Events & Adventures

7th Annual Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, August 25, 8:30am-5pm

A partnership program among NYC Audubon, Gateway National Recreation Area,
and the American Littoral Society

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is internationally renowned for its fall shorebird migration, when thousands of birds representing over 35 species regularly stop at the East and West Ponds during their southward flight. Peak numbers usually occur in August. Join the 7th Annual Festival to learn about shorebird biology, behavior, and how to identify these species out in the field.

The program is free and open to the general public on a reservation basis. (A donation is requested to defray expenses.) Bring water, lunch, and binoculars, and wear sensible shoes. For more information and reservations, please contact Don Riepe at (718) 318-9344 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

See below for members-only transportation to the Shorebird Festival from Manhattan.

Program Schedule

8:30-9am:
Coffee and Donuts

9-11am:
Shorebird Identification Hike to the West Pond

11am-Noon:
Issues, Research, and Management of Jamaica Bay's Wildlife (Don Riepe)
Shorebird Photography (Lloyd Spitalnik)
Shorebird Monitoring Update (John Rowden)

Noon-1pm:
Lunch (Bring your own or buy locally, within 5 minutes' driving distance)

1-3pm:
Shorebird Identification Hike to the East Pond

3-4:30pm:
Shorebirds of North America (Kevin Karlson)

MEMBERS-ONLY
Bus transportation is available from Manhattan to Jamaica Bay. Meet at 71 West 23rd Street at 7:30am. Limited to 30. Free for contributing members at the Student/Senior level and up. Contact Adriana Palmer at 212-691-7483 to reserve a seat.