Great South Bay Audubon Society

06/11/2026

Join us at Brookside this summer for some fun in the sun!

05/09/2026

Take some time today to get outside and record birdsong on your Merlin app., or record on ebird. You might be surprised to see what’s in your backyard.

04/25/2026

04/17/2026

The Right Birdhouse for Every Backyard Bird

Not all birdhouses are equal — and the wrong hole size means
no bird moves in. Each species has specific requirements for
entry diameter, box style, and mounting height. Here are nine
of the most common North American cavity-nesting birds and
exactly what each one needs.

1. Chickadee — 1⅛" round entry hole. Small enclosed box,
mounted 5–15 ft high in a tree or post.

2. Tufted Titmouse — 1¼" round entry hole. Enclosed box
similar to chickadee style, slightly larger interior.

3. European Starling — 1¾" round entry hole. Standard
enclosed box, mount 10–25 ft high.

4. Purple Martin — Colony house with multiple 2⅛" round
holes. America's most social cavity nester — groups
of 4–24 compartments preferred.

5. Eastern Bluebird — Open-front or 1½" hole box. Mount
4–6 ft high on a fence post in open meadow or yard.
Face east or northeast.

6. Carolina Wren — Open-front box, mounted low — no higher
than 5 ft. Dense shrubs nearby preferred.

7. Brown Creeper — Triangular bark-mimicking box, mounted
flat against tree trunk. Unique design matches their
bark-climbing behavior.

8. Chimney Swift — Vertical tower box with oval or round
entry at top. Mount high and in the open — swifts
need clear airspace to enter in flight.

9. Eastern Screech-Owl — Tube or barrel-style box with
3" entry hole. Mount 10–30 ft high on a tree. No
perch needed — owls do not use them.

Key rule: Face boxes east or northeast. Never add a perch —
it gives predators a foothold.

04/17/2026

Please be respectful of the bird closures and the beach driving closures. It's amazing how these little guys blend into the sand.

04/17/2026

Peak spring migration is fast approaching, and with it comes a serious threat to birds across North America. By making simple changes to your home or building, you can help protect birds and support their incredible journeys. Visit the Bird Collision Prevention Alliance website to learn how to make glass safer, and reduce light pollution for birds: https://www.stopbirdcollisions.org/

04/17/2026

The orioles are moving north. In much of the eastern half of the country, they arrive sometime in the next few weeks — and they scout food sources during a narrow window when they first show up.

The rose-breasted grosbeak is on the same trajectory. He'll appear at a sunflower feeder like he never left.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are working their way north too. Your feeder should be up and clean before she arrives, not after.

The caterpillar bloom is building. By early May, oaks will be producing the caterpillars that nesting birds across your yard depend on.

And the canopy is closing. The bare-branch window that makes warblers easy to spot right now is almost over. The warblers will still be here. You just won't see them as easily.

🌿 To be ready:

- Hang a hummingbird feeder now — four parts water, one part white sugar, no dye
- Put out grape jelly and an orange half for orioles — a platform feeder or a spike works
- Leave caterpillar-heavy branches alone through June — that's the food supply for nesting birds
- These are the last easy warbler-watching days before the leaves fill in — use them

The next wave is already moving. The feeders that are up first get the scouts 🐦

04/17/2026

We have a new web address. The old one is still up but it hasn't been updated please visit our new location. greatsouthbayaudubonsociety.org

04/15/2026

You still have time to get your tickets to this event. Here is a short list of the raffle baskets we have for this year's event.
Whale Watching on the Viking Fleet, tickets for 2 aboard the Pricilla oyster sloop, Argyle Theatre, Tilles Center and CM performing arts tickets, LI Ducks tickets for 4, Dinner at Snapper Inn for 2, Jackson Hall, George Martin Strip Steak, LI Museum family membership, LI Music Hall of fame 2 tickets, Kay Cameron ear piercing, Blushing Beauty Bar Revitalizing Scalp and Hair Treatment, Bayport Flower House, Gift Certificates to the following businesses: Brownstones, The Shed, Sayville Bean, Stanleys Bakery, Oconee Diner, Manninos, Umbertos, Greenery, Cornucopia, Sal's Pizza and more!
We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generous donations to this event and our organization.

04/15/2026

GSBAS MONTHLY MEETING, THURSDAY, 4,16.
PLEASE ATTEND. WE WILL BEGIN AT 7PM AT THE SAYVILLE LIBRARY. WE HAVE JORDAN RAPHAEL FROM THE NPS TALKING ABOUT SHOREBIRDS AND FIRE ISLAND.