff Naturalist and sole employee of Saw Mill River Audubon in 1989. Anne has served as Executive Director since 2004. As part of her work with Saw Mill River Audubon, Anne has the great pleasure of living at Pruyn [pronounced Prine] Audubon Sanctuary in Chappaqua, a 92-acre property that protects the 42- acre Gedney Swamp and features evening concerts by Barred Owls and Eastern Coyote.

Gather at 7:00 PM at the Congers Lake Memorial Park Community Center for refreshments and conversation with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Program starts at 7:30 PM.

Birding the Northern Andes of Columbia: It will leave you breathless! 

Presented by: Alan & Della Wells

 Image: Sparkling Violetear © Alan W. Wells

Join Alan & Della Wells as they highlight their adventures in the northern Andes of Colombia. Their presentation will include photographs of hummingbirds galore, tantalizing tanagers, and spectacular scenery. 

Gather at 7:00 PM at the Congers Lake Memorial Park Community Center for refreshments and conversation with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Program starts at 7:30 PM.