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March 2026
Dear Birders,
We hope you’ve stayed warm and enjoyed plenty of duck-spotting during this snowy season! Over February break, we hosted several classroom sessions and enjoyed connecting with the community at Planting Fields’ Camellia Festival. We also welcomed new bio-artifacts into our collection. Now, we are counting down the days until the summer birding season begins!
Winter Programming
Temperatures may have dropped, but our educational outreach is heating up! The CI Bird Sanctuary (CIBS) teamed up with local nonprofits to inspire a new flock of bird enthusiasts.
Through hands-on activities, students dove into the science of avian adaptations, learning exactly how local birds survive the Long Island winter. Thanks to our partnerships with Planting Fields Arboretum, the Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club, and the Oyster Bay - East Norwich Boys and Girls Club, we’ve connected with over 70 curious students this season.
Camellia Festival at Planting Fields Arboretum
This February, CIBS joined 1,900 visitors at Planting Fields’ Camellia Festival to celebrate both the winter blooms and the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Our team led eight guided walks to the bird blinds for 80 eager participants, providing a wonderful opportunity to collect vital citizen-science data while educating the community about our local bird species.
A Trip South
Our Program Developer, Gabby, recently returned from an intensive professional development trip to South Carolina’s Avian Conservation Center and Center for Birds of Prey. By working hands-on with raptors to master new skills in falconry and animal husbandry, she gained a deeper understanding of conservation that will directly enhance our upcoming sessions. In addition to fresh programming ideas, Gabby brought back several hand-crafted bio-artifacts to expand our educational collection. We are sincerely grateful to the team at the Center for Birds of Prey for their exceptional hospitality and expertise.
Looking Ahead
Spring Break Programs
Building on the incredible energy of our winter season, we are ready to keep the momentum going this Spring! From April 6–10, CIBS will be back with a fresh lineup of hands-on activities across our local nonprofit partners. We have a full week of bird-focused fun waiting for your young explorers. Visit the calendar on our website to see what we have planned so far!
Branches in Bloom Festival
CIBS is heading to Planting Fields for the Branches in Bloom festival on April 25th & 26th! We will be leading guided bird walks through the peak magnolia and cherry blossoms to spot arriving migratory species. The event also features live music, educational displays, and family activities throughout the historic grounds. Join us to experience the landscape in full bloom and enjoy a day of birding!
Summertime Birding
We are very excited to announce our first summertime birding dates! Join us aboard the historic Tartan, a classic wooden motorboat, for an immersive 2-hour guided birding expedition. Whether you choose a serene morning outing or a breathtaking evening sunset tour, you’ll dive deep into the world of our local bird species. Each tour is limited to 6 passengers, so reserve your spot now!
