As the winter season draws to a close, the Centre Island Bird Sanctuary reflects on a successful collaboration that brought together bird enthusiasts, experts, and nature lovers. In partnership with the North Fork Audubon Society and the Eastern Seaport Museum, this winter duck program not only deepened our understanding of local birdlife but also fostered a sense of community among those who share a passion for the natural world.
The journey began with an insightful evening presentation at the Eastern Seaport Museum, led by the expert local birder, Tom Damiani. The audience was treated to a crash course on the art of finding and identifying winter ducks, gaining valuable insights into the behaviors and characteristics that set each species apart.
The following day, the Centre Island Bird Sanctuary embarked on two expeditions onboard the vessel Easy Street to explore the chilly waters of Gardiners Bay. Participants put their newfound knowledge to the test and the bird counts were nothing short of spectacular, with hundreds of birds dotting the winter landscape. Among the stars of the show were the scoters and long-tailed ducks, who occurred in numbers nearly too high to count.
For those eager to explore the recorded bird counts, the data is now available on eBird. Simply follow this [https://ebird.org/profile/NDM5NDgwMg] to access the list and counts of species spotted during these excursions. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious observer, this resource offers a window into the diversity of birds who inhabit Long Island.
The success of this winter duck program wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable collaboration with the North Fork Audubon Society and the Eastern Seaport Museum. Their dedication to education and bird conservation added a layer of depth to the program, enriching the experience for all participants.
To those who were unable to secure a spot on the winter expeditions, fear not. The Centre Island Bird Sanctuary is already gearing up for more exciting adventures in Spring 2024. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and make sure to mark your calendars for another opportunity to explore the wonderful world of birds from the water.
A special thank you to Peggy Lauber and Michele Magnuson for their photos!
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