.png)
Summer 2026
Dear Birders,
What a summer it’s been! From morning and sunset birding cruises to special partnership sails, youth programs, beach cleanups, and community events, we’ve had so many wonderful opportunities to connect people with Long Island’s birds and waterways. This summer, we welcomed hundreds of participants and young people into our programs, partnered with fellow conservation and maritime organizations, and even helped remove nearly 60 pounds of debris from local shorelines. As we head into fall, we’re excited for the return of our Duck Tours, another Ida May cruise, new programming, and the Greenport Maritime Festival. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us this summer and can’t wait to see where the next season takes us!
Summertime Birding
This summer, we hosted more birding expeditions than ever before! Across nearly 20 expeditions, CIBS welcomed more than 160 birders aboard Tartan to explore the birds of Oyster Bay. Throughout the season, we watched our local Ospreys grow and fledge, spotted dozens of coastal and marine species, and had several exciting Bald Eagle sightings. One of the season’s most unexpected highlights was a Swan Goose in Cold Spring Harbor, an unusual sighting, even if our visitor may have been a domestic escapee!
As always, the people made the season special. We met wonderful birders, made new friends, and loved sharing our local waters and wildlife with such an enthusiastic community!
Birding Beyond Our Boats
CIBS had an exciting season of collaborative expeditions this summer! We partnered with the Waterfront Center for a special expedition aboard the Ida May, traveling under the Bayville Bridge and up the creek, where we were lucky enough to spot two Bald Eagles along with a wonderful collection of other local species. We also journeyed to Greenport early in the season for two special expeditions aboard the historic catboat Selina II, giving us a chance to explore Greenport’s summertime birds.
A Summer of Collaborations
This summer, CIBS partnered with SailAhead for four expeditions, welcoming veterans and their family members aboard for therapeutic mornings on the water. We were also excited to get out on the water with Friends of the Bay for a collaborative expedition and to host two expeditions with the Planting Fields Service Learning Corps. Finally, we were excited to fulfill two private charter experiences donated to local fundraisers the previous year, benefiting the Waterfront Center and the Oyster Bay–East Norwich Boys & Girls Club.
Youth Programs
This summer was full of opportunities to get kids outside and excited about the natural world! Through our camp programs with Planting Fields Junior Rangers, Waterfront Center Marine Explorers, and Point O’ Woods Nature Center, CIBS connected with more than 400 young people through hands-on birding, nature, and environmental education.
Community Events
CIBS went birding near and far this summer! We headed west to New York City for a corporate bird walk through Central Park with Morning Consult. Then, we went out all the way out east to the Watermill Museum for an all-ages bio-artifact program followed by a bird walk. We’re always excited for a chance to bring birding to new places and new people!
Beach Clean Ups
This summer, CIBS hosted three beach cleanups, bringing volunteers together to help keep our shorelines healthy for birds, wildlife, and our community. Across cleanups at CI Sound, Soundside, and West Harbor, we removed a combined 58.6 pounds of trash and debris!
Card Sound
This summer, CIBS surveyed Card Sound Aquatic Preserve to better understand its birdlife and mangrove habitats. We collected baseline bird counts to support future monitoring and shared recommendations for improving habitat and developing bird education programs at the preserve.
Looking Ahead
Educational Programs
This Fall, CIBS is heading into the community! We’ll visit schools, community centers, and local organizations to bring bird education to more students and community members. Interested in having CIBS visit your school or group? Reach out to learn more or schedule a program!
.webp)
Ida May Birding
The Ida May is a restored 1925 oyster dredge that celebrates Long Island’s working waterfront history. Join the CI Bird Sanctuary and Waterfront Center aboard the Ida May for a guided birding tour through Oyster Bay Harbor, combining local wildlife, maritime history, and hands-on exploration.
September Birding
We still have a few spots available on our September birding expeditions out of Oyster Bay! Join us aboard the historic Tartan, a classic wooden motorboat, for a 2-hour guided birding experience on the water.
Choose a morning outing or an evening sunset tour and explore Oyster Bay from a bird’s-eye view while learning about the species that call our local waters and shorelines home. With each trip limited to just 6 passengers, spots are limited!
Greenport Martime Festival
The CI Bird Sanctuary and the Stirling Harbor Foundation are teaming up for a full weekend of community, conservation, and maritime heritage. We will be tabling both days of the festival in downtown Greenport.
Oysterfest
Come visit our table on Audrey Ave to learn more about our education initiatives, explore the programs we offer for students and families, and find out how you can get involved with our work connecting people to birds, science, and the natural world. We’ll also have information about upcoming programs and events, so stop by, say hello, and help us celebrate all things Oyster Bay!
