Birds bring a welcome splash of color, flash of motion, gentle sounds, and dreams of spring into our lives, especially during the winter months. This February, join us for a celebration of our feathered friends. Throughout the month, we'll connect you to bird-lover resources, events, regional and national efforts, and local programs.
Documentary Film Screening
Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy this magical documentary about the extraordinary variety of wild birds that can be observed both seasonally and year-round in Central Park, the only 'wild' piece of territory in the New York City area along the migratory route.
Featuring spectacular wildlife footage capturing the changing seasons, the film reveals that Central Park acts as a magnet for the millions and millions of birds migrating along the Eastern Seaboard twice every year. Desperate for a rest-stop, the tiny birds funnel in to this oasis of nature amid a sea of steel and concrete – a phenomenon known as the “Central Park Effect.”
Watch the trailer then enjoy the full film in the company of fellow bird lovers.
Presented by Horizon Wings
Tuesday, February 17, 1:00 p.m.
Owls have always been surrounded by an air of mystery, probably because most are nocturnal and not easily spotted in the wild. This is your chance to be only a few feet away from two eastern screech owls, a barn owl, a barred owl, and a great-horned owl! Discover the extraordinary features of owls, including exceptional eyesight, hearing, and ability to fly silently.
Take Your Child to the Library Day, 2015 Edition
Saturday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Among many other activities, give an early tip of the hat to owls by crafting an owl corner-page bookmark. The owl is exceptional, sturdy, and ready to read the field, just like you! Do drop in for our 'Owl Love You Forever' bookmark craft, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m., and for other Take Your Child to the Library Day events scheduled throughout the day. Registration where noted.
Nature Connections
Since 1989, the National Bird Feeding Society has recognized February as the month to feed wild birds. Visit All About Birds, a service of the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, for information about feeding basics, including the vitals of keeping your feeders clean, healthy, and safe.
The Audubon Society also offers information about backyard feeders with recommendations about which type of feeder you might use to create a refuge for different birds.
Watch for upcoming book and web site recommendations -- new, regarded, and essential -- about how to enjoy the tweets in your life through the remaining winter months if not all year round.
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 13-16, 2015
Participating in the 'count' is a great family activity and also a great way to get to know other bird-loving families in your community. Learn about how to participate by counting birds in your backyards and neighborhoods. The purpose is to learn more about birds and how to protect them and the environment we share. We'll be offering info and bird-friendly stories to support the effort and we'll be counting at the library, too! Be there for the 18th Annual Backyard Bird Count!
