Watchable Wildlife Events
Please note that this page is updated regularly. Check back soon for additional event dates and locations.
January 2012
Annual New Year's Day Bird Count
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Sunday, January 01, 2012 9:00 AM
Join bird experts from the Hudson Mohawk Bird Club and Audubon Society of the Capital Region as we search high and low for our fine feathered friends. In the 31 years of this annual citizen science program, 70 different species have been found at Five Rivers on Albany's "First Morning," and the composite checklist of this long-term study shows interesting range changes for many species. Bring binoculars, and dress warmly. If severe weather is forecast, call the center on Saturday, December 31 to confirm. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Watchable Wildlife: Winter Birdlife
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Saturday, January 14, 2012 10:00 AM
Join us on a beginner's field study of the winter survival strategies of birds, as we search for juncos, tree sparrows and other species only seen in the winter months, plus nuthatches, jays and other "usual suspects" with us all year-round. Dress warmly. Binoculars helpful but not necessary. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Discover Norrie: Winter's Wonders Walk
Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg, Dutchess County
Saturday, January 14, 2012 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Join us on a free, family friendly 2.5 mile hike along the scenic banks of the Hudson River. Every season is unique. We could see anything from snow fleas to eagles. Let's see what winter has to show us. For more information: 845-889-4745 x109. For directions, please visit the Norrie Point web page.
Knee-High Naturalists
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & EEC, Depew, NY
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 10:00 AM & Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:00 AM
For children ages 3 to 5. Materials fee = $15.00 per child; $10.00 per child for FORNP members.
Looking to get out of the house with your young child? Join our fun series just for them! Each hour-long session will feature a variety of activities, such as stories, games, crafts and snacks. Participants must sign up for the entire series. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Getting Squirrelly
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & EEC, Depew, NY
Saturday, January 21, 2012 10:30 AM
For children ages 5 to 8. Materials fee = $2.00 per child; FORNP members = $1.00 per child.
Come celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day! Through fun activities and crafts, learn about local squirrels and how they survive the long winter. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Family Fun: Where the Wild Things Are
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Saturday, January 21, 2012 2:00 PM
Many birds and mammals stay right here during the winter months-awake, active and fighting for their very survival. After an indoor briefing, we'll strap on snowshoes and trek across the fields to investigate how wildlife is faring. Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. The program is free, but space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, January 18. Dress for outdoor fun. If there is insufficient snow, we will go on foot. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Watchable Wildlife: Birding by Snowshoe
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Saturday, January 28, 2012 9:00 AM
Join staff and bird experts from the Hudson Mohawk Bird Club and Audubon Society of the Capital Region as we go in search of resident species and winter visitors. A briefing on how to snowshoe will precede the outing. The program, geared for the birding/snowshoeing novice, is open to the public free of charge, but space is limited. Please call the center at 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 25 to reserve snowshoes and/or to register. If there is insufficient snow, we will go on foot. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Winter Wonderland in the Woods
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & EEC, Depew, NY
Saturday, January 28, 2012 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Discover the woods in winter! Try out snowshoes or cross-country skis for free, go on a winter scavenger hunt, take a winter wildlife tour, make snow sculptures, and more! Kids can make nature-related winter crafts. Refreshments for sale. Call 716-683-5959 for more information. No registration required for this event. For directions, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
February 2012
Family Fun: Groundhog Day
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Saturday, February 04, 2012 10:00 AM
Come learn all about this lovable rodent at this indoor presentation and craft project. Then join us for a walk on our trails to look for signs of this animal and their abundant relatives. Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. The program is free of charge, but space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, February 1. Dress for outdoor fun. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
New York's Native Cats
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Saturday, February 04, 2012 2:00 PM
Join us for an overview of the natural history of New York's cat species. We will explore reasons for the decline of some of our native feline species, such as the Canada lynx, and the increase in others. If weather permits, an outdoor walk to examine the habitat and prey of these elusive animals will conclude the presentation. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road?
Katonah Memorial House, 71 Bedford Road, Katonah
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 7:30 PM
Join Laura Heady of the Hudson River Estuary Program for a free lecture on the importance of forest and wetlands in the Hudson Valley, and the "Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings" volunteer project. Learn how you can get involved by witnessing spring migrations of salamanders, frogs, and toads; helping amphibians survive their overland travel; and conserving important habitats in your community. For event details, contact Bedford Audubon Society at 914-232-1999.
How to Do It: Learn to Snowshoe
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Saturday, February 11, 2012 10:00 AM
Snowshoeing is nothing more than exaggerated walking and is excellent aerobic activity to boot. Join us for a beginner's outing, and see how easy it is to stamp out cabin fever. We will start with an indoor presentation to learn about snowshoes and how to walk and turn in them then head out on the trails to look for signs of wildlife. In the event of insufficient snow, the program will be conducted on foot. Space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 8 to reserve snowshoes and/or to register. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Citizen Science: Great Backyard Bird Count
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Saturday, February 18, 2012 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
This weekend, birders all over North America will count birds in their yard or local park as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Join us in cooperation with the Audubon Society of the Capital Region as we count the birds at our feeding station from the comfort of our bird-watching window. Complete information on how you too can help the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology track the mid-winter distribution and abundance of birds right from your own yard will be provided. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Snowbirds
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & EEC, Depew, NY
Saturday, February 18, 2012 10:30 AM
For adults and children age 8 and older.
Learn tips for watching birds in winter, and take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Family Fun: Birding for Kids
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 10:00 AM
Join us for an elementary approach to bird life as we study birds at the feeder and beyond. This program will cover concepts in bird anatomy, behavior, identification and conservation which parent and child can build upon at home. Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. The program is free of charge, but space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register by Friday, February 17. For directions, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Outdoor Adventure Club: Winter Adaptation Walk
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & EEC, Depew, NY
Thursday, February 23, 2012 10:00 AM
For children ages 10 and up. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; FORNP members = $2.00.
On this guided walk, we will search for animals that are adapted to brave our harsh winters. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.