History, Natural History & the Arts
Scientists estimate that between 10,000 and 11,000 known species of birds exist world wide, and participants in the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) saw 8,257 of them.
That’s according to the final results of the count, a four-day community science project in ornithology conducted annually in mid-February and supported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. [Read more…] about Great Backyard Bird Count 2026 Results
Shooters Island in Newark Bay, near Staten Island, is so-called because the Dutch supposedly went there to shoot wild geese. Its industrial use resulted in filling and expansion of the area of the island from its original six acres to upwards of 42 acres today, it lies on the border between New York and New Jersey. [Read more…] about Shooters Island: Hunter’s Haven to Bird Sanctuary
In February 2025, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wildlife staff received a report of a Bald Eagle banded in New York that was photographed alive and well in the state of Georgia. This bird was rescued as a hatch-year male from the nearshore waters of Lake Erie in Chautauqua County in May of 2021, likely having fledged from a nearby clifftop nest. [Read more…] about A Banded Bald Eagle Makes An Epic Journey
Around the turn of the twentieth century, hunters engaged in the Christmas “Side Hunt,” a holiday tradition in which competitors went afield on Christmas Day to hunt and gather the greatest number of wildlife, including birds. On that holiday in 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman, an early officer of the newly formed Audubon Society, proposed taking a census of birds instead of hunting them. [Read more…] about Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count Gets Underway December 14th
Each fall, migrating birds can be seen flying south to their wintering grounds. This is the ideal time of year for New York residents and visitors to head to Bird Conservation Areas across the state for great bird watching opportunities. With birds on the move, your favorite birding site can change within a few days with different species traveling through. [Read more…] about Fall Bird Migration is Underway: Here’s Where To Watch
Forty-five year old New York City Audubon has changed their name to NYC Bird Alliance. A year ago, the organization embarked on a process to choose a new name that is more welcoming and inclusive and that better reflects our work to protect wild birds and habitat across New York City. [Read more…] about New York City Audubon Become NYC Bird Alliance
On May 25, 2020, Christian Cooper – a Black man – was birding in Central Park when he encountered a white woman with her dog in the Ramble and politely asked her to put her dog on a leash so as not to disturb nesting birds. In response, the woman called 911 and asserted that a Black man was threatening her and her dog. [Read more…] about Black Birders Week: A 2020 Viral Video Inspired Movement
AdkAction’s Adirondack Pollinator Project has announced the return of the Adirondack Pollinator Festival and Native Plant Sale. This event will be held on Saturday, June 1st, from 9 am to 3 pm, at the picturesque Uihlein Farm Greenhouse in Lake Placid, located at 281 Bear Cub Road. [Read more…] about Adirondack Pollinator Festival Returns to Lake Placid June 1st
Fourteen years of monitoring by many hundreds of community scientists has revealed that mountain birds face challenging times and significant declines in the Northeast.
Research sheds light on the underlying driving forces behind these declines, with climate change likely a root cause. [Read more…] about Study: Mountain Birds Facing Steep Decline
The 123rd Annual Christmas Bird Count, one of the longest-running avian censuses, runs from December 14th through January 5th. [Read more…] about Join The Annual Christmas Bird Count
Northern New York Audubon (NNYA) has announced two events to benefit their new Farm Grant Program, set for October 7th and 9th.
The Farm Grant program, which aims to connect bird conservation and farming in a mutually beneficial way, will distribute grants to local farms to fund the development of bird-friendly habitats and agricultural practices. The program launched in July at a Trivia event at Hex and Hop Brewery in Bloomingdale, in the town of St. Armand in Essex County, NY, which raised over $1,100. [Read more…] about NNY Audubon Sponsoring Farm Grant Events in October
Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison, NY will celebrate the bald eagle‘s return to the Hudson River Valley after being on the brink of extinction, with eagle viewings on Saturdays, February 5th and 12th. [Read more…] about Spot Bald Eagles Events in Garrison, NY on Saturdays in February
Northern New York Audubon and Raquette River Brewing have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind beer. On December 11, 2021 the brand new Spruce Tip IPA will be launched at Raquette River Brewing’s Tupper Lake property.
The label for the beer can will feature one of the Adirondack region’s most iconic species: the Spruce Grouse. [Read more…] about Audubon, Raquette River Brewing Partner With On New Beer
Use your bank’s “bill pay” option (or just send a check)
Thanks for your support! These are difficult times. Without your support we cannot publish the Almanack.
*Donations are not tax deductible.
(Click the X in the top right corner this box to not see this message again for 7 days).