Bedford Audubon Society

09/12/2026

Powerful and fast-flying, the Peregrine Falcon hunts medium-sized birds, dropping down on them from high above in a spectacular stoop. They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century. After significant recovery efforts, Peregrine Falcons have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas. Together we CAN make a difference! Photo: John Hannan

09/12/2026

Powerful and fast-flying, the PEREGRINE FALCON hunts medium-sized birds, dropping down on them from high above in a spectacular stoop. They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century. After significant recovery efforts, Peregrine Falcons have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas. Together we CAN make a difference! Photo: John Hannan

09/11/2026

Flight Log Friday 🦅 reporting from our Hawkwatch 🫡

Yesterday was a beautifully sunny day on the Hawkwatch with skies full of cirrus clouds and a few fluffy cumulus. Not much wind to speak of, though, and a horizon shrouded in haze.
We had three visitors stop in for a bit, in addition to three volunteers to help count the birds, who unfortunately seem to have stayed home.

The few raptors that broke up our seven hours on the watch included some distant Broad-winged Hawks, a few Eagles and Osprey, and one Merlin in the mix. Even the local birds were hiding for most of the day. Fourteen Ruby-throated Hummingbirds took to the skies, following the lead of two dozen Cedar Waxwings, but other than that, the woods remained quiet.

This is just the warm-up, however. Favorable winds will bring kettles of raptors soon. Pop by our Hawkwatch to see these birds and learn more from our Lead Counter, Waas, and our wonderful volunteers!

P.C. Kara Mason

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

BROAD-WINGED HAWKS migrate in large kettles down to Central and South America right now thru late October. They can be identified by their chunky silhouette and boldly banded tail.
Bedford Audubon’s CHESTNUT RIDGE HAWK WATCH (at Butler Preserve) invites you to check out the show! Suggest arriving between 10-12 am when raptors are most active. Spotting birds is not a guarantee, but you are sure to learn how to spot these birds of prey!
Photo by JOHN HANNAN

09/08/2026

This week’s FEATHERED PHOTOGRAPHER is Bedford Audubon’s Board President JOHN HANNAN. Shooting with the powerful Canon R1 and an 800 mm lens, John captured this wonderful action shot of Kestrels at Croton Point Park.

09/07/2026

RAPTORS ONTHE WING! Chestnut Ridge Hawk Watch! Join us today and every day thru Nov. to see hawks migrate south and meet our naturalists who will teeach you how to ID silhouettes and look thru their telescopes!
Photos by John Hannan

09/06/2026

Final station update of the season! Northern Cardinals are a familiar sight in the Northeast, but there’s more to these striking birds than meets the eye.

Their short, powerful, conical bills are specialized for cracking seeds and nuts— a great example of form following function in bird evolution. That powerful bill also means that cardinals require particular care and skill when being handled by our banders.

The brilliant red of male , which gives the species its name, is actually the result of obtaining carotenoid (yellow, orange, and red) pigments from their diet and depositing these pigments into growing . Differences in gene expression between males and females influence where and how densely these pigments are deposited, contributing to the striking difference in plumage between the sexes.

All birds are safely handled and released by permitted and trained professionals.

09/04/2026

Flight Log Friday 🦅 reporting from our Hawkwatch.

Yesterday, the sky was overcast for most of the morning, with some sun breaking through in the afternoon hours. The scant breeze occasionally blowing from the southeast added to the overall hot and humid feeling of the day. A hiking group took respite and enjoyed the view from the Hawkwatch, along with two young families who actually got to see some hawks go by.

The season begins slowly, with only the earliest birds moving south in search of warmer weather. There are still at least two Osprey hanging around, along with a couple of juvenile Red-Tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and a Red-shouldered Hawk. Even an adult Bald Eagle passed over and back past the platform today. The American Robins and Cedar Waxwings are going by in flocks of 20 to 40 individuals, and the lone Monarch took its place among those heading south.

Drop by the platform any day and stay tuned for more updates.

P.C. Mason

09/03/2026

Spring/Summer Warblers 2026! Just a few of the jewels seen on Bedford Audubon’s field trips. Chestnut-sided, Canada, Northern Parula, Mourning, Nashville! Come join us for our Fall Warbler Workshop 9/17
Photos by Kara Mason